Photo : Audu Marte, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Audu Marte, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Nigeria: “Education to tackle deadly attacks,” says President
On 18 January, Africanews reported that Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has promised a "massive education" of youth as a way to overcome the increasing attacks and kidnappings. Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that Tinbu reprehended these consecutive attacks and highlighted that education is the anecdote to tackle the challenges. He stated: "There is no weapon against poverty that is as potent as learning." The country is grappling with violent attacks and abductions in the northwest and central regions and Jihadist insurgency in the northeast. ("Nigerian leader says 'massive education' of youth will help end kidnappings threatening the capital," Africanews, 18 January 2024)
Comoros: Azali Assoumani's another five-year tenure as President
On 16 January, the Comoros Independent National Electoral Commission announced that President Azali Assoumani had been re-elected for another five-year term. He won the elections by securing 62.97 per cent of the vote. Following the announcement, several clashes were reported in the capital Moroni. Besides, elections were marked by allegations of fraud and irregularities by the opposition. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission highlighted this election's voter turnout at 16.3 per cent. ("Comoros' Assoumani reelected president with 62.7% of votes," Africanews, 18 January 2024)
South Africa: Increasing crime rate creates fear
On 18 January, BBC reported on violent crimes and killings that are increasing in South Africa. According to the latest annual statistics, more than 27,000 people were killed in a year. The insecurities reported are due to crimes, poverty and unemployment. Cash-in-transit hijacks are common, as security vans carrying money are rammed off deliberately and the guards are attacked and killed. Wahl Bartmann, the head of security firm Fidelity Services Group, claimed that the gangs are "like a terrorist group.” He added that the gang are well organised and executed and it has been very difficult to track down and stop them. Fifteen of the company's guards were killed last year during robberies. (“Cash-in-transit heists bring terror to South Africa’s roads,” BBC, 18 January, 2024)
Uganda: Deliberate protests ahead of NAM conference
On 18 January, BBC reported that opposition leader Bobi Wine claimed that the protest was planned deliberately at the venue of the Non-Aligned Movement conference in Kampala. Bobi Wine was under house arrest and was denied permission to perform any demonstrations against the government. Besides, the police officials claimed that they had taken several measures to prevent any protest ahead of the NAM conference. However, Bobi Wine claimed that it is his constitutional right to hold protests and gatherings. He aimed to publicise the country's issues at the international forum where more than 100 delegates from all over the world are gathered. Wine stated: "We want to send a strong message to the Non-Aligned Movement and remind them that the movement is losing its soul.” (“Protest was aimed at Non-Aligned conference - Bobi Wine,” BBC, 18 January, 2024)
Somalia: Refuses mediation with Ethiopia, demands withdrawal of agreement with Somaliland
On 18 January, BBC reported that Tensions are brewing between Somalia and Ethiopia over a recent deal between Ethiopia and the self-declared republic of Somaliland. Somalia opposed the agreement, which grants Ethiopia potential access to Somaliland's coastline, deeming it an infringement on its territorial integrity and claiming it as “illegal.” While the African Union urges restraint and respect for Somalia's sovereignty, the latter refuses mediation unless Ethiopia withdraws from the deal. ("Somalia calls on Ethiopia to retract Somaliland deal," BBC, 18 January 2024)
Ethiopia: UN's concern on worsening drought
On 18 January, the UN raised concerns about the severe drought in Ethiopia. It urged for immediate response and funding. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) mentioned that the drought has affected nearly four million residents in the Amhara and Oromia, Afar and Tigray regions. It stated: "Multiple and often overlapping crises have severely weakened people’s ability to cope with climate shocks such as drought leaving millions of people vulnerable to falling even further into severe need and destitution." Tigray officials claimed that another 200 people died from starving and that the region is "on the verge of humanitarian catastrophe." ("UN appeals for urgent funding to battle drought in Ethiopia," BBC, 18 January 2024)