Photo : Misper Apawu, AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Misper Apawu, AP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Ghana: Anti-gay bill modified, says president
On 28 March, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said that the anti-gay bill has been “modified” following his government’s intervention. He was speaking at a joint news conference with the visiting US Vice-President Kamala Harris. He said: “My understanding … is that substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the attorney general.” Harris commented that she had addressed the issue with President Akufo-Addo and that the US considers the issue as a matter of human rights. (“Ghana's anti-gay bill modified, president says,” BBC, 28 March 2023)
Kenya: AU calls for calm after the protests turned violent
On 28 March, the African Union appealed for calm and called for dialogue in Kenya after the two-week long protests turned violent and left three people dead. AU Chairperson Maoussa Faki urged: "Stakeholders to exercise calm and engage in dialogue to address any differences.” He stated: "The Chairperson reiterates the total solidarity with and support to the government and the people of Kenya's efforts working towards national unity, peace and stability in the country.” The protests have been led by the opposition leader Raila Odinga against rising cost of living and what the opposition describe as “illegitimate presidency”. (“African Union appeals for calm after Kenya protests,” BBC, 28 March 2023)
Ethiopia: Peace deal in Tigray a “positive step”, says prime minister
On 28 March, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called the peace deal signed between the Tigray rebels and the government as “a positive step” and said that his government would also sit with other armed groups to resolve tensions. He was addressing the members of the parliament after a number of them raised concerns about growing tensions in other parts of the country. Abiy responded that “a lot more” is to be done to achieve complete peace in the country’s north. “It takes time to heal; Peace, much like war, needs bravery.” (“Abiy hails peace deal, to talk to other armed groups,” BBC, 28 March 2023)