Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
Mali: UK announces withdrawal of troops from UN peacekeeping force
On 14 November, the UK’s Armed Forces Minister James Heappey announced that the UK would withdraw its 300 troops from the UN’s peacekeeping force in Mali. Heappey said: “This government cannot deploy our nation's military to provide security when the host country's government is not willing to work with us to deliver lasting stability and security.” Heappey opined that the two coups in Mali since 2020 had undermined international efforts to establish peace amid the growing violence linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The minister further added that Mali’s partnership with Russia’s Wagner Group was also counterproductive to the region’s security. (“Britain to withdraw troops from Mali peacekeeping force,” Reuters, 14 November 2022)
Somalia: US announces USD 10 million reward for information on al Shabaab leaders
On 14 November, the US Department of State announced that it would offer USD 10 million for any information on three leaders of al Shabaab, aiming to interrupt the group's financial flows. amid the group’s intensified attacks on civilians and the government troops. The three people are the “emir” of al Shabaab Ahmed Diriye, his second-in-command Mahad Karate and a US citizen Jehad Mostafa believed to lead al Shabaab’s foreign fighters and its media wing. The State Department said: “The FBI assesses Mostafa to be the highest-ranking terrorist with US citizenship fighting overseas.” (“US offers $10m for information on al-Shabab leaders, finances,” Al Jazeera, 15 October 2022; “US offers $10 million reward for leads on Somalia’s Al-Shabaab leaders,” France24, 14 November 2022)
Sudan: General Burhan warns against interfering with military
On 13 November, Sudanese President General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan warned Islamist groups and political factions against interference in the military as talks with civilian parties to establish a non-partisan government are ongoing. The development comes after Islamists loyal to former dictator Omar al Bashir protested against the ongoing talks. Reuters quoted Burhan: “We'll cut out the tongue of anyone who speaks on the military.” (“Sudan's Burhan warns Islamists and other factions against interfering with the military,” Reuters, 14 November 2022)