Photo : AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP Photo
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin, Ryan Marcus, Sneha Surendran, Nithyashree RB and Prerana P
Libya: At least 27 migrants found dead in the desert; Tunisia rejects the allegations of expelling
On 9 August, Al Jazeera quoted Libyan authorities, who reported that at least 27 people from sub-Saharan Africa died in the desert near the Libyan border after being expelled from Tunisia. Tunisia began expelling sub-Saharan African migrants after violence erupted in the Tunisian city of Sfax following the death of a Tunisian citizen. According to Libyan border guards, nearly 150 expelled migrants cross into Libya in a day. Tunisian Ministry of Interior spokesperson Faker Bouzgaya rejected the allegations stating: “People who meet the conditions for legal entry into Tunisia will be allowed in. Tunisia is not responsible for what happens outside its borders.” (“At least 27 people found dead in desert after expulsion from Tunisia: Libya,” Al Jazeera, 9 August 2023)
Ghana: Sanctions on Niger to impact food supply and prices
On 9 August, BBC reported fears in Ghana regarding the increase in food prices following the sanctions placed by ECOWAS on Niger. Ghana depends on Niger for its supply of onions. In 2021, Niger exported onions worth USD 23 million to Ghana and the surrounding West African countries. Ghana is already experiencing inflation, and with the stoppage of onions from Niger, experts estimate that the cost of a bag of onions will shoot up by almost 90 per cent. (Favour Nunoo, “Ghana traders fear Niger sanctions could raise their prices,” BBC, 9 August 2023)
Kenya: Government begins talks with the opposition
On 9 August, following the protests against the government, the Kenyan government commenced the talks with the opposition led by Raila Odinga. Odinga has led several protests in response to the tax hikes and the high cost of living, calling for electoral reforms. According to the government, 20 people have died during the protests so far. (Richard Hamilton, Kenya talks to resolve cost-of-living tension begin, BBC, 9 August 2023)
Sudan: UNSC warns of a prolonged ethnic conflict
On 9 August, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, briefed on the worsening crisis in Sudan and a possible prolongment of ethnic conflict in the UNSC. Pobee declared: “The fighting in Darfur continues to reopen the old wounds of ethnic tension, of past conflicts in the region. The brutal violence experienced in El-Geneina and Sirba are particular examples of this situation. This is deeply worrying and could quickly engulf the country in a prolonged ethnic conflict with regional spillovers.” The Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Edem Wosornu, reported 80 per cent of the hospitals are shut down, and half the children in the country require humanitarian aid. On 8 August, the UN informed that the first humanitarian convoy carrying 430 tons of agricultural seed will reach East Darfur. (“Sudan war: Brutal violence could engulf country in prolonged ethnic conflict - UN,” Africanews, 10 August 2023)