Photo : Paul Lorgerie, | Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Paul Lorgerie, | Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Mali: At least 12 people killed in militant attack
On 24 February, BBC reported that at least 12 people were killed in an Islamist militant attack in central Mali’s Mopti region. Malian officials said that gunmen attacked a village, shot people, and burnt homes. Jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State are suspected to be responsible for the attack. (“Villagers shot and homes burnt down in central Mali,” BBC, 24 February 2023)
Ethiopia: At least seven people died of starvation
On 24 February, BBC reported that at least seven people died of starvation in Borena region in southern Ethiopia following severe drought. The district administrator in the region, Dhenge Wario said that among those who died included a two-month-old baby and elderly people. He added: “People are not eating food for many days. Their cattle are all dead.” According to the disaster prevention and food security office in the region, more than 800,000 people are in need of emergency food assistance. The Horn of Africa has been facing what the UN called “the most severe drought in two generations,” followed by five consecutive failed rainy seasons. (“Seven die as drought ravages southern Ethiopia,” BBC, 24 February 2023)
Burkina Faso: Government's plan to recruit troops
On 24 February, Burkina Faso government military announced that it will recruit another 5,000 soldiers to fight Islamist insurgency surging the country. The Defence Minister, Colonel Kassoum Coulibaly said that the new recruits, aged between 20 and 35, need to be prepared to serve in the army for the next five years. The announcement comes after at least 50 soldiers were killed in an attack a week ago in the north of the country. (“Burkina Faso to recruit 5,000 soldiers to fight jihadists,” BBC, 24 February 2023)