Photo : Tiksa Negeri, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Tiksa Negeri, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph and Narmatha S
Ethiopia: Fresh wave of fighting in Amhara
On 14 November, BBC Africa reported that thousands of farmers fled the town of Bure in the Amhara region to Oromia following a fresh wave of fighting with the Amhara regional militia, Fano. The farmers who fled the region told BBC that they were demanded to join the Fano militia and were attacked after they refused to do so. The fighting between Amhara regional forces and the Ethiopian federal forces began in August after the Ethiopian government asked to disarm regional forces and incorporate them into the federal forces. The regional forces refused, citing their defence to other regional militias. (“Thousands flee attacks in Ethiopia's Amhara region,” BBC, 14 November 2023)
Somalia: Floods in East Africa “once-in-a-century-event,” says UN
On 14 November, the UN described the floods in Somalia and the neighbouring countries of Ethiopia and Kenya as a “once-in-a-century-event.” At least 32 people were killed in the floods across the country. The UN warned that nearly 1.6 million people in Somalia are affected by the heavy rains and floods. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that the devastating flooding is caused by the El Niño effect that is changing the weather patterns across the world. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated: “The people have been displaced, homes and properties destroyed, the people are hungry, and that is our problem right now, that is what we are focusing on.” (“Somalis going hungry after floods - president,” BBC, 14 November 2023)
Gabon: Military government announces elections in 2025
On 14 November, the Gabon military leaders announced their plan to hold the election in August 2025 after a two-year transition. General Brice Oligui Nguema carried out a coup in August citing “several institutional crises” under the 55-year-long rule under the Bongo family. The coup faced several regional and international criticism along with pressure to return to civilian rule. The announcement of the transition and the election aim at rebuilding the trust of the international community and the public. (“Gabon elections: Junta plans post-Bongo polls for 2025,” BBC, 14 November 2023)
Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines to buy 67 Boeing jets.
On 14 November, an agreement was signed between Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing at the Dubai Air Show held in Dubai, UAE. The airline has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliners, 20 737 MAX aeroplanes and 36 more jets marking Boeing’s largest deal by an African country. The 787 Dreamliner reduces fuel usage and emissions by 25 per cent and creates 50 per cent smaller noise footprints compared to the other planes. This would create a better environment performance and comfort for the passengers. The airline aims to strengthen and modernise its fleet. (Ethiopian Airlines Agrees to Landmark Order for Upto 67 Boeing Jets, Ethiopian Monitor, 14 November 2023)
Ethiopia: USAID resumes food aid across Ethiopia.
On 14 November, the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID) officials announced that they would resume providing food aid across Ethiopia. After the local officials were involved in massive corruption by stealing donated grains, USAID halted delivery for the past five months. The agency has previously sought to remove Ethiopian government officials from having any role in aid processes to stem corruption. The officials say that this is the largest ever food aid theft in the region. This suspension affected 20 million people in Ethiopia who wholly rely on the aid because of conflict and severe drought. (“US to resume food aid deliveries in Ethiopia,” BBC, 14 November 2023)