Photo : Reuters
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
by Anu Maria Joseph
Sudan: Rival factions agrees to hold peace talks
On 2 May, UN’s special representative to Sudan, Volker Perthes told Associated Press that Sudan’s rival factions have agreed to send their representatives for peace talks, potentially in Saudi Arabia. The same day, the foreign ministry of South Sudan said that the rival parties in Sudan had agreed “in principle” to a week-long ceasefire which would begin from 4 May. Meanwhile, the fighting had continued despite the three-day ceasefire. The clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has now reached a third week accusing each other of violating the agreed ceasefires. South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir emphasised on the need for a long-lasting ceasefire in order to begin peace talks. Meanwhile, the UN reported that nearly 100,000 Sudanese had left the country amid the conflict. (“Sudan rivals agree to 'stable ceasefire' talks - UN,” BBC, 2 May 2023; “Sudan rivals agree 'in principle' to a week's truce,” BBC, 2 May 2023; “Sudan faces catastrophe as 100,000 flee war - UN,” BBC, 2 May 2023)
Kenya: Opposition resumes protests
On 2 May, major opposition leader in Kenya, Raila Odinga, resumed protests against the rising cost of living and election irregularities. Initially, the protests began in March, but were later suspended after Odinga and Kenyan President Willam Ruto agreed to hold talks. The disagreements during the talks led to the resumption of the protests. Besides, the authorities had banned opposition protests claiming “in the interests of national security,” and citing violence during the previous demonstrations. (“Police deployed ahead of Kenya opposition protests,” BBC, 2 May 2023)