Photo : The UN
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : The UN
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Guinea: Coup leader’s UNGA address; calls on West to stop “lecturing us”
On 22 September, addressing the UNGA, Guinea’s military leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya commented that the Western model of democracy imposed on Africa does not work in the continent. He stated that Africa is suffering from “a model of governance that has been imposed on us and is facing “trouble adapting to our reality.” He added: “It is time to stop lecturing us and stop treating us with condescension like children.” Guinea is among the African countries which went through military coups across west Africa in 2021. (“Stop lecturing us, Guinea junta leader tells West,” BBC, 22 September 2023)
Djibouti: Restores diplomatic ties with Iran
On 22 September, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Djibouti after seven years. The announcement came after the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries met at the UNGA held in New York. Djibouti joined Saudi Arabia in cutting ties with Iran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Iran following the execution of Saudi Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement read: “"The two governments have agreed to further develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence.” (“Djibouti and Iran restore diplomatic ties,” BBC, 22 September 2023)
Sudan: SAF leader warns spill over of conflict to neighbouring countries
On 22 September, speaking at the UNGA, Sudan’s transitional military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan urged the international community to designate Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies as terrorist groups. Al-Burhas additionally warned of potential spill over of fighting into the neighbouring countries. He also mentioned that his party is open to peace talks and wanted to "put an end to this war and to alleviate the suffering of our people.” Conflict in Sudan which began in April has killed thousands and displaced millions. Both warring parties are accused of carrying out human rights violations during the fighting. Both sides have shown little commitment to ceasefire efforts initiated by international and regional actors. Recent;y, the fighting spread to Port Sudan after RSF announced establishing a parallel government based in Khartoum. (“Sudan army chief warns war could spill over into neighbours,” BBC, 22 September)