Photo : Tolga Bozoglu, EPA
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Tolga Bozoglu, EPA
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Somalia: Signs defence deal with Turkey
On 21 February, Somalia signed a defence agreement with Tukey to enhance its maritime security. The deal was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Defence Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and his Turkish counterpart Yaşar Güler during the former's visit to Türkiye. The ten-year deal allows Turkey to arm and train the Somalian Navy and deploy its troops in Somalian waters. The Somalian coast is prone to several illegal activities and piracy. Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi stated that the deal would eliminate such crimes and improve maritime security. (“Somalia approves major defence deal with Turkey,” BBC, 21 February 2024)
Ghana: Delayed green nuclear plans
On 21 February, BBC reported on Ghana’s plans to build and run one or two nuclear power plants by 2030. Nuclear power is the key to its demand in the energy sector and transit to greener energy. However, the transition is being delayed due to the financial crisis. The executive director of state-run Nuclear Power Ghana, Stephen Yamoah, stated: “We should probably have been starting construction now, but we’re still engaging to identify the [right] vendor.” The Ghanaian government has been negotiating with China, France, Russia, South Korea and the US on their nuclear power development. (“Ghana's green nuclear plans face delay,” BBC, 21 February 2024)
South Africa: Government to use foreign reserves to pay off debt
On 21 February, at the budget speech by the South African Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana announced plans to tap into the country’s foreign reserves and gold to reduce its debts. South Africa's current borrowings are the highest since 1947. The budget is predominantly spent on servicing the debt rather than developments. (“SA government to use foreign reserves to pay off debt,” BBC, 21 February 2024)
Ethiopia: Accidental drone strike on civilians
On 21 February, BBC reported on the accidental army drone strike that killed dozens of civilians in the Amhara region. During a confrontation with the Amhara militant group, Fano, the army drone hit a truck that was dropping passengers in Sasit town. 30 civilians were reportedly killed and 18 others were injured. The Amhara region has been under a state of emergency since August 2022. (“Ethiopian army drone kills dozens, witnesses say,” BBC, 21 February 2024)
Nigeria: NCS to hand out seized food amid crisis
On 21 February, following a food crisis amidst protests in at least five states, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) planned to hand out the seized food items. A spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, vowed for equitable transfer of food items to those in dire need. Unspecified tons of rice, groundnut oil, noodles, and other goods would be made available to regular Nigerians. Previously, the African Development Bank (AfDB) had cautioned about the high cost of living, and unpleasant situations are yet to come. ("Nigeria customs to distribute seized food amid crisis," BBC, 21 February 2024)
Senegal: Justice Minister announced the release of protestors
On 21 February, Senegal’s Minister of Justice, Aissata Tall Sall, announced the release of 400 protesters who were detained during the protests in March 2021 and June 2023. The release of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and presidential candidate Bachirou Diomaye Faye is unclear. She stated: "The only thing I can say is that this is not a mass release; these are cases that are studied on a case-by-case basis according to the elements in the files.” The announcement came after Senegal’s Constitutional Council annulled the government's decision to postpone the elections to December 2024. (" Senegal releases hundreds of political prisoners," BBC, 21 February 2024)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Rebel leaders sanctioned by the UN
On 21 February, the UN imposed an arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze against six rebel leaders. It includes the military spokesperson of the M23 rebel group, a general of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), two senior leaders in the Ugandan armed group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a leader of the National Coalition of the People for the Sovereignty of Congo (CNPSC), a member of Mai-Mai group, and a commander of the Twirwaneho armed group. US Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs in the UN, Robert Wood, stated: "These individuals are responsible for numerous abuses." ("UN sanctions six DR Congo rebel leaders," BBC, 21 February 2024)
West African coups spark debate and sanctions
On 21 February, several West African countries witnessed military coups in recent years with leaders ousted due to their perceived failures in handling armed groups. These coups have triggered sanctions from the regional bloc ECOWAS, angering the affected nations. Meanwhile, the situation has sparked debates about the state of democracy in the region, even though locals in some countries seem to have initially welcomed the military takeovers. As regional leaders prepare to meet, concerns linger about the future of democracy and stability in West Africa. ("‘ECOWAS is making efforts to get across to Niger’: Nigerian defence chief," BBC, 21 February 2024)