Photo : GhanaWeb
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : GhanaWeb
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Ghana criticises Burkina Faso’s engagement with Russian Wagnor group
On 16 December, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo in a meeting with the US Secretary of State said that Burkina Faso invited the Russian mercenary Wagner group to fight jihadist insurgency in the country. He said the Russian group is on Ghana’s border and described the development as distressing. He added on the threat of dangerous proliferation of coups in West Africa and enemies of democracy working hard in the region. Later, the Burkinabe state information agency said that Burkina Faso has recalled its ambassador in Ghana for consultation to discuss the allegation. Meanwhile, UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell who is visiting Ghana said that Russia’s presence in West Africa is “neither constructive nor helpful.” (“Ghana says Burkina Faso has invited Russian mercenaries,” BBC, 16 December 2022, “UK concerned about Russian mercenaries in West Africa,” BBC, 16 December 2022, “Burkina Faso recalls envoy in Ghana after Wagner claims,” BBC, 16 December 2022)
Mozambique: Parliament legalises local militias in jihadist fight
On 16 December, Mozambique’s parliament approved a new bill legalising local militias fighting the jihadist insurgency in the northern Cabo Delgado region. Defence Minister Cristovo Chume while presenting the bill said that the Mozambique army is not strong enough to fight the jihadist insurgency alone. He further added that there is an urgent need to engage local forces to strengthen the army “in combating and containing the spread of jihadist incursions.” (“Mozambique approves local militias in jihadist fight, BBC, 16 December 2022)
South Sudan: Hundreds fleeing to Sudan amid renewed fighting in Upper Nile
On 16 December, the state-owned Sudanese news agency reported that nearly 1,700 people have fled into Sudan after renewed violence in South Sudan's northern Upper Nile. The UN said that at least 166 people have been killed in the violence. The Unicef previously said that the violence between armed groups in the region started in August, has caused civilian deaths, injuries, abductions and has forced thousands to flee their homes. The state news agency added that the clashes have spread to Jonglei and Unity states. (“Hundreds fleeing South Sudan violence reach Sudan,” BBC, 16 December 2022)