Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
By Ayan Datta
Democratic Republic of Congo: Yaka-led armed group kills nine soldiers amid inter-community conflict
On 16 July, according to Reuters, armed fighters from the Yaka-led armed group Mobondo killed nine soldiers of the DRC’s Armed Forces in the Mai-Ndombe province. In 2022, the Yaka and Teke communities were fighting each other to capture land along the Congo River. In April, President Felix Tshisekedi arranged a ceasefire between the two groups. However, the deal collapsed because traditional chiefs opposed it. (“West DR Congo militia kills nine soldiers at weekend, army spokesman says,” BBC, 16 July 2024)
Gambia: National Assembly rejects bill to reverse ban on female genital mutilation
On 16 July, according to BBC, members of the Gambia’s National Assembly voted against a bill to overturn the countrywide ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The Assembly’s Speaker, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, stated that the bill was “rejected and the legislative process exhausted.” The bill was introduced in March with pressure from Muslim clerics. The Gambia has one of the highest rates of FGM, with around 70 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 years undergoing the procedure. (“Gambia FGM: Parliament rejects bill seeking to end ban,” BBC, 16 July 2024)
Kenya: 200 more police officers sent to Haiti to counter gang violence
On 16 July, according to Africanews, Kenya sent 200 police officers to Haiti as part of a UN-backed mission to combat gang violence. The deployment followed the 400 officers Kenya sent in June. Nairobi planned to send 1000 officers in total. However, the process suffered delays because of legal challenges. (“200 more Kenyan police deployed to tackle Haiti violence,” Africanews, 16 July 2024)