Photo : BBC
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : BBC
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Ethiopia: Somali regional state denies allegations of supporting Somaliland
On 10 March, Ethiopia’s Somali regional state denied the allegations of supporting the self-declared Somaliland by sending regional troops in the restive Las Anod region. State owned Somali Regional TV (SRTV) quoted the regional government: “We are telling the Somaliland administration that there are no DDS (Ethiopia’s Somali regional state) troops who are part of the violence in Las Anod.” The regional government denounced the allegations as “reckless” adding that Somaliland was “seeking to reduce political pressure by pointing fingers at non-existing enemies.” The officials also warned the Somaliland authorities on the comment that it could create hostilities between respective communities. (“Ethiopia region denies supporting Somalia clashes,” BBC, 10 March 2023)
Mali: Military junta postpones referendum
On 10 March, BBC reported that Mali’s military junta postponed the constitutional referendum which was supposed to be a significant development to the planned civilian transition. In July 2022, ECOWAS lifted sanctions on Mali after the military promised to hold elections in February 2024. However, the new decision has made correspondents to comment not surprising and will substantiate the suspicion of Colonel Assimi Goita wanting to prolong in power. (“Mali's military to postpone key referendum,” BBC, 10 March 2023)
Nigeria: At least 25 people killed in Islamist militant attack
On 10 March, BBC reported that at least 25 people were killed in an Islamist militant attack in the north-eastern Borno state. The attack is suspected to be carried out by Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) militants. The UN has condemned the attack; UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale stated: “This deeply shocking attack is another horrific reminder of the real threats of violence and insecurity that IDPs and other people affected by more than 13 years of the non-international armed conflict in the region continue to face daily in their struggle to survive.” (“At least 25 killed in Nigeria jihadist attack; UN condemns suspected Islamist attack in Nigeria,” BBC, 10 March 2023)