Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Somalia: Oxfam says hundreds could die of hunger
On 14 October, Oxfam said that one person is likely to die every 36 seconds till the end of this year in the Horn of Africa in ravaging drought. Major East African countries including Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are going through a fifth failed rainy season. Millions of people are leaving the rural areas for makeshift camps near towns. The agency said that the number of people facing acute hunger in Somalia is more than the number of people affected by famine in 2011. (“Hundreds could die every day in Somalia from hunger - Oxfam, BBC, 14 October 2022)
Mali: At least 11 killed in bus blast
On 14 October, BBC reported, at least 11 people were killed in central Mali in a bus blast. Jihadist insurgecy in the country has left thousands dead and forced thousands to leave thier homes. A report by the UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said that mines and explosive devices have killed more than twenty by the end of August this year. (“At least 11 killed in Mali bus blast,” BBC, 14 October 2022)
Burkina Faso: Coup leader to become interim president
On 14 October, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who led the latest coup in Burkina Faso was named as the country's interim president until elections in July 2024. However, a national forum said that the leader would not be allowed to contest in the polls. Traoré seized power two weeks ago from Lt General Paul Henri Damiba, who led a coup in January blazing the authorities of failing to deal with Islamist insurgency. (“Burkina Faso coup leader to become interim president,” BBC, 14 October 2022)