Photo : UNICEF
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : UNICEF
IN BRIEF
By Ayan Datta
Sudan: UNICEF says Sudan is one of the worst places for children
On 24 June, according to BBC, the Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Catherine Russel, stated that Sudan was one of the world’s worst places for children. Russel said Sudan had the largest number of displaced children in the world. Nine million did not get enough food, around four million faced acute malnutrition, and five million were without schooling. Russel said the crisis was “100% man made.” The ongoing civil war between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was the main reason behind the humanitarian situation because it destroyed Sudan’s food economy and displaced local populations. (“Sudan's children going hungry as famine looms,” BBC, 24 June 2024)
Russia: Wagner focussed on Africa after a failed coup
On 24 June, BBC reported that Wagner Private Military Company chief Yevgeny Prigozhin reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin after his failed coup against the latter. According to the deal, Progozhin would focus the Wagner’s operations in Africa, securing friendly regimes and resources for Russia. Russia offered African states “regime survival packages” in exchange for access to natural resources. Wagner was incorporated into Russia’s Africa Corps and now works as a military intelligence group. Ruslan Trad, resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, said that in Africa, the group was involved in “guarding trade routes, securing resources that Moscow uses to circumvent sanctions, and more - serving local juntas and directing the flow of migrants.” Moscow allowed Prigozhin’s son Pavel to continue the group’s operations in Africa provided he did not violate Russia’s interests. (“Wagner uprising: A year after mutiny, Russia controls group's remnants,” BBC, 24 June 2024)
Kenya: Police officers depart for Haiti mission
On 24 June 2024, BBC reported that 400 Kenyan police officers will depart for a mission to Haiti to combat powerful criminal gangs in the country. The gangs controlled parts of Haiti’s territory and carried out violence against civilians. Kenya’s President William Ruto stated that it was “a mission to affirm the universal values of the community of nations, a mission to take a stand for humanity.” (“Kenyan police to depart for contentious peacekeeping effort in Haiti,” BBC, 24 June 2024)
Republic of Congo: President Nguesso meets Putin
On 24 June, according to Africanews, Congo’s President Dennis Sassou Nguesso was expected to meet Putin in Moscow. The two heads of government discuss economic, trade, energy and security cooperation. Nguesso’s trip followed the previous visit to Congo by Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov. (“Congolese President visits Moscow in bid to deepen ties,” Africanews, 24 June 2024)