Photo : Grant Lee Neuenburg, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Grant Lee Neuenburg, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Mozambique: Opposition protests against election irregularities
On 17 October, BBC Africa reported on protests in Mozambique’s capital Maputo. The protests were carried out by the opposition party, Renamo, against the elections held on 13 October which they claimed were rigged and favoured the ruling party, Frelimo. Meanwhile, the police fired tear gas against the protesters injuring several. An unnamed protester stated: "They didn’t need to do this, after all, isn’t this democracy? We are marching peacefully and we don’t want problems with anyone.” Renamo failed to secure any seats this term although it governed seven municipalities previously. Leader of Renamo, Ossufo Momade, asserted that they will continue the protests until the “election truth” is uncovered. (“Dozens injured as riot police tear-gas election protests,” BBC, 17 October 2023)
Nigeria: Gunmen abduct 50 people
On 17 October, BBC Africa reported that at least 50 people including women and children were abducted by gunmen in the state of Zamfara in Nigeria. The incident happened after armed men stormed the village of Bagega on motorcycles. At least three people were killed and several others were injured after the gunmen used weapons indiscriminately and set houses on fire. Kidnappings for ransom are common in northwestern Nigeria. It is carried out by armed men, also known as bandits, who target villages and schools. There has been a relative lull in ransom kidnapping for the past few months. However, the latest development is concerning considering the worsening security situation in West Africa followed by the coup in Niger and the withdrawal of the UN and French troops. (“Armed men kidnap 50 people in north-west Nigeria,” BBC, 17 October 2023)