Photo : Mahamadou Hamidou, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Mahamadou Hamidou, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Niger: France begins to withdraw its troops
On 10 October, BBC Africa reported that France has begun withdrawing its troops from Niger after increased tensions between the countries following the coup in July. The French chief of staff spokesperson stated: “The first troops have left.” Nearly 1,500 French troops have been fighting insurgency in the region since 2015. Meanwhile, the US announced the suspension of USD 500 million aid to Niger over the military coup. The US Department of State stated that aid to Niger would only be resumed if a democratic government is reestablished. US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller stated: “Any resumption of US assistance will require action to usher in democratic governance in a quick and credible timeframe.” Meanwhile, Algeria announced the suspension of its mediation on the political crisis in Niger. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the declaration by Niger junta opting a three year transition has raised “legitimate questions about their real willingness to follow through on their acceptance of Algerian mediation.” (“Algeria suspends mediation over Niger coup crisis,” BBC, 10 October 2023; “First French troops have left Niger - report,” BBC, 10 October 2023)
Liberia: Presidential and parliamentary elections
On 10 October, Liberia conducted its presidential and parliamentary elections. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), nearly 2.4 million people are registered to vote. President George Weah, a former football player, is seeking a second six-year term. He is running against the main opposition leader and former Vice-President, Joseph Boakai. Weah came to power in 2017 after securing 61 per cent of the votes defeating Boakai. The EU, the AU, ECOWAS and the US have deployed observers to oversee the elections. The NEC will begin publishing the results on 17 October. (“Liberia elections: Voters head to polls as George Weah faces Joseph Boakai,” BBC, 10 October 2023)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Calls on East African force to leave
On 10 October, the Democratic Republic of Congo government asserted that the East African regional force has been unable to address the security situation in the eastern part of the country and demanded the force to leave by December. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya stated: "They have not been able to resolve the problem.” He added that the heads of the East African Community (EAC) “should rule on the incapacity of the regional force.” The troops from Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan and Kenya have been fighting the M23 rebel campaign in the region since November 2022. DRC continues its rift with neighbouring Rwanda over the allegations of the Rwandan government supporting the M23 rebels. (“DR Congo wants 'incapable' East African force to leave,” BBC, 10 October 2023)