Photo : Vincent Bado, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Vincent Bado, Reuters
IN BRIEF
Vetriselvi Baskaran
Burkina Faso: 220 civilians killed by the military, says HRW report
On 25 April, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that 220 civilians, including at least 56 children, were killed by the Burkinabe army. The group reported that the army killed 179 people in Soro village and 44 others in Nondin village. The group described the attack as "the worst army abuse" in the country in a decade. The residents claimed that the mass killings were in retaliation to the allegations of the villagers aiding Islamist militants. The executive director of HRW, Tirana Hassan, stated: "The massacres in Nondin and Soro villages are just the latest mass killings of civilians by the Burkina Faso military in their counterinsurgency operations." The Burkinabe government has not yet commented on the attack. (“Burkina Faso army massacred 223 villagers in revenge attack, says HRW,” BBC, 25 April 2024)
Kenya: Floods cause troubles in Nairobi
On 25 April, Al Jazeera reported that at least ten people were killed in floods in the capital Nairobi. The El Nino weather phenomenon has intensified the heavy seasonal rainfall. The floods had a significant impact on approximately 60,000 individuals, primarily women and children, as reported by the Nairobi County governor's office. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding the continuous occurrence of "heavy to very heavy" rainfall in several regions until the end of May. On 24 April, police fired tear gas on civilians who blocked the main highway protesting against government's inaction. Kenya Railways has declared a temporary suspension of services. Meanwhile, in neighbouring countries of Burundi and Tanzania, approximately 100,000 individuals have been forced to leave their homes. (“Suleja prison: 108 inmates on the run in Nigeria,” BBC, 25 April 2024)
Burkina Faso: Mass killings by army, reports HRW
On 25 April, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report titled “Burkina Faso: Army Massacres 223 Villagers.” According to the report, mass killings are at the top "among the worst army abuse" in a decade. It found that the military has killed 220 civilians including 56 children in a single day. The attack was carried out in retaliation for supporting armed jihadists. The country’s authorities are yet to respond to the report. However, in March, an appeal was filed by public prosecutor Aly Benjamin Coulibaly to find the perpetrators. The military violence against civilians have doubled since the 2020 coup. (“Burkina Faso army massacred 223 villagers in revenge attack - HRW,” BBC, 25 April 2024)
Chad: The US repositioned its military forces
On 25 April, US Pentagon Press Secretary, Major General Pat Ryder, announced that the US has temporarily repositioned its military forces in the country. The announcement came days after the US announced the withdrawal of its troops from Niger. He stated: "This is a temporary step as part of an ongoing review of our security cooperation, which will resume after Chad's 6 May presidential election." (“US to 'temporarily' pull troops out of Chad,” BBC, 26 April 2024)