Photo : Thomas Goisque | Wikimedia
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Thomas Goisque | Wikimedia
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Niger: France delivers attack helicopters
On 17 November, BBC reported that France has given two attack helicopters to Niger to boost its fight against the Islamist militancy. Niger’s Defence Minister Alkasoum Indatou said during the unveiling ceremony of the aircraft that the delivery of the equipment was a part of military cooperation between the two countries. According to the authorities, the aircraft included five military helicopters which cost nearly USD 24.8 million, having reconnaissance, surveillance and attack capabilities as well as included the training pilots. (“Niger receives two French attack helicopters,” BBC, 17 November 2022)
Ethiopia: Tigray officials accuses Eritrea of atrocities
On 17 November, a senior official of the Tigray region said that the Eritrean forces continue to commit human rights atrocities despite the ceasefire deal signed the previous week, which ended the two-year war. A spokesperson from Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) said that Eritrean forces are killing civilians and looting and destroying property. He also added that TPLF would not draw down its arms until the federal government ensures the complete withdrawal of Eritrean and other forces. Meanwhile, an Ethiopian official said that the Eritrean issue will be resolved after federal troops are stationed in Tigray’s borders. (“Eritrean army accused of atrocities in Tigray,” BBC, 17 November 2022)
Nigeria: National Bureau of Statistics says 133 million people in poverty
On 17 November, Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics said that nearly 133 million people in the country are living in poverty. The Bureau came up with the data looking at multidimensional poverty, where how much money someone has is calculated along with their access to education and basic infrastructure. It said lack of access to health and education as well as a clean energy for cooking are the key issues behind poverty. (“Six out of every 10 Nigerians in poverty - government,” BBC, 17 November 2022)