Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
Shilpa Joseph
Africa: World leaders to invest on vaccine production
On 20 June, at the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation in France, an African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator was launched to provide financial incentives for local vaccine manufacturers in Africa. The French President Emmanuel Macron proposed USD 1.1 billion and the EU pledged USD 800 million to the scheme. Africa was unfairly locked out of access to treatment tools, vaccines and testing equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The African Union (AU) Commission Chief Moussa Faki Mahamat approved the initiative stating: “It could become a catalyst for promoting the pharmaceutical industry in Africa and fostering collaboration between member states.” (“World leaders launch programme to boost vaccine production in Africa | Health News,” Al Jazeera, 20 June 2024)
Somalia: Government seeking slow withdrawal of ATMIS troops
On 20 June, Al Jazeera reported that Somalia's government wrote a letter to the African Union Peace and Security Council in May 2024 seeking a slow withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), fearing a potential security vacuum. In a joint assessment in March, the government recommended that the AU withdraw in a timely manner according to the capabilities and readiness of Somali forces. National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali explained the need for the postponement, fearing the al-Shabab resurgence. (“Somalia asks peacekeepers to slow withdrawal, fears armed group resurgence,” Al Jazeera, 20 June 2024)
Libya: UN representative expresses the need for elections
On 19 June, the UN deputy representative, Stephanie Koury, told the UN Security Council that the current divisions between political players are unsustainable and that Libya needs an election. Following the death of dictator Muammar Gaddafii in 2011, rival administrations took over in the east and west backed by militias and foreign governments respectively. Sierra Leone, Algeria, Mozambique, and Guyana have emphasized the UNSCs commitment to an inclusive Libyan-led political process facilitated by the UN. Libya’s UN Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, expressed worry over UNSC’s inactivity, stating: “We are tired and fed up with using Libya as a proxy for certain countries and regional powers for selfish greedy battles, some of which have colonial ambitions.” (“Libyans demand elections and unity, says UN envoy,” Africanews, 20 June 2024)
Kenya: Protests against tax hikes
On 20 June, Kenyan police used tear gas and water cannon on protesters gathered near the parliament against planned tax hikes. President William Ruto had introduced a new bill with taxes to raise 1.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to pay off debts. Following the violent protests on 17 June, Ruto announced several concessions to the bill. The protestors claim that the new taxation would increase the burden on the public and the young population. The government has additionally increased fuel prices and export taxes, which would further inflation. (“Kenya police use tear gas, water cannon as hundreds protest over tax hikes,” Al Jazeera, 20 June 2024)