Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Zimbabwe: Cabinet supports death penalty abolition
On 7 February, Zimbabwe’s cabinet expressed its support for the proposed legislation on the abolition of the death penalty, a dire decision to abolish such punishment in the Southern African country. Information Minister, Jenfan Muswere, informed that the decision was taken after consulting the public. (“Zimbabwe's cabinet backs abolition of death penalty,” BBC, 7 February 2024)
Senegal: Three opposition lawmakers arrested
On 7 February, three Members of Parliament (MPs) were arrested after protesting against the parliament’s decision to postpone the elections to December. The announcement has stimulated global concern and protests across the country. The African regional bloc, ECOWAS, insisted on finalising the electoral calendar to avoid tensions. Further, the US Department of State stated that this was "contrary to Senegal’s strong democratic tradition." (“Senegal opposition MPs arrested in poll row crackdown,” BBC, 7 February 2024)
Uganda: Julia Sebutinde elected as the new ICJ vice-president
On 7 February, Judge Julia Sebutinde, a Ugandan jurist serving the International Court of Justice (ICJ), was elected as the new vice president. She sparked controversy by dissenting the emergency measures requested by South Africa against the Israel-Gaza war. She was one of two jurists who voted against the ICJ ruling among the total 17-member panel. (“Uganda's Judge Sebutinde takes over as ICJ vice-president,” BBC, 7 February 2024)
The Democratic Republic of Congo: Increasing displacement after M23 advance
On 7 February, Al Jazeera reported that the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by the Rwandan government, has intensified fighting in the eastern DRC, displacing 42,000 people from the town of Mweso. The conflict has reached near Goma, the capital of North Kivu state. It raises concerns about further displacement and violence. The DRC government assured that it would not let Goma be captured by the rebels. Meanwhile, on 7 February, the rebel group stated its actions as “defensive manoeuvres.” Meanwhile, the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported on treating 30 wounded people and evacuating several of its staff after bullets hit a hospital sheltering residents. The situation remains tense with international accusations and diplomatic tensions simmering. (“Thousands flee in eastern DR Congo as M23 rebels advance near Goma,” Al Jazeera, 7 February 2024)
Madagascar: Calls to abolish castration law
On 7 February, BBC reported on the calls for immediate action to abolish castration law laid forward by Amnesty International. The castration law was enforced in January by President Andry Rajoelina. It will impose rape criminals with chemical and surgical castration. The Human Rights group, Amnesty International, called for cancelling the law describing it as "cruel, inhuman and degrading.” Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty's regional director for east and southern Africa, stated: "Implementing chemical and surgical castration, which constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, as a punishment for those found guilty of raping minors will not solve this and is inconsistent with Malagasy constitutional provisions against torture and other ill-treatment, as well as regional and international human rights standard.” (“Scrap castration proposal - Amnesty urges Madagascar,” BBC, 7 February)
Sudan: Internet blackout as war continues
On 7 February, BBC reported on the situation of the civil war in Sudan. The 10-month civil war between the RSF and the SAF has killed thousands and displaced millions. NetBlocks, a watchdog that monitors internet freedom, informed that there had been a new collapse of internet connectivity in Sudan. The two major internet providers, Uganda Telecom and MTN, faced disturbance in the services. The RSF is blamed by state-aligned media. Meanwhile, in the Sudan Tribune, the RSF accused the SAF of service blackouts. Currently, Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum and Gezira states are under the control of the RSF. (“Sudan hit by internet blackout as civil war continues,” BBC, 7 February 2024)
Sudan: UN appeals for humanitarian fund
On 7 February BBC reported on the UN’s appeal for humanitarian fund allocation for Sudan. It has appealed for USD four billion to meet the needs of displaced residing in Sudan and neighbouring countries as war intensifies. More than half of the population, which is nearly 18 million people, need aid as they face acute food shortages. (“Human suffering of epic proportions in Sudan - UN,” BBC, 7 February 2024)
Ethiopia: Abiy Ahmed denies hunger deaths
On 7 February, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed denied the allegations of deaths due to hunger in the country. He stated: “There are no people dying due to hunger in Ethiopia.” However, he accepted that “people may have died” due to illnesses associated with malnutrition. He conceded the country's food insecurities and drought that are affecting many conflict-hit regions including Tigray, Oromo and Amhara, however, warned not to politicise the issue. The previous month, the state-appointed Federal Ombudsman Institute reported that nearly 400 people died in Tigray and Amhara regions due to hunger. (“Nobody is dying of hunger in Ethiopia - PM,” BBC, 7 February 2024)