Photo : Feisal Omar, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Feisal Omar, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Burundi soldiers deployed in DRC
On 22 August, Burundi soldiers were deployed in eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the recently formed East African regional force. A spokesperson from the Burundi army told the Associated Press : “As you have seen, our soldiers have been received officially. They are in Congo on an official mission”. The deployment was confirmed by a DRC army spokesperson. He said: "The mandate is to track down all foreign and local armed groups in order to restore peace”. The rift between Rwanda and DRC which the former accused the latter of supporting the M23 rebel group, led to the East African Community creating the new regional force fighting militant groups. (“Burundi sends troops to DRC for regional peacekeeping force,” Al Jazeera, 22 August 2022)
Angola to hold presidential elections, expects tight competition
On 22 August, BBC reported, Angola will hold their presidential elections on 24 August, determining whether President João Lourenço wins a second and final five-year term in office. He is running for the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) against Angola’s largest opposition party Unita, headed by Adalberto Costa Junior and other six opposition candidates. Many of the analysts assume that MPLA, which ruled the country for 50 years since independence in 1975 will win again, while many others claim that this will be the country’s closest elections so far. One other section claims that after five decades under MPLA, young people in Angola hope for a change. (Israel Campos, “Angola braces for closely fought elections,” BBC, 22 August 2022)
Somali PM pledges to take action after the deadly hotel siege
On 22 August, Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre pledged to take severe action on officials who failed to prevent the deadly al-Shabab attack on Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu. He said: “ We cannot tolerate a repeat of what happened, those who neglected their duties would be held accountable”. Health Minister Ali Hajji Aden said that 21 people were killed and 117 wounded during the 35-hour seige between the security forces and al-Shabab militants. (Abdi Dahir, “Somali PM vows action after deadly hotel siege,” BBC, 22 August 2022)
Mali appoints new military prime minister
On 22 August, Mali appointed a new interim prime minister, as reports say civilian Prime Minister Choguel Maiga has been admitted to hospital. The new Prime Minister, Col. Abdoulaye Maiga was previously minister of territorial administration and government spokesperson. The most senior government positions are held my the military as Col. Abdoulaye Maiga appointed the new Prime Minister. He is a major critic of France, accusing Paris of being neo-colonial and involvement in Malian security and democracy. (“Mali appoints new interim military prime minister,” BBC, 22 August 2022)