Photo : Eduardo Soteras, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Eduardo Soteras, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia: Drone strikes in Amhara
On 20 September, BBC reported that dozens of civilians were killed in a drone strike in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. A resident of the region told BBC that at least 30 people were killed during the attack. In the town of Dembecha, at least 18 people were killed in a similar drone strike. Months of Fighting has been going on in the Amhara region between the federal government and the Amhara regional forces, Fanp. According to the UN, more than 180 people have died in the conflict. The conflict erupted after the federal government announced its decision to integrate regional forces into the federal forces. (“Civilians killed in Ethiopia drone strikes - residents, BBC, 20 September 2023)
Rwanda: Paul Kagame announces decision to run for fourth term
On 20 September, Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced his decision to run for a fourth term next year, extending his presidency to almost three decades. Kagame stated: “I am happy with the confidence that Rwandans have in me.” Kagame has been leading the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) ever since it came to power after the genocide in 1994. According to the Rwandan Election Commission, in 2017, Kagame won the presidential elections receiving 99 per cent of the votes. Human Rights Watch (HRW) had claimed that the elections took place where free speech was limited. Kagame was also criticised for cracking down on the opposition. (“Rwanda's President Paul Kagame confirms fourth-term bid,” BBC, 20 September 2023)
Kenya: Ukraine promises to establish “grain hub”
On 20 September, Ukrainian President Volodumyr Zelensky met Kenyan President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Zelensky promised to establish a “grain hub” in the Kenyan city of Mombasa. Meanwhile, with Ramaphosa, Zelensky discussed “the way forward on the peace initiative.” They also discussed the revival of Black Sea Grain Initiative following Russia's withdrawal. Zelensky informed Ramaphosa that Ukraine was trying to establish alternative routes to supply grains. Zelensky stated: "Several ships with grain have already successfully passed through these routes despite the difficult situation.” Kenya remains one of the major supporters of Ukraine in the war; however, South Africa has been taking a neutral stance. (“Ukraine and Kenya plan 'grain hub' for East Africa to help tackle food insecurity,” BBC. 20 September 2023)