Photo : EPA
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : EPA
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Angola: Joao Laurence sworn in as President, pledges economic reforms
On 15 September, Joao Laurence sworn in as Angola's president for a second five year term. During the inaugural speech he said: “Congratulations for the patriotism and high degree of tolerance and civility shown in what are already considered the most disputed general elections in the history of the young Angolan democracy.” He claimed that Angola had chosen “continuity” and would be assured of “stability” by electing him and his party, pointing to greater economic liberalization in the country. He also promised to reform the private sector, goods and service sector and fight youth unemployment. The major opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola UNITA said in a statement: “This setup aims to intimidate citizens who want to demonstrate against the election results on the day of the inauguration of the president without legitimacy. (“Angola’s Lourenco pledges more economic reforms at swearing-in,” Al Jazeera, 15 September 2022)
Ethiopia: EU says drone strikes risk ‘fragile hope’
On 15 September, the European Union said the series of air strikes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region endanger “a very fragile hope for peace.” The previous week, at least 10 people were killed and 18 were injured in a series of drone strikes in the city of Mekelle. The TPLF accused the Ethiopian government for the attack. The EU, in a statement urged both parties to end the violence and negotiate a permanent ceasefire. It also said the role of Eritrea continues to impede peace efforts. The TPLF forces accuse the Eritrean forces of supporting the Ethiopian troops in the renewed fighting. Neither the Ethiopian nor the Eritrean government has commented on the accusations. (“EU says drone strikes risk Ethiopia 'fragile hope',” BBC, 15 September 2022)
Ivory Coast denounces Mali “unacceptable blackmail”
On 14 September, Ivory Coast top security organ held a meeting chaired by President Alasane Ouattara, to discuss the 46 Ivorian soldiers detained in Mali since 10 July. In a statement, the National Security Council (NSC) denounced the “unacceptable blackmail” of the Malian authorities for asking for the repatriation of Mali people exiled in Ivory Coast in exchange for the release of the Ivorian soldiers. The CNS said it has asked the foreign affairs ministry to refer the issue to the West African Regional Bloc (ECOWAS). The Ivorian authorities say Mali’s demands confirm that the detained soldiers are held hostages. On 15 August, the soldiers were accused by the Malian judiciary for attempting to disturb the security of the state. However, the Ivorian authorities said they were on a mission for the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (Minsuma). (“Ivory Coast denounces Mali 'blackmail'”, BBC, 15 September 2022)