Photo : Ebaid Ahmed, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Ebaid Ahmed, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Vetriselvi Baskaran and Narmatha S
Sudan: Technocrats to run the government until elections
On 26 March, BBC reported that Sudan's ruling Sovereign Council member, General Ibrahim Jabir Ibrahim, stated that the military would form a non-political “technocratic government” until the elections are held. He added that the "technocratic government will manage the affairs of the Sudanese people and prepare for elections.” General Ibrahim's announcement came days after Sovereign Council member, Lt Gen Yasir al-Atta, asserted that the military would not cede power to civilians until elections are held in the country. (“Technocrats to run Sudan until elections - official,” BBC, 26 March 2024)
South Africa: ANC fails to dismiss the candidacy of Jacob Zuma
On 26 March, South Africa's electoral court rejected the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), claim against the newly formed party backed by the country’s former President Jacob Zuma. The ANC accused Zuma’s party, uMKhonto weSizwe (MK), of not following the criteria for official registration in contesting the election. South Africa has scheduled its elections for 29 May. (“South Africa court rejects bid to deregister Zuma's party,” BBC, 26 March 2024)
South Sudan: Children affected by measles in the country, reports MSF
On 26 March, the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned of the ill situation on the health of children as the cases of measles keep increasing at an alarming rate in South Sudan and Yemen. Since February 2024, seven children have died and more than 450 children under the age of five have been affected. In recent days, MSF's hospital unit in Taiz Houban in Yemen had more than 1500 measles cases reported. These underdeveloped states of Africa have low vaccination rates and lack basic medical facilities. (“Hundreds of children suffer measles in South Sudan - MSF,” BBC, 26 March)
Senegal: New President-elect vows reform
On 26 March, BBC reported on Senegal’s President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s first address. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the incoming president of Senegal, pledged “humility and transparency” in his first speech after the election on 24 March. With his primary competitor conceding defeat, 44-year-old political beginner Faye is set to become the country's youngest president. In light of the current disturbances, Faye stressed a "break with the past" and prioritized “national reconciliation.” He promised to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, fortify institutions, and fight corruption. Though official results are still pending, Faye has a substantial lead, and nationwide celebrations have begun. Only two weeks after his release from prison, he had achieved this feat. (“ I will govern with humility - Senegal's Faye,” BBC, 26 March 2024)
Zambia: Debt restructuring deal
On 26 March, Zambia signed a deal with its creditors to restructure its foreign debt of USD 3.5 billion. The deal entails a forgiveness of USD 840 million by private investors. The agreement came after months of disagreements about the restructuring terms between China and other creditors. President Hakainde Hichilema welcomed the deal as "a historic milestone.” The deal is part of the G20 Common Framework, launched in 2020, to provide debt relief to low-income countries. Zambia has become the first country to receive debt restructuring under this framework. (“Zambia strikes debt restructuring deal with creditors,” BBC, 26 March 2024)