Photo : Farah Abdi Warsameh, AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Farah Abdi Warsameh, AP Photo
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Somalia: UN helicopter seized by al Shabab
On 11 January, BBC Africa reported that the Islamist group, al Shabab, active in Somalia, seized a UN helicopter that was conducting a medical mission. The helicopter which had eight people on board crashed in the region controlled by the militants after its main rotor blade was hit by an unknown object. The UN's mission in Somalia (Unsom) confirmed the incident and stated that “response efforts are underway.” According to the BBC, one passenger was killed and two escaped. The helicopter was carrying medical supplies to the Galgaduud region. (“Somalia conflict: UN helicopter and passengers seized by al-Shabab,” BBC, 11 January 2024)
South Africa: ICJ hears South Africa’s case against Israel committing “genocide” in Gaza
On 11 January, South Africa presented its case against Israel committing genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). South African lawyers claimed that Israel’s plan to “destroy” Gaza is from “the highest level of state.” South Africa called on the court to order Israel to halt its attacks in Gaza. Israel rejected the accusations as “baseless.” Israel is expected to present its defence on 12 January. Addressing the court, South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Ronald Lamola, stated that the attacks cannot "provide justification for or defend breaches of the [Genocide] Convention.” (“Israel officials support Gaza destruction, court hears,” BBC, 11 January 2024)