Photo : Cooper Inveen, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Cooper Inveen, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin A and Ryan Marcus
Sierra Leone: Julius Maada Bio sworn in as President
On 28 June, BBC reported that Incumbent Maada Bio has been declared winner of Sierra Leone's Presidential elections, with 56 per cent of the vote. The opposition has claimed problems with the tallying process and has disputed in the court. Dr Kamara, candidate All People's Congress (APC) who has trailed with 41 per cent of the vote has claimed the outcome as daylight robbery. Amid the tension following the vote, President Bio has called on civilians to keep the peace. Dr Kamara alleges that his electoral agents were not permitted to verify the ballot counting. ("Sierra Leone election: Julius Maada Bio sworn in as opposition cries foul," BBC, 28 June 2023)
Sierra Leone: Julius Maada Bio sworn in as President
On 28 June, BBC reported that Incumbent Maada Bio has been declared winner of Sierra Leone's Presidential elections, with 56 per cent of the vote. The opposition has claimed problems with the tallying process and has disputed in the court. Dr Kamara, candidate All People's Congress (APC) who has trailed with 41 per cent of the vote has claimed the outcome as daylight robbery. Amid the tension following the vote, President Bio has called on civilians to keep the peace. Dr Kamara alleges that his electoral agents were not permitted to verify the ballot counting. ("Sierra Leone election: Julius Maada Bio sworn in as opposition cries foul," BBC, 28 June 2023)
Nigeria: North East region may face famine
On 28 June, BBC reported that the United Nations has warned of the increase in risk of famine in north-eastern Nigeria. More than 40,000 civilians have been killed and two million displaced due to fighting between the army and jihadist groups. The UN humanitarian coordinator Matthias Schmale has urged the international community to respond swiftly to the situation. Additionally he pointed that 500,000 people are facing food insecurity in Kenya.("Nigeria's north-east 'one step away from famine' - UN," BBC, 28 June 2023)
Central Africa Republic: Russia to continue work despite Wagner business
On 28 June, Al Jazeera reported Russian advisors stated that they will continue working in the Central African Republic and consider the Wagner group operations as separate business. The Kremlin issued a statement regarding the close ties with the Central African Republic (CAR), despite their engagement with the Wagner Group to fight rebel uprisings. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that the mutiny in Russia would impact its relation with CAR. Presidential advisor Fidèle Gouandjika stated that CAR had a defence deal with Russia and not Wagner. ("Russia to continue work in CAR, Wagner business separate: Kremlin," Al Jazeera, 28 June 2023)
Angola: African leaders discuss East DRC tensions
On 28 June, Africa News reported that African leaders under African Union President Azali Assoumani met in Luanda, Angola to discuss the situation in Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and efforts to stabilise it. Representatives from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICRGL) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS ) were part of the summit. The strategic objectives of the meeting is mainly to adapt a a joint framework for the implementation of peace initiatives in DR Congo. ("African leaders meet in Angola to discuss East DRC tensions," Africanews, 28 June 2023)
Sierra Leone: Peaceful conditions following election result
On 28 June, Al Jazeera reported that Sierra Leone had witnessed a peaceful atmosphere following the election of President Julius Bio. Civilians were largely engaged with the preparation of Eid-al-Adha. Opposition supporters have resorted to not reacting to the election outcome and abide by the maintenance of peace. Presidential election runner-up Kamara remarked that he rejected the outcome declared by the electoral commission. ("Calm in Sierra Leone despite contested election result," Al Jazeera, 28 June 2023)
Burkina Faso: More 34 killed in attack
On 28 June, BBC reported that more than 31 soldiers and three Homeland Defence Volunteers have been killed by unidentified assailants. The army stated that more than 40 assailants were killed. The attack took place on 26 June in Northern Province of Bam, Central-Northern region. ("Dozens of soldiers killed in Burkina Faso attack," BBC, 28 June 2023)