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NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
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IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Somalia: Joins EAC as the eighth member
On 4 March, Somalia joined as a full-time member of the East African Community (EAC) after the successful completion of requirements. The EAC secretariat stated that Somalia gained membership in the bloc “after depositing her Instrument of Ratification with the Secretary General.” In November, Somalia requested to join the bloc to boost the country’s economic growth. However, other members were sceptical of granting the membership due to the flaring insurgency and poverty in the country. (“Somalia becomes full member of East African Community,” BBC, 4 March 2024)
Sudan: Demand to reinstate AU membership before mediation
On 4 March, Sudan’s military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanded reinstation of the country’s AU membership to consider the AU-led mediation to end the conflict. Al Burhan stated: “Sudan's confidence in the AU and the potential solutions it can provide to end the war, but only if the state regains its full membership and the organisation treats it as such.” Sudan was suspended from the AU following the military takeover on 25 October 2021. Later, in April 2023, the AU formed a special three-member panel to resolve the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). (“Sudan demands reinstatement before accepting AU mediation,” BBC, 4 March 2024)
Zimbabwe: US imposes sanctions over corruption
On 4 March, The US imposed sanctions on several Zimbabwe’s officials including President Emmerson Mnangagwa for allegedly drawing off money for personal purposes. The US Department of State stated: “With this action, the 2003 executive sanction order is repealed and 11 people and three businesses are added to the worldwide Magnitsky sanctions program's list.” (“US sanctions Zimbabwe president for corruption,” BBC, 4 March 2024)
Ghana: Finance Ministry warns against anti-LGBTQ law
On 4 March, Ghana’s Ministry of Finance cautioned the government against signing the new anti-LGBTQ bill that would cause a loss of USD 3.8 billion in World Bank funding over the next five years. The ministry suggested President Nana Akufo-Addo not sign the bill until the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the constitutionality of the bill. The bill was approved by the Ghanaian parliament the previous week. It imposes a three-year sentence for those who identify as LGBTQ and a five-year sentence for supporting or funding LGBTQ groups. (“Ghana's finance ministry warns against anti-LGBT bill,” BBC, 4 March 2024)
Algeria: Extends aid to Mozambique’s fight against Jihadists
On 4 March, in the light of Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi's four-day visit, the Algerian government vowed to extend its support to Mozambique’s fight against Jihadist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Nyusi stated that Algeria has "promised immediate support for the Local Force, the one that is fighting terrorism." (“Algeria pledges to help Mozambique fight jihadists,” BBC, 4 March 2024)