Photo : Rodger Bosch, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Rodger Bosch, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Vetriselvi Baskaran and Narmatha S
South Africa: Flood hits the town of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal province
On 31 December, Africannews reported that the town of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal province was hit by the floods. It killed at least 21 people and destroyed almost 1400 homes. Police Spokesperson, Colonel Robert, Netshiunda stated: “As of 29 December 2023, a total of 21 bodies have been recovered.” He added that the death tolls are expected to rise as the total number of people missing is uncertain. Search and rescue teams are on board. (“South Africa: Flash floods kill 21 people in coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal,” Africanews, 31 December 2023)
Mali: The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali officially ends after ten years
On 31 December, BBC reported that the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA), is to complete its withdrawal from the country on 31 December bringing an end to a decades-long presence. MINUSMA began in 2013 following the advent of separatist insurgency attempting to take control of the north of the country. Among the UN missions, MINUSMA is the second deadliest mission that recorded the death of 310 peacekeepers. Despite their presence and efforts to counterattack, the jihadist activities increased, failing to fulfil the mandate of the mission. (“Mali: UN peacekeeping mission ends after decade,” BBC, 31 December 2023)
Democratic Republic of Congo: President Tshisekedi wins the election
On 31 December, BBC reported that President Félix Tshisekedi was declared the winner of the Democratic Republic of Congo elections. The election commission announced that he will be sworn in as the country's president on 20 January. Tshisikedi secured 73 per cent of the vote with his nearest challenger, Moise Katumbi, securing 18 per cent of the vote. (“Félix Tshisekedi: DR Congo's re-elected president,” BBC, 31 December 2023)