Photo : Alexander, Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Alexander, Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
South Africa: Presidency clarifies statement on exiting ICC
On 26 April, the South African presidency clarified a previous statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country would be exiting the International Criminal Court (ICC). On 25 April, during a talk with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, who was on a state visit to South Africa, Ramaphosa stated that the governing African National Congress (ANC) had resolved to quit the ICC over "unfair treatment". However, the presidency later clarified in a statement that regrettable, Ramaphosa had made an error. The South African government is under pressure to take a decision on the arrest warrant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit the country this year for the BRICS summit. (“South Africa not withdrawing from ICC - presidency,” BBC, 26 April 2023)
Libya: 55 migrants killed after a boat capsized near coast of Libya
On 26 April, the UN’s migration agency said that at least 55 migrants were killed after a boat carrying 60 people sank off the coast of Libya. The boat capsized while sailing from a town to the east of the capital, Tripoli. Five migrants, including a Syrian child survived. The Libyan coast is a common departure point for the migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. (“Migrant boat sinks off Libya killing 55 passengers,” BBC, 26 April 2023)
Sudan: Thousands crossing to Ethiopia amid fighting
On 26 April, Ethiopian authorities told the BBC that thousands of people belonging to multiple nationalities fleeing Sudan fighting have crossed the border into Ethiopia. A spokesperson from the Amhara region, Gizachew Muluneh, said that those who have arrived include people from Turkey and Yemen along with Sudanese and Ethiopian nationals. A statement from the regional authorities said that more than 15 buses carrying people are arriving in Sudan daily. (“Thousands of foreigners cross into Ethiopia from Sudan,” BBC, 26 April 2023)