Photo : Anadolu Agency
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Anadolu Agency
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
Tunisia: President fires 57 judges alleging corruption and links to terrorists
On 1 June, President Kais Saeid dismissed 57 judges on allegations of corruption and protecting terrorists. Saeid said before sacking the judges, he had provided “opportunity after opportunity and warning after warning to the judiciary to purify itself.” One of the judges had headed the Supreme Judicial Council which was replaced in February 2022. Saeid’s decision comes amid widespread opposition to his move to hold a referendum on the new constitution in July. (“Tunisian president sacks dozens of judges, tightening grip on judiciary,” France24, 2 June 2022)
Democratic Republic of the Congo: UN envoy urges military response to M23 rebellion
On 1 June, the UN Secretary General’s special representative to the Democratic Republic of the Congo said a strong military response was necessary to tackle the M23 rebellion. The UN official suggested other measures along with military operations were necessary, including a political solution through regional mechanisms and disarmament and reintegration of the rebels by the government. (Samba Cyuzuzo, “UN envoy urges 'strong response' against Congo rebels,” BBC, 2 June 2022)
Guinea: One protester allegedly killed by security forces in capital city
On 1 June, one person was reportedly shot dead by security forces as people took to the streets in the capital Conakry protesting against a 20 per cent hike in gasoline prices. The security minister condemned the development and promised an investigation. A coalition of politicians said the security forces’ alleged actions was not in line with coup leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya’s claims when he seized power, wherein he criticized killings during demonstrations. (“One killed in first major protest under Guinea junta,” Reuters, 2 June 2022)