Photo : Luis Tato, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Luis Tato, AFP
IN BRIEF
Vetriselvi Baskaran and Narmatha S
Sudan: Worst humanitarian disaster in recent years, says the UN
On 20 March, the UN warned of the worst humanitarian tragedy in Sudan since the war. The director of operations at the UN Office for Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Edem Wosornu, stated that Sudan remains in the worst condition in meeting humanitarian needs, displaced people, and hunger crises. The UN's Ramadan ceasefire proposal was rejected by the warring parties. UN World Food Program (WFP) deputy executive director, Carl Skau, warned of a high risk of increased famine levels in May due to changing agricultural seasons. The power struggle between the rival forces, the RSF and the SAF, has led to eight million people being displaced, with 18 million facing acute food insecurity. (“Sudan one of the ‘worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory’, UN warns,” Al Jazeera, 20 March 2024)
Senegal: Foreign investors on alert ahead of elections
On 20 March, Al Jazeera reported that foreign investors in Senegal are on alert and keeping a close eye on Senegal's election due to prevailing political uncertainties and the unknown direction of the country's economy if the opposition wins. Opposition candidates Amadou Ba and Bassirou Diomaye Faye have proposed economic changes including the creation of new currencies and the renegotiation of mining and energy contracts. For foreign investors, Senegal has been the safest country in West Africa due to the peaceful transitions of power. Since the announcement of delayed elections, violent protests and the crackdown on the opposition, investors have been cautious. (“Foreign investors on alert as Senegal nears election marred by uncertainty,” Al Jazeera, 20 March 2024)
South Sudan: Ethnic ambush kills at least 15
On 20 March, BBC reported that at least 15 people were killed in a surprise attack by a rival community in the Boma county in South Sudan. Although the 2018 peace deal ended the civil war in South Sudan, the ethnic violence continues. Often, cattle raids are acts of revenge by ethnic groups including Murle, Anyuak, Nuer, and Dinkas. (“At least 15 people killed in South Sudan ambush,” BBC, 20 March 2024)
Zimbabwe: Free grain from Russia
On 20 March, Zimbabwe received 250,000 tonnes of wheat and 23,000 tonnes of fertiliser from the Russian government and the Uralchem-Uralkali group of Russian companies. The donation is part of the free grain transfer program initiated by Russia in 2023. The programme supports drought-affected countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Eritrea, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. Russia's ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nikolai Krasilnikov, described it as "humanitarian assistance.” He added: "Both deliveries were carried out in line with the implementation of the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to assist African countries." (“Russia donates wheat and fertilizer to Zimbabwe,” BBC, 20 March 2024)
Nigeria: Mega Solar plant commenced
On 20 March, BBC reported that Nigeria launched the Mega solar plant as part of its plan for transition to clean and renewable energy. It would be jointly built by the privately owned North South Power (NSP) company and the state-run Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) in Shiroro region in the Niger state. While signing the agreement, Nigeria's Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, stated: "This is a pioneering project in terms of hybridizing power in solar and hydro." (“Nigeria launches mega solar plant to boost national grid,” BBC, 20 March 2024)