Photo : Afolabi Sotunde, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Afolabi Sotunde, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
Togo: Approves constitutional reforms
On 20 April, Togo’s parliament approved to amend the constitution relating to the presidential term and the election of the president. Several opposition politicians and civil society groups have denounced the move as a constitutional coup. The amendment was adopted on 25 March but was called for a second parliamentary vote amidst opposition. The reforms have introduced a parliamentary system of government in place of the presidential and have shortened the presidential term to four years from five years with a two-term limit. The opposers claim that the reforms would allow the President, Faure Gnassingbe, to extend his term limit. (“Togo approves constitutional reform changing how president is elected,” Al Jazeera, 20 April 2024)
Zimbabwe: El-Nino-linked drought disrupts maize production
On 20 April, Africanews reported that Zimbabwe’s Mazowe district is facing a severe drought with the disrupted supply of maize throughout the country. Poor rainfall in the region has dried out hectares of maize. The chairman of the Grain Millers Association, Tafadzwa Musarara, stated: "The drought itself in terms of our estimation will require us to import about 1.1 million tonnes of maize for both human and livestock consumption from between now and July 31 of 2025.” The president has declared a state of disaster amidst the drought. (“Zimbabwe: El Nino-linked drought threatens maize production,” Africanews, 20 April 2024)
Niger: Withdrawal of US troops
On 20 April, the US agreed to withdraw its troops from Niger as the country is turning to Russia for support in fighting the insurgency. The US has 1000 troops stationed in Niger, fighting Islamist militancy. The decision to withdraw came after continuous demand from the junta amidst increasing anti-West sentiments. (“US agrees to withdraw troops from Niger amid Sahel region’s pivot to Russia,” Al Jazeera, 20 April 2024)
Sudan: UN warns of foreign supply of weapons
On 20 April, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary Anne DiCarlo, warned of the “crisis of epic proportions” due to the supply of weapons from foreign countries despite sanctions. She added: “If the parties have been able to sustain their confrontation, it is in no small part thanks to the material support they receive from outside Sudan. These external actors continue to flout the sanctions regime imposed by the Council to support a political settlement, thereby fuelling the conflict. This is illegal, it is immoral and it must stop.” Although she did not name any of the foreign actors, according to Africanews, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are accused of their involvement in the war. The sanctions imposed on Sudan include an arms and ammunition embargo and assets freeze. (“Sudan war fuelled by weapons from foreign actors in violation of sanctions - UN,” Africanews, 20 April 2024)