Photo : Guy Peterson, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Guy Peterson, AFP
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Liberia: Taskforce to tackle corruption
On 6 March, President Joseph Boakai set up a new task force to address corruption. The task force is ordered to investigate corruption carried out by senior and past officials. Boakai, who was elected in January, vowed to address corruption during the election campaign. He stated that the assets, "wrongfully acquired at the expense of the government and people of Liberia," should be returned. (“Liberia's leader sets up task force to fight corruption,” BBC, 6 March 2024)
The Gambia: UN demands to withdraw a bill repealing FGM
On 6 March, the UN warned against the Gambian parliament's proposal to lift the ban on Female Genital and demanded to withdraw it. Muslim religious leaders pressed the state to repeal FGM, whereas the rights activists started contesting it. (“UN asks The Gambia to withdraw bill lifting FGM ban,” BBC, 6 March 2024)
Democratic Republic of Congo: M23 rebels advanced in the town of Nyanzale
On 6 March, the BBC reported that the military lost the town of Nyanzale, which is 80 miles north of Goma, to the M23 rebels. Rebel spokesperson, Willy Ngoma, stated: "We are now in Nyanzale, the enemy has fled.” Army commander, Jerome Chico Tshitambwe, confirmed the capture. (“M23 rebels seize town in eastern DR Congo,” BBC, 6 March 2024)
Sudan: Government agrees to aid via borders
On 6 March, the military-led government in Sudan agreed to humanitarian aid via Chad and South Sudan. Previously, it banned the routes, claiming that the UAE had used the route to supply weapons to the Rapid Support Force (RSF). Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, welcomed the decision stating that people in dire need will get assistance. (“Sudan agrees for aid to come via Chad and South Sudan,” BBC, 6 March 2024)
Sudan: WFP warns on largest-ever hunger crisis
On 6 March, the World Food Program (WFP) warned that the conflict in Sudan would trigger the largest-ever hunger crisis in Sudan. The conflict between the rival forces has crossed ten months. It has killed more than 14,000 people and displaced over eight million. Head of the World Food Program (WFP) Cindy McCain, during her visit to a camp in South Sudan, stated: “The victims of the war had been forgotten.” (“Sudan war may spark world's largest hunger crisis - WFP,” BBC, 6 March 2024)
Malawi: Flash floods kill six
On 6 March, the BBC reported on the flash floods that hit Malawi the previous week. At least six people died and four others were injured in the flash floods that hit central Malawi. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs stated that over 14,000 people have been displaced. Humanitarian assistance is hampered due to extensive infrastructure damage. (“Six dead after flash floods in Malawi,” BBC, 6 March 2024)