Photo : Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Burkina Faso: Russia to build nuclear power plant
On 13 October, the Burkina Faso junta signed a deal with Russia to build a nuclear power plant in the country. The development comes after Putin’s talks with Burkinabe military ruler Captain Ibrahim Traore during the Russia-Africa summit held in Moscow in July. Capt Traore stated: "We have a critical need for energy, this is an important point for me because we need, if possible, to build a nuclear power station in Burkina Faso to produce electricity." He added: "Our position is rather strategic because we are in the heart of West Africa and we have an energy deficit in the sub-region." The deal aims to achieve 95 per cent electricity access in urban areas and 30 per cent in rural areas by 2030. The country’s ties with Russia strengthened after the coup in 2022 and the worsened ties with France. (“Burkina Faso to sign nuclear power deal with Russia,” BBC, 13 October 2023)
Democratic Republic of Congo: To ease restrictions in conflict-hit regions ahead of elections
On 13 October, Democratic Republic of Congo government announced the reduction of restrictions in the conflict hit regions. A state of siege or martial law has been imposed in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri for the past two years after multiple insurgent groups created unrest in the region. President Felix Tshisekedi announced the lifting of the restrictions to allow the free movement of people and goods and to restore peaceful demonstration and assembly ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. He stated: "This is all the more important as the various players involved in the electoral process are entitled to participate fully and without hindrance.” (“DR Congo to ease restrictions in conflict-hit region,” BBC, 13 October 2023)