Photo : G.M.A Visafric
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : G.M.A Visafric
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Eritrea: Kenyan President visits capital Asmara
On 9 December, Kenyan President William Ruto began his two-day official visit to Eritrea. The visit comes following Eritrea's foreign minister's visit to Kenya the previous week; Eritrea's ministry of information said following the visit that Ruto had "expressed the need for countries in the region to work jointly for realising peace and stability as well as political and economic developments." Ruto's unexpected visit to Eritrea seeks to strengthen relations between the two countries which were stranded in the past. Meanwhile, Eritrea faces international criticism for its human rights atrocities and involvement in Ethiopia's Tigray conflict. (“Kenya president flies to Eritrea in unannounced trip,” BBC, 9 December 2022)
Democratic Republic of Congo: EU sanctions individuals involved in the instability
On 9 December, the European Union imposed sanctions on a number of individuals who are involved in the ongoing fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo. An M23 rebel group spokesperson, a top leader of Ugandan ADF militia group and a Belgian-born businessman accused of exploiting the instability through illicit trade were the individuals who were sanctioned. M23 rebels have been blamed for causing instability in the country and carrying out human rights abuses including violence. The UN has accused the group of killing more than 130 civilians the previous week. (“EU sanctions eight people over DR Congo violence,” BBC, 9 December)
South Sudan: Ceasefire monitors to investigate violence in Upper Nile
On 9 December, ceasefire monitors of South Sudan who observe the implementation of the peace agreement said that they were sending officials to investigate the recent clashes in Upper Nile state. A renewed fighting between national army, opposition parties and ethnic rival groups in Maiwut and Fashoda regions increased insecurity in Upper Nile. According to the UN's humanitarian office, more than 9,100 people were forced to displace following the deadly violence. (“Ceasefire monitors to investigate South Sudan deadly clashes,” BBC, 9 December 2022)