Photo : YASUYOSHI CHIBA | AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : YASUYOSHI CHIBA | AFP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Somalia: UN warns famine after failed rainy season
On 9 February, the United Nations warned of a possible famine in Somalia by April. The warning comes amid the sixth consecutive failed rainy season in the country, which has left over seven million people affected.. The UN, the Somali government and humanitarian agencies said that the international response to the drought was insufficient. Besides, the dire humanitarian situation has forced more than 1.4 million people to flee their homes. The country’s special envoy to the UN for drought response said: “Somalis have zero contribution to climate change but we are facing this dire consequence.” (“Somalia famine warning as rains set to fail again,” BBC, 9 February 2023)
Eritrean president visits Kenya, dismisses right abuse allegation in Ethiopia
On 9 February, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki dismissed the reports of Eritrean troops committing war crimes during the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. He said that the claims were part of a disinformation campaign by detractors of the peace agreement signed between the Ethiopian government and Tigray authorities. He also declined to answer the questions regarding the complete withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray. President Isaias was speaking in Kenya following his meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto. (“Eritrea leader dismisses army rights abuse allegations,” BBC, 9 February 2023)
Sudan: Russian foreign minister’s visit
On 9 February, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Sudan, met with the military leaders and urged the country to resolve political challenges. The country has been in a continuing political crisis after the coup in October 2021. Lavrovs’ visit coincides with western diplomats meeting with the military leaders to receive assurances of the council’s commitment to the agreement for a civilian transition. Lavrov criticised the western efforts as “attempts to teach the Sudanese how to do things.” (“Russia urges Sudan to solve its political challenges,” BBC, 9 February 2023)