Photo : AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP Photo
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph, Jerry Franklin, Ryan Marcus, Sneha Surendran, Nithyashree RB and Prerana P
Ethiopia: 1411 people died of starvation since the suspension of food aid
On 18 August, the commissioner for disaster risk management Gebrehiwet Gebrezgabher reported that 1411 people died of starvation since the food aid was suspended from WFP and USAID. The food aid was suspended in April as donations were stolen and sold in the local markets. Gebrezgabhe told the BBC that 492 people were involved in the theft. Genrezgaber disclosed that suspects included NGO staff, camp coordinators and people who own businesses like food stores and mills. BBC reported that food having WFP and USAID labels was being sold in the country but is unaware whether the aid was diverted to the local markets or sold by the aid recipients. WFP and USAID suspended aid to the rest of Ethiopia in June 2023. (Girmay Gebru and Mercy Juma, “Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Deaths from starvation after aid halted - official,” BBC News, 18 August 2023)
South Africa: Alliance to defeat African National Congress (ANC)
On 18 August, an alliance of seven South African political parties reached an agreement in an attempt to defeat the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in the 2024 presidential election. According to the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa, if they were elected, they would work together to assign ministry and parliamentary seats. They are also attempting to prevent Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from gaining power. The accord, brokered by the country's main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), comes as the country faces a struggling economy, corruption, unemployment and an energy crisis. The Inkatha Freedom Party, Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, United Independent Movement, Independent SA National Civic Organisation (Isanco) and Spectrum National Party joined the pact. (“SA parties sign pact to unseat ruling ANC,” BBC, 18 August 2023)
South Africa: Chinese President to attend the BRICS summit during State visit
On 18 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC’s spokeswoman stated: “At the invitation of President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, President Xi Jinping will attend the 15th BRICS Summit to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, and pay a state visit to South Africa from August 21 to 24.” This will mark the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s second visit to South Africa. China has also expressed its willingness to welcome “like-minded partners” to join BRICS. (“Xi Jinping to make state visit to South Africa, attend BRICS summit,” Al Jazeera, 18 August 2023)
Niger: D-day is decided, says ECOWAS
On 18 August, as the two-day ECOWAS meeting came to an end in Accra, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah disclosed that a “D-day” had been decided for military intervention in Niger. Musah said: “Let no one be in doubt that if everything else fails, the valiant forces of West Africa, both the military and the civilian components, are ready to answer to the call of duty.” Musah emphasized that diplomatic channels are open meanwhile the plan to intervene militarily is also “fine-tuned.” The details regarding the D-day have not been disclosed. (“ECOWAS defence chiefs agree ‘D-day’ for Niger military intervention,” Al Jazeera, 18 August 2023)