Photo : The Economist
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : The Economist
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
Sudan-Ethiopia: Khartoum reopens Galabat border crossing
On 17 July, a Sudanese army spokesperson said the Technical Committee of the Security and Defence Council had decided to reopen the Galabat border crossing after it was closed on 26 June. The statement from the committee said the decision came after leaders from both sides agreed to resolve the border problems "in return for the goodwill measures shown by the Ethiopian side to prevent the infiltration of armed elements into Sudanese territory." (“Sudan reopens border crossing with Ethiopia,” Sudan Tribune, 17 July 2022)
Chad: Rebel groups suspend peace talks in Doha
On 16 July, over 20 rebel groups withdrew from the negotiations in Doha, claiming that the Chadian military government was sabotaging the peace efforts and accusing the latter of “harassments, intimidation, threats and disinformation.” The groups’ announcement came after president Mohamad Idris Deby set 20 August as the date for dialogue. On 18 July, the head of the Popular Front for National Renaissance mentioned that negotiations with the government since March have not been direct and said: “It takes two to negotiate, both to make peace and war. For the moment, we find ourselves alone.” (“Over 20 rebel groups suspend participation in Chad peace talks,” Al Jazeera, 18 July 2022)
Niger: EU announces EUR 25 million assistance; launches operational partnership to tackle migrant smuggling
On 18 July, the European Council announced assistance of EUR 25 million to Niger "to strengthen the capabilities and resilience of the Nigerien Armed Forces" for civilian protection and defending territorial integrity. The assistance would be directed to the construction of an Armed Forces Technician Training Centre and a military operating base in the Tillaberi region on the border between Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Previously, on 15 July, the EU and Niger launched an operational partnership to address migrant smuggling. Niger's interior minister said the partnership would protect and improve the living conditions of migrants and their hosts. (“European Peace Facility: Council adopts an assistance measure to support the Nigerien Armed Forces,” Council of the European Union, 18 July 2022; “Strengthening cooperation in the fight against migrant smuggling: the European Union and Niger launch operational partnership to tackle migrant smuggling,” European Commission, 15 July 2022)