Photo : Njeri Mwangi, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Njeri Mwangi, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Tanzania: Bans Kenya Airways
On 15 January, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) banned Kenya Airways’ flights from landing in Dar es Salaam. This retaliates against Kenya's refusal to allow Air Tanzania cargo flights in Nairobi, violating a 2016 agreement. Tanzania claims losses over USD 330,000 per cargo flight denied. Hamza Johari, director general of the TCCA, stated: "We have written to Kenyan authorities’ but they do not respond.” In response, Kenya Airways asserted that it is "engaging the Civil Aviation Authorities and relevant government agencies in Kenya and Tanzania to find a solution that will ensure there are no flight disruptions between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam." ("Tanzania bans Kenya Airways flights in tit-for-tat move," BBC, 15 January 2024)
Mauritius: Heavy rains ahead of cyclone Belal
On 15 January, BBC reported that cyclone Belal which was formed in the Indian Ocean hit the Mauritius and French territory of Réunion. A major part of the Réunion island is inaccessible to power and fresh water. People have been advised to stay indoors until the cyclone crosses the island. Two people died; one in Réunion and the other in Mauritius. Mauritius Meteorological Services stated: "Belal is dangerously approaching Mauritius and it represents a threat.” A curfew was imposed and the international airport, government offices, banks and other firms were shut in advance of expected torrential rain. Additionally, heavy destruction of properties was reported. Cyclones are common in the southern Africa region during the January to March months with the southern hemisphere reaching their warmest temperatures. In 2022, the World Weather Attribution stated that climate change has caused an increase in rainfall in the region causing extreme weather conditions. (“Cyclone Belal: Flooding as storm hits Réunion and heads for Mauritius,” BBC, 15 January 2024)