Photo : Sam Mednick, AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Sam Mednick, AP Photo
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin, Ryan Marcus, Sneha Surendran, Nithyashree RB and Prearana P
Niger: “They have got rid of the colonisers,” says Prigozhin
On 27 July, Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin lauded the coup in Niger and claimed no involvement in it. According to Al Jazeera, a voice message of Prigozhin in Telegram channels related to the Wagner Group surfaced emphasising Niger’s independence from its colonisers. Prigozhin’s voice message stated: “What happened in Niger is nothing other than the struggle of the people of Niger with their colonisers. With colonisers who are trying to foist their rules of life on them and their conditions and keep them in the state that Africa was in hundreds of years ago. Today, this is effectively gaining their independence. The rest will, without doubt, depend on the citizens of Niger and how effective governance will be, but the main thing is this: They have got rid of the colonisers.” (“Russia’s Wagner boss appears to hail Niger coup, tout services,” Al Jazeera, 28 July 2023)
Niger: Following the coup, general Abdourahmane Tchiani self-appoints as leader of a transitional government
On 28 July, the head of Niger’s presidential guard, general Abdourahmane Tchiani, announced himself as the leader of the transitional government in the country following the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power. The coup was carried out by a soldiers unit called the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, led by Tchiani. Tchiani said that “the security approach today has not brought security to the country despite heavy sacrifices,” stating that the “intervention” was required to save the country from a “gradual and inevitable demise.” Furthermore, the general has not divulged any information on the reinstating of a civilian government. (“Niger general Tchiani named head of transitional government after coup,” Al Jazeera, 28 July 2023)
Senegal: Eminent opposition leader Ousmane Sonko apprehended
On 28 July, a prominent member of the opposition, Ousmane Sonko was arrested, although the official reason for his arrest is unknown. However, according to Sonko’s lawyer, the politician was arrested for “stealing a mobile phone and inciting violence.” According to the lawyer, Sonko had grabbed a mobile phone from a police officer for filming him. Earlier on the day, Sonko had complained on social media that security forces outside his residence were recording him, adding: “I ask the people to stand ready to face this endless abuse.” The opposition leader who is also a presidential candidate has been facing legal hurdles in recent years. He has said that these are attempts to sidetrack his political plans, and has also accused Senegal’s President Macky Sall of deliberately trying to remove him from the upcoming 2024 elections by using court cases against him. (“Top Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko arrested: Lawyer,” Al Jazeera, 28 July 2023)
Kenya: The Court permits way for the controversial tax hikes
On 28 July, BBC reported on the Kenyan Court’s Appeal which lifted the suspension of controversial finance law. The law has led to deadly unrest in the country. The legislation has allowed the raise in taxes framed by the government and was later frozen, followed by a senator’s question towards its legality. The law was approved by William Ruto, the President of Kenya and he further promoted demonstrations across the country. More than 30 people, mainly opposition supporters, died during the clash between the protesters and police. The law uplifted the value-added tax (VAT) from 8 per cent to 16 per cent and over 1,5 per cent of housing was introduced. The report also claimed a possible trigger of protests led by the ruling party. Further, an increase in tax is expected to hit over USD 2 billion for the government which is currently on low funds. (Anthony Irungu, “Kenyan court clears way for controversial tax hikes,” BBC, 28 July 2023)
Sudan: Paramilitary fighters destroy the military jets
On 28 July, BBC reported on the destruction of three military jets caused by the Paramilitary fighters at the Wadi Seidna airbase in Khartoum, the capital city. Although the sources confirmed that the military has carried out their air strikes on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the RSF denied any destruction or death of people. The Wadi Seidna air base received foreign government support to evacuate their nationals by mid-April. The major assault resulted in a coincidence with General Mohamed Hamdon Dagalo, the head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and deputy, who visited Chad and other countries to expand the support. The report recalled RSF's origin, brutal rebels and widespread ethnic cleansing practices. The army of the country has established its air strikes and artillery to combat the RSF attacks. Further, the number of deaths in the conflict was estimated to be around 3,000 and the Darfur region alone held a strong death toll of 11,000 people respectively. (Zeinab Mohammed Salih, “Sudan military jets destroyed by rivals in Khartoum,” BBC, 28 July 2023)