Photo : Marco Longari, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Marco Longari, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin A and Ryan Marcus
Authorities extend the deadline for the Zimbabwean work permit
On 12 June, Africanews reported that the South African authorities extended the deadline until December 2023 to apply for working visas and waivers. There were about 178,000 holders of the Zimbabwean Extension Permits in Pretoria. Several migrants were deported as they failed to obtain working visas due to online glitches, administrative backlogs, and the removal of their occupation from the country's scarce skill list. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motoaledi stated that between 1000 and 1500 Zimbabweans applied for visas and waivers. The Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa has received more than 10,000 registrations to receive assistance to return to Zimbabwe by June 2023. ("South Africa: legal stay extended for thousands of Zimbabweans," Africanews, 12 June 2023)
Ghana: Regains the position as Africa’s largest gold producer
On 12 June, BBC reported that Ghana regained its position as the largest producer of gold following a 32 per cent production surge last year. The Ghana Chamber of Mines stated that the country's gold output increased from 79 tonnes to 105 tonnes. Further, the Ghana Chamber credited small-scale and large-scale mining for its increase in production. However, the country is confronted with an environmental crisis owing to illegal small-scale gold mining. The government has stated that illegal mining has posed a threat to the country's water resources and the cocoa sector. The government has deployed soldiers in the mining areas. ("Ghana back as Africa's top gold producer," BBC, 12 June 2023)
Tunisia: EU pledges USD one billion to address migration
On 12 June, BBC reported that a delegation of European leaders had agreed to over USD one billion of financial assistance to Tunisia for border management, search and rescue, and return of migrants. Head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte have held discussions with Tunisian President Kais Saied. Prime Minister Meloni expressed her intention to break the migration system. President Saied objected to Tunisia's role as a border guard of Europe. ("EU promises over $!bn Tunisia aid to stem migration," BBC, 12 June)
Democratic Republic of Congo: More than 45 people were killed in a displacement camp
On 12 June, Al Jazeera reported that a coalition of militia groups called the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) killed more than 45 displaced people at the Lala displacement site in the Djugu region. The UN Peacekeeping mission stated: “This attack constitutes a serious violation of international law and wishes to recall that deliberate attacks against civilian populations can constitute war crimes”. Additionally, the mission extended its condolences to the victims' families. ("More than 45 killed in attack on DR Congo displacement camp: UN," Al Jazeera, 12 June 2023)
Nigeria: President Tinubu addresses the end of fuel subsidies
On 12 June, Africanews reported that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu addressed the citizens to cooperate as prices of petrol, transport, and food soared due to the abolition of fuel subsidies which were costing billions of euros. Tinubu stated that the government will increase its investments in transportation infrastructure, education, electricity supply, healthcare, and other public services. Nigeria is largely dependent on imported fuel due to its failing state refineries. Following the subsidy abolition, the country must cope with fuel and electricity shortages which force them to use generators or withstand a lack of power supply, and the cost of a liter of petrol has risen from 190 naira to around 540 naira. ("Nigeria president calls for patience amidst the end of fuel subsidies," Africanews, 12 June 2023)