Photo : Luc Gnago, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Luc Gnago, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Burkina Faso: Attack on mosque in Natiaboani
On 26 February, BBC reported that gunmen attacked a mosque in the town of Natiaboani on 25 February. Insurgents currently control a large area of the country. The incident happened on the same day attackers targeted a church in the northern village of Essakane and killed dozens. Attacks on religious buildings have increased recently. No group has claimed the attack. Al Qaeda in the Sahel region asserted that it only captured army barracks in Natiaboani and denied the attack on the mosque. ("Burkina Faso mosque attack: Dozens killed during prayers," BBC, 26 February 2024)
Ethiopia: Heightening tensions in Amhara
On 26 February, BBC reported on Ethiopia’s Amhara region facing increased fighting between the regional militia, Fano, and the federal forces. The federal authority has blocked a road connecting Debre Birhan and Dese following the fighting. Previously, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission alleged that the federal troops had carried out dozens of extra-judicial killings in the region. ("Residents in Ethiopian region describe 'intense' clashes," BBC, 26 February 2024)
Kenya: The US carries out joint military exercises
On 26 February, the US began its military exercise, Justified Accord, in Kenya. Nearly 20 countries took part in the 11-day exercise. The exercise aims to achieve countries' readiness for peacekeeping missions, crisis response, and humanitarian assistance. The US military stated: "Justified Accord, the largest exercise in East Africa, showcases the desire of the US and partner nations to increase readiness and interoperability for regional security and crisis response." ("US begins its largest military exercise in East Africa," BBC, 26 February 2024)
Nigeria: Army denies report of coup plot
On 26 February, the Nigerian Army denied the reports of a coup attempt. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that reports were falsified and advised the public to ignore them. The presidential guards were mobilised in the capital Abuja, triggering a suspected coup. (“Nigerian army denies report of coup plot,” BBC, 26 February 2024)
Ecowas lifts sanctions against Guinea and Niger
On 26 February, the ECOWAS lifted sanctions imposed on Guinea followed by Niger. ECOWAS stated: "The authority instructs the president of the commission to invite all four Ecowas member states in transition to technical and consultative meetings of Ecowas as well as to all security-related meetings." Previously, the bloc imposed sanctions on Niger, Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso following the respective coups. The bloc's President Omar Alieu Touray stated that the decision is purely on a "humanitarian basis." In January, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso left the bloc forming the Alliance of Sahel States. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu urged three countries to reconsider their withdrawal decision. (“West African bloc Ecowas lifts sanctions against Guinea,” BBC, 26 February 2024)