Photo : Rui Mutemba, Save the Children, Handout via Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Rui Mutemba, Save the Children, Handout via Reuters
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Mozambique: 70 children missing after jihadist attack
On 5 March, BBC reported that 70 children went missing after a jihadist attack in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province. It is feared that the children were abducted by armed fighters linked to the Islamic State (IS). Chiùre, south of Cabo Delgado, was considered a safe haven for displaced people in the region. However, President Filipe Nyusi recently stated that the jihadists deliberately targeted Chiùre to abduct children. The regional military has been trying to tackle the jihadist insurgency that began in 2017. (“Mozambique jihadist attacks: Fears for 70 missing children," BBC, 5 March 2024)
Gambia: Bill to scrap the ban on FGM
On 5 March, a bill was presented before the Gambia's parliament by an independent lawmaker to abolish the ban on Female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country. In 2015, the FGM was outlawed by former President Yahya Jammeh, who stated that FGM is not a part of Islam. Regardless, the Muslim clerics pushed to lift the ban on FGM stating: “Female circumcision is my religious belief, Gambia is not for sale.” According to the UN, a three-quarter of Gambian women, aged between 15- 45, undergo FGM. (“FGM in The Gambia: Lawmaker tables bill in parliament to lift ban,” BBC, 5 March 2024)
Ghana: President to wait for Supreme Court ruling before signing anti-LGBTQ bill
On 5 March, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said that he would not sign the anti-LGBTQ bill until the Supreme Court decides on its constitutionality. His decision came after the Ministry of Finance warned that the country would lose billions of dollars in Work Bank funding if it became a law. On 28 February, The Ghanaian parliament passed the bill with a majority. The bill imposes a three-year sentence for those who identify as LGBTQ and a five-year sentence for those who support and fund LGBTQ groups. (“Ghana's anti-LGBTQ+ bill: President Akufo-Addo to wait for Supreme Court ruling,” BBC, 5 March 2024)
Zimbabwe: US imposes sanctions on President Mnangagwa for corruption and human rights allegations
On 5 March, the US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa under allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. The White House stated: "We continue to witness gross abuses of political, economic, and human rights. The targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity have stifled fundamental freedoms, while key actors, including government leaders, have syphoned off public resources for personal gains.” First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri are additionally placed under sanctions for similar allegations. (“Zimbabwe: US slaps fresh sanctions on President Mnangagwa and other leaders,” BBC, 5 March 2024)