Photo : AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP Photo
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Mali: Russia vetoes at UNSC on the proposal to extend sanctions and monitoring
On 31 August, Russia vetoed the presence of a UN experts team in Mali who had accused foreign fighters in Mali, referring to Russia's Wagner group’s involvement in widespread atrocities in the country. Thirteen of UNSC’s 15 members backed the proposal to extend sanctions and continued presence of UN experts. Meanwhile, China abstained from voting. Russia’s UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stated: “It is fundamentally important that UN Security Council sanctions deal purely with that issue and not be used as a means of foreign influence on Mali, and that is something that the panel of experts of the Security Council has been involved in.” (“Russia vetoes UN resolution to extend sanctions, monitoring in Mali,” Al Jazeera, 31 August 2023)
Gabon: AU suspension following the coup
On 31 August, the African Union suspended Gabon following the military coup on 30 August. AU’S Peace and Security Council stated: “Strongly condemns the military takeover of power in the Republic of Gabon” and has decided “to immediately suspend the participation of Gabon in all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions.” (“African Union suspends Gabon’s membership after military coup,” Al Jazeera, 31 August 2023)
Niger: Expels French ambassador
On 31 August, the military leaders in Niger ordered the expulsion of France’s ambassador to the country. The visas of French Ambassador Sylvain Itte and his family have been cancelled; the police have been ordered to expel the envoy. The expulsion order comes following the military leaders calling France’s actions “contrary to the interests of Niger.” (“Niger’s military rulers order police to expel French ambassador,” Al Jazeera, 31 August 2023)