Photo : John Muchucha, AP photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : John Muchucha, AP photo
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
Rwanda: Kagame acknowledged as presidential candidate by seven political parties
On 1 April, two of the Rwandan political parties, the Liberal Party (LP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), acknowledged Paul Kagame, the candidate of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), for the presidential elections scheduled for July. The PSD president, Vincent Biruta, stated: “It is a good thing that President Kagame acknowledges and considers ideas from other political parties.” Kagame has ruled the country for decades, securing more than 90 per cent of votes during the 2003, 2010 and 2017 elections. Critics and rights groups accuse him of the authoritarian character of his government. (“Rwanda: Kagame endorsed as candidate by seven political parties,” Africanews, 1 April 2024)
Ethiopia: 70,000 national repatriated from Saudi Arabia
On 1 April, the Ethiopian Minister of State, Birtukan Ayano, announced that the country would repatriate 70,000 citizens living in Saudi Arabia this month. According to the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service (RSS), four million Ethiopians have been displaced to several countries amidst conflicts and environmental issues. In March 2022, Ethiopia signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to repatriate 100,000 Ethiopians after human rights groups accused Saudi Arabia of exploiting foreign labourers. (“Ethiopia to repatriate 70,000 nationals from Saudi Arabia,” Africanews, 1 April 2024)