Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph and Apoorva Sudhakar
Somalia: 13 men executed in semi-autonomous Puntland
On 8 March, BBC reported that 13 men were executed in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region. Nine of them belonged to Islamist militant groups Al-Shabab and Islamic State; six were former soldiers accused of murder. Meanwhile, human rights groups say the number of executions have significantly increased in Somalia. (“Soldiers and militants executed in Somali region,” BBC, 8 March 2023)
South Africa: GDP decline by 1.3 per cent
On 8 March, BBC reported that South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product decreased by 1.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2022. Analysts say that the decline is far more than expected and blamed the energy crisis affecting productivity. Businesses were paralysed by power disruption leaving an increase in production cost as they had to depend on contingency power. Though the South African economy grew by two percent in 2022, it is far behind the six per cent target. (“South Africa's economy shrinks by more than expected,” BBC, 8 March 2023)
Nigeria: INEC postpones local assembly elections
On 8 March, Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission (INEC) postponed elections for state governors and local assemblies for a week. The elections will be held on 18 March. This comes after the opposition challenged the presidential elections held last month alleging irregularities with the electronic voting system. The electoral commission said the legal challenge held up preparations and the machines would not be ready in time. (“Nigeria postpones election of state governors,” BBC, 8 March 2023)
Africa: Cyclone Freddy; death toll reaches 21
On 8 March, BBC reported that at least 21 people were killed following the cyclone Freddy in Indian Ocean island, Madagascar and Mozambique. The storm has become the long-lasting one on record, reaching 32 days. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) described the cyclone as meteorologically “remarkable”. According to the UN, more than 160,000 people have been affected by the storm. (“Cyclone Freddy: Rare and deadly storm to hit Mozambique again,” BBC, 8 March 2023)