Photo : Ngouda Dione, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Ngouda Dione, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Senegal: Migrant boat shipwreck causes casualties
On 29 February, BBC reported that a migrant boat, carrying more than 300 people to Europe, sank; 24 people reportedly drowned. The boat sank near the Saint Louis estuary, a meeting point of Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. President Macky Sall expressed his "deep sadness" stating: "The relevant authorities have been mobilised to provide them with support and assistance." (" At least 24 dead in migrant shipwreck in Senegal," BBC, 29 February 2024)
Ghana: US raises concern over the anti-LGBTQ bill
On 29 February, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, expressed concern over the anti-LGBTQ bill which was passed by the parliament. He averred: “The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy.” ("US 'deeply troubled' by Ghana's anti-gay bill," BBC, 29 February 2024)
Chad: Opposition leader killed in shootout
On 29 February, BBC reported that Chad’s opposition politician, Yaya Dillo, was killed in a shootout by security forces in the capital N’Djamena. Dillo and 12 others were killed during the attack. Dillo’s party, Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), was accused of gunfire on the headquarters of the National Security Agency (ANSE) on 28 February, which was immediately denied by the party. These attacks came after the announcement of the election that is to be held on 6 May. (“Yaya Dillo: Chad opposition leader killed in shootout," BBC, 29 February 2024)
Zambia: President declares national emergency over drought
On 29 February, President Hakainde Hichilema declared a nationwide emergency due to drought. He stated that 84 districts out of 116 are being affected by the disaster. The country has been receiving poor rainfall, escalating the fear of hunger and energy needs. The Kariba dam's water level has dropped to nearly 11.5 per cent which is used for harnessing hydroelectric power by Zambia and Zimbabwe. The president stated that the drought would affect the production of 450 megawatts of power. (“Zambia declares national emergency over drought,” BBC, 29 February 2024)