Photo : Cem Ozdel, Anadolu
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Cem Ozdel, Anadolu
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Senegal: Protests against postponed elections
On 6 February, BBC reported on Senegal’s political crisis following the postponement of elections. A contentious bill was passed, delaying the presidential elections to December 2024. The city raged with demonstrations and protests clashed with the riot police. The opposition party alleged that they were forced out of the parliament. Khalifa Sall, a leading opponent and a former mayor of Dakar, called the move a “constitutional coup” and urged people to protest against the delay of elections. Former Prime Minister Aminata Touré condemned the bill. Meanwhile, the AU, ECOWAS, the US and the UK called on the authorities to hold the elections immediately. (“Senegal on the brink after elections postponed,” BBC, 06 February 2024)
Ethiopia: President assures no ill intentions on Somalia
On 6 February, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed commented that Ethiopia "does not wish any harm" for Somalia. This comes on the sidelines of Ethiopia-Somalia tensions over a port deal signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Somalia sees the deal, which grants Ethiopia access to the sea, as an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty. Somalia has called its youth to prepare for defence and Ethiopia has blamed unnamed forces for inciting conflict. (“Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed says his country does not wish harm on Somalia,” BBC, 6 February 2024)
Somalia: Ten people killed in blast series
On 6 February, Al Jazeera reported that at least ten people were killed and 20 were injured in the capital Mogadishu, following a series of blasts. The incident occurred near the Bakara market near the city. Although the cause behind the blasts is unclear, al-Qaeda linked al Shabab group carry out frequent attacks in the region. The authorities have announced an investigation into the attack. (“Ten dead, 20 others injured in multiple blasts in market in Somali capital,” Al Jazeera, 6 February 2024)