Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Mali: Tuareg rebels claim control of Kidal
On 1 November, BBC Africa reported that Mali Tuareg rebels claimed that they had taken control of the Kidal base which was used by the UN peacekeepers. Previously, the UN mission in Mali (Minusma) reported on its complete withdrawal from the base after two attacks that were carried out by the militants in the town of Gao. This is reportedly the third camp that the militants have taken over following the halting of the mission. The other camps were in the towns of Tessalit and Aguelhok. The separatists recently resumed their campaign in the region after withdrawing from the ceasefire with Malian authorities following the withdrawal of French and UN troops. (“Mali rebels claim control of Kidal base after UN exit,” BBC, 1 November 2023)
Nigeria: Worsening Child Nutrition
On 1 November, FHI 360, a non-governmental organisation, reported that the number of cases of severe malnutrition among children aged under five is increasing in Nigeria. It stated that nearly 15,781 children diagnosed with malnutrition were admitted to its several facilities between February and September this year. According to the organisation, it depicts an increase of 160 per cent compared to last year. The organisation stated: “The situation in north-east Nigeria is grave, and increased support is needed to address the critical health and nutritional needs of communities, especially women and children.” The UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) previously stated that two million children in Nigeria suffer from malnutrition and that only 20 per cent receive proper treatment. (“Child malnutrition 'rises by 160% in parts of Nigeria',” BBC, 1 November 2023)