Photo : AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AFP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: Government to discuss arrest warrant on Putin ahead of Brics conference
On 23 March, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said that the government will have to discuss the arrest warrant on Russian President Vladimir Putin issued by the International Criminal court (ICC) before considering any action. Putin is scheduled to travel to South Africa in August as part of the Brics meeting. Pandor stated: “South Africa will have to look at existing provisions of our legislation. We also will have to have a discussion as cabinet, as well as with our colleagues in Russia, and really determine the way forward.” (“SA to consult Russia over Putin's arrest warrant,” BBC, 23 March 2023)
Uganda: US and EU raise concern on the bill against homosexuals
On 23 March, the US warned Uganda of possible economic “repercussions” over the new bill to crack down on homosexual activities. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: “We would have to take a look at whether or not there might be repercussions that we would have to take, perhaps in an economic way, should this law actually get passed and enacted.” The European Union has also raised concern about the bill. It said: “The European Union will continue engaging with the Ugandan authorities and civil society to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, are treated equally, with dignity and respect.” (“US should respect Ugandan sovereignty over anti-gay bill,” BBC, 23 March 2023)
Ethiopia: PM appoints TPLF spokesperson as interim president in Tigray
On 23 March, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) spokesperson Getachew Reda as the president of the newly established interim administration in Tigray. The decision is a significant part of the implementation of the peace deal signed between TPLF and the federal government. The interim regional administration will be in place until elections are held under the supervision of the electoral commission. (“Ethiopia PM appoints TPLF spokesman as Tigray president,” BBC, 23 March 2023)