Photo : Eldson Chagara, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Eldson Chagara, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Mozambique: Storm Filipo kills four people
On 12 March, the BBC reported on the storm Filipo that hit the Inhambane province in southern Mozambique. Four people were killed and one was injured in the violent storm. The roads, schools and houses have been reportedly damaged. The storm hit the tourist spots of Tofo and Barra, where several tourist boats were damaged. The communication lines, electricity, and internet facilities have been adversely affected by the storm. (“Four dead as Storm Filipo batters Mozambique,” BBC, 12 March 2024)
Sudan: SAF regains state headquarters in Omdurman
On 12 March, BBC reported on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) regaining the headquarters of the state broadcaster in Omdurman. Since the war broke out, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had the upper hand in Omdurman. Despite the UN's calls for a ceasefire ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, fighting continues. (“Sudan conflict: Army retakes state broadcaster's headquarters from RSF,” BBC, 12 March 2024)
Somalia: Cargo ship hijacked at the coast of Somalia
On 12 March, the armed pirates attacked a cargo ship in the Indian Ocean, which is 600 nautical miles off the Somalian coast. The cargo travelling from Mozambique to the UAE was attacked by nearly 20 armed men. No group has taken responsibility. The Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin have become hotspots of piracy, where nearly 20 hijackings have taken place since November 2023. (“Pirates hijack cargo ship off the coast of Somalia,” BBC, 12 March)