Photo : Jerome Delay, AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Jerome Delay, AP
IN BRIEF
Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: High Court rules against ANC’s bid to block Zuma’s MK party
On 22 April, the Durban High Court of South Africa ruled against the African National Congress (ANC) in its case against Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party using the name which was formerly the name of ANC’s military wing. ANC alleged intellectual property theft against the MK party. The court has ruled in favour of MK’s right to use the name which is currently a defunct organisation. South Africa has scheduled its elections for 29 May. (“South Africa: Another loss for ANC to stop Jacob Zuma's MK party,” Africanews, 22 April 2024)
Nigeria: Six soldiers killed in Bandit’s attack
On 22 April, at least six soldiers were killed in an attack in the Shiroro region of Niger state of Nigeria. The military stated that its troops were attacked while on a “fighting patrol.” The region is known for bandit leader Dogo Gide, an ally of the IS linked jihadists. (“Six soldiers killed during an operation against bandits in Nigeria,” Africanews, 22 April 2024)
Niger: Protests against the US military
On 22 April, Africanews reported on hundreds of people protesting in northern Niger demanding for an immediate departure of the US troops based in the country. The development came a day after the US agreed to withdraw its forces. The relations between Niger and the West worsened after the coup in July 2023. (“Protests against U.S. military presence in Niger continue,” Africanews, 22 April 2024)
Burundi: Hundreds displaced due to heavy floods
On 22 April, Africanews reported on the floods in Burundi. Thousands were displaced and several houses and schools were destroyed. A disaster management expert and professor of geography at Burundi University, Jean-Marie Sabushimike, stated: “The economic impacts are starting to weigh heavily. But why these floods? It must be said that they are associated with the climate changes that are affecting Burundi, like other countries in the region.” He added that the flooding is exacerbated by poor land use. According to the UN, since September 2023, more than 200,000 people have been displaced due to floods across the world due to the El Nino weather phenomenon. (“Hundreds of thousands displaced by flooding in Burundi,” Africanews, 22 April 2024)
Niger: Protest demanding immediate withdrawal of US troops
On 22 April, hundreds of people protested in the Agadez region of Niger, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the US troops. The protests came two days after the US agreed to withdraw its troops from the country. BBC quoted the protester telling AFP media: "Our message is clear: American soldiers, pack your bags and go home." The protesters were carrying the flags of Russia, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Following the series of coups in the region, the military governments ended ties with the West and turned to Russia for its fight against insurgency. (“'Pack your bags': Hundreds in Niger tell US troops to go home,” News24, 22 April 2024)
Mali: Jihadists abduct 110 civilians
On 22 April, Africanews reported that at least 110 people were kidnapped by jihadists the previous week in the Mopti region. BBC quoted the residents who told the AFP media that the jihadists hijacked three buses and forced them to drive in the direction of a forest between the regions of Bandiagara and Bankass. Recently, the Mopti region has been under frequent attacks by Islamist militants. Several civil society organisations in the region have been staging protests against the junta's inaction on the increasing insecurity in the region. (“Mali: More than 110 civilians kidnapped by "suspected jihadists",” Africanews, 22 April 2024)