Photo : Marwan Ali | AP Photo
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Marwan Ali | AP Photo
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan: Military signs agreement for a civilian transition
On 5 December, Sudan’s pro-democracy coalition Forces of Freedom and Change signed an agreement with the military to restore civilian rule. The deal agreed for a two-year civilian-led transition towards election. However, protests were sparked in capital Khartoum challenging the agreement and calling the military to be accountable for the coup as well as the death of anti-coup protesters. The deal doesn’t cover security reforms leaving public concern that it would leave the military powerful and disrupt the democratic transition. A spokesperson for the Forces of Freedom and Change said: “The goals of the agreement are establishing a fully civilian authority, creating a free climate for politics, and reaching a final agreement with the widest political participation.” The African Union, Arab nations and western countries have been putting pressure on both sides for negotiation. Meanwhile, the UN and the US have welcomed the agreement. (“Sudan military to sign deal on return to civilian rule,” BBC, 5 December 2022)
South Africa: Ramaphosa legally challenges corruption report
On 5 December, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa legally challenged the report by a parliamentary commission of inquiry, which claims to have evidence for Ramaphosa’s misconduct and possible violation of the constitution. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson described the report as “clearly flawed.” Ramaphosa mentioned that he wants the Constitutional Court to declare the report unlawful and to set them aside. He also added that the inquiry panel went beyond its scope when looking at whether it was a case of robbery at his Phala Phala farm. (“Ramaphosa challenges corruption report in court,” BBC, 5 December 2022)