Photo : Feisal Omar, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Feisal Omar, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Somalia: “Somalis great victims of climate change,” says UN secretary general
On 11 April, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. Local media reported that he discussed the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis and to support its fight against extremism. He said: “Although Somalia makes virtually no contribution to climate change, the Somalis are among the greatest victims." He added: “So I call on donors, and I call on the international community to step up their support to urgently fund the 2023 humanitarian response plan, which is currently just 15% funded." The UN estimates that more than eight million people in the country are in need of emergency humanitarian assistance followed by worse famine after a five consecutive failed rainy season. (“UN chief Guterres arrives in Somali capital,” BBC, 11 April 2023; “Somalis are climate change victims - UN chief,” BBC, 11 April 2023)
Sudan: Civilian transition misses the deadline
On 11 April, BBC reported on Sudan civilian groups and the military junta missing the deadline for a civilian transition amid disagreements on security reforms and other issues. A civilian government was meant to be established on 11 April, according to the timeline set up by the parties previously. The deadline lapsed after the parties failed to sign a final transitional deal amid disagreements on integration of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the army. (“Sudan misses deadline to form civilian government,” BBC, 11 April 2023)