Photo : Mosa'ab Elshamy, AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Mosa'ab Elshamy, AP
IN BRIEF
Vetriselvi Baskaran
Senegal: The opposition leads the poll
On 25 March, Al Jazeera reported on people’s early celebration as Bassirou Diomaye Faye was leading the polls with 53.7 per cent of votes, followed by Amadou Ba 36.2 per cent. Although the results are not declared, the supporters celebrated as five of the 17 candidates congratulated Faye for leading the polls. However, the main rival from the ruling coalition, Amadou Ba, says a final decision is needed before deciding the winner and called the celebrations “premature.” Faye, addressed the public with his manifesto of governing the state with humility and transparency and curbing corruption at every level. One of the priorities he mentioned was “nation reconciliation” as the country has been in deep political unrest for the past three years. (“Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye takes early lead in presidential election & I will govern with humility - Senegal's Faye,” Al Jazeera, 25 March 2024)
Mozambique: SADC troops’ withdrawal
On 25 March, BBC reported on the Southern African bloc’s troop withdrawal from Mozambique. Financial constraints have compelled the Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops to leave Mozambique by July. Mozambique is looking for bilateral assistance to cover the void created by SADC's exit. This follows six years of fighting insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region. (“ Southern African force to quit Mozambique over lack of money,” BBC, 25 March 2024)
Chad: Constitutional Council releases the candidate list for elections
On 25 March, the Constitutional Council of Chad approved ten candidates for the presidential elections which are scheduled for 6 May. Interim President General Mahamat Idriss Deby is one of the ten candidates. Deby announced an 18-month transition in 2021 after seizing the power. However, he postponed the elections which sparked protests. (“Chad's junta chief, nine others cleared for May election,” BBC, 25 March 2024)