Photo : The Guardian/Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : The Guardian/Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar and Anu Maria Joseph
Africa: Thousands displaced by flooding in central and west Africa
On 28 October, the UNHCR said 3.4 million were in need of assistance amid the flooding in west and central Africa. Currently, the floods have claimed over 600 lives in Nigeria and left 1.3 million displaced. Similarly, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso also witnessed above-average rainfall leading to the death and displacement of hundreds. The UNHCR spokesperson outlined the impact of climate change in the region and across Africa stating that the temperature in Sahel was increasing 1.5 times faster than the global average. The spokesperson further said that extreme weather across Africa had “killed hundreds and forced millions to flee their homes.” (“Millions face flooding threat across west and central Africa,” UN News, 28 October 2022)
Nigeria: Police increase security amid terror attack warnings
On 28 October, the Nigerian police called on all “strategic police managers in charge of commands and tactical formations” to increase security, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory. The inspector general of police ordered the activation of all emergency numbers for “a 24/7 prompt response with combatant officers and men on standby.” The development came after the US, on the same day, asked family members of diplomats and non-emergency staff to leave from Abuja. (“Nigeria ups security as US orders diplomats’ families to leave,” Al Jazeera, 28 October 2022)
Western Sahara: UN Security Council voted for the resumption of peace negotiations
On 28 October, the UN Security Council voted for the resumption of negotiations between parties to the disputed Western Sahara. The resolution called on the parties to resume negotiations "in good faith with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution." Thirteen countries in the 15-member council voted in favour of the resolution, while Kenya and Russia abstained. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is disputed by Morocco and the Algerian backed Polisario Front. (“UN votes for Western Sahara talks to resume,” BBC, 28 October 2022)