Photo : Denis Sassou Gueipeur, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Denis Sassou Gueipeur, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Chad: New constitution passed with 86 per cent vote in the referendum
On 25 December, Africanews reported that Chad’s new constitution was approved with 86 per cent votes in a referendum held on 17 December. The voter turnout for the referendum was reportedly 63.75 per cent. The referendum is said to be a significant step in the return to civilian rule by the end of 2024. Opposition leaders boycotted the referendum stating that the move is just a show for the eventual election of military leader General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, who himself took power in a coup 33 years ago. (“Chad's new constitution passes with 86% of vote,” Africanews, 25 December 2023)
Nigeria: 16 people killed in militant attack
On 25 December, Africanews reported that at least 16 people were killed in an attack on the village of Mushu in the state of Plateau. Although it is unclear who carried out the attack, the region has been facing religious and ethnic tension for several years. The governor of the state, Caleb Mutfwang, condemned the attack, describing it as "barbaric, brutal and unjustified.” (“Nigeria: at least 16 people killed in an attack in the centre of the country,” Africanews, 25 December 2023)