Photo : Leger Kokpakpa, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Leger Kokpakpa, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin, Ryan Marcus, Sneha Surendran, Nithyashree RB and Prearana P
Niger: ECOWAS leaders give seven days to the junta to step down, warn military action
On 30 July, heads of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Abuja, Nigeria to discuss the coup in Niger. The regional bloc stressed “zero tolerance” towards coups and said that they would “take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order” in Niger. They also stated that these measures could involve the use of force. ECOWAS has issued an ultimatum of seven days to the military junta for the restoration of power to Niger’s deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. Furthermore, financial sanctions were imposed on the junta along with a reiteration of the closure of Niger’s airspace and land borders. Meanwhile, the self-appointed new leader of Niger, general Abdourahmane Tchiani said that: “We once again reiterate to Ecowas or any other adventurer our firm determination to defend our fatherland.” (Haruna Shehu Tangaza, Farouk Chothia, “Niger coup: West African leaders threaten military intervention,” BBC, 31 July 2023)
South Africa: Protest against the Employment Equity Amendment Law
On 26 July, the opposition Democratic Alliance members marched towards the parliament criticising the new Employment Equity Amendment (EEA) law in Cape Town. The EEA bill was signed by the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 April 2023 to close the racial economic gap. According to the World Bank, 40 per cent of Black South Africans were unemployed while only 7.5 per cent of white South Africans were unemployed from January to March 2023. The EEA is applicable to employers who employ over 50 people except for security and intelligence agencies. Under the law, the Minister of Employment and Labour is to allocate numerical targets to achieve equitable representation. Critics state that such quotas can harm the economy and white, coloured and Indian people can lose their jobs. The South African government stated that EEA will bring fairer representation than job losses. (Nkateko Mabasa, South Africa’s controversial ‘race quota’ law stirs debate,” Al Jazeera, 31 July 2023)
Central African Republic: Opposition boycotts the constitutional referendum
On 30 July, the opposition boycotted the constitutional referendum leading to the voting being culminated. The new constitution will provide the President of CAR Faustin-Archange Touadera another chance to run for a third term. The presidential term will also be extended from five to seven years. The Senate will be cancelled and a new role of Vice-President will be introduced. The results are expected by the end of the week and the constitutional court will adopt it in 21 days. (Azeezat Olaoluwa, “CAR awaits outcome of referendum to end term limits,” BBC News, 31 July 2023)
Niger: Germany suspends aid to Niger
On 31 July, Al Jazeera reported on Germany suspending financial aid and halting cooperation with Niger, until further notice. Germany’s state secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Joechen Flasberth commented on the importance of a response from the Western African countries. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the commander of Niger’s presidential guard, has proclaimed himself as the head of the transnational government after the soldiers overthrew Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum. (“Germany suspends aid to Niger, cooperation after coup,” Al Jazeera, 31 July 2023)
Niger: Bond worth USD 51 million halted by West African central bank
On 31 July, Al Jazeera reported that the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has called off a USD 51 million bond issuance by Niger. This follows other sanctions placed on Niger by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) due to the military coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum from power. (“West African central bank cancels Niger $51m bond issuance due to sanctions,” Al Jazeera, 31 July 2023)
Niger: Junta claims France of planning a military engagement to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum
On 31 July, BBC reported on statements by the Niger junta that France was strategizing a military intervention to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. The junta also said that officials affiliated with the ousted government were involved with France’s plan. (“Niger junta accuses France of military strike plan,” BBC, 31 July 2023)