Photo : Emidio Jozine, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Emidio Jozine, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Mozambique: UN out of funds to help terror victims
On 8 March, the UNHCR Chief, Filippo Grandi, appealed to the World Bank and other partners to aid Mozambique in development and the humanitarian crisis. The UN provides only 17 per cent of the funding in relief to Mozambique. Cabo Delgado, a mineral-rich province of Mozambique is plunged into frequent Islamist attacks that destroy its peace and stability. Grandi stated: "As a United Nations organisation, [we] are committed to providing a large-scale response to the humanitarian drama in Cabo Delgado, but unfortunately, without sufficient resources, we will have no alternative but to do less of what we should do." (“UN running out of money to help Mozambique terror victims,” BBC, 8 March 2024)
South Africa: Builds concrete wall to block Mozambicans
On 8 March, BBC reported that South Africa has allocated USD 2.7 million to build a concrete wall along its border with Mozambique to prevent people crossing to steal and smuggle vehicles. The barriers are being set up in three sectors. An eight-kilometre barrier near Tembe Elephant Park which is under construction; an eight-kilometre long stretch near iSimangaliso Wetland Park; a nine-kilometre wall from the western boundary of Tembe Elephant Park towards Pongolo River. The project received positive responses from the people and the South African National Defense Force. (“South Africa builds concrete wall to keep out Mozambicans,” BBC, 8 March 2024)
Sudan: UNSC demands ceasefire during Ramadan
On 8 March, while the delegates to the UN Security Council were debating a British-drafted resolution, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pleaded with the parties at odds to put an end to hostilities ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. He asserted that this move would bring a road to peace. In addition, he cautioned about the spiralling humanitarian crisis in Sudan. (“UN chief calls for Ramadan ceasefire in Sudan,” BBC, 8 March 2024)