Photo : Guy Peterson, Al Jazeera
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Guy Peterson, Al Jazeera
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin A and Ryan Marcus
South Sudan: Authorities unprepared for Sudan refugees
On 23 June, BBC reported that South Sudanese Foreign Minister Dau Deng admitted that the authorities were not prepared for the rise in refugees following the conflict breakout in Sudan. Additionally, Dau Deng stated that South Sudan received more than 150,000 people from South Sudan and the humanitarian demand is high. Dau Deng denied allegations for South Sudan closing its borders to Sudanese refugees. ("South Sudan 'unprepared' for wave of Sudan refugees," BBC, 23 June 2023)
Tunisia: UN warns authorities against media crackdown
On 23 June, BBC reported that the United Nations has urged Tunisian authorities to terminate its media crackdown. UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk termed the situation as troubling and urged Tunisia to change its course. Previously, a prominent Tunisian journalist was arrested on accounts of insulting President Saied. President Saied stated that he intends to save Tunisia from chaos ("UN warns against Tunisia media crackdown," BBC, 23 June 2023)
Kenya: President Ruto attend Paris Climate Summit
On 23 June, Africa News reported that during the Paris Climate Summit Kenyan President William Ruto stated that rich countries required a reform in global financial architecture that enables developing countries to take part in the solution. President Ruto expressed the need for reform in the IMF and World Bank and unfavourable disproportion in interest rates for Southern Countries owing to their financial risks. Additionally suggested a conversion of money from lenders into a 50-year loan facility and 20-year grace period. Additionally, he stated that the delay in achieving objectives of the Paris Agreement was due to lack of investments in development apart from fossil fuel. ("Kenya is "not asking for help", but to "be part of the solution", says William Ruto," Africanews, 23 June 2023)
Mali: Citizens approve constitutional amendment referendum
On 23 June, Al Jazeera reported that Malians approved the constitutional amendment referendum by 97 per cent favouring the referendum. The voter turnout was 39.4 per cent of the 8.4 million registered voters. Proposed changes included policy allotment by President, Presidential right to appoint and dismiss cabinet members and financial declaration of officials to check corruption. Poll observers reported cases of militants rigging polling centres. ("Malians approve amendments to constitution in referendum," Al Jazeera, 23 June 2023)
Zimbabwe: 11 candidates approved to run for president
On 23 June, BBC reported that Zimbabwe's electoral body has approved eleven people to contest in presidential elections scheduled in August, following criticism of high application fees. The contestants included President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his rival Nelson Chamisa. No women were cleared to contest and ten applicants were rejected. The opposition has criticised the high registration fee since most people earn less than USD 300 owing to the economic crisis in Zimbabwe. ("Zimbabwe clears 11 candidates to run for president," BBC, 23 June 2023)