Photo : Paul Lorgerie | Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Paul Lorgerie | Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Mali: Junta decides to popularise draft constitution before a referendum
On 17 March, BBC reported on a private media in Mali, Maliweb, which said that the interim President Assimi Goita has called on the National Transitional Council (CNT) to take ownership of the new draft constitution and popularise the same ahead of the referendum. Additionally, the report said that the military leader is planning to present the draft constitution to political groups and civil society organisations on 20 March. This comes after the junta announced an indefinite postponement of the referendum for adoption of the constitution scheduled on 19 March. (“Mali to give hard sell on new draft constitution,” BBC, 17 March 2023)
Democratic Republic of Congo: At least 68 people killed in series of rebel attacks
On 17 March, BBC reported that at least17 people were killed in a militant attack in eastern Democratic Republic Congo. The Allied Democratic Forces, an active rebel group in the region who are said to have links to the Islamic State, is suspected behind the attack. The attack comes after at least 45 being killed previously by the same rebels on 15 March. Despite the presence of multiple regional and international forces, M23 and ADF rebels' campaigns continue to exacerbate in the country. (“Thousands flee from Islamist rebels in DR Congo,” BBC, 17 March 2023)