INR | AFRICA: Weekly Updates

The United States tells Rwanda and Congo they must 'walk back from the brink of war'

• The United States told Rwanda and Congo on Tuesday that they "must walk back from the brink of war," the sharpest warning yet of a looming conflict between the African neighbors.
• U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood delivered the warning at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by France as violence has worsened in Congo's mineral-rich east which borders Rwanda.
• Wood said Rwanda and Congo, along with "regional actors," should immediately resume diplomatic talks. "These regional diplomatic efforts, not military conflict, are the only path toward a negotiated solution and sustainable peace," he stressed.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/21/the-united-states-tells-rwanda-and-congo-they-must-walk-back-from-the-brink-of-war/

South Africa sets May 29 elections that could be the most pivotal since apartheid ended

• South Africa will hold pivotal national elections May 29 as polls show the ruling African National Congress could lose its majority for the first time since it came to power with the fall of apartheid 30 years ago.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the date Tuesday as Africa's most developed economy faces a myriad of problems under his ANC party.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the date Tuesday as Africa's most developed economy faces a myriad of problems under his ANC party.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/21/south-africa-sets-may-29-elections-that-could-be-the-most-pivotal-since-apartheid-ended/

Nigeria's defense chief accuses nations withholding arms sales over abuses of 'double standards'

• Nigeria's defense chief expressed frustration Tuesday with what he called the "double standards" of some countries that won't sell his military weapons because of human rights concerns.
• Gen. Christopher Musa's comment underscores one of the biggest challenges for Africa's most populous nation in combating a deadly and complex security crisis, from the Islamic militant insurgency in the northeast to the dozens of armed groups targeting travellers and communities in the northwest and central regions.
• "Even with our money, it is difficult getting equipment," Musa told reporters in Nigeria's capital of Abuja, acknowledging a huge need for items such as helicopters, drones and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/21/nigerias-defense-chief-accuses-nations-withholding-arms-sales-over-abuses-of-double-standa/

Guinea's military junta dissolves govt as transition set to end this year

• Guinea's ruling National Council of the Rally for Development (CRND) has dissolved the interim government in the west African nation.
• A decree was read on state television on Monday by the presidency’s secretary-general, who was surrounded by other military officials and several armed and masked soldiers.
• The decree provides that directors of cabinet, secretary generals and their deputies will be in charge until a new government is formed.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/20/guineas-military-junta-dissolves-govt-as-transition-set-to-end-this-year/

Debate on ditching CFA begins as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger forge new path

• Amid talk of ditching the West African franc, a colonial-era legacy, analysts unpack what it means for the three troubled Sahel states.
• Since Niger’s July 30 coup, fissures within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have become bigger.
• This month, reports emerged of a possible parting with their currency, the West African franc (CFA).
• Captain Ibrahim Traore, leader of the Burkinabe transitional government, said in an interview in February.

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/2/23/burkina-faso-mali-and-niger-debate-exiting-cfa-zone

‘They could have done more’: Zimbabweans slam gov’t anti-cholera campaign

• Many Zimbabweans say the government is yet to tackle the cause of recurrent bouts of cholera in the nation.
• When Priscilla Moyo’s husband Brian returned home to Harare from Mvurwi, about 100km north of the capital on Sunday night, he seemed well. By 11pm, he was battling diarrhoea.
• When his situation was still the same on Tuesday morning, 39-year-old Moyo took him to a nearby clinic in Budiriro, the city suburb where they live. On arrival, she was told that her husband had cholera.
• Across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, a deluge of cases of cholera infections is crippling health facilities in the Southern African country. Some patients like Brian, have recovered.

https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/2/22/they-could-have-done-more-zimbabweans-slam-govt-anti-cholera-campaign

“I will end my term on April 2nd”, Senegal's president pledges

• Senegal's president has vowed to abide by the law and to not extend his mandate beyond April 2nd.

• Macky Sall, who is wrapping up two terms in office, postponed the presidential election for 10 months, citing unresolved disputes over who could run.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/23/i-will-end-my-term-on-april-2nd-senegals-president-pledges/

Sudan: rape, sexual violence and war crimes, according to the UN

• The U.N. human rights office said in a new report Friday that dozens of people, including children, have been victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, attacks which could be assimilated to war crimes.

• Sudan plunged into chaos in mid-April when clashes broke out in the capital, Khartoum, between rival Sudanese forces – the country's army, led by General Abdel Fattah Burhan, and a paramilitary faction known as the name Rapid Support Forces, under the command of General Mohammed Hamdan Daglo.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/23/sudan-rape-sexual-violence-and-war-crimes-according-to-the-un/

Zambia pushes for deal on unresolved debt [Business Africa]

• Zambia still has nearly $7 billion of debt on its books pending resolution.That is despite a deal with bilateral lenders last year which treated over $6 billion.The $7 billion is owed to bondholders and commercial banks.

