Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
Ayan Datta
Sudan: UNSC criticised for not focussing on “UAE’s aggression”
On 24 May, the Sudan Tribune reported that the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss, criticised a closed-door UN Security Council meeting for not focussing on the UAE’s aggression against Sudan. Idris stated before the press: “We sought a dedicated meeting to address the acts of aggression perpetrated by the UAE against the Republic of Sudan.” He argued that the meeting “trivialises the focus and urgency” of Sudan’s concerns. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has been alleging the UAE of assisting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the civil war. (“Sudan criticises Security Council for lack of focus on "UAE's aggression,” Sudan Tribune, 24 May 2024)
Equatorial Guinea: President Nguema visits China
On 28 May, Africanews reported that Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema arrived in Beijing on 27 May for a state visit. Nguema held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation,” He additionally met China’s Premier Li Qiang and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Zhao Leji. Nguema will visit China’s Shandong Province, a manufacturing powerhouse. (“Equatorial Guinea, China announce elevation of ties | Africanews,” Africanews, 28 May 2024)
Sudan: SAF intensifies airstrikes in North Darfur and Khartoum
On 28 May, the Sudan Tribune reported that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) carried out airstrikes on North Darfur and to the north of Khartoum. The SAF additionally struck the RSF positions in Khartoum, Bahri, Kober, Halfiya, Shambat farms and the DAL company headquarters. The SAF aims to prevent RSF reinforcements from reaching El-Fasher. (“Sudanese army escalates airstrikes in North Darfur and Khartoum - Sudan Tribune,” Sudan Tribune, 28 May 2024)
Sudan: Blinken and Burhan discuss ceasefire and humanitarian access
On 28 May, the Sudan Tribune reported that US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken urged Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to end the ongoing conflict, de-escalate and facilitate humanitarian access. Matthew Miller asserted that the two leaders additionally discussed resuming peace negotiations. (“Blinken, Burhan discuss ceasefire and humanitarian access in Sudan,” Sudan Tribune, 28 May 2024)
South Sudan: Kiir directs advisor to enter peace negotiations with Sudan amidst oil crisis
On 28 May, the Sudan Tribune reported that South Sudan President Salva Kiir directed his national security advisor, Tut Gatluak, to engage in peace negotiations with Sudan. Kiir wants to use the peace to get an oil pipeline repaired. South Sudan’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, William Anyak Deng, told reporters: “The escalating conflict has severely hindered our progress in fixing the pipeline.” South Sudan’s economy is dependent on oil revenue. The pipeline rupture occurred in an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan. The conflict has hindered the repair of the pipeline. (“Kiir tasks advisor with Sudan peace talks amidst oil crisis,” Sudan Tribune, 29 May 2024)