Photo : REUTERS
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : REUTERS
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Italy-African summit in Rome
On 29 January, BBC reported that the leaders from several African countries arrived in Rome ahead of a two-day Italy-Africa summit. Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, emphasised the country’s “new approach” in Africa which is “not predatory, not paternalistic, but not charitable either.” The summit focuses on energy, economy, infrastructural development, culture, food security and education sectors. The summit also aims to boost investments in Africa and reduce the influx of migrants. (“African presidents arrive in Rome for Italy summit," BBC, 29 January 2024)
Sudan: SAF's Iranian drone shot down
On 29 January, BBC reported on increasing strikes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The RSF claimed to have shot down SAF's Iranian-made drone. The aircraft was identified as an Iranian Mohajer-6, the third such drone recently neutralised by the RSF. The RSF official stated that although it managed to identify and destroy the drone, it continues to face threats and challenges that have claimed hundreds of lives. It added that the SAF is an extremist and carries out attacks against international and humanitarian laws. (“Sudan's RSF says it downed Iranian-made drone," BBC, 29 January, 2024)
Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso terminates from ECOWAS
On 29 January, BBC reported that the founding members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, announced their departure from the bloc with several alleged accusations. The military government stated that the withdrawal was a “sovereign” decision. All three countries jointly stated that the bloc is"under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to member states and peoples” and has failed to counter jihadist insurgency in the region. Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister and mediator between junta states and ECOWS, Timothy Musa Kabba, denied the accusations describing them as "unfortunate." He added that ECOWAS intended to "find a solution to the impasse" and ensure peace, security and stability in the region. (“Ecowas: Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso quit West African bloc," BBC, 29 January 2024; “Ecowas not under influence of foreign powers - mediator," BBC, 29 January 2024)
Sudan: Fight between armed groups in Abyei region
On 29 January, BBC reported on the two armed groups carrying out raids in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan. The Ngok and Twic ethnic armed groups from South Sudan’s Warrap state have been fighting since 27 January over land. South Sudan and Sudan claim ownership over the Abyei region and the conflict over the claims has remained unresolved since 2011. Abyei Special Administrative Area authorities mentioned that at least 42 people, mostly women and children, were killed in the attack, adding that the Twics had been carrying out a series of "barbaric coordinated attacks." On 29 January, the UNIFSA stated: "Currently, according to local authorities, 52 civilians have lost their lives, while 64 others are said to be gravely wounded." (“More than 50 killed along Sudan-South Sudan border,” BBC, 30 January 2024)
South Africa: Jacob Zuma suspended from ANC
On 29 January, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) announced its decision to suspend former President Jacob Zuma, over forming a new party. The ANC stated that it has been tolerating Zuma for a long time citing that he refused to vote for the party. ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula stated: "Zuma and others whose conduct is in conflict with our values and principles, will find themselves outside the African National Congress." Zuma was sentenced to jail in 2021 under the charges of corruption and state capture during his presidency. However, he denied all accusations. In December, Zuma formed a new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), meaning "spear of the nation" against ANC. (“South Africa: ANC suspends ex-President Jacob Zuma after rival party launch,” BBC, 30 January 2023)