Photo : Siegfried Modol, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Siegfried Modol, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
Central African Republic: Renews ties with France
On 17 April, the Central African Republic (CAR) President, Faustin-Archange Touadera, met with French President, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris. Both countries agreed to boost bilateral cooperation and revive strained ties. The France-CAR relations took a downturn after CAR began leaning on Russia for military and political support. According to a joint statement following the meeting, both countries “aim to establish the framework of a constructive partnership that respects the sovereignty of the state.” The statement added that the cooperation would “contribute to stability, strengthen national cohesion as wide as possible and support the economic and social development of the country [CAR].” (“CAR and France hold talks seeking to revive strained ties,” BBC, 18 April 2024)
Sahel: Heat wave caused by anthropogenic causes, reports WWA
On 18 April, World Weather Attribution (WWA). an international agency focusing on extreme weather events reported that anthropogenic factors are contributing to climate change, leading to the unusual heatwave in the Sahel region in April. The temperature has risen to more than 45 degrees Celsius in Mali and Burkina Faso between 1 April and 5 April. The study states: “Even minimum temperatures, overnight, remained relatively high, making it so that people did not get a break from the heat.” The agency's observations found that “heatwaves with the magnitude observed in March and April 2024 in the region would have been impossible to occur without the global warming of 1.2C to date,” which it linked to “human-induced climate change.” (“Deadly Sahel heatwave caused by ‘human-induced’ climate change: Study,” Al Jazeera, 18 April 2024)
Kenya: Plane crash kills army chief
On 18 April, Al Jazeera reported that Kenya’s military chief, General Francis Ogolla, and nine others were killed in a plane crash in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The military aircraft was visiting the troops deployed in the northwest, combatting cattle rustling. The cause behind the crash is unclear. Ogolla was the head of Kenya’s Air Force previously and was promoted by President William Ruto to the head of the military in 2023. At a news conference, Ruto stated: “Our motherland has lost one of her most valiant generals. The demise of General Ogolla is a painful loss to me.” (“Kenya’s military chief among 10 people killed in helicopter crash,” Al Jazeera, 18 April 2024)
Niger: Signs deal with Mali on diesel supply
On 18 April, Africanews reported that Niger would deliver 150 million litres of diesel to Mali as part of the deal signed on 16 April. The diesel would be supplied to Mali’s national energy company. Énergie du Mali (EDM-SA), as the country is facing power shortages. According to the deal, Niger would be selling the diesel at half the normal rate. (“Niger signs deal to supply Mali with cheaper diesel,” Africanews, 18 April 2024)
Nigeria: Villages form vigilante groups to fight insecurity
On 18 April, Africanews reported that several conflict-hit states in Nigeria are setting up community-based vigilante groups to ensure security in the villages amidst increasing attacks and kidnappings. The country’s security forces are unequipped with resources. In March, in Kduna state, 300 school children were abducted. The state has formed a vigilante group, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), to protect the villages. Besides, the government forces are increasingly relying on these groups for intelligence and characters of the attackers due to their familiarity with the attacks. (“Vigilante groups protect communities in northern Nigeria,” Africanews, 18 April 2024)