Photo : OCHA | Gemma Connell
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : OCHA | Gemma Connell
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
South Sudan: Nearly 40,000 people displaced in Upper Nile, says UN
On 12 December, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) said that nearly 40,000 people have been displaced following the renewed fighting in Upper Nile. It added that the increase in violence is further hampering humanitarian response in the region while thousands are living in dire conditions and in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The fighting between the national army and the Maiwut opposition forces resumed in mid-november. (“Fresh fighting displaces 40,000 in South Sudan - UN,” BBC, 12 December 2022)
Ethiopia: Government to investigate the deaths of migrants in Zambia
On 12 December, the Ethiopian government said that it will begin an expert investigation on the reports on bodies of 27 Ethiopian nationals found dumped roadside in Zambia the previous week. The bodies found were of men- all aged between 20 and 38 believed to have died suffocated while trying to reach South Africa. Previously, in October, bodies of 25 Ethiopians were found in neighbouring Malawi. (“Ethiopia to investigate death of migrants in Zambia,” BBC, 12 December 2022)
Nigeria: At least four people killed in gunmen attack on INEC
On 12 December, BBC reported, at least four people including a policeman were killed in an attack on Nigeria’s election office. The attack comes two months before the general election. It was the second attack on Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission in Imo state this week. Frequent attacks on INEC in the region have raised questions over the commission’s ability to conduct a successful election. (“Gunmen target Nigeria election office ahead of poll,” BBC, 12 December 2022)