Photo : Tony Karumba, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Tony Karumba, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Deputy President William Ruto wins Kenya presidential elections
On 15 August, according to the results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), William Ruto won the elections to be the fifth president of Kenya. The announcement was delayed after scuffles and allegations of vote rigging by Odinga supporters. Four election commissioners said that they could not support the “opaque” vote count before the results were declared. Juliana Cherera, the vice Chairperson of IEBC said: “We cannot take ownership of the result that is going to be announced because of the opaque nature of this last phase of the general election”. Odinga supporters staged protests and blocked roads in Kisumu and Nairobi. Ruto received 50.49 per cent of the vote, while his opponent Raila Odinga received 48.85 per cent, marking a narrow victory. Ruto, 55, Deputy President of Kenya since 2013, ran for the first time in presidential elections, but fell out with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who backed Odinga. (“William Ruto wins Kenya elections as results questioned,” Al Jazeera, 15 August 2022)
Burkina Faso army accused of killing 40 civilians
On 15 August, BBC reported, The Collective Against Immunity and Stigmatization of Communities, a rights group based in Burkina Faso accused the army of killing more than 40 civilians in the village of Taffogo in Tougouri. It said the victim’s bodies were found on the road blindfolded with their hands tied. The Observatory of Human Dignity, another rights group, said most of the victims belong to the Fulani ethnic group of semi-nomadic herders. (“Burkina Faso troops accused of killing 40 civilians,” BBC, 15 August 2022)
Nigeria’s inflation reaches 19.64 per cent
On 15 August, Reuters reported, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the inflation rate in Nigeria rose to 19.64 per cent, which is highest since the 24.32 per cent recorded in September 2005. In July, food prices hiked 22.02 percent, caused by increase in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, meat, oil and other items. Rising inflation and economic instability are major issues as the country looks forward to the national election in February 2023. (“Nigeria's annual inflation rises to highest level since 2005,” Reuters, 15 February 2022)
Egypt announces suspension of its UN forces in Mali
On 15 August, Egypt announced it will temporarily suspend its participation in the UN peacekeeping force in Mali over security concerns. The decision follows the killing of seven Egyptian troops serving the UN mission in Mali (Minusma) during multiple attacks since January. The move also comes after activists supporting Mali’s military government continue to demand Minusma’s expulsion over its perceived failure protecting civilians from attacks. The country has not mentioned how long the suspension would last. About 1,000 Egyptian soldiers are deployed in Mali as part of Minusma providing logistical support. (“Egypt to suspend role in UN force in Mali,” BBC, 15 August 2022)