Photo : AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP Photo
IN BRIEF
By Ayan Datta
Kenya: Ruto to borrow one trillion shillings after scrapping finance bill
On 1 July, according to BBC, Kenya’s President William Ruto stated that the country would have to borrow one trillion shillings ( USD 7.6 billion) “to be able to run our government” because of protests against the now-scrapped finance bill. The bill had promised tax increases, which were unpopular and led to massive protests. Ruto said that since the money could not be raised from taxes, the government would have to increase borrowings by 67 per cent. In the finance bill, extra taxes would raise around 350 billion Kenyan shillings, and around 600 billion would be borrowed. However, now the whole amount would have to be borrowed. (“Kenya to borrow more after new taxes withdrawn - president,” BBC, 1 July 2024
Nigeria: Female suicide bomber suspected to have killed over 30 people
On 1 July, according to BCC, Nigeria’s Vice President stated that over 30 people died in multiple blasts suspected to have been carried out by female suicide bombers. The attacks happened on 30 May and targeted a wedding, a funeral and a hospital. President Bola Tinubu called the blasts “desperate acts of terror.” His spokesperson stated that the government would “not to allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.” Although no group claimed responsibility for the attack, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) or Boko Haram previously carried out such blasts in the past. (“Suspected female suicide bombers death toll rises to more than 30 in Nigeria,” BBC, 1 July 2024)
Mauritania: President Ghazouani re-elected by a comfortable margin
On 1 June, according to BBC, Mauritania’s incumbent President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani was re-elected. He won with 56 per cent of the vote in the first round of polling, without the need for run-off elections. Anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid secured second position with 22 per cent, and Hamidi Sidi el-Mokhtar secured third place with 13 per cent. Abeid refused to accept the results, calling it an “electoral coup.”55 per cent of the electorate turned out to vote. (“Mauritanian president comfortably wins re-election,” BBC, 1 June 2024)