Photo : Fatima Shbair, AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Fatima Shbair, AP
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S
South Africa: US dismisses SA's case at ICJ
On 4 January, BBC reported that the US has dismissed South Africa's case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). South Africa failed a case against Israel for committing genocidal acts against Palestine the previous week. On 2 January, Israel condemned South Africa for these claims by adding it was Hamas committing genocidal acts. The US Department of State Spokesperson, Matthew Miller stated: "As pertains to the United States, we are not seeing any acts that constitute genocide. But there are military operations going on that put Palestinian people at risk.” (“US dismisses SA's case against Israel as 'meritless',” BBC, 4 January 2024)
Somalia: AU and the US call on Ethiopia to respect territorial sovereignty
On 4 January, BBC reported that the AU and US have called on Ethiopia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia after Ethiopia signed a controversial port deal with Somaliland. The deal has caused bilateral and regional tensions. Somalia called the deal an act of “aggression.” Somaliland was separated from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized as an independent state internationally. (“AU, US urge respect for Somalia's sovereignty amid row,” BBC, 4 January 2024)