ICJ mandates Israel to halt acts of genocide in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza amid its conflict with Hamas, though it did not mandate a ceasefire.
Despite Israel's objections, the ICJ asserted jurisdiction and highlighted South Africa's claims of genocide violations under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The ICJ warned Israel to prevent and punish any acts or incitement that could lead to genocide, echoing the importance of upholding the Genocide Convention.
Israel is required to report back to the court within a month on its actions to prevent genocide. Additionally, the court mandated Israel to ensure the prompt delivery of humanitarian aid and basic services to Gaza.

The Kenyan court considers deployment of police to Haiti "unlawful and void".

A Kenyan court ruled against the government's plan to send police officers to Haiti as part of a UN-backed mission to restore peace and security, citing constitutional and legal violations.
Despite the ruling, the Kenyan government expressed intentions to challenge the decision legally, emphasizing the need to contest the high court's verdict.
The ruling coincides with Haiti's urgent call for a multinational force to help combat widespread gang violence, exacerbated by economic and public health challenges. The country has been in turmoil for years, with escalating violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
The UN Security Council had approved Kenya's leadership in the mission, but the planned deployment faced domestic criticism, leading to a petition filed by opposition politicians.

Uganda’s first Oscar-nominated film recounts the story of Bobi Wine persecution.

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine's documentary detailing his political journey has been nominated for an Academy Award, marking a historic moment for Ugandan cinema.
The documentary, spanning five years, captures Wine's rise from popstar to political figure, his opposition to President Museveni's regime, and the challenges faced during his presidential bid.
The nomination comes amidst ongoing political turmoil in Uganda, including allegations of repression and violence surrounding the 2021 election, shedding light on the country's struggle for democracy.
Directors Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp hope the film will raise awareness about Uganda's political climate and the resilience of its people, challenging perceptions of democracy in the country.
On the anniversary of Museveni's rise to power, Wine attempted to host a public screening of the documentary in Uganda, but faced heavy security presence, underscoring ongoing tensions surrounding political expression in the country.

Mali’s military rulers scrap peace deal with separatist rebels

Mali's military rulers have announced the cancellation of the 2015 Algiers Accord, a peace deal with separatist rebels, citing other signatories' failure to uphold commitments and alleged interference by Algeria, the chief mediator.
The decision comes after Mali accused Algeria of interference and unfriendly acts, including holding talks with Tuareg separatists without involving the Malian government, prompting tensions between the two countries.
The rebel alliance group CMA expressed little surprise at the cancellation, citing escalating hostilities and the involvement of private military contractor Wagner Group as indications of the government's intent to terminate the agreement.
The Algiers Accord has been deteriorating since August amid increased fighting between separatists and government forces, coinciding with the winding down of the UN peace mission. Mali's military government, in power since 2020, has also demanded the departure of the UN mission despite ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region.
Mali's military leaders have severed ties with France, their former colonial power, while seeking closer relations with Russia and the private army Wagner Group.

Thirty people killed in latest herder violence in Nigeria’s Plateau State

At least 30 people have been killed in clashes between Muslim herders and Christian farming communities in Nigeria's central Plateau State. The violence has resulted in the burning and ransacking of schools, places of worship, and homes despite a 24-hour curfew imposed in the affected district.
The Mwaghavul Development Association attributes the attacks to Fulani Muslim herders, leading to heightened tensions between ethnic Mwaghavul people, who are predominantly Christian, and the Fulani herding community.
Over 100 people have been wounded in the violence, with approximately 1,500 displaced persons seeking refuge in two camps set up by the Nigeria Red Cross. Security personnel are yet to provide official confirmation of the death toll.
The conflict in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region is fueled by disputes over land between nomadic herders and indigenous farmers, exacerbated by factors such as climate change, population growth, and broader criminality. The region has a history of intercommunal violence, with clashes often driven by ethnic and religious divides.
Community organizations like the Jama’atu Nasril Islam and local leaders are urging the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure lives and properties in the region and prevent further escalation of violence.

Many civilians were murdered by army strikes in Burkina Faso, according to HRW.

Human Rights Watch (HRW), a global monitoring organisation, charged the Burkina Faso army on Thursday of killing at least 60 civilians in drone strikes that, according to the government, were directed towards armed groups.
According to a recent study from the rights group, three military drone attacks since August have resulted in the deaths—two in crowded markets and one at a funeral.

After a building fire in South Africa claimed 77 lives, a suspect was detained.

A guy is being held by South African police on suspicion of igniting the fire in a central Johannesburg skyscraper last year, which claimed the lives of numerous people.
A day after the 29-year-old suspect admitted to lighting the fire during an investigation, police confirmed the arrest on Wednesday.

The president of Somalia cautions Ethiopia over the port arrangement for Somaliland.

Mohamud has sent a warning to Ethiopia not to proceed with the implementation of a contentious port agreement that it mediated with Somaliland, a breakaway province.
Somaliland leased landlocked Ethiopia 20 km (12 miles) of its coastland around the port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden for 50 years for military and commercial use under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on January 1.

Conflict timber: Despite a ban, Gambian traffickers carry on with the rosewood trade

The Gambia's Banjul Lamin (last name withheld) was cleaning the flesh off his chicken drumsticks when he described his idea to trade rosewood timber from Senegal to The Gambia on a sunny May day at a restaurant outside of Banjul.
He said in a whisper, "Everything has to be kept secret," attempting to reassure them about his nearly ten years of experience in the black market.

Egypt’s el-Sisi says Cairo will not allow any threat to Somalia

President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has criticised Ethiopia for its agreement with Somaliland to get access to the sea and build a marine military facility, while asserting that Cairo stands shoulder to shoulder with Somalia.
During a press conference with visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, El-Sisi declared, "Egypt will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia or affect its security.”

Meloni reveals "Mattei Plan" for African development before Italy-Africa summit

Proposing a cooperative strategy that is non-predatory which encourages collaboration.During the G7 presidency this year, Meloni seeks to pr prioritise Africa’s development as central theme.

President Cyril’s views on ICJ ruling on Gaza

Advocating for the imposition of emergency measures against Israel in Gaza conflict as a move towards justice, expecting Israel to comply with the terms.

DRC rebel group attacks : 19 kills were reported

The rebels willingly dropped mortar bombs on the east town of Mweso which led to causing injuries for 27 civilians says the army of DRC. As more than 120 groups fight for power, land and valuable mineral resources while others try to defend their communities.

UK museums to loan back Ghana's looted gold

The UK is sending 32 gold and silver artefacts back to Ghana more than 100 years after looting them from the Asante kingdom but only for a limited time.

News bits proofread by:

Afifa Iqbal (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Drafted by:

Poulina Banerjee (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Jiah Malik (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)

Bhanu Vishwas (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

VIJIGISHU '24

Saturday, 27 January 2024

INR | AFRICA: Weekly Updates