Photo : Yasuyoshi Chiba, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Yasuyoshi Chiba, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin and Immaculine Joy Paul
Kenya: Opposition party halts the anti-government protests
On 4 May, Aljazeera reported that the opposition party of Kenya, Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) alliance, led by Raila Odinga has made a statement on 3 May that they are suspending the anti-government demonstrations which were planned on 4 May. Odinga said: “Leadership had met and agreed to once more suspend the mass protests.” He added that the government “agreed to one of our demands” without making a clear statement about their agreement. The protests were against rigging the election and high cost of living. (“Kenya opposition suspends protest after agreement with government,” Al Jazeera, 4 May 2023)
Sudan: Ceasefire fails in Khartoum after the explosions
On 4 May, the ceasefire in Sudan failed as they witnessed explosions and gunfire in Khartoum. Additionally, there were bombardments reported in the adjoining cities of Omdurman and Bahri. The United Nations Refugee Agency said that it was planning to evacuate more than 800,000 people from Sudan and it estimated USD 450 million would be required to support them for the next five months. (“Sudan’s latest ceasefire shattered by explosions,” BBC, 4 May 2023)
South Africa: ANC members comments on the stand of ICC concerning African leaders
On 4 May, a senior member of South Africa’s governing African National Congress (ANC) made a statement that the African leaders are predominantly targeted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Mmeaseka Letsike, a member of ANC's National Executive Committee, commented that the party is reflecting on the “potential shortfalls” of South Africa as a member of the ICC and that the law of ICC is inconsistent and unequal. She made the statement after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that they had decided to pull out of ICC and later it was revoked. As a member of ICC, South Africa is obliged to hand over Russian President Vladimir Putin who is expected to attend the BRICS summit hosted by the country in August 2023. ICC had issued an arrest warrant against Putin, accusing him of war crimes in the Ukraine War. (“ICC predominantly targets African leaders - ANC member,” BBC, 4 May 2023)
Rwanda: Floods and landslides kill more than 130 people
On 4 May, BBC reported that at least 130 people died after heavy floods and landslides in Rwanda's northern and western provinces. The report quoted Rwanda's public broadcaster, RBA, which said that the casualties are expected to rise owing to the intensity of the rising flood waters. The neighbouring Uganda also had casualties followed by landslides. The Rwandan government has started relief measures including aiding the burial of the dead and provision of supplies to devastated victims. Rwandan weather authorities attributed the climate change to the unusual rains and flooding in the recent years. According to authorities, the downpour situation is likely to extend throughout the month. (“Rwanda floods and landslides kill more than 130 people,” BBC, 4 April 2023)