Photo : Sophie Garcia, AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Sophie Garcia, AP
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
Burkina Faso: Three French diplomats expelled
On 16 April, Burkina Faso expelled three French diplomats for alleged “subversive activities.” The diplomats included two political advisers at the French embassy in Ouagadougou. They were asked “to leave the territory of Burkina Faso within the next 48 hours.” On 18 April, France responded that the expulsion was based on “unfounded” allegations. (“Burkina Faso expels three French diplomats for 'subversive activities',” Reuters, 16 April 2024)
Ethiopia: Fresh wave of fighting between Tigray and Amhara militias
On 16 April, BBC reported on a fresh wave of fighting between Ethiopia’s Tigray and Amhara regions. The fight broke out in the Raya Alamata district, a region claimed by Tigray and Amhara ethnic groups. While Amhara officials accused fighters aligned with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of triggering the clashes, Tigray regional officials blamed Amara militias for launching the offensive. The new wave of clashes has disrupted the peace deal signed between the TPLF and the federal forces in 2022. (“Tigray leader blames unnamed 'enemies' for fresh fighting,” BBC, 16 April 2024)
Sudan: International conference to aid humanitarian crisis
On 16 April, while concluding the international conference gathering humanitarian support for Sudan, French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced that the international; community has promised USD 2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance to Sudan. The UN and countries’ representatives have urged the warring parties to end the hostilities. Macron stated: "Today, from this mobilisation, all of our presence, it sends a clear message we are sending to the belligerents. We are making a solemn appeal out of respect for international humanitarian rights and for the protection of the civil population.” (“Donors pledge $2.1 billion to aid war-stricken Sudan - Macron announces,” Africanews, 16 April 2024)
Somalia: Seized Bangladesh-flagged ship released after 32 days
On 16 April, Operation ATLANTA stated that the 23 crew members of the Bangladesh-flagged cargo carrier, MV Abdullah, were released after 32 days in captivity. The vessel; was hijacked by the Somali pirates on 12 March in the Indian Ocean near the Somali coast. The circumstances of the ship being released are unclear. (“Bangladeshi ship seized off Somali coast is freed after more than a month,” Africanews, 16 April 2024)