Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
Shilpa Joseph
South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in for second term
On 19 June, President Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in for his second term. At the ceremony, he announced the beginning of a “new era” referring to the country’s first coalition. The ANC has formed a coalition with its major opponent, Democratic Alliance (DA) and three smaller parties. Calling for cooperation among his colleagues, he stated: "They have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests, and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation." Although the two parties are ideologically at odds, they have agreed on a common agenda to focus on the country’s infrastructure, providing basic services, and creating jobs. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the oath of office. The opposition party, MK, led by Jacob Zuma boycotted the parliament’s first sitting. (“Cyril Ramaphosa vows 'new era' for South Africa at presidential inauguration,” BBC, 19 June 2024)
Democratic Republic of Congo: M23 rebel attack kills five civilians
On 19 June, a bombardment in eastern Congo's North Kivu province killed five people, including three women and a girl in an M23 rebel attack. The Congo army accused the M23 rebel group of the attack. The blasts in the city led to many people evacuating the area. (“DR Congo says five people killed in rebel bombing of eastern town,” Reuters, 19 June 2024)
Egypt: Amnesty report on inhuman treatment of refugees from Sudan
On 19 June, a report published by Amnesty International stated that Egypt deported thousands of Sudanese refugees and arrested many unlawfully. It documented 12 instances where Egyptian authorities returned 800 Sudanese nationals without allowing them to claim asylum or challenge deportation decisions. There was an additional case of 27 Sudanese refugees arrested between October 2023 and March 2024, 26 of whom were collectively expelled. The group claimed that refugees were held in inhuman conditions before their deportation. While Egypt's National Council for Human Rights denied these claims and asserted that they respected international law, Egypt's State Information Service did not respond to the report. (“Egypt unlawfully deported Sudanese refugees, rights group says,” Reuters, 19 June 2024)