Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Malawi: Schools suspended amid cholera outbreak
On 2 January, BBC reported that a cholera outbreak in Malawi has forced the authorities to suspend the reopening of schools. The outbreak which began in March has killed nearly 595 people. Cases have been reported in all 28 districts in the country. Health authorities say that the beginning of the rainy season would make the situation worse. Though outbreak of the disease is common every year during the rainy season in the country, casualties are triple compared to previous years. (“Malawi suspends school opening over deadly cholera outbreak,” BBC, 2 January 2023)
Senegal: MPs jailed for attacking pregnant colleague
On 2 January, two opposition MPs in Senegal were sentenced to six months in jail for kicking a pregnant colleague in the stomach. She was attacked when she criticised an opposition religious figure during a budget debate. They were also ordered to pay five million CFA francs in compensation. Incident was widely condemned and sparked debate on women's rights. (“Senegal MPs jailed for kicking pregnant colleague Amy Ndiaye,” BBC, 2 January 2023)