Photo : Seyllou, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Seyllou, AFP
IN BRIEF
By Vetriselvi Baskaran and Narmatha S
Senegal: Protests amidst postponement of elections
On 5 February, the Senegalese parliament passed a new bill postponing the elections to December 2024. The bill received a majority with 105 Members of Parliament (MPs) voting in favour out of 165 seats. The development comes after on 4 February Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced the postponement of elections scheduled for February citing disputes regarding the eligibility of the candidates. Violent protests were carried out by several opposition parties across the capital Dakar. The riot police clashed with the protesters who burned tyres and blocked roads. The opposition called the move a “constitutional coup.” (“Senegal on the brink after elections postponed,” BBC, 5 February 2024)
South Africa: African leaders discuss bolstering mining industry
On 5 February, BBC reported that leaders, experts and investors from several African countries gathered for the annual conference to bolster the mining sector in Africa. It is a four-day event, hosted by South Africa. Discussions on critical minerals including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite which are the main components for renewable energy generation were predominantly focused. South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, mentioned Africa's potential in global energy transition, having mining as great support to it. He stated: “South Africa is pursuing a just energy transition – one that is at a pace and scale that our country can afford, and in a manner that ensures energy security and creates new opportunities for those affected.” ("African nations seek to boost mining industry," BBC, 5 February 2024)
Nigeria: Debate on lowest cost of living
On 5 February, the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu’s office claimed that the country has the lowest cost of living in Africa. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that Tinubu’s administration focuses on “solving our economic and security challenges,” adding that his reforms would cause “immediate pains, but will usher in an era of prosperity in the medium and long terms.” The comments faced criticism with opposition leader Atiku Abubakar stating: “The intense cost of living pressures have created more misery for the poor in towns and villages. There is hunger in the land, as basic commodities, including bread, are becoming out of reach for average Nigerians. His 2024 budget is a business-as-usual exercise, bereft of concrete ideas and actions that would support Nigeria’s journey toward economic transformation – consisting mainly of wasteful expenditures to cater to a bloated federal government.” ("Nigeria has Africa's lowest cost of living - presidency," BBC, 5 February 2024)
Sudan: 38 people killed in Abyei region
On 5 February, BBC reported that the recent attack in the Abyei region, a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan, took 38 lives and 18 were abducted. According to Abyei's regional administration, the majority of the victims were women and children. Additionally, the attackers raided almost 1000 cattle. The authorities accused two armed groups from the Warrap state, Twic and Ngok of carrying out “coordinated attacks” in four villages. The previous week, the same groups looted the region and killed 53 people. Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport in the Abyei Special Administration, Bulis Koch Aguar, condemned the frequent attacks. (“Weekend clashes in Abyei region leave dozens dead,” BBC, 5 February 2024)
Sudan: 12 children die of hunger in a day as war rages
On 5 February, BBC reported on the live conditions of the humanitarian crisis in war-raged Sudan. More than 11 million people have been displaced from their homes, making it the world's largest humanitarian displacement. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Darfur has warned about the devastating situation in the refugee camps. According to the agency, every two hours one child dies out of hunger at the Zamzam camp near the city of Fasher. The MSF has called for an increase in international humanitarian aid. The war that erupted in April 2023 has killed more than 12,000 people. The MSF stated that it has been able to deliver vital aid to ten per cent of those in need. (“Twelve children die of hunger each day in Sudan camp - MSF,” BBC, 5 February 2024)
Ethiopia: UK warns of devastating food crisis
On 5 February, BBC reported on the devastating food crisis in Ethiopia following the conflict and drought. The Tigray region is currently engulfed by drought; more than 350 have lost their lives to hunger. The UK Minister of Africa, Andrew Mitchell, told BBC that there is a risk of famine “if we don't now take action." He promised that Britain would donate EUR 100 million in assistance. According to the Ethiopian government, nearly 16 million people across the country are facing food shortages. (“Ethiopia: UK warns of food crisis triggered by war and drought,” BBC, 5 February 2024)