Photo : KDF
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : KDF
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin A and Ryan Marcus
DR Congo: ICC to investigate crimes in North Kivu
On 15 June, BBC reported that The Democratic Republic of Congo has demanded the International Criminal Court to investigate the crimes in North Kivu province. The prosecutor Karim Khan is to investigate particular armed forces and groups committing the crimes. The DR Congo government claims the M23 rebel group was backed by Rwanda. Human Rights Watch stated that M23 had committed extrajudicial killings and forced recruitments of civilians. Rwanda has denied any affiliation with M23. ("DR Congo asks ICC to investigate alleged North Kivu crimes," BBC, 15 June 2023)
South Africa: The second batch of firefighters sent to Canada
On 15 June, Africanews reported that 200 South African firefighters have completed their training in Mbombela and proceeded to aid Canadian firefighters in managing the Canadian wildfires. Over 17,800 square miles of forest have been destroyed by the wildfires. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canada's resources were being used in its maximum capacity. The Canadian government has requested aid from the Working On Fire program which is funded by the South African government. ("SA: Second batch of firefighters headed to Canada to combat wildfires," Africanews, 14 June 2023)
Sudan: RSF condemns the killing of Darfur governor
On 15 June, BBC reported that Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Military Forces (RSF) has condemned the assassination of West Darfur governor Khamis Abubakar and called for an inquiry. The RSF stated that two outlaws carried out the killing in El Geneina and will bring them to justice. Previously, the Amry officials accused RSF of assassinating Governor Abubakar following his statements against the RSF for committing genocide against Masalit ethnic groups. ("Sudan's RSF condemns killing of Darfur governor," BBC, 15 June 2023)
South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa travels to Ukraine and Russia
On 15 June, Africanews reported that the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, headed to Ukraine and the Russian Federation through Poland for the Africa Peace Mission intended for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Ramaphosa visited Warsaw and paid a courtesy call to Polish President Andrzej Duda. Later, Ramaphosa would visit the Ukrainian capital Kyiv for discussions with Ukraninan President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 16 June. After the visit with Zelenskyy, Ramaphosa would travel to St Petersburg, Russia where the African delegation would have talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 17 June. Finally, Ramaphosa would return to South Africa on 18 June. (“South Africa's Ramaphosa headed to Ukraine, Russia for peace mission,” Africanews, 15 June 2023)