Photo : Demetrius Freeman, The Washington Post
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Demetrius Freeman, The Washington Post
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin and Immaculine Joy Paul
Sudan: US imposes sanctions following the fighting
On 5 May, the US President, Joe Biden, released a presidential order authorizing sanctions against Sudan by calling the savagery a tragedy and a betrayal of its people. Biden stated that the brutality was an “unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the US.” Previously, the director of US National Intelligence, Avril Haines, said that the conflicts could elevate as both groups have few incentives to negotiate. The World Food Programme(WFP) has evaluated that more than USD 13 million worth of food aid has been ransacked since April. The UN Children’s Agency, UNICEF, warned that youngsters have been increasingly caught in the crossfire in between the conflict. (“President Biden authorizes sanctions against Sudan,” BBC, 5 May 2023)
Mozambique: Japan promises to assist counterterrorism
On 5 May, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Mozambique as part of his six-day tour in Africa and stated that Japan is interested in financing the fight against terrorism in Northern Cabo Delgado province. The province has been besieged by Islamist insurgency for years which Japan considers as a threat to its consortiums involved in extracting natural gas in the Rovuma basin. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi discussed the necessity of private investment by Japan in transport, agriculture, industry, and tourism to strengthen Mozambique's economy, intending to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the countries. (“Japan pledges to help Mozambique fight terrorism,” BBC, 5 May 2023)
Burkina Faso: Addresses Russia as their strategic partner
On 5 May, the interim president of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, mentioned Russia as their strategic partner and stated that he was satisfied with his country’s military ties. Traore said: “I am satisfied with our military cooperation with Russia. Besides, Burkino Faso’s cooperation with Russia dates back to a long time, but we are developing it and move it further.” Traore denied the suspected reports of the Russian Wagner Group mercenaries supporting them in their fight against Islamic terror groups. He stated that France is still an ally even though French forces have exited the country. Traore concluded that Burkina Faso has many international partners but will cooperate only with nations who support them. (“Burkina Faso hails Russia as a ‘strategic partner’,” BBC, 5 May 2023)