Photo : Zohra Bensemra, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Zohra Bensemra, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Jerry Franklin
Sudan: Ethiopia’s embassy sustains damage during an attack in Khartoum
On 4 October, BBC reported that an attack with heavy weaponry destroyed Ethiopia's embassy in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. Ethiopian ambassador to Sudan Yibeltal Aimiro Alemu stated: “No casualties were reported from Tuesday’s onslaught but the embassy was partially damaged.” The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan blamed the army for the attack. According to the UN, the fighting between warring sides has killed over 5,000 people and displaced five million people since the conflict erupted in mid-April. (“Ethiopia's embassy in Sudan damaged in attack,” BBC, 4 October 2023)
Egypt: Protests led to the detention of 400 individuals
On 4 October, BBC reported that 400 individuals had been detained in Egypt’s north-western city of Marsa Matrouh as a result of rioting after President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi declared his intention to seek a third term. Sisi was the former army chief who has been in command since Mohammed Morsi's removal from office in 2013 amid widespread opposition to his administration. Protesters claim that throughout Sisi's tenure, all dissent was ruthlessly repressed, and the Egyptian economy has been wholly disintegrated. Egypt is set to hold presidential elections in December 2023. (“Egypt presidential bid protests 'led to 400 arrests',” BBC, 4 October 2023)
Liberia: UN expresses concern over violence ahead of elections
On 4 October, BBC reported that the UN expressed concern over increasing violence in Liberia ahead of elections. The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) stated that confrontations between members of the opposition Unity Party and the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change resulted in two fatalities and twenty people sustained injuries in the Foya district on 29 September. Additionally, OHCHR stated that there were further violent outbursts in the counties of Nimba, Montserrado, and Grand Cape Mount ahead of the general elections on 10 October. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango stated: “Our office has also documented eight attacks on journalists by various political actors, two of which resulted in injuries.” (“UN condemns 'election-related violence' in Liberia,” BBC, 4 October 2023)