Photo : Saul Loeb, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Saul Loeb, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: Talks with Ukrainian president on revival of grain deal
On 17 October, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks on the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Both leaders agreed to work together on the revival of the deal. Additionally, Ramphosa emphasised on the commitment to the Africa Peace Initiative, a proposal by seven African countries as a basis for peace. The development comes after Kenyan President William Ruto's statement last month on Ukraine agreeing to set up a grain hub in the port of Mombasa aiming to supply the East African region. (“SA and Ukraine leaders discuss grain deal revival,” BBC, 19 October 2023)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Protest against East African force
On 19 October, BBC Africa reported on a protest in Democratic Republic of Congo against the East African force. The protests are led by a coalition of civil societies in the country against the failure of the regional force in dealing with the M23 rebels. Forces from Kenya, Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan have been deployed in the eastern DRC against M23 rebels in November 2022. However, the rebel campaign has worsened in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu with the Rwandan government allegedly supporting the rebels. According to the UN refugee agency, more than 6.2 million people have been displaced due to the insurgency in the region. (“Congolese protest against East African force,” BBC, 19 October 2023)
Kenya: President signs new health legislation
On 19 October, Kenyan President William Ruto approved the new health legislation. The new scheme would require all workers to contribute 2.75 per cent of their wage towards a new health fund. The government aims to make healthcare easily accessible to poor Kenyans. However, the scheme faces major criticism with many Kenyans considering it as a new tax. They claim that the new policy is against the promises he made during the election to ease financial difficulties. Others fear that it will be beset by corruption. (“Kenya healthcare: President William Ruto signs controversial UHC bills,” BBC, 19 October 2023)