Photo : Pius Utomi Ekpei, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Pius Utomi Ekpei, AFP
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Nigeria: Economic recession and increasing cost of living
On 13 February, BBC reported on the economic recession and increased cost of living in Nigeria. The cost of rice has increased 70 per cent from that of 2023 and people are forced to rely on the Afafata rice. Afafata rice is normally discarded as not saleable at the end of the sorting and is sold to farmers to feed the fish. Besides, the cancellation of fuel subsidies and devaluation of the Naira has worsened inflation. Protests broke out across the country demanding to reduce the cost of goods. (“Nigeria cost of living: People turn to 'throw-away' rice for food,” BBC, 13 February 2024)
Senegal: New internet restrictions
On 13 February, the Ministry of Communication issued new internet restrictions to prevent the spread of hateful messages against the government. The decision came following the violent protest against President Macky Sall who announced the delayed elections on 3 February. Sall cited a dispute in the eligibility of the candidates for the election postponement. The election was scheduled for 25 February and is currently postponed to December 2024. (“Senegal restricts internet access,” BBC, 13 February 2024)
South Africa: Deploys troops to assist DRC
On 13 February, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the deployment of 2,900 soldiers as part of the Southern African mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) to assist conflict-torn DRC. The deployment accounts for ZAR two billion and is said to last until December. SAMIDRC was initiated in May 2023 after DRC left the East African bloc citing its ineffectiveness. In addition to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania are extending their support. ("South Africa to deploy 2,900 soldiers to DR Congo," BBC, 13 February 2024)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Clashes between police and the protesters
On 13 February, BBC reported on the police using tear gas to disperse anti-West protesters in the capital Kinshasa. Pepin Mbindu, one of the protesters stated: "The Westerners are behind the looting of our country. Rwanda doesn't work alone, so they must leave our country." They burned the flags of the US and Belgium. The US asked the protesters to keep "a low profile" and the UK cautioned that the protest is "likely to continue throughout the week" and asserted on the risk of foreigners being "indiscriminately targeted." The fear persists as the M23 rebel group advances towards Goma in the eastern DRC; however, the group has denied the intention of attacking Goma. According to the UN, the intensifying conflict in the region has displaced more than seven million people. Meanwhile, the government of Congo has assured of controlling the status quo. ("DR Congo protests: Police fire tear gas to disperse anti-Western demonstrations in Kinshasa,” BBC, 13 February 2024)
South Africa: Requests ICJ to reconsider emergency measures
On 13 February, Al Jazeera reported that South Africa has urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where Israel plans to expand its offensive. They argued that Israel's actions violated the ICJ's previous ruling and the Genocide Convention. With thousands already killed and displaced, South Africa seeks stronger measures to prevent further harm. ("South Africa urges ICJ to consider action on Israel’s planned Rafah assault," Al Jazeera, 13 February 2024)
Ethiopia: EHRC claims 45 killed by security forces
On 13 February, the state-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) alleged that the Ethiopian government's security forces killed 45 civilians in a massacre in January. The commission confirmed “the identity of at least 45 civilians who were extrajudicially killed by government security forces for allegedly ‘supporting [ethnic Amhara armed group] Fano’.” The US raised concerns over the “targeted civilian killings” in Merawi, Amhara. According to the EHRC, the clashes in the Amhara region were plagued by extrajudicial and mass killings, mainly carried out by security forces. The clashes between the Fano militia and the Tigrayan militia shredded when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed decided to merge the paramilitary forces. The violence in Amhara has become a major crisis since the peace agreement signed in Tigray in 2022. ("Ethiopian forces killed ‘at least 45 citizens’ in Amhara, rights body says," Al Jazeera, 13 February 2024)