Photo : AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
Somalia: More than 100 militants killed in army operations
On 19 September, a press release from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said that the Somali National Army (SNA) had killed over 100 members of Al Shabab. The press release said the casualties were recorded during the SNA’s operations, conducted with the US’s air support, in Yasoman and Aborey in Hiran region. On 18 September, the army said over 75 militants had been killed in a joint operation with clan militia. In response, an Al Shabab spokesperson said the group would retaliate to the involvement of clan militia. (“Somalia says over 100 militants killed in operations,” BBC, 20 September 2022)
Chad: Foreign Minister resigns amid talks with rebels
On 19 September, Foreign Minister Cherif Mahamat Zene announced his resignation citing disagreement with senior leaders amid the government’s efforts to engage with rebel groups in Doha. Zene wrote a letter to the President saying his willingness to serve Chad was “at odds with parallel actions and initiatives of certain members” of the government and the cabinet. Zene said certain developments “had stripped his department of its prerogatives” limiting him to a “mere background role.” (“Chad foreign minister resigns as government engages rebels in talks,” Reuters, 19 September 2022)