Photo : Ashraf Shazly, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Ashraf Shazly, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph and Narmatha S
Sudan: RSF leader goes on a wartime visit to Ethiopia
On 28 December, Reuters reported that the RSF leader visited Uganda and Ethiopia on 27 and 28 December respectively. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that they discussed the need for a swift end to the war between the RSF and the SAF to restore peace and stability in the country. RSD leader Hemedti stated: "We discussed the need to bring a swift end to this war, the historical crisis in Sudan, and how to best alleviate the hardships of the Sudanese people.” The RSF has recently made military gains seizing control of the city of Wad Madani, SAF's bases and ports and consolidating its grip on the western region of Darfur. (“Leader of Sudan’s RSF visits Ethiopia in rare foreign trip as war rages,” Al Jazeera, 28 December 2023)
Burkina Faso: Russia opens its embassy
On 28 December, Russia opened an embassy in Burkina Faso after 30 years. The development comes after deteriorated France-Burkina Faso relations following the coup in 2022. Recently, the country had strengthened military and diplomatic ties with Russia following the withdrawal of French troops. Russia's ambassador to Ivory Coast, Alexei Saltykov, will be heading the embassy until an appointment is made. Saltykov described Burkina Faso as "an old partner with whom we have solid and friendly ties.” (“Russia reopens embassy in Burkina Faso,” BBC, 28 December 2023)