Photo : picture-alliance/AP Images/Al-Hadji-Kudra Maliro
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : picture-alliance/AP Images/Al-Hadji-Kudra Maliro
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
DRC: ADF attack in Ituri province claims dozens of lives
On 6 June, Al Jazeera reported that over 18 civilians had been killed in Ituri province amid the armed forces’ fight against the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The army spokesperson confirmed the attack but did not mention the number of casualties; the armu blamed the Allied Democratic Forces for the attack. The regional chief estimated an initial death toll of 20. (“Over 18 people dead in rebel attack in eastern DR Congo,” Al Jazeera, 6 June 2022)
Nigeria: 50 people killed in a gunmen attack in a church
On 5 June, at least 50 people including children were reportedly killed in a gunmen attack in a Catholic church in southwestern Ondo state. Terming the attack “vile and satanic,'' Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu said: “Our hearts are heavy, our peace and tranquillity have been attacked by the enemies of the people.” President Muhammadu Buhari released a statement: "Only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such dastardly act. No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win." Though the country has regular events of gunmen attacks and ransom kidnappings, Ondo is a relatively peaceful region in Nigeria. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. ("‘Evil and wicked’: At least 50 killed in Nigeria church attack," Al Jazeera, 5 June 2022)
Tunisia: Judges declare a strike against dismissal
On 5 June, over a hundred judges met and agreed to hold a week-long strike starting 6 June against Saeid’s decision. The Association of Judges’ president said the strike may be extended later. In the meeting, some dismissed judges said Saeid’ decision came after they refused intervention from the justice minister or others closely associated with Saeid. Previously, on 1 June, President Kais Saeid had dismissed 57 judges on allegations of corruption and protecting terrorists. (Tarek Amara, “Tunisian judges to strike for a week in protest over purge,” Reuters, 5 June 2022)