Photo : Anadolu Agency
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Anadolu Agency
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
Gabon and Togo join the Commonwealth
On 25 June, Gabon and Togo, which were not British colonies, became the latest countries to be admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations. Togo's foreign minister said they joined the Commonwealth "to expand its diplomatic, political and economic network." Similarly, Gabon's foreign minister said joining the Commonwealth could assist the country in economic diversification. (James Tasamba, "Gabo, Togo join Commonwealth association," Anadolu Agency, 26 June 2022)
Libya: UN official calls for facilitation of return to electoral process
On 27 June, the UN political affairs chief called on the UN “to facilitate a return to the electoral process, based on a sound and consensual constitutional basis for elections,” adding, “This is what the Libyan people have asked for.” Referring to the rivalry between the government appointed by the House of Representatives and the UN-backed government, the UN official warned of an escalation of clashes between the rival groups if maximum restraint and dialogue are not maintained. (“Libya: UN highlights need to speed up progress towards national elections,” UN News, 27 June 2022)
Sudan-Ethiopia: Khartoum recalls ambassador from Addis Ababa after alleged murder of Sudanese soldiers
On 26 June, Sudan’s foreign ministry said it would recall its ambassador to Ethiopia and also summon Addis Ababa’s ambassador over the alleged killing of seven Sudanese soldiers by the latter’s military. On 25 June, Sudan claimed that seven soldiers had been captured by Ethiopia on Sudan’s territory on 22 June, killed and their bodies hung in Ethiopia’s public. However, on 27 June, Ethiopia denied Sudan’s claims and alleged that Sudanese soldiers entered Ethiopian territory, thus leading to skirmishes between the two sides. (“Sudan recalls envoy to Ethiopia after execution of seven soldiers,” Al Jazeera, 27 June 2022)
Nigeria: State governments asks locals to use arms against gangs
On 27 June, BBC reported the Zamfara state government’s directive to locals to arm themselves against criminal gangs involved in kidnapping and violence. The state government suggested it would help address the increasing insecurity, and has also ordered the closure of markets in a few districts, and banned motorcycles and the sale of petroleum products. A shoot-to-kill order was reportedly issued against those using motorcycles. (“Nigerian state tells residents to take up arms against kidnap gangs,” Rhoda Odhiambo, BBC, 27 June 2022)
Tunisia: Trade union calls for another strike
On 27 June, the UGTT called on the government workers for a second general strike against the government’s proposed measures to meet the IMF conditions. The UGTT head said: “The government does not want dialogue, while social conditions are deteriorating, inflation rates are high, and key interest rates raised.” The move comes after the UGTT, previously, claimed it was being targeted for not taking part in talks regarding a new constitution. (Mike Thomson, “Tunisia's top union calls another general strike,” BBC, 27 June 2022; “Tunisian union calls for new public strike, escalates dispute with president,” News24, 27 June 2022)
Cameroon: Over 30 killed in Southwestern Region
On 27 June, a Reuters news report quoted sources who said at least 30 villagers had been killed in Southwestern Region; victims included women and children. The Presbyterian Church spokesperson said the massacre took place over a land dispute between Oliti and Messaga Ekol ethnic groups, dating back to violence that took place in April. The casualties also included five Nigerians. (“More than 30 die in ethnic violence in Cameroon,” News24, 27 June 2022)
Somalia: Hamza Barre sworn in as PM
On 26 June, all 220 members of parliament approved Hamza Abdi Barre as the new prime minister, thereby paving the way for a new government. Barre said he would create a government focused on an inclusive political stability that would complement the president’s vision of a “reconciled Somalia that is at peace with the world.” Following the swearing-in of Barre, president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud tweeted: “Our government has an ambitious policy programme which seeks to improve our security, strengthen our economy and deliver basic services for our people.” (“Somali MPs approve new Prime Minister,” Africanews, 26 June 2022)