Photo : AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Kenya: Igad praises Ruto and Odinga agreeing to hold talks
On 3 April, East African bloc, Igad, praised Kenyan President Willam Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to hold talks to end the protests which have been going on for the past two weeks. Igad Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu stated that the decision would help “resolve differences on national issues through peaceful means and preserve Kenya’s unity and constitutional order.” The protests were going on against rising cost of living and electoral reforms. On 2 April, Odinga called off the protests after Ruto agreed to hold talks. (“Protests: Kenyan leaders commended for agreeing to talks,” BBC, 3 April 2023)
UN human rights office “extremely worried” about UK’s Rwanda asylum plan
On 3 April, the UN human rights office said that it is “extremely worried about the impact” of the UK government’s Rwanda asylum plan. A spokesperson from the UN's human rights office said that the assessments of the refugee agency showed that the asylum plan in Rwanda was “not robust enough.” She added: "There are also concerns about respect for the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression in Rwanda. Those concerns do remain today; We have a lot of evidence of how these plans [off-shore asylum facilities] go wrong.” Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman said that the policy would have a “significant deterrent effect” enough for people to stop crossing the dangerous channel to the UK. (“UN 'extremely worried' about Rwanda asylum plan,” BBC, 3 April 2023)
South Africa: John Steenhuisen re-elected as the leader of the Democratic Alliance
On 3 April, John Steenhuisen was re-elected as the leader of South Africa’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance. He secured 83 per cent of the votes against his opponent Mpho Phalatse who obtained 17 per cent of votes. Steenhuisen will be leading the party for the next three years. In his acceptance speech, he said that his party will work with other “like minded parties” ahead of the 2024 elections. (“Steenhuisen re-elected SA's main opposition leader,” BBC, 3 April 2023)