Photo : Mahamadou Hamidou, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Mahamadou Hamidou, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin, Ryan Marcus, Sneha Surendran, Nithyashree RB and Prerana P
Niger: ECOWAS military heads to meet on Niger issue
On 15 August, Al Jazeera reported that the military leaders of ECOWAS were scheduled for meetings on 17 and 18 August to discuss the possible use of force in Niger to help overthrow the coup. This comes after the regional bloc consented to military intervention in Niger as a last resort and also approved the activation of standby forces. Meanwhile, ECOWAS leaders continue their efforts to engage diplomatically with the military government in Niger. (“West African military chiefs to discuss Niger crisis Thursday and Friday,” Al Jazeera, 15 August 2023)
Niger: Envoy in Abidjan called back in protest to comments from President Alassane Ouattara
On 14 August, the Nigerian envoy in Abidjan in Ivory Coast was recalled to Niger by the country’s military government. This was in response to Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara’s statement that ECOWAS had approved to conduct a military intervention in Niger “as soon as possible.” A comment from Niger’s coup representatives said: “... this unusual declaration by President Ouattara and his eagerness to carry out an aggression against Niger which is in every way illegal and senseless, reflects in reality an order addressed to him and certain of his peers in the ECOWAS by other external powers…” Ouattara made the comment after an ECOWAS meeting that agreed to activation of standby forces and the possible use of force in Niger to restore the deposed President Bazoum. (“Niger generals recall envoy from Abidjan after remarks by president Ouattara,” Africanews, 15 August 2023)
Niger: Leaders of Mali and Russia emphasize peaceful resolution
On 15 August, Mali’s transitional leader Colonel Assimi Goita tweeted that he and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin over a call discussed the condition in Niger. The call was made by Bamako. Goita wrote that Putin “stresses the importance of a peaceful resolution of the situation for a more stable Sahel.” A statement released by the Kremlin disclosed: “The parties specifically focused on the current situation in the Sahara-Sahel region and emphasised, in particular, the importance of settling the situation in the Republic of Niger solely through peaceful political and diplomatic means.” (“Putin urges ‘peaceful resolution’ as Mali and Russia discuss Niger,” Al Jazeera, 15 August 2023)
Kenya: Government to subsidise fuel prices
On 15 August, according to Al Jazeera, an energy regulator reported that the government has reinstated a subsidy to stabilise the retail price of fuel which has increased as the tax hiked. In September 2022, Kenyan President William Ruto upon taking office, cancelled the fuel and maize flour subsidies which along with tax hikes led to a cost of living crisis. On 14 August, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said that the maximum retail price of a litre of petrol would remain at USD 1.35. The government will subsidise the increase of USD 0.05 through a price stabilisation fund. (“Kenya reinstates fuel subsidy after months of violent protests,” Al Jazeera, 15 August 2023)
Sudan: Mass displacement amid looming famine
On 15 August, BBC reported that several international aid agencies declared that the situation in Sudan is worsening with millions displaced who depend on aid. The agencies warned of an inevitable famine. According to the BBC, a joint statement from 20 global organisations reported that 14 million children are in need of humanitarian aid and over four million people have been displaced. (Richard Hamilton, “Millions on verge of famine in Sudan, warn aid chiefs,” BBC News, 15 August 2023)