Photo : Zohra Bensemra, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Zohra Bensemra, Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Sudan: Government rejects mediation efforts of IGAD
On 16 January, BBC reported that the Sudanese government rejected the peace mediation efforts led by the International Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional body. IGAD has been negotiating with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the beginning of the conflict. Several regions of Sudan including the capital city of Khartoum, the cities of Omdurman, Bahri and Wad Madani are under the control of the RSF. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it suspended dealings with IGAD over inviting the RSF leader Hamdan Dagalo to hold peace talks. (“Sudan rejects mediation efforts by regional bloc,” BBC, 16 January, 2024)
Nigeria: Eight people dead as boat turned over
On 16 January, BBC reported that eight people including five women and three men lost their lives and several others went missing after a boat capsized in a river in Nigeria's north-central state of Niger state. The passengers were residents of the village of Dugga who were travelling to the neighbouring village of Kebbi to sell grains and sugarcane. According to BBC, over 1200 people have lost their lives in boat accidents across Nigeria between 2018 and 2023. Overcrowding, lack of facilities including life jackets, ill maintenance and less number of boats for transportation are the major reasons behind this. (“At least eight die after boat capsizes in Nigeria," BBC, 16 January, 2024)
Ethiopia: People die of starvation
On 16 January, BBC quoted the Tigray officials that more than 225 including children have lost their lives due to severe drought in the war-torn Tigray region of Ethiopia since July 2023. Almost 95 per cent of the deaths were reported in the Edga Arbi region of Tigray. According to the UN, more than 20 million people need humanitarian assistance due to conflicts and climate issues. (“About 225 die of starvation in Tigray - officials," BBC, 16 January 2024)
Niger: Prime Minister Zeine in Moscow
On 16 January, BBC reported that Niger's Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, visited Russia. Minister of Defence, Salihou Mody, and ministers of petroleum and trade accompanied Zeine. The visit aimed at strengthening economic and military ties between the two countries. The move comes after the junta faced Western sanctions and severed ties with France following the military coup. The ministers would be visiting Turkey, Iran, and Serbia as well. The visit signifies the junta's attempt to diversify its partnerships and reduce dependence on the West. ("Niger PM in Moscow to deepen military and economic ties," BBC, 16 January 2024)
Nigeria: Attack on military camp causes residents to flee
On 16 January, over 100 gunmen attacked a Nigerian military camp in the Katsina state. The armed men burned vehicles and looted nearby shops and homes, causing residents to flee. The attack highlights the ongoing issue of armed gangs, popularly called bandits, causing havoc in Nigeria despite military efforts. ("Villagers flee as gunmen overrun Nigerian military camp," BBC, 16 January 2024)
Somalia: Al Shabab-led suicide bombing kills three
On 16 January, Al Jazeera reported that a suicide bombing in Mogadishu killed three people and injured two others. Al Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack stating that they targeted local security officials. The group has been increasingly carrying out attacks since President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, declared war on them. Recently, Al Shabab attacked a UN helicopter that crash-landed in a region under the control of the group. ("Suicide bombing kills three people, injures two in Somali capital: Police," Al Jazeera, 16 January 2024)