Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Gabon: Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema sworn in as the head of the state
On 4 September, Gabon’s coup leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was sworn in as the head of the state. Addressing his new position, Oligui said that the military has seized power peacefully and will return it to the people through free, transparent and credible elections. He stated: “With the new government, made up of experienced people, we’re going to give everyone a chance to hope.” However, there is a popular rhetoric raising that Oligui belongs to the same Bongo family and the coup is merely a “place revolution,” replacing one Bongo with another. (“Gabon coup leader Nguema sworn in as transitional head of state,” Al Jazeera, 4 September 2023)
South Africa: No evidence of arms shipment to Russia following inquiry, says President Ramaphosa
On 4 September, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that there is no clear evidence for the claims on South Africa supplying weapons to Russia. The announcement came following the US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety claimed that the Russian ship Lady R was seen loading arms and ammunition from the naval base in Cape Town in December 2022. An independent inquiry by the South African government found that the Russian ship delivered armaments ordered by the National Defence Force in 2018. Ramaphosa stated: “When all matters are considered, none of the allegations made about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true; None of the persons who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support the claims that had been levelled against our country.” (“South Africa says no evidence of arms shipment to Russia following inquiry,” Al Jazeera, 4 September 2023)
Sudan: 20 people killed in SAF air strike
On 4 September, at least 20 people were killed in an army air strike in Sudanese capital Khartoum. The attack happened in the alakla al-Qubba neighbourhood of south-west Khartoum. Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been fighting since April. According to the UN, more than thousands have been killed and nearly 2.3 million have been displaced; more than half a million have taken shelter in neighbouring countries of Chad and South Sudan. Currently, RSF controls large swathes of Khartoum and its twin cities of Omdurman and Bahri. SAF has been carrying out frequent artillery and air attack to dislodge RSF. Clashes have additionally spread to western Darfur region which has been grappling with decades of ethnic violence. (“Sudan conflict: Air strike on Khartoum kills at least 20,” BBC, 4 September 2023)