Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
Vetriselvi Baskaran and Narmatha S
Uganda: Alert as ADF militants cross the border from DRC
On 19 March, BBC reported that security officials in Uganda alerted as fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an IS-linked group, entered the country from DR Congo. The militants are suspected of targeting urban areas, holy places, schools, and public events and insisted the public remain cautious. The group conducts attacks, especially in schools, despite Ugandan Prime Minister Yoweri Museveni claiming the destruction of the group. (“Uganda on alert as IS-linked ADF militants cross border from DR Congo,” BBC, 19 March 2024)
South Sudan: 35 per cent increase in people affected by violence, UNMISS report
On 19 March, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) released a report indicating a 35 per cent increase in the number of people affected by violence. It documented 233 violent incidents. 86 per cent of civilians are affected by inter-communal violence carried out by militias or civil defence groups. The head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, stated: “Intercommunal conflict continues to cause immense harm to communities.” The majority of them are part of the clashes between the two factions of the Dinka ethnic group, Twics and the Ngoks, in the Abeiy region. (“UN reports 35 percent increase in people affected by South Sudan violence,” Al Jazeera, 19 March 2024)
Kenya: President signs controversial housing levy bill into law
On 19 March, Kenyan President William Ruto signed a controversial bill into law where people have to pay 1.5 per cent of their monthly income as a housing levy. Through the law, President Ruto aims to provide affordable houses for poorer Kenyans. However, a larger section of the Kenyan population is against the law as it pressures and burdens them to pay high taxes. Previously, the levy was only for people in the formal sector who got a regular monthly wage. However, the new law includes levies for non-salary Kenyans in the informal sector as well. The government argues that increased taxation would develop the country and reduce the budget deficit. (“Kenya housing levy: President Ruto signs controversial law paving way for monthly deductions,” BBC, 19 March 2024)