Photo : Guy Peterson, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Guy Peterson, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph and Narmatha S
Liberia: US ambassador applauds country’s democracy
On 1 February, the US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfired describes Liberia as an example of democracy in Africa. Following her recent visit to the continent, she stated that Liberia “is truly an example for not just West Africa, but the entire continent of Africa. We really should commend Liberians for that success.” President Joseph Boakai was sworn in as President in January. Greenfield stated: “Liberia has been very supportive and worked closely with us here at the UN, and we’re committed to helping President Boakai succeed.” (“US ambassador applauds Liberia for setting an example,” BBC, 1 February 2024)
Mali: UN rights chief raises concern over the death of 50 people
On 1 February, the UN Human Rights chief, Volker Turk, stated that he was “appalled” by the execution of 25 people by the Malian army and foreign military personnel on 26 January. He stated: “I am appalled by credible allegations that Malian armed forces accompanied by foreign military personnel summarily executed at least 25 people in Welingara village, in the central Nara region on 26 January.” He also raised concern about the report of the death of 30 civilians in an attack by armed men. (“UN rights chief decries death of 50 people in Mali attacks,” Al Jazeera, 1 February 2024)
Sudan: International community responsible for the war, comments former Prime Minister
On 1 February, Sudan's Former Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok, told BBC that the international community failed to bring peace and stability in Sudan after the three-decades rule of Omar al-Bashir who was ousted in 2019. He added that the crisis in Sudan is being neglected by the international community. Hamdok met the RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in January and planning to meet Sudan's military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to mediate peace. Abdalla Hamdok served as Prime Minister following the ousting of Bashir. (“Sudan's ex-PM partly blames war on diplomatic neglect,” BBC, 1 February 2024)
Ghana: LGBTQ is against his Christian faith, says former president
On 1 February, BBC reported on LGBTQ rights that have become a controversial issue in Ghana. The Parliament is considering an anti-LGBTQ bill, imposing tough penalties on the LGBTQ community. The bill forbids LGBTQ identity and imposes a jail sentence of a maximum of five years for same-sex activities. The bill also bans support for the LGBTQ community. Ghana's former president and leading opposition figure, John Dramani Mahama, told Reuters: "The faith I have will not allow me to accept a man marrying a man, and a woman marrying a woman.” (“Ghana's opposition leader condemns LGBTQ practices,” BBC, 1 February 2024)