Photo : Russian foreign ministry via AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Russian foreign ministry via AFP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Mali: Russian Foreign Minister pledges military assistance during visit
On 8 February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his visit to Mali pledged assistance to west African countries fighting Islamist insurgency. During the press conference with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop he said: “The fight against terrorism is, of course, an issue for the other countries in the region. We are going to provide our assistance to them to overcome these difficulties. This concerns Guinea, Burkina Faso and Chad and the Sahel region generally and even the coastal states on the Gulf of Guinea.” He added: “We always start from the basis that African problems must be resolved by African solutions.” Diop replied: “We are not going to continue to justify our choice of partners … Russia is here at Mali’s request, and Russia responds effectively to Mali’s needs by strengthening its defence capabilities.” (“Russia’s Lavrov vows aid for W Africa fight against armed groups,” Al Jazeera, 8 February 2023)
Somaliland: At least 50 people killed in clashes
On 8 February, the UN called for an investigation into the death of 50 people during clashes between regional government and local militias in the self-declared republic of Somaliland. The clashes occurred over the disputed city of Las Anod between Somaliland and Puntland. Reuters quoted a resident of the city: “Somaliland forces are carrying out heavy attacks on medical facilities and civilian homes. The deaths and injuries of civilians cannot be counted.” Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud called for calm and urged Somaliland authorities to negotiate with traditional leaders for peace. (“UN urges probe into deadly Somaliland clashes, BBC, 8 February 2023)
Tunisia: President sacks Foreign Minister
On 8 February, Tunisian President Kais Saied fired Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi without providing any reason. Jerandi became foreign minister for Saied’s government in September 2020. He is the fourth minister to be sacked from position this year, with the trade, agriculture and education ministers already being replaced. In 2021, President Saied initiated various measures enhancing the presidency powers. Later in 2022, opposition parties boycotted parliamentary elections accusing the autocratic government under Saied. Just about 11 per cent of Tunisians casted their vote for the second round elections which was held the previous month. (“Tunisian president fires his foreign minister,” BBC, 8 February 2023)