Photo : Edwin Ndeke, Al Jazeera
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Edwin Ndeke, Al Jazeera
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S, Anu Maria Joseph and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Kenya: 'Dark Valentine' to end femicides
On 14 February, Valentine's Day was marked as a 'Dark Valentine' in Kenya. Hundreds of people gathered in black outfits with candles and red roses to spend their Valentine's Day demanding action from the government to prevent gender-based violence and femicide. Seven vigil gatherings were held across Kenya to honour more than 30 women who have been killed in 2024. This was organised by the End Femicide Kenya Movement, a collective of more than 1,000 organisations and individuals. (“In Kenya, women hold ‘Dark Valentine’ vigils to press for end to femicides,” Al Jazeera, 14 February 2024)
37th annual African Union Summit to begin on 15 February
On 14 February, Al Jazeera reported on the beginning of the 37th annual African Union Summit on 15 February at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. According to AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, regional integration and “maintaining momentum in addressing issues of peace and security” is on the agenda. However, the conflicts and humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray, Oromo and Amhara regions complemented the tension with Somalia over the port deal with Somaliland is perceived as ironic. In January, Mahamat addressed a presummit session of the AU’s Permanent Representative’s Committee. He stressed the importance of continent-wide solidarity citing conflicts in Sudan and Chad. However, Ethiopia was not mentioned. (“Addis summit raises questions about AU’s muted stance on Ethiopia rifts,” Al Jazeera, 14 February 2024)