Photo : Ben Curtis, AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Ben Curtis, AP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia: government and the Tigray rebels to begin peace talks
On 17 August, BBC reported, a committee organized by the Ethiopian government with the Tigrayan forces with the objective to end the civil war said that it is working with the African Union to begin peace talks quickly. The committee in a statement said that preparations are underway to “create conditions that will enable a ceasefire to be declared” and basic services to be restored in conflict affected areas. Though the federal government accepted the negotiations under the advice of the African Union, Tigrayan forces favored outgoing Kenyan President Uhuru Kennyatta to lead the talks. Since March, the amount of aid reaching Tigray has significantly increased after a humanitarian truce was agreed. However, no cessation of aggression has been declared. (“Tigray peace talks hasten to end war - committee,” BBC, 17 August)
Mali accuses France of violating airspace and supporting armed groups
On 17 August, Mali accused France for violating its airspace and sending weapons to militant groups. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Mali’s foreign affairs minister, Abdoulaye Diop said that France has violated its airspace more than 50 times this year, using drones, military helicopters and fighter jets. According to Reuters news agency, the letter said: “These flagrant violations of Malian airspace were used by France to collect information for terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and to drop arms and ammunition to them”. In response, the French Embassy replied: “France has obviously never supported, directly or indirectly, these terrorist groups, which remain its designated enemies across the planet”. Meanwhile , On 15 August France announced its complete withdrawal of its troops from Mali, ending a nine year fighting the Islamist militants. (“Mali accuses France of sending weapons to armed groups” Al Jazeera, 17 August 2022)
Tunisia’s new constitution comes into effect granting the president wider powers
On 17 August, Reuters reported, Tunisia's head of the Independent High Electoral Commission announced final results of the referendum on 16 August that the new constitution giving the president greater powers will come into effect. The new constitution has been approved by 96.4 per cent of votes in the referendum with 30 per cent turnout. The opposition accused the electoral board controlled by president Kais Saied of "fraud". Popular opinion upon the referendum is divided. For many, his move sparked fears of return of autocracy, while others welcomed being fed up with high inflation, unemployment and corruption. Meanwhile, the US State Department said that it noted "concerns that the new constitution includes weakened checks and balances that could compromise the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms".(“Tunisia approves a new constitution,'' Africanews, 17 August 2022)