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Democratic Republic of Congo: New cabinet after a failed coup attempt
NIAS Africa Studies Daily Briefs | 29 May 2024

IN BRIEF

Vetriselvi Baskaran

Democratic Republic of Congo: New cabinet after a failed coup attempt

On 29 May, Al Jazeera reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo formed a new 54-member cabinet which ended uncertainty following President Felix Tshisekedi’s re-election in December. The formation of the government came after a failed coup attempt on 20 May. Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita’s appointment as the Minister of Defence is considered crucial for the conflict between the Congolese army and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. (“DR Congo ends impasse to appoint new government,” Al Jazeera, 29 May 2024)

Egypt: President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi visits China

On 29 May, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi visited Beijing, China. During the visit, the countries penned an agreement on strengthening their cooperation. Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, accompanied President Fattah. Both countries discussed bilateral issues and tensions in the Middle East. The agreement aims at collaboration on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has invested billions in Egypt’s state projects including the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and the new Administrative Capital. The investments between the countries total USD 14 billion in 2023 compared to USD 16.6 billion in 2022. (“Egypt and China deepen cooperation during el-Sissi's visit to Beijing,” Africanews, 29 May 2024)

Madagascar: Parliamentary elections
On 29 May, Madagascar held its parliamentary elections. The ruling party, Tanora Malagasy Vonona, of President Andry Rajoelina is expected to retain the majority. The party won 84 seats out of 151 in the previous election. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), 12 million people were eligible to vote this year. Representatives from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observed the elections. (“Madagascar holds key parliamentary election,” Africanews, 29 May 2024)

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