Photo : Cooper Inveen, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Cooper Inveen, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin A and Ryan Marcus
Sierra Leone: Clashes ahead of election raises tension
On 22 June, BBC reported that one person was killed in the conflict between the security forces and supporters of the main opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC). Following the conflict, people are headed to marketplaces in Freetown to stock up on food, stores are temporarily closed, and there remains a tangible concern that there may be more violence following the election on Saturday. The unrest began when the APC called for a protest over suspicions that the voter list maintained by the election commission was incorrect. (“Fear grips Sierra Leone capital after pre-poll clash,” BBC, 22 June 2023)
Mali: Coalition of armed groups warns against the withdrawal of UN forces
On 22 June, Al Jazeera reported that the coalition of armed groups in Mali warned the withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping force would deliver a fatal blow to the peace agreement and jeopardise regional stability. The Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP-PSD), a coalition of armed groups, stated that the exit of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) without an alternative would risk the security of the country. Mali's military administration urged MINUSMA to withdraw on 16 June, a demand that comes after years of strained relations between the UN and Bamako's government. (“‘Fatal blow’: Mali rebels warn against UN peacekeepers departure,” Al Jazeera, 22 June 2023)
Sudan: Embassies under continuous attack in Khartoum
On 22 June, BBC reported that foreign diplomatic missions continue to be attacked and looted in Sudan, with Algeria, Zimbabwe, and Mauritia becoming the recent countries to protest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Algeria stated that its ambassador’s residence was stormed and ransacked and the attack violated international law and urged Sudanese authorities to take action against the perpetrators. Zimbabwe Foreign Ministry spokesperson Livit Mugejo stated: “We have reports that most of the countries' properties were also targeted. It's sheer criminality, to take advantage of the war to loot properties of our diplomats and our embassy there.” The Sudanese army has frequently accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of attacks on diplomatic posts, in which the RSF denies involvement. (“Attacks on embassies in Sudan 'sheer criminality',” BBC, 22 June 2023)