Photo : Eduardo Soteras, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Eduardo Soteras, AFP
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
The AU swifts action to tackle instability across Africa
On 18 February, BBC reported on the African Union Commission's collective measures to address issues across Africa. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat made the call during the two-day AU Summit. The bloc's top agenda is the conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mahamat raised concerns about the "litany of difficulties" in the region. He added that the situation in Sudan was "bruised, torn, sinking into chaos" due to the war that has been raging since 2023. He voiced concern for the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Libya being divided and exposed to foreign interference, the rise in jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region, and Senegal's political crisis due to a delayed election. He added: "Africa cannot remain arms folded and not work to promote genuine peace in the region.” (“AU Commission chief urges action on Africa instability,” BBC, 18 February 2024)
Senegal: Protests demanding immediate election
On 18 February, BBC reported on the opposition's demand for immediate elections. Several opposition demonstrators gathered in the capital Dakar, demanding the presidential election to be held at the earliest. Following President Macky Sall's announcement of delayed elections, the country witnessed several riots and protests. The election was scheduled for 25 February, however, on 3 February Sall postponed it to December citing disputes over the eligibility of the candidates. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Council annulled the delay describing it “unconstitutional.” (“Senegal election: Opposition supporters march in Dakar calling for swift vote Published,” BBC, 18 February 2024)
Democratic Republic of Congo: US condemns M23 rebel attack
On 18 February, the US condemned the drone attack in Congo carried out by the M23 rebel group which is allegedly backed by Rwanda. The development came after the group advanced toward Goma, the capital of North Kivu. The conflict has forced thousands to be displaced. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated: “This escalation has increased the risk to millions of people already exposed to human rights abuses including displacement, deprivation, and attacks.” The DRC, the UN and Western countries accuse Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led M23 group in a bid to control mineral resources, which was denied by the country. (“US ‘strongly condemns’ violence in DR Congo after alleged drone attack,” Al Jazeera, 18 February 2024)