Photo : Africanews
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Africanews
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Djibouti signs deal with China for rocket-launch site
On 12 January, Djibouti signed a preliminary agreement with a Chinese space firm to build a USD one billion rocket-launch site. According to the deal, a Chinese satellite manufacturing company Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group will be managing the site for next 30 years and then will be passed to Djibouti. The managing director of the consultancy firm space in Africa told the BBC that it might be “politically difficult” to attract companies based in other countries which have strained relations with China. (“Africa’s first rocket-launch site deal hailed,” BBC, 12 January 2023)
DR Congo: Army denies presence of Russian mercenaries
On 12 January, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army denied the presence of Russian mercenaries in the country after an M23 rebel spokesperson said that there was evidence of the presence of the Wagner Group. In reply an army spokesperson said: “The Wagner group is not operating in DR Congo. I know it's fashionable now (but) no, we don't need to use mercenaries.” (“DR Congo army denies presence of Russian mercenaries,” BBC, 12 Janu ary 2023)
Mali: At least 14 soldiers killed in militant attack
On 12 January, the Malian army said that at least 14 of its soldiers were killed in two separate attacks by Islamist militants. It said that the vehicles the soldiers travelled were hit by roadside bombs. It added that troops were reinforced following the attack and killed more than 30 militants. (“Mali army says 14 soldiers killed in attacks,” BBC, 12 January 2023)