Photo : Moses Sawasawa, AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Moses Sawasawa, AP Photo
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
South African soldiers killed in DR Congo
On 15 February, BBC reported that the South African troops that were deployed in DRC to quell the rebellion were attacked, leading to two fatalities and three others injured. The troops were sent as part of the Southern African Development Community (SDAC) to assist the Congolese army’s fight against insurgency in eastern DRC. South Africa's opposition has called for an immediate withdrawal from the country. The development came after the M23 rebels captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu. (“South African troops killed in DR Congo: What is behind the Sadc deployment?,” BBC, 15 February 2024)
Senegal: Constitutional Council annuls the election delay
On 15 February, the BBC reported that the Constitutional Council ordered the delayed election proposed by President Macky Sall as “unlawful.” The council cancelled the election postponement and the contentious bill passed by parliament scheduling the election for December, calling it unconstitutional. The opposition described the ruling as "a great day for democracy.” Former Prime Minister, Aminata Touré, stated: "We've been so ashamed by all this violation of the law and the constitution.” On 3 February, President Macky Sall announced the election delay citing issues over the eligibility of the candidates. At least three people were killed during the riots that followed. (“Senegal election: Court blocks President Macky Sall's bid to delay poll,” BBC, 15 February 2024)
South Africa: Foreign minister slams Israel at the AU Summit
On 15 February, the BBC reported on the South African response to the Israeli allegations that it is representing the interests of Hamas. After South Africa filed a case against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the two countries are in a row. Israel called the South African government the representatives of the interests of the Hamas. South Africa's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Naledi Pandor, replied: "Insults are the last resort of a scoundrel.” At the African Union Summit, Pandor commented that the international community is responsible for ending the Israel-Hamas conflict. (“We are not representing Hamas - SA foreign minister,” BBC, 15 February 2024)
Cameroon: HRW questions the injustice of the Ngarbuh village massacre
On 15 February, Human Rights Watch (HRW) asserted that the prolonged justice by the Cameron's military court is an injustice to the 21 killings in Ngarbuh village in 2022. HRW director for Central Africa, Lewis Mudge stated: “Hearings have been postponed multiple times,... the court has refused to admit key evidence." The village of Ngarbuh was attacked by soldiers and armed personnel on the suspicion of the presence of separatists. The government refused to hold responsibility. ("Trial for Cameroon killings marred by irregularities - HRW," BBC, 15 February 2024)
Africa: Russia's neocolonialism meet
On 15 February, BBC quoted Russia's Sputnik and United Russia Party that South Africa and the Central African Republic took part in a neocolonialism forum organised by Russia. It was themed "Forum of Supporters of The Struggles Against Modern Practices Of Neo-colonialism – For The Freedom Of Nations." South Africa's ruling ANC party's Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera attended the event. In addition, North Korea's ruling party delegates and other representatives from the global south who consider Russia a colonialist fighter attended the forum. ("SA, CAR teams attend neo-colonialism event in Russia," BBC, 15 February 2024)
Egypt: Reconciliation efforts with Turkey
On 15 February, BBC reported that Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi disclosed their intentions of turning "a new leaf" in their relationship following the decade-long estrangement. Turkey-Egypt relations fell apart after the ousting of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi who was backed by Turkey in 2013. The development came after both parties met in the Egyptian capital Cairo. During the meeting, both sides agreed to several bilateral agreements. ("Egypt renews ties with Turkey as Erdogan visits Cairo," BBC, 15 February 2024)