Photo : Aurelie Bazzara-Kibangula, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Aurelie Bazzara-Kibangula, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Rebel leaders return back to Chad amid the planned national dialogue
On 18 August, Al Jazeera reported, Timan Erdimi, leader of Union of Resistance Forces (URF), a prominent rebel group, returned back to the country amid planned national dialogue between civilians, armed oppositions and the transitional government. He was in exile for 17 years, trying to overthrow the late president Idriss Deby. He told the reporters: “I hope that everything will go well to achieve peace, reconciliation and serenity in the country”, adding his intention to transform UFR into a political party. Another rebel leader Mahamat Nouri, head of the Union for Democracy and Development (UFDD) was also reported to return back to the country. On 8 August, the military government signed an agreement for peace with 40 other rebel groups in Qatar, where it planned to conduct a national dialogue on 20 August. The national dialogue is expected to lead to free and democratic elections and transfer of power to civilians. (“Rebel leader Timan Erdimi returns to Chad after 17 years in exile,” Al Jazeera, 18 August)
At least 38 killed Algeria forest fires
On 18 August, BBC reported, at least 38 were killed and dozens injured in the wild fires in northern Algeria. Authorities said that 39 fires are spreading in various parts of northern Algeria. The civil protection agency said that the city of El Tarf is the most affected with 16 fires. Northern Algeria is affected by wildfires every year. Since August, 106 fires have broken out in the country destroying 800 hectares of forest and 100,000 hectares of woodland. (“Algeria forest fires: At least 38 dead, emergency officials say,” BBC, 18 August 2022)