Photo : International Organization for Migration via AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : International Organization for Migration via AP
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
Djibouti: 38 migrants die off the coast of Djibouti
On 9 April, Al Jazeera quoted the International Organization of Migration (IOM) that at least 38 migrants including children died after their boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti. IOM stated that since 2014, nearly 1,000 people have died while crossing the “Eastern Route.” The route takes migrants from Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti through Yemen to Arab countries. (“UN says 38 dead, including children, as migrant boat sinks off Djibouti,” Al Jazeera, 9 April 2024)
South Africa: Zuma clears legal barriers to run for elections
On 9 April, Al Jazeera reported on the South African court which ruled that former President Jacob Zum can run for the presidential elections. The ruling came after the country’s electoral commission barred Zuma from running for the elections citing his criminal record. Zuma, a former ANC leader, recently dissented from the party and formed the new uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) and promised to run for the elections. (“South Africa’s Jacob Zuma wins court bid to contest upcoming election,” Al Jazeera, 9 April 2024)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Three Tanzanian soldiers killed
On 9 April, Africanews reported that three Tanzanian soldiers, part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The troops have been fighting the M23 rebels in the eastern DRC since December 2022. (“Three Tanzanian soldiers killed in Democratic Republic of Congo,” Africanews, 9 April 2024)
Togo: Developments on the new constitutional review
On 9 April, Togo began talks between the traditional chiefs and parliament members on the constitutional change in the country. On 25 March, the parliament adopted a new constitution replacing the semi-presidential system with a parliamentary system. The move sparked public outcry leading to the consultations. Togo had initially scheduled elections for 20 April but was postponed amidst the tensions. Vice-President of the National Assembly, Mémounatou Ibrahima, stated: "This was an opportunity for us to explain the advantages and disadvantages of both systems. We pointed out the advantage of a parliamentary system. Power will no longer be concentrated in the hands of the President of the Republic.” (“Togo: Consultation between MPs and traditional leaders begin over constitutional review,” Africanews, 9 April 2024)