Photo : EPA-EFE, JULIEN WARNAND
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : EPA-EFE, JULIEN WARNAND
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin A and Ryan Marcus
Tunisia: Interior Minister discusses illegal migration with French and German Interior Ministers
On 20 June, Africanews reported that the Interior Minister of France, Gerald Darmanin, and the Interior Minister of Germany, Nancy Faesar discussed security cooperation and illegal migration with Tunisian Interior Minister Kamel Feki. They issued a joint statement that aims to provide aid in tackling the issues which the ministers described as the plague that affects all three countries. The EU is seeking ways to control the migration phenomenon. Several Tunisian civil society and political leaders have criticised the visit and accused the Tunisian officials of favouring European interests. ("Tunisia holds talks on illegal migration with French and German interior ministers," Africanews, 20 June 2023)
Somalia: Dozens dead in Puntland following parliament debate
On 20 June, Al Jazeera reported that more than two dozen people were killed in a clash that occurred in Garowe, Puntland. The incident happened following a local parliament debate on the voting system. The witnesses stated that the clash erupted following the accusations of Puntland's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, seeking to extend his office term beyond January 2023 and help tip the ballot in his favour. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appealed to the rivals to reconcile differences through dialogue rather than the barrel of the gun. ("Dozens killed in Somalia's Puntland after parliament debate," Al Jazeera, 20 June 2023)
Nigeria: Labour Unions to agree on new minimum wage
On 20 June, Al Jazeera reported that Nigeria's labour unions and government set an eight-week limit to finalise the minimum wage agreement, which seeks to address high fuel prices. Following the objection to scrapping subsidies by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, the parties agreed to set work groups whose terms of reference will be agreed upon. ("Nigeria, labour unions to agree new minimum wage within 8 weeks," Al Jazeera, 20 June 2023)
South Africa: France requests to join BRICS Summit
On 20 June, BBC reported that France requested an invitation to attend the BRICS summit in South Africa which has been scheduled for August 2023. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stated that: "We are thinking aloud but this obviously a decision that only the countries concerned can take- about the possibility of continuing this dialogue, why not BRICS summit or in another format". South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would visit Paris to discuss the request. ("France asks for invite to South Africa's Brics summit," BBC, 20 June 2023)
Sudan: Warring factions blame each other for breaking the new truce
On 20 June, BBC reported that warring military factions blamed each other for violating the latest ceasefire. The Sudanese army stated that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had attacked North Darfur for a second consecutive day. The US and Saudi mediators had earlier announced a 72-hour truce. The residents of Khartoum reported temporary relief from air strikes, artillery, and other clashes. (“Sudan rivals accuse each other of breaking new truce,” BBC, 20 June 2023)