• The southern African country's quest for debt relief has been long and exhausting. A deal with bondholders to restructure about $3 billion of debt last October was rejected by the official creditors.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/22/zambia-pushes-for-deal-on-unresolved-debt-business-africa/

Middle East conflict hits Africa and analysts examine impacts of African States’ exit from ECOWAS

• The Middle East conflict, fueled by Houthi rebels disrupting Red Sea shipping routes, is casting a long economic shadow over Africa.

• As rising prices and supply chain disruptions grip nations already reeling from the pandemic, the urgency to de-escalate becomes paramount. 

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/08/middle-east-conflict-hits-africa-and-analysts-examine-impacts-of-african-states-exit-from-/

Migrants waiting in Tunisia react to Albania's controversial deal with Italy

• Migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia's capital on Thursday expressed divided opinions over Albania's controversial migration deal with Italy.

• Albania’s parliament approved a deal for the country to hold thousands of asylum seekers for Italy in a vote on Thursday, despite protests from opposition lawmakers and human rights groups.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/23/migrants-waiting-in-tunisia-react-to-albanias-controversial-deal-with-italy/

A Kenyan start-up turns plastic waste into solar-powered freezers

• A Kenyan company is proving the saying: "one person's waste is another person's treasure," still rings true.On a February morning, a group of women on a Mombasa beach pick up plastic waste that will serve to build freezers.

• The waste is sold to company Kuza Freezer where employees first break it down into pellets before moulding it into cold storage units.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/23/a-kenyan-start-up-turns-plastic-waste-into-solar-powered-freezers/

Sudan: Desperate malnutrition crisis in Zamzam camp, North Darfur

• Displaced people living in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur are suffering from high levels of malnutrition amid insufficient humanitarian aid almost one year since the violence began.

• Some 300,000 people displaced by the war in Sudan are living in difficult conditions in the camp, located 15 kilometres (nine miles) south of El Fasher, the capital of the state.

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/23/sudan-desperate-malnutrition-crisis-in-zamzam-camp-north-darfur/https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/23/sudan-desperate-malnutrition-crisis-in-zamzam-camp-north-darfur/

Kenya Removes Entry Fee for South Africans and Other Foreign Visitors

• The objective is to enhance tourism and appeal to corporate travellers.

• Before, all foreign passport holders needed visas, sparking cost concerns.

• Passport holders from specific countries now exempt from visa requirements.

Read more at: https://www.africanhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1ATJc6Gno4qC2vKG-w79qtNUm_IlSQoIJW3r3YFyqZBI/editews.com/2024/02/22/kenya-scraps-entry-fee-for-south-africans-and-other-foreign-nationals/

Somalia-Turkey Deal Thwarts Ethiopia's Sea Access via Breakaway Region.

• Wednesday: Somalia, Turkey defense pact thwarts Ethiopia's Somaliland sea access.

• Ethiopia and Somaliland inked memorandum of understanding on January 1st.

• Somalia alarmed by agreement, willing to fight over Somaliland claim.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/21/somalia-announces-deal-with-turkey-to-deter-ethiopias-access-to-sea-through-a-breakaway-re/ 

DR Congo Government Dissolved Following Prime Minister's Resignation.

• DR Congo's Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde resigns, prompting government dissolution.

• Lukonde resigned to President Tshisekedi, eight days post his mandate validation.

• He intends to join parliament after winning December polls.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/21/dr-congo-government-dissolved-after-prime-minister-resigns/ 

France Urges Rwanda to Cease Support for M23 Rebels.

• France urges Rwanda to halt backing M23 rebels in Congo.

• Quai d'Orsay expresses concern over East Congo, specifically Goma and Saké.

• The statement emphasises DRC's territorial integrity, urges M23 to cease fighting.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/21/end-support-for-m23-rebels-pull-troops-out-of-dr-congo-france-tells-rwanda/ 

Libyan Government Reaches Agreement with Militias, Restores Order in Tripoli.

• Long-term controllers of Libya's capital agree to withdraw armed presence.

• UN-backed government's Interior minister made the announcement on Wednesday.

• Militias confined to headquarters; government to deploy only when necessary.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/22/libya-govt-strikes-deal-with-militias-regular-forces-will-police-tripoli-again/ 

Morocco's King Welcomes Spain's Prime Minister.

• Leaders meet in Rabat, discuss Western Sahara, 2030 FIFA World Cup.

