Photo : Alexis Huguet, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Alexis Huguet, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Democratic Republic of Congo: Post-election violence
On 1 January, Africanews reported that demonstrators took to the streets in Goma on 31 December responding to the opposition's call to mobilise against the results of the presidential elections. President Felix Tshisekedi was re-elected securing 70 per cent of the vote against his major opposition candidate Moise Katumbi securing 18 per cent and Martin Fayulu five per cent. Five opposition candidates announced their intention to march calling the country’s election a fraud. (“DRC: Protests erupt in Goma as opposition challenges election results,” Africanews, 1 January 2024)
Ethiopia: MoU with Somaliland
On 1 January, BBC reported that Ethiopia signed a non-legal binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the self-proclaimed Somaliland to access one of its ports, Barbera. The port which is 20 kilometres has been exchanged as a lease for 50 years. Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi signed the agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Abiy's National Security Adviser, Redwan Hussien, stated that the arrangement would enable Ethiopia to use a "leased military base" on the sea. Abiy Ahmed stated that the MoU would "pave the way to realise the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea." While addressing the ceremony, Abiy mentioned that Somaliland would soon be recognised as an independent territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland stated: "Historic agreement ensures Ethiopia's access to the sea for their naval forces, reciprocated by formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland, marking this as a significant diplomatic milestone for our country." (“Ethiopia signs agreement with Somaliland paving way to sea access,” BBC, 1 January 2024)
Chad: Former opposition leader appointed as Prime Minister
On 1 January, Chad's transitional government appointed former opposition leader, Succes Masra, as Prime Minister. This comes despite Masra's strong opposition to the military regime that took power in 2021 and his recent exile following a deadly crackdown on protests. His appointment follows the passage of a new constitution supported by the military which opposition groups largely boycotted. However, Masra backed the constitution arguing that it would pave the way for a quicker transition to civilian rule. 86 per cent voted “yes” to the referendum. However, his decision divided the opposition, raising concerns about a potential deal with the regime. (“Former Chad opposition leader appointed as PM of transitional government” Al Jazeera, 1 January 2024)
Sudan: Six killed in an attack in the Abyei region
On 1 January, Al Jazeera reported that the Abyei region, a disputed territory between South Sudan and Sudan, witnessed an ambush by armed men killing six people. The attack was carried out by one of the competing factions of the Dinka ethnic group, Twic Dinka from South Sudan's state of Warrap and Ngok Dinka from Abyei, who regularly clash over the administrative limit. The Minister of Information for the Abyei administrative region accused the armed youth from Twic county of Warrap state of the attack. Meanwhile, his counterpart, William Wol, from Warrap state claimed that it was too early “to point fingers.” (“Six killed in ambush in disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan” Al Jazeera, 1 January 2024)