Photo : UN News | Abdelmonem Makki
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : UN News | Abdelmonem Makki
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan: UN launches second phase of negotiations
On 9 January, BBC reported that the UN mission in Sudan launched a second phase of negotiations between military and civilian groups on 8 January. The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) said the four-day conference will discuss five major issues in the political framework of the agreement. Civilian and military leaders, civil society groups, academics, private sector representatives and religious leaders are attending the conference. (“UN launches second phase of Sudan political talks,” BBC, 9 January 2023)
Nigeria: Nearly 32 people abducted by gunmen from train station
On 9 January, the governor’s office said that at least 32 people were abducted by gunmen from a train station in Nigeria’s southern Edo state. Eyewitnesses said that the gunmen shot sporadically into the air and seized the hostages taking them to a nearby forest. A state spokesperson said that the train station has been closed as security forces and local hunters search for the witnesses. (“Gunmen abduct 32 people from Nigeria train station,” BBC, 9 January 2023)
Chinese Foreign Minister announces weeklong visit to Africa
On 9 January, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that its new Foreign Minister Qin Gang will begin his term with a weeklong trip to five African countries. The Chinese spokesperson said that he will visit Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt. The spokesperson said: “It shows that China attaches great importance to the traditional friendship with Africa and the development of China-Africa relations.” (“China's new foreign minister heads to Africa for first trip,” Africanews, 9 January 2023)