Photo : Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin, Ryan Marcus, Sneha Surendran, Nithyashree RB and Prerana P
Sudan: The governor urges the civilians to take up arms
On 21 July, BBC reported on the Al Arabiya report, which was declared on the renewed call by the Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minnawi, who urged civilians to take hold of arms to defend themselves. The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army has reached its fourth month. The conflict has spread across regions which include Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri. Minnawi addressed the falling administration efforts to end the conflict and has raised fears about the probability of an all-out civil war amid the ethnic tensions. The Khartoum witnesses reported on the heavy airstrikes and the death of 18 RSF fighters in Omdurman and Khartoum. Further, the clashes escalated despite the continued indirect talks between the army and RSF representatives. (“Sudan governor renews call for Darfuris to take up arms,” BBC, 21 July 2023)
Nigeria: The government proposes plans to combat the rising fuel prices
On 21 July, BBC reported on the Nigerian government’s decision to combat the rising fuel prices. The Nigerian government decided to distribute grains and fertilisers to balance the impacts due to the rise in fuel prices. The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made a decision to end the petrol subsidy, which resulted in a surge in the prices of food, transport, and other services. The cost of living has increased extensively, and the government has considered raising civil service salaries. Additionally, the administration has planned to frame an eligibility register to analyse those in need and circulate cash accordingly. Further, the initiative, which aimed to introduce electric buses and cars, would reduce the cost of transportation. (Chris Ewokor, “Tinubu aims to ease frustration over rising fuel prices,” BBC, 21 July 2023)
East Africa: Black Sea grain deal suspension causes food insecurity
On 21 July, Al Jazeera reported that Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain agreement which permitted transportation of Ukrainian agriculture has caused speculations on rising consumer prices. The Black Sea Grain agreement, signed in July 2022, permitted ships carrying fertiliser and agricultural products from three Ukrainian ports to traverse past Russian warships in the Bosporus Strait. More than 32.8 million tonnes of Ukrainian grains have been exported following the agreement in 2022. Humanitarians have raised concerns regarding food shortage in East Africa following the withdrawal of the agreement. ("Concern mounts in East Africa over halted Black Sea grain deal," Al Jazeera, 21 July 2023)
Sudan: Armed group attacks MSF convoy
On 21 July, BBC reported that Doctors Without Borders (MSF) contemplated continuing work in Khartoum, following an attack on one of its convoys on 20 July 2023. Armed men stopped the convoy with 18 people en route to a Turkish hospital and contested the reasons for MSF's involvement in the region. MSF stated: “After arguing about the reasons for MSF’s presence, the armed men then aggressively assaulted our team, physically beating and whipping them, as well as detaining the driver of one of our vehicles.” MSF’s emergency manager Christophe Garnier said that if MSF’s staff were abused or the movement of supplies obstructed in the future, its existence would be untenable. (“MSF aid in Khartoum 'in jeopardy' after convoy targeted,” BBC News, 21 July 2023)
South Africa: Government applies for Russian President’s arrest warrant
On 21 July, BBC reported that the South African government applied for an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, in case he visited South Africa. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the opposition Democratic Alliance, which aimed at forcing the government to abide by a ruling from the International Criminal Court. If Putin is to set foot in the country, he will be arrested over accusations of abducting Ukrainian children. (“Richard Hamilton, “SA government applies for Putin warrant - if he visits,” BBC News, 21 July 2023)