Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
By Samruddi Pathak
Democratic Republic of Congo: Angola mediates a truce between Rwanda and DRC
On 31 July, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed on a ceasefire mediated by Angola. The ceasefire will begin on 4 August. The peace negotiation lasted for two weeks. DRC forces have been fighting M23 rebels in the eastern regions of the country since 2022. Rwanda has been allegedly supporting M23 rebels, a claim denied by the country. The conflict has killed thousands and displaced more than two million. (“Ceasefire agreed in eastern Congo conflict, mediator Angola says,” Reuters, 31 July 2024)
Kenya: Ruto’s Financial Act 2023 declared unconstitutional
On 31 July, the Kenyan Court of Appeal declared the Government’s Financial Act 2023 as unconstitutional. The three judge bench said that the Act does not comply with the constitutional dictates. In its defence, the government said that higher taxes are necessary to pay off debt and submitted a new economic plan to the IMF to receive funds. (“Kenyan court nullifies 2023 finance law in new blow to President Ruto,” Reuters, 31 July 2024)
Sudan: Military accuses paramilitary RSF of drone strike
On 31 July, Sudan Military’s chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan survived an assassination attempt in a drone strike. The army spokesperson said that the army blames the Rapid Support Forces (RSP) of Sudan for the drone attack. However, the RSF has denied the accusations. The conflict between the military and the paramilitary has been going on for 16 months. The RSF has agreed to US-led mediation talks while General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has ruled out any possibility of it. (“Sudan's military leader survives drone strikes - army,” BBC, 31 July 2024)