Photo : Amanuel Sileshi, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Amanuel Sileshi, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Eritrea: Maltreatment of migrants in Ethiopia
On 22 January, BBC reported on the ill-treatment of Eritrean migrants in Ethiopian detention centres. Nearly 100 people are in detention centres for more than two months where they are poorly treated in harsh conditions. The political unrest in Sudan led to violent attacks on civilians forcing nearly seven million people out of the country. Thousands of Eritreans who were affected are migrating to the neighbouring countries of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. (“Eritrean migrants talk of harsh detention in Ethiopia”, BBC, 22 January 2024.)
Sudan: EU imposes sanctions on various companies
On 22 January, BBC reported on the sanctions imposed on companies by the EU in Sudan. Since the war broke out in April, war crimes committed by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have killed more than 10,000 people. Six firms, associated with helping Sudan in arms support, have been sanctioned. Among these companies, two firms have been supporting the SAF with weapons, finance and logistics. Three firms have been supporting the RSF in acquiring weapons and ammunition. The EU stated that it is deeply concerned about civilians and the humanitarian situation. (“EU sanctions companies dealing with Sudan”, BBC, 22 January 2024.)
Africa: Blinken's four-day visit
On 22 January, BBC reported that the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, has begun his four-day trip in Cape Verde. He encouraged the country’s functioning in the region and called it a beacon of stability. Blinken would visit the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Angola as a part of his four-day trip. US President Joe Biden promised to visit Africa by 2023 in a US-African summit in 2022. However, due to current violence in the Middle East, the focus has changed to resolve peace. Quoting President Biden, Blinken stated: “We are all in when it comes to Africa. Our futures are linked, our prosperity is linked, and African voices increasingly are shaping, animating and leading the global conversation.” (“US still committed to Africa - Blinken”, BBC, 22 January 2024)
Somalia: Missed seals could not resurface, says US Navy
On 22 January, BBC reported that the US Navy had ended its ten-day search and rescue operation to locate the two Seal Navy missing off the Somalia coast. The US central command stated: "We regret to announce that after a 10-day exhaustive search, our two missing US Navy Seals have not been located and their status has been changed to the deceased." The search and rescue operation was aided by Spanish and Japanese forces, providing ships and aircraft in the Gulf of Aden. On 11 January, the two seals went to capture a dhow which was carrying weapons. In return, the seal-carrying dhow was said to have fallen into the waters. ("Navy Seals missing off Somalia's coast are dead - US navy," BBC, 22 January 2024)