Photo : Mohamed Sheikh Nor, AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Mohamed Sheikh Nor, AP Photo
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin A and Ryan Marcus
Kenya: Five civilians killed in Al-Shabaab attack
On 27 June, Africa News reported that five citizens were killed by the Al-Shabaabon 24 June in Juhudi and Salama, eastern Kenya. Residents reported that the more than 20 assailants slit their throats and beheaded some civilians. The attackers seized the residents' goods before absconding. Al-Shabaab, claimed to kill six members and destroyed ten christian houses. The Lamu Country Prefect Louis Rono stated that the authorities have increased the security in the area following the attack. ("Kenya: five civilians killed, some beheaded, in Al-Shabab attack in east," Africanews, 27 June 2023)
South Africa: German foreign minister visits Pretoria
On 27 June, Africa News German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met South African Naledi Pandor in Pretoria and discussed energy security, climate change and geopolitical issues including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The discussions additionally consisted on impacts of oil prices globally. Annalena Baerbock discussed the African delegation to Ukraine and Russia and the manner in which the UN charter must be respected. ("South Africa: German foreign minister in Pretoria for talks," Africanews, 27 June 2023)
Ethiopia: Deaths due to Hunger rises in Tigray region
On 27 June, Africa News reported that more than 700 people have died in the Tigray region owing to the suspension of the US and UN food aid. The suspension had been issued following malpractices in the aid distribution system, affecting 20 million people in need of aid. Tigray's Disaster Risk Management Commission stated that the deaths were reported from three regions of the seven zones. The researchers have remarked that the deaths were largely of children, old people and people with underlying health conditions. The Ethiopian government dismissed the allegations as propaganda but has agreed to a joint with the US as the UN's World Food Program conducts a separate probe. ("Hunger kills hundreds after US and UN pause food aid to Ethiopia's Tigray region, officials say," Afircanews, 27 June 2023)
Zimbabwe: Economy undergoes inflation
On 27 June, BBC reported that Zimbabwe's inflation had doubled to over 176 per cent in June. Consumer groups have reported that an average family requires ZWL one million. The Zimbabwean government blames currency speculators for the crash of its currency. The government has instructed authorities to impose duties and taxes in local currency to increase its demand.("Triple-digit inflation returns to Zimbabwe," BBC, 27 June 2023)
Senegal: IMF approves USD 1.8 billion load
On 27 June, BBC reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a USD 1.8 billion loan for Senegal for economic recovery. Senegal will receive an initial disbursement of USD 216 million and would be given a period of three years. The load is intended to support Senegal's efforts to cope with climate change and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war. Senegal is projected to have an 8,3 per cent growth in 2023 owing to the initiation of oil and gas production in the country. ("IMF approves $1.8bn loan for Senegal," BBC, 27 June 2023)
Sudan: RSF announces ceasefire on Eid
On 27 June, BBC reported paramilitary Rapid Support Forces had declared a unilateral ceasefire owing to Eid-al-Adha from 28 June. The pause was broadcasted on Al Arabiya by RSF leader Muhammad Dagalo. Dagalo additionally condemned his own forces for carrying out abuses against citizens. ("Sudan's RSF announces unilateral Eid ceasefire," BBC, 27 June 2023)