Photo : Afolabi Sotunde, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Afolabi Sotunde, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Nigeria: At least six killed by suspected separatists
On 29 September, BBC reported, the Nigerian officials said five soldiers and a civilian were shot dead in the south-eastern state of Anambra. This year alone, more than 100 soldiers were killed in the region as insecurity issues intensified. A banned armed seperatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), is often blamed for the violence. The group is seeking a separate state and denies carrying out attacks. (“Six shot dead by suspected Biafran separatists,” BBC, 29 September 2022)
Uganda: Students protest against EU over Uganda oil row
On 29 September, hundreds of students in Uganda protested against the European Union parliament, after it opposed an oil pipeline project with Tanzania. EU parliament passed a resolution against the pipeline project warning human rights abuse and the social and environmental risk. The 1,443 km long pipeline connects from Lake Albert in western Uganda to the Tanga port of Tanzania on the Indian Ocean. (“Students hold anti-EU protest over Uganda oil row,” BBC, 29 September 2022)
Nigeria: Presidential candidates pledges peaceful campaigns
On 29 September, three top Nigerian presidential candidates signed a “peace” deal to ease tensions during the 2023 election campaigns. Past Nigerian elections have been marred by violence, fraud, legal challenges and ethnic tensions. INEC election commission chairman, Mahmood Yakubu said: “Commitment to a peaceful and issue-based electioneering campaign should resonate beyond presidential candidates.” The upcoming elections replace President Muhammadu Buhari, who is stepping down after two terms. The Country’s struggling economy and insecurity are a major challenge for Buhari's successor. (“Nigerian presidential candidates pledge peaceful campaigns,” Africanews, 29 September 2022)