Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Madagascar: Tensions delays elections
On 12 October, BBC Africa reported that the constitutional court of Madagascar postponed the presidential election by a week. The elections will be held on 16 November. Political tensions have been rising in the country with the opposition staging protests over the irregularities in the election process. (“Tension as Madagascar delays election by a week,” BBC, 12 October 2023)
Nigeria: 600 killed in diphtheria outbreak
On 12 October, BBC Africa reported that at least 600 people including children have died in Nigeria after the outbreak of diphtheria in December 2022. The epicentre of the disease is in the state of Kano in northern Nigeria where more than 500 deaths were reported. Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease that is spread by coughs and sneezes or through close contact with an infected person. According to Primary Health Care Development Agency head, Dr Faisal Shuaib, the disease is preventable through vaccines. However, the majority of the children in the country have not received vaccination. He stated: "Witnessing the young children suffering from this entirely preventable disease at the centre today was profoundly heart-wrenching.” (“Nigeria diphtheria outbreak kills 600,” BBC, 12 October 2023)