Photo : Al Jazeera
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Al Jazeera
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
Madagascar: 11 dies in cyclone Gamane
On 28 March, Al Jazeera reported that at least 11 people were killed in Cyclone Gamane which hit northern Madagascar. More than 7,000 people have been affected by the cyclone. The cyclone moved with an average speed of 150 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall. (“Eleven dead, thousands affected as Cyclone Gamane batters Madagascar,” Al Jazeera, 28 March 2024)
South Africa: Zuma barred from elections
On 28 March, the electoral commission of South Africa barred former President Jacob Zuma from running for the elections in May. Zuma announced a run under his newly formed party, uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK), after dissenting from the African National Congress (ANC). The electoral commission claimed that “any person who was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine” cannot stand in an election. In 2021, Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail over corruption charges. (“South Africa’s ex-President Jacob Zuma barred from May elections,” Al Jazeera, 28 March 2024)
Russian Wagner group accused of carrying out killings, HRW report
On 28 March, Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its recent report accused the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, of assisting the Malian forces in carrying out raids and drone strikes. A senior researcher at HRW, Ilaria Allegrozzi, stated: "Mali's Russia-backed transitional military government is not only committing horrific abuses, but it is working to eliminate scrutiny into its human rights situation.” The group documented that the Wagner Group along with the junta has been carrying out attacks on civilians in northern Mali. (“HRW accuses Wagner of killing civilians with Malian army,” Africanews, 28 March 2024)