Photo : BBC
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : BBC
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Nigeria: At least 50 villagers abducted by gunmen
On 16 September, BBC reported, at least 50 villagers were abducted from Nigeria’s Katsina state. According to the residents, the attackers rode in on motorcycles, started shooting, leaving one person dead and at least seven others injured. A police spokesperson said the security forces clashed with the gunmen, but failed to prevent the kidnapping. The authorities said actions are being taken to track down the assailants and free the captives. President Muhammadu Buhari has been facing severe criticism for the Nigerian government’s inability to address the insecurity issues including the frequent kidnappings for ransom. (“Gunmen abduct dozens of villagers in northern Nigeria,” BBC, 16 September 2022)
Uganda condemns EU resolution opposing oil project
On 16 September, the Ugandan parliament condemned the EU parliament passing a resolution urging Tanzania and Uganda to halt the development of their oil and gas project in the East African region. Uganda’s deputy speaker, Thomas Tayebwa said the resolution was based on deliberate misinterpretation of facts on the environment and Human Rights protection. He said it is a higher level of imperialism and neo-colonialism violating the sovereignty of Tanzania and Uganda. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) project, which spans 1,443 km (896 miles) from Lake Albert in western Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean will be the world's longest heated oil pipeline when it is finished. (“Uganda condemns EU opposition to oil project,” BBC, 16 September)
South Africa: Biden and Ramaphosa pledges to strengthen US-South Africa ties
On 16 September, US President Joe Biden acclaimed South Africa as a “vital voice” while the country’s President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Washington for talks with Biden on the climate crisis, trade and Ukraine war. President Biden said: “Our partnership is essential in addressing many of the world’s pressing challenges … and South Africa is a vital voice on the global stage.” Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to the US for its “considerate support” on the COVID 19 pandemic while he met with Vice President Kamala Harris. He added, Washington has a “key role” to play on security issues in Africa. The South African president said: “The visit really is about strengthening the relationship between South Africa and the United States.'' The US Vise President said the leaders discussed strategies to respond to the climate crisis and efforts each country has taken on global health. She said: “They also agreed to cooperate closely on matters of peace and security affecting the continent. (“Biden and Ramaphosa vow to strengthen US-South Africa ties,” Al Jazeera, 16 September 2022)
Nigeria and Morocco sign agreement to construct gas pipeline
On 16 September, Morocco and Nigeria signed an agreement to construct a major gas pipeline from south east Nigeria across the Sahara and through other 15 African countries. The 7,000 km long pipeline originating from Brass Island will connect with the Maghreb European pipeline in Morocco. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) said that the project will improve living standards, mitigate desertification in west Africa as well as provide a new export route to Europe. The project is expected to supply nearly three billion cubic feet of gas per day. (“Nigeria and Morocco sign gas pipeline agreement,” BBC, 16 September)