Photo : Umaru Fofana/Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Umaru Fofana/Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Sierra Leone: reported casualties as Anti- government protests turns violent
On 10 August, BBC reported casualties in capital Freetown after police opened fire on anti-government demonstrators. The clashes broke out when protesters blocked roads. Longstanding tensions with the ruling government exacerbated with the rising prices of cost of living, corruption and police brutality. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said: “lives of both policemen and civilians were lost”, without giving further details on how many people had been killed. A police spokesperson told AFP news agency that two police officers, a male and a female were killed during the clash. A nationwide curfew has been announced following the violence. Meanwhile, ECOWAS condemned the violence and called for “all to obey law and order and for the perpetrators of the violence to be identified and brought before the law”. (“Sierra Leone imposes curfew amid anti-government protests,” Al Jazeera, 10 August 2022)
Guinea: military government dissolves opposition coalition
On 10 August, the military government issued a decree dissolving the leading opposition movement, accused of carrying out violent demonstrations which were said to be banned. The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), an alliance of political parties, trade unions and civil society groups, led the protests that overthrew the former president Alpha Conde last year. FNDC led demonstrations have been going on over the military government’s reluctance to return to civilian rule. The opposition alliance was dissolved stating its behavior threatens national unity and peace. (Will Ross, “Guinea junta dissolves opposition coalition,” BBC, 10 August 2022)
US concerned about Rwanda supporting DR Congo M23 rebels
On 10 August, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, raised concerns over the reports of Rwanda providing support to the rebels in DRC. He called on all parties to cease any cooperation with the M23 rebel group. The M23 rebels control and carry out attacks in different regions of the country, displacing thousands of people. (David Banford, “US concerned by reports Rwanda backing DR Congo rebels,” BBC, 10 August 2022)
Mali receives Russian military jets and helicopter
On 10 August, the Mali military government received five military jets and a combat helicopter from Russia. Russia has become a close ally for Mali in its fight against jihadist militancy. The relations between the countries have grown since the coup in May 2021. The Junta’s decision to hire Russian mercenaries following the second coup was said to be the reason for France’s pullout from the country. The Jihadist attacks have increased recently. On 7 August, nearly 17 soldiers and four civilians were killed in an attack by the militants in the town of Tessit. (Will Ross, “Mali junta receives Russian jets and helicopter,” BBC, 10 August 2022)