Photo : Hazem Turkia, Anadolu
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Hazem Turkia, Anadolu
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Libya: At least 32 killed as clashes broke out between rival governments
On 28 August, the UN called for an immediate ceasefire to hostilities following deadly clashes between two political factions. The UN’s Libya mission said that the fighting had included “indiscriminate medium and heavy shelling in civilian populated neighborhoods'' and called for an immediate ceasefire, which has been backed by the US ambassador to Libya. On 27 August, the health ministry of Libya said that at least 32 people were killed and 159 wounded in a clash between two political factions in Tripoli. The ministry added that hospitals and medical centers were shelled and ambulances were blocked from evacuating the wounded, in acts that “amount to war crimes”. Nearly 64 families had to be evacuated from the area. Since the 2011 uprising that ousted the long-serving ruler Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been in chaos. However, the past two year have been relatively calm. The UN backed Government of National Unity (GNU) said: “The clashes were triggered by a military group firing randomly at a convoy passing in the Zawia Street area, while armed groups were gathering at the 27th gate west of Tripoli and the Jebs Gate south of Tripoli.” The country’s interim Prime Minister and head of GNU, Abdulhamid Dbeibeh is based in Tripoli and the rival government led by Prime Minister Fathi Bashaga is seated in the eastern parliament. Bashagha has been trying to take over Tripoli claiming GNU is illegal. While GNU has refused and claimed power should be handed peacefully through elections, not force. (Alys Davies, “Libya clashes: UN calls for ceasefire after 32 killed,” BBC, 28 August 2022, “At least 32 people dead following violent clashes between rival militias in Libyan capital of Tripoli,” CNN, 29 August 2022)
Japan announces USD 30 billion to Africa during the TICAD8 in Tunisia
On 27 August, Japan held the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) in Tunisia, pledged USD 30 billion in aid for development in Africa, aiming to work closely with the continent. During the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tokyo would work to ensure grain supply to Africa amid global shortage. He said: “If we give up on a rules-based society and permit unilateral changes of the status quo by force, the impact of that will extend not only through Africa, but all the world.” In the opening speech at the conference, Tunisisan President Kais Saied urged to “search together for ways for African peoples to achieve the hopes and dreams of the first generation after independence.” The summit gave president Saied biggest international platform after broadening his powers enshrined through a constitutional referendum that opposition lebells a coup. (“Japan pledges $30bn in aid for Africa at Tunisia conference,” Al Jazeera, 27 August 2022)
Sierra Leone: Six people killed in flash floods in capital Freetown
On 29 August, BBC reported, at least six people have been killed after torrential rains caused flash floods and landslides in parts of Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown. The landslides swept away houses in Looking Town, Kanikay and Kaningo, many houses were under water and roadways became flowing rivers. Freetown Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr visited the area. He said: “As I spoke with survivors and neighbors, I could clearly see a huge boulder positioned precariously above the community. A poignant reminder of the risk of disaster this community lives daily.” President Julius Maado Bio said: “poor urban planning and mismanagement of the city’s resources as an enormous contributor to the problem.” He also cited climate change as another major factor. He said: “The heavy downpour experienced this August points to the impact and consequence of global warming and climate change.” (“Six deaths after Sierra Leone flash floods - report,” BBC, 29 August 2022)
Angola: The ruling MPLA party wins elections
On 29 August, the National Electoral Commission (CNE) of Angola declared the Movement of the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) won the elections gaining 51.17 per cent of votes against the Unita opposition party which gained 43.95 per cent, marking the tightest elections in the country's history. The CNE head said: “The CNE proclaims Joao Manuel Gonclaves Lourenco president of the republic.” The MPLA party, a former liberation movement since independence, has been in power for 50 years, now extends its decades long rule giving president Joao Lourenco a second term in office. The previous week, Adalberto Costa, leader of UNITA, rejected the provisional results and called for an international panel to review the vote count. He cited disparities between the commission’s count and the main opposition coalition’s own tally. However, he did not respond to the declaration of final results. (“Angola’s MPLA ruling party wins elections and presidency,” Al Jazeera, 29 August 2022)
Chad: National dialogue suspended amid scuffle
On 29 August BBC reported, according to the pro-government website Alwihda, Chad’s national dialogue has been suspended over the conflicted composition of the steering committee. The proposed steering committee was rejected by few members, who felt that the “names were not reflective of the country’s fabric.” The Alwihda report said: “Anger immediately spread in the meeting room after former Prime Minister Guelengouksia Ouaidou read out the proposed list of names.” The disagreement forced the chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the Inclusive National Dialogue (CODNI), Acheikh Ibni Oumar, to suspend the session. The national dialogue started on 20 August following the government signing of an agreement for peace with 40 rebel groups, expected to lead to free and democratic elections and transfer of power to civilians. (“Chad national dialogue suspended over representation row,” BBC, 29 August 2022)