Photo : Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Blinken visits Rwanda, raises concerns over M23 rebels
On 11 August, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Rwanda for talks on alleged cooperation with the M23 rebels operating in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Blinken is also expected to pressure the authorities for the release of Paul Rusesabagina, Oscar nominated, for the film Hotel Rwanda, whom the US government says is “wrongfully detained in Rwanda”. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison on terrorism charges last year. The US State Department said: “Blinken will meet Rwandan leaders and civil society members on a range of key issues”. After talks with President Paul Kagame, Blinken expressed concerns over the human rights issues in the country. President Kagame replied: “No worries…there are things that just don't work like that here!!”. The M23 rebels are controlling parts of North Kivu province in eastern DRC. (Marcus Erbe, “Blinken raises concern over human rights in Rwanda,” BBC, 11 August 2022; Samba Cyuzuzo, “Blinken arrives in Rwanda amid row over M23 rebels,” BBC, 11 August 2022)
Mali: 42 soldiers killed in Islamist attack
On 11 August, BBC reported, Mali authority says nearly 42 soldiers were killed in an Islamist attack on 7 August. The officials added, another 22 troops were wounded and 37 Islamic State militias were killed. The attack took place at Tessit, a town sharing borders with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Following the attack, thousands of residents fled the area. (Mark Pivac, “Mali troops death toll from attack rises to 42 ,” BBC, 11 August 2022)
South Sudan: UN Mission condemns execution of rebels
On 11 August, the UN Mission in South Sudan, Unmiss condemned the alleged execution of four rebel fighters in the northern oil-producing Unity state. The footage of the execution has been circulating on social media where three of the South Sudan People's Movement/Army(ESPN/A) being fired and the fourth rebel being burnt alive. The government condemned the executions. Meanwhile, South Sudan People's Defense Forces(SSPDF) said it will investigate the incidents. Nicholas Hysom, the head of Unmiss said: "Unmiss joins the government in expressing grave concern over reports that four officers from the rebel SSPM/A have been summarily executed in Mayom county". (“UN condemns execution of South Sudan rebels,” BBC, 11 August 2022)
Sierra Leone anti-government protests: dozens including six police officers killed
On 11 August, police authorities reported dozens of civilians including six police officers were killed in the anti-government protests. About 130 people have been arrested. The protesters were blocking roads, throwing rocks and burning tyres perpetuating the violence. The armed officers are patrolling the streets and using tear gas to contain the violence. The popular demonstrations are taking place in Freetown, Makeni and Kamakwie regions. The public discontent over the high cost of living, corruption and police brutality has caused the outbreak. (“Smoke and tear gas as Sierra Leone protests continue,” BBC, 11 August 2022)