Photo : Nardus Engelbrecht, AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Nardus Engelbrecht, AP
IN BRIEF
by Ryan Marcus
South Africa: Opposition to form pact against ANC
On 3 July, BBC reported that South Africa's major opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), with the other six parties, has considered forming a pact to displace ANC from government in the 2024 elections. The seven opposition parties have issued a joint statement declaring that the incumbent ANC would lose its majority next year. The parties intend to present a united front that is stable, viable and effective and are scheduled to meet in August to hold discussions. ("South Africa opposition plan anti-ANC pact," BBC, 3 July 2023)
Senegal: Demonstrations against President Sall
On 3 July, BBC reported that Senegalese opposition leader Osume Sonko has organised demonstrations against President Macky Sall seeking a third term. Experts speculate that President Sall, while announcing his decision to run for presidential elections in 2024, would violate the constitution. Opposition supports claim that Sonko's arrest on charges of corrupting youth was an attempt to restrict him from contesting in the election. Sonko stated that it was incumbent on all Senegalese people to stand up, to face him. ("Protests called against Senegal leader seeking third term," BBC, 3 July 2023)