Photo : Feisal Omar, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Feisal Omar, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Somalia: Eritrean president announces support for “Somalia’s sovereignty”
On 10 January, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that Eritrean leader Isaias Afwerki announced support “for Somalia’s sovereignty” after increasing tension with Ethiopia over the port deal signed with Somaliland. The statement was made following the Somali leader’s visit to Eritrea on 9 January. The agreement signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland gave the former access to a port in the Red Sea. Somalia called the deal an act of “aggression” threatening the sovereignty of the country. (“Eritrea 'voices support for Somalia' amid Ethiopia row,” BBC, 10 January 2024)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Constitutional Court declares Tshisekedi’s victory
On 10 January, the Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of Congo rejected the formal challenges filed against the presidential elections held in December 2023. The polls were chapped by two out of the 18 opposition candidates. President Felix Tshisekedi won the elections securing 73 per cent of the vote. The polls were reportedly marred by several logistical issues and claims by the opposition that the results were deliberately rigged in favour of Tshisekedi. (“DR Congo court confirms Tshisekedi's poll victory,” BBC, 10 January 2024)