Photo : REUTERS, Feisal Omar
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : REUTERS, Feisal Omar
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Somalia: At least 10 people killed in gunmen attack in a famed hotel
On 19 August, the officials reported that at least 10 people were killed after gunmen attacked a hotel in the capital Mogadishu. The security forces are battling to end the 20-hour seige at the hotel. The al-Shabab armed group linked to al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the attack. The fighters of the armed group entered the Hayat hotel on 19 August and triggered explosions and gunfire. The hotel is known to be frequented by government officials. The attack is a major incident since Somalia's new leader took office in May. (“Somali forces battle to end deadly hotel siege in Mogadishu,” Al Jazeera, 19 August 2022)
UN peacekeeping troops leaves DR Congo
On 19 August, a DR Congo government official reported that UN peacekeeping forces (Monusco) in the country left the eastern town of Butembo over the deadly protests last month. Gen Constant Kongba Ndima, the governor of North Kivu province said: “Monusco has already left. As for the equipment still in the city, we are going to meet in Goma with those in charge of the mission to see how to transfer it, as well as the few personnel remaining in Butembo''. A Monusco spokesperson said: “the mission has proceeded to a temporary redeployment of its personnel outside Butembo…after consultations with local and national authorities”. In July, a popular protest erupted in North Kivu demanding the troops to leave the country. About 36 people were killed and 170 others were injured during the demonstrations that turned violent. (“UN peacekeepers leave Congolese town - governor,” BBC, 19 August 2022)
South Africa’s Zulu nation to coronate new king amid tensions
On 19 August, Al Jazeera reported, South Africa’s ethnic Zulu nation is preparing for the coronation for its new king on 21 August. King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini will undergo the traditional ritual known as ukungena esibayeni marking the accession of the new king. The Zulu ethnic group is South Africa’s largest, having more than 12 million people mainly located in the KwaZulu-Natal province. They are historically recognised for their resistance to British colonialism under King Shaka Zulu between 1816 and 1828. It is also one of the richest and influential ethnic groups in the country. The coronation event is held despite a certain succession dispute within the royal family. (“South Africa’s Zulu nation to coronate new king amid tussle,” Al Jazeera, 19 August 2022)