Photo : Pius Utomi Ekpei, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Pius Utomi Ekpei, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin
Nigeria: Trade union movement suspends strike
On 6 June, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero stated that the nationwide strike scheduled for 7 June will be postponed to allow for additional time for negotiations with the government. The strike has been called to protest a significant increase in fuel prices as a result of the government's decision to stop subsidising it. Some of the proposals made by labour unions include an increase in the minimum wage and tax breaks for workers. The price of transportation, food, and other commodities has risen as a result of the increase in the price of fuel, despite the fact that the minimum wage is around USD 65. (“Nigeria's unions suspend strike over fuel subsidy,” BBC, 6 June 2023)
DRC: Congolese died in air strikes in Sudan
On 6 June, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Democratic Republic of Congo reported that 10 of its citizens were killed in air strikes in Sudan. The air strikes bombarded the campus of the International University of Africa in Khartoum. Minister Christophe Lutundula stated that the air strikes were carried out by the Sudanese army. Additionally, Lutundula asked the authorities to provide more information about the incident. DR Congo’s government demanded a humanitarian corridor to allow it to evacuate its wounded citizens and people isolated in Khartoum. (“Air strikes on Sudan campus kill Congolese - government,” BBC, 6 June 2023)