Photo : EPA-EFE, STR
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : EPA-EFE, STR
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Niger: ECOWAS officially suspends country’s membership
On 15 December, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially suspended Niger’s membership in the bloc. The move comes after the ruling military government refused to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum. On 11 December, ECOWAS stated that it will not revoke sanctions imposed on Niger after the junta rejected to free the ousted president. (“Ecowas officially suspends Niger over coup,” BBC, 15 December 2023)
Kenya: Deal with Saudi Arabia securing 2,500 jobs
On 15 December, Kenya reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia allocating jobs for skilled workers and nurses in Saudi Arabia. Around 2,500 workers are expected to be given deployment during the first phase. Kenyan President, William Ruto, stated: "Previously, we only sent domestic workers, but now we can export skilled labour to Saudi Arabia and other countries." The development comes a week after Kenya's Ministry of Labour stated that it will send 1,500 workers to Israel. In November, Ruto visited Germany in a bid to secure 200,000 jobs for Kenyans. (“Kenya secures 2,500 jobs in Saudi Arabia - president,” BBC, 15 December 2023)
Somalia: Formally joins EAC
On 15 December, Somalia formally joined the East African Community (EAC) as the bloc's eighth member. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed the agreement during the ceremony which was presided over by current EAC chair and South Sudan President, Salva Kiir, in Uganda. President Mohamud stated that Somalia's entry into the bloc is a "beacon of hope for a future filled with possibilities." (“Somalia formally joins East Africa bloc as eighth member,” BBC, 15 December 2023)