Photo : Sam Mednick, AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Sam Mednick, AP Photo
IN BRIEF
Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
South Sudan: Extreme heatwave hits the country
On 18 March, the BBC reported on the chaotic weather conditions in South Sudan that led to the closure of schools. South Sudan has been hit by extreme heat waves as the temperature is expected to rise to 45C. Due to the El-Nino weather phenomenon, rains are expected after the heatwave that may cause flooding in the southern region. (“South Sudan heatwave: Extreme weather shuts schools and cuts power,” BBC, 18 March 2024)
Egypt: Migration agreement with the EU
On 18 March, according to the BBC, the EU and Egypt signed an agreement worth EUR 7.4 billion. It focuses on boosting cooperation in trade, and security and preventing the flow of migration to Europe. Grants, loans, and several funds are in line to address the sluggish Egypt’s economy which is the major reason for people moving to Europe. Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi stated: "This shall encompass tackling the root-causes through development-focused solutions and improving regular migration routes." (“EU and Egypt sign $8bn deal to curb migration,” BBC, 18 March 2024)
Nigeria: 87 people abducted in Kaduna
On 18 March, the BBC reported that at least 87 people were abducted in the Kajuru region of Kaduna state. The abductees included women and children. According to the residents, the gunmen were dressed like military personnel. The report commented that authorities are incapable of addressing the daily abductions and mounts pressure on President Bola Tinubu. (“Gunmen in Nigeria kidnap at least 87 people in new attack,” Al Jazeera, 18 March 2024)
East Africa: Eritrea and Somalia hold bilateral talks
On 18 March, BBC reported on the bilateral talks between the leaders of Eritrea and Somalia. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed the regional issues during the bilateral talks in the Eritrean capital Asmara. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Meskel stated that the meeting included discussions on issues including militant problems in Somalia. (“Somali president holds security talks with Eritrean leader,” BBC, 18 March 2024)