Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan: Humanitarian disaster in Darfur, says UN
On 7 August, the UN stated that the humanitarian disaster in the Darfur region of Sudan was a complete disaster. The conflict between rival military factions has reached 16 months. The Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Edem Wosornu, referred to the crisis as “an entirely man-made” and “a shameful stain on their collective conscience.” According to the UN, over 25.6 million people are experiencing severe hunger. Sudan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Al-Harith Idriss, stated: "Regarding the issue of famine, if we are experiencing a fifth or even a hundredth phase of IPC famine, we are ready to work together with you and will ensure the smooth delivery of humanitarian assistance." (“Essential supplies blockade threatens lives in North Darfur,” Africanews, 7 August 2024)
South Africa: Promises to implement NHI bill
On 7 August, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he would implement the National Health Insurance Bill, despite opposition. The bill aims to provide universal healthcare coverage for everyone. The bill is expected to limit the role of private health care, accessible to less than 16 per cent of the population. Critics claim that the bill will undermine widespread corruption and budget restraints. (“South Africa to implement National Health Insurance Bill despite resistance,” Africanews, 7 August 2024)
The Democratic Republic of Congo: UN supports SAMIDRC
On 7 August, the UNSC signed a resolution to enhance the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (MONUSCO) assistance to the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). The resolution aims to provide technical support and facilitate logistical aid for medical evacuations and information sharing. The resolution was suggested by Sierra Leone and France. (“Coordinated efforts: UN supports SAMIDRC in Democratic Republic of Congo,” Africanews, 7 August 2024)
West Africa: Russia accuses Ukraine of opening ‘Africa front’ after Niger and Mali cut ties with Kyiv
On 7 August, Russia accused Ukraine of opening a “second front” in Africa after Mali and Niger broke off diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The ties were cut after Kyiv was accused of supporting “terrorist groups.” A Ukrainian military spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, stated that Malian rebels had “necessary” information on the operation, referring to an attack which killed several Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries. The Malian military responded: “The government of the Republic of Niger learned with great amazement and deep indignation, the subversive and unacceptable remarks of Mr Andriy Yusov.” (“Russia accuses Ukraine of opening ‘African front’ as Niger cuts Kyiv ties,” Al Jazeera, 7 August 2024)