Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Ayan Datta
Kenya: Activists rethinking strategies after 2 July violence
On 3 July, Reuters reported that activists who participated in Kenya’s anti-government protests were rethinking their strategies after violence and looting in their 02 July protest. They feared that such incidents could undermine their objectives of making President William Ruto resign. Activist Ojango Omondo said that the violence was caused by “goons” who used the state “to incite violence, break into people’s property, loot and tarnish our cause.” He added it was “time to go back to the drawing board and strategise on how best to overcome this violence and keep our protest focused on their objectives.” (“Kenyan activists rethink strategy after protests turn violent,” Reuters, 3 July 2024)
Kenya: Prime Minister Conille calls Kenyan police arrival a “new era” for Haiti
On 3 July, Reuters reported that Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille stated before the UN Security Council that the arrival of Kenyan police officers under the UN-backed Multinational Security Support group marked a “new era in Haiti” critical for restoring security against gang violence. While 200 Kenyan police arrived last week, the full force of 2,500 officers would come later. (“Kenyan police arrival in Haiti marks new era for security, prime minister tells UN,” Reuters, 3 July 2024)
Sierra Leone: First Lady organises ceremony celebrating new bill banning child marriage
On 3 July, according to BBC, Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio organised a ceremony in the country’s capital, Freetown, celebrating a new law banning child marriage. The law prohibited the marriage of girls below the age of 18 and set a punishment of 15 years imprisonment or a USD 4000 fine, or both, for offenders. Under the new law, the groom, the bride's parents and guardians, and wedding attendees were liable to face punishment. Bio said that child marriage was similar to “talking away a child’s dream and destroy(ing) them even before they know who they are.” President Julius Maada Bio stated that his “motivation and commitment to empowering women and girls is firmly rooted in my personal life journey.” ( “Sierra Leone child marriage ban welcomed as President Julius Maada Bio signs law,” BBC, 3 July 2024)
Egypt: New cabinet sworn in; reshuffles in electricity, foreign affairs, and defence
On 3 July, according to Africanews, a new Cabinet took their oaths in a ceremony in Egypt’s presidential palace. The Cabinet saw major reshuffles in defence. Mahmud Esmat became Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy. Former diplomat Badr Abdelatty replaced Sameh Shoukry as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration. General Abdel Majeed Sakr replaced General Mohamed Zaki as Minister of Defence. The new cabinet also included four women and multiple technocrats. (“Egypt swears in new Cabinet as mounting economic challenges mount,” Africanews, 3 July 2024)