Photo : Zohra Bensemra, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Zohra Bensemra, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan: Ten civilians killed in fighting
On 12 January, BBC Africa reported that at least ten civilians were killed in an artillery fire exchange between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the capital Khartoum. The fighting which started in April 2023 has now spread to adjacent cities of Omdurman and Bahri with RSF claiming advances. According to the UN, more than 12,000 people have been killed in the fighting. (“Shells hit Sudan capital killing civilians,” BBC, 12 January 2024)
Central Africa: WHO to scale up assistance to flood-hit DRC and Congo-Brazzaville
On 12 January, BBC Africa reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) has scaled up its response to the floods in Congo-Brazzaville. WHO has allocated USD 100,000 for the deployment of rescue workers. It stated: "Heavy flooding has caused widespread devastation in Congo, with nine of its 12 [regional] departments affected.” It added that the floods have affected nearly 336,000 Congolese people. Congo Brazzaville and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo have been facing severe floods for the past two weeks. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the floods have killed more than 300 people. (“WHO boosts Congo-Brazzaville response amid severe floods,” BBC, 12 January 2024)
Israel describes South Africa’s defence in ICJ as “a sweeping counter-factual description”
On 12 January, Israeli lawyer Tal Becker for the ICJ case on genocide in Gaza filed by South Africa described South Africa’s defence as “a sweeping counter-factual description.” South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza violating the 1948 Genocide Convention and requested the court to order Israel to cease its military actions against Gaza. (“Israel says South Africa distorting the truth in ICJ genocide case,” BBC, 12 January 2024)