• Sánchez reaffirms Spain's support for Moroccan plan on Western Sahara.

• King Mohammed VI appreciates Spain's support, emphasizes mutual cooperation and respect.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/22/moroccos-king-hosts-spains-premie-minister/ 

Zimbabwe Launches Emergency Polio Vaccination Drive Due to Rare Mutation.

• Lab tests in Harare found mutated polio virus from oral vaccines.

• Live polio virus in vaccines can mutate, sparking outbreaks.

• Global polio cases reduced by over 99% since 1988 eradication efforts.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/21/zimbabwe-starts-an-emergency-polio-vaccination-drive-after-detecting-cases-caused-by-a-rar/ 

News bits compiled by:

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

Drafted by:

Swapnil Tiwari (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)

Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)

Manjyot Kaur (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)

Published by:

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

INR | AFRICA: Weekly Updates

 South Sudan's election officials trained for December polls.

• South Sudan's electoral Commission Chair optimistic about fair elections ahead.
• Darren Nance, leading the UN's electoral assistance team, explained the three-day exchange with South Sudanese counterparts.
• South Sudan gained independence in 2011; post-2018 peace deal delays elections.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/10/south-sudans-election-officials-undergo-training-ahead-of-next-decembers-polls/

EU Aims to Block Atlantic Migration Route with Mauritania.

• EU allocates €210 million to aid Mauritania in combating smugglers and deterring migrant boats amid rising crossings.
• During a meeting in Nouakchott, Mauritania mentions challenges with migrants.
• EU Commission President von der Leyen pledges additional funds for migration, humanitarian aid, and job creation.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/with-mauritania-eu-seeks-to-close-the-atlantic-to-migrants-and-refugees/

Thousands Displaced as Conflict Escalates in Goma, DRC.

• Escalating clashes prompt thousands to flee surrounding areas for Goma.
• Luanda emphasized the urgent flight due to advancing M23 rebels.
• Long trek from Sake to Goma offers no assured safety.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/08/drc-thousands-flee-homes-as-fighting-intensifies-in-goma/

West African Nations Rush to Exit Bloc Opposing Coups.

• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger seek to leave West African bloc without adhering to exit rules.
• Last month, the three juntas declared their departure from ECOWAS due to strained relations post-coups.
• This marks the bloc's first withdrawal of members in nearly 50 years.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/after-coups-west-african-nations-hurry-to-leave-the-regional-bloc-that-opposed-military-ta/

Residents Flee as M23 Rebels Pose Threat to Sake and Goma.

• Fleeing residents report eastern Congo rebel group advancing towards Goma, despite rebels denying intent to capture.
• The M23 rebels cautioned that they would retaliate against attacks on their forces or civilians.
• M23 rebels, reportedly linked to Rwanda, detonate explosives near Goma.

Read more at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/08/civilians-flee-as-m23-rebels-threaten-to-take-sake-goma-cities/

Crises in Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger prompt emergency ECOWAS meeting

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has convened an emergency meeting to address pressing issues across the region.
• Among the key concerns are the political turmoil in Senegal and ongoing tensions with military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
• The gathering in Abuja, Nigeria, scheduled for Thursday, February 8, will see foreign ministers deliberating on the current security and political challenges facing West Africa.
• While the attendance of the Senegalese minister remains unconfirmed, the focus is on finding solutions to the region's complex issues.
• ECOWAS has faced criticism for its handling of recent events, including the postponement of Senegal's presidential election. 

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/08/crises-in-senegal-burkina-faso-mali-and-niger-prompt-emergency-ecowas-meeting/

SA president defends ANC record in annual State of the Nation address

• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his annual State of the Nation address on Thursday using it as a platform to list the ruling African National Congress’ achievements over the past 30 years.
• The party, which has been in power since the first post-apartheid democratic elections in 1994, is heading into its most challenging campaign as the country prepares to vote later this year.
• Several polls have suggested that the ANC could lose its majority for the first time, forcing it to go into a coalition to stay in power in what would be a landmark moment for South African politics.
• In his nearly two-hour address, Ramaphosa insisted the party was making progress in addressing the country’s problems including record unemployment, an ongoing electricity crisis, and corruption allegations.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/sa-president-defends-anc-record-in-annual-state-of-the-nation-address/

US and Kenyan defence ministers highlight importance of security partnership

• United States Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, highlighted the "important security" partnership the US and Kenya share as he met with his Kenyan counterpart, Aden Bare Duale at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
• The meeting follows the signing last September of a five-year framework on defence cooperation between the two countries.
• "That just underscores that Kenya has long been one of our most important security partners in Africa. Kenya is a key strategic partner in tackling a range of shared threats and advancing security in East Africa and beyond," said Austin.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/sa-president-defends-anc-record-in-annual-state-of-the-nation-address/

