Photo : AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP Photo
IN BRIEF
By Ayan Datta
Kenya: Independent Policing Oversight Authority to investigates shooting of protesters
On 29 June, according to BBC, Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority began investigating allegations that officers killed protesters outside the country's Parliament and in central Nairobi’s Githurai. Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights said it "received unverified reports of scores of residents who were killed by the stray bullets." Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo called for an international investigation into the “massacre” at Githurai. (“Kenya finance bill protests: Was there a massacre in Githurai?,” BBC, 29 June 2024)
Mauritania: Elections scheduled for 29 June
On 29 June, BBC reported that Mauritania would hold presidential elections on the same say. The country faced multiple issues, including slavery, migration, corruption and jihadists. Mauritania was the world’s last country to make slavery illegal in 1981. However, according to the Global Slavery Index (GSI), around 149,000 Mauritanians were still enslaved. Migration was another issue for Mauritania’s electorate. The country was a transit point for West African migrants heading to Europe. Corruption was a critical problem for the people, with former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz being jailed for embezzlement and illegally enriching himself. Since Mauritania is located in the Sahel region, jihadists were another problem for it. However, because of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani’s military background, the problem was tackled well recently. (“Mauritania election: Jihadist, migration, slavery the key issues,” BBC, 29 June 2024)
Kenya: Law Society says police abducted and tortured protesters
On 29 June, BBC, according to BBC, the Law Society of Kenya, said that police abducted protesters who were demonstrating against the government’s finance bill and traumatised them. However, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that “criminal elements who wanted a coup d’etat” tried to misuse the peaceful protests. However, some detainees said the police confiscated their phones and laptops and tortured them. (“Kenya finance bill: Anti-tax protesters traumatised by abductions, say lawyers,” BBC, 29 June 2024)
South Africa: Parliament to open on 18 July
On 28 June, according to Africanews, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said that Parliament would open for its upcoming term on 18 July. Ramaphosa will negotiate with coalition partners to form a Cabinet before that date. Disagreements over Cabinet positions were straining the national unity government. Leaked letters revealed that Ramaphosa accused Democratic Alliance party leader John Steenhuisen of “moving the goalposts” and demanding eight cabinet positions. The DA replied that Ramaphosa reneged on his promise to give the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to the DA. Steenhuisen’s party might leave the National Unity government. However, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that the parties were “almost done” with a final agreement which would be “in the best interest of all South Africans.” (“South Africa’s Parliament to open on July 18 – President,” Africanews, 29 June 2024)