Malawi lifts visa restrictions for 79 countries

• Malawi has lifted visa restrictions for travellers from 79 countries. Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhałe made this announcement in a gazette notice on Wednesday.
• The decision aims to enable easier access for visitors, including those from the UK, China, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, and others with a broad objective of improving tourism in the country.
• The change to immigration regulations means citizens from these countries, as well as nationals from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), no longer need visas to enter Malawi.
• Additionally, certain groups like diplomats and government officials, along with countries having mutual exchange agreements for multiple-entry visas with Malawi, are also exempt from these regulations.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/malawi-lifts-visa-restrictions-for-79-countries/

UNHCR chief visits displaced families in Sudan amid escalating conflict

• The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, embarked on a poignant journey through Sudan, where he met with families torn apart by the devastating conflict ravaging the nation.
• Displaced from their homes and livelihoods by the ongoing turmoil, these families are enduring unimaginable hardships in displacement camps scattered across the country.
• With conflict engulfing Sudan for ten long months, the scale of displacement is staggering, with nearly 8 million people uprooted from their communities, both within Sudan's borders and beyond, seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Central African Republic, and Ethiopia.
• The relentless violence has not only shattered lives but also brought Sudan's economy to its knees and crippled its once-thriving healthcare sector. Recent escalations in the conflict, including the seizure of Wad Madani, Sudan's second-largest city, by the Rapid Support Forces, have exacerbated the suffering of already vulnerable populations.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/07/unhcr-chief-visits-displaced-families-in-sudan-amid-escalating-conflict/

Senegal: Tension mounts in Dakar as clashes erupt amid political unrest

• The streets of Dakar, Senegal, became a battleground on Friday (Feb. 09) as simmering political tensions boiled over into violent clashes between opposition activists and law enforcement agencies.

• The catalyst for the unrest was a planned demonstration by supporters of opposition presidential candidates. Their aim was to voice opposition against a recent law passed by the National Assembly. This law not only postponed the presidential election until December 15, but also controversially extended President Macky Sall's term of office.

Read Ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/senegal-tension-mounts-in-dakar-as-clashes-erupt-amid-political-unrest/

US calls for investigation into alleged civilian killings in Ethiopia's Amhara region

• The U.S. is calling for an investigation into an alleged massacre of civilians in Ethiopia's Amhara region, where a local rights group says more than 80 people were killed last week following clashes between soldiers and armed groups.
  
  

• The U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, said Friday that the "U.S. government is deeply concerned" by the reports from the town of Merawi and called for "unfettered access by independent human rights monitors as well as an impartial investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice."

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/us-calls-for-investigation-into-alleged-civilian-killings-in-ethiopias-amhara-region/

US museum returns Ghana's Looted Artifacts after 150 years

• Seven royal artifacts looted 150 years ago by British colonial forces from Ghana's ancient Asante kingdom and kept by a United States museum have been returned and presented to the kingdom on Thursday, the latest of a series of stolen treasured items being repatriated to several African countries

• Looted from British-colonized Ghana in the 19th century before being transferred to Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the 1960s, the artifacts included an elephant tail whisk, an ornamental chair made of wood, leather and iron, two gold stool ornaments, a gold necklace and two bracelets.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/after-coups-west-african-nations-hurry-to-leave-the-regional-bloc-that-opposed-military-ta/

After coups, West African nations hurry to leave the regional bloc that opposed military takeovers

• The coup-hit nations of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are in haste to quit West Africa's regional bloc without following its rules of exit, the body said Thursday as its ministers met to deliberate on growing division and political tension in the region.

• At the ministerial meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, the bloc known as ECOWAS faulted claims made by the countries' juntas that their unprecedented decision to withdraw their membership was because of the coup-related sanctions the bloc imposed on their countries instead of supporting their development and peace efforts.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/after-coups-west-african-nations-hurry-to-leave-the-regional-bloc-that-opposed-military-ta/

Zimbabwe abolishes inherited colonial death penalty

• Zimbabwe’s cabinet agreed to abolish the death penalty for murder offences, almost two decades after its last execution.

• The cabinet on Tuesday approved the Memorandum on the Private Member’s Death Penalty Abolition Bill introduced to parliament last year, bringing an end to the death penalty introduced in the southern African nation by British colonial administrators.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/07/zimbabwe-abolishes-inherited-colonial-death-penalty/

News bits compiled and drafted by:

Swapnil Tiwari (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)

Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)

Manjyot Kaur (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)

Published by:

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