Photo : Guerchom Ndebo, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Guerchom Ndebo, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin and Immaculine Joy Paul
Democratic Republic of Congo: 16 killed in multiple landslides in eastern DRC
On 10 May, an overnight landslide due to the recent downpours killed 10 people in Lubero territory in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. DRC’s Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya said that on 8 May that at least six people died in a landslide in Songambele mine near the town of Rubaya in North Kivu province. A day of national mourning to mark the disaster was declared on 8 May by President Felix Tshisekedi. An outbreak of cholera is anticipated in the region due to lack of sanitation facilities. Neighbouring Rwanda also witnessed flooding and landslides killing nearly 130 people. (“At least 16 people killed in multiple landslides in eastern DRC,” Al Jazeera, 10 May 2023)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Talks commence on the usage of Uganda crude oil pipeline
On 10 May, DRC’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons stated that the country initiated discussions with Uganda on the East African country’s crude oil pipeline to export petroleum into international markets. The DRC Ministry of Hydrocarbons tweeted: “Uganda acknowledged the crucial requirement of DRC to access the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) for the transport of crude oil to be produced from the oil exploration blocks located in the Albertine Garden in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” A spokesperson for Uganda’s energy minister confirmed that neighbouring countries such as DRC, Sudan, and Tanzania could also use EACOP. (“DR congo in discussions with Uganda over the use of the crude pipeline,” Al Jazeera, 10 May 2023)
Sudan: Continuous fighting and looting, reports from people
On 10 May, BBC reported that fierce fighting occurred in the northern suburbs of Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces(SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces(RSF). The residents of Omdurman said that they could see black smoke across the city and hear the sounds of heavy shelling and artillery. Some residents claim that shells have fallen at the famous al-Mahdi mosque. The lack of food and money made people involved in ransacking the outlets in the country amidst conflict. (“Ferocious battles and looting in Sudan- residents,” BBC, 10 May 2023)
Senegal: Latest agitations leave one dead and 30 injured
On 10 May, a fresh wave of protests in the Ngor neighbourhood of the Senegalese capital, Dakar, killed a 15-year-old girl and left 30 people injured. The protest erupted when the locals demanded the construction of a high school instead of a police station and the police subsequently confronted them. This unrest took place along with the general demonstrations called by Ousmane Sonko, major opposition leader, who was sentenced to jail for defaming a minister, threatening his candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections. The deputy mayor of Ngor, Souley Mbengue, said to Al Jazeera: “This is not a political protest and what is happening is incomprehensible to us we don’t understand. All we want is a high school, and not a police station.” (“One dead, 30 injured in new wave of unrest in Senegal,” Al Jazeera, 10 May 2023)
Guinea: Intensive clashes between police and anti-junta protestors
On 10 May, the anti-junta protestors faced tear gas attacks from the riot police. As a part of retaliation, the police were stoned by the youngsters and barricades were burnt. The confrontations left nearly 10 injured. The northern town of Labe and Nzerekore in the south-east also had demonstrations. Since the coup in 2021 that led to the overthrowing of President Alpha Conde by Lieutenant Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the commander of the country’s special forces, the major demand by the protestors is the reinstatement of civilian rule in the country. (“Guinea police fire tear gas at anti-junta protesters,” BBC, 10 May 2023)
Sudan: Cost hike of essential commodities due to disrupted supply chains
On 10 May, Africanews reported that the United Nations Humanitarian Agency noted that there is a price hike up to 60 per cent and more for essential commodities like fuel, food staples and water as the supply chains are disrupted due to the fighting in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan. Since Khartoum is a hub for industries and services, the clashes have hindered the economic process which has added to the existing years of spiking inflation, sharp currency devaluations and the stagnant economy. Trade operations have closed and major ports have halted operations as a result of the clashes. With the continued fighting, the economic situation is expected to deteriorate further. (“Sudan: “Price of basic commodities go up by 60 per cent as fighting escalates,” Africanews, 10 May 2023)
Democratic Republic of Congo: President Felix Tschiskedi visits Botswana
On 10 May, Africanews reported the onset of a state visit by DRC’s President Felix Tschiskedi to Botswana on 9 May. The office of the President of the Republic of Botswana stated that the visit will ensure the deepening of bilateral cooperation and discussion of continental integration. The visit came after the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a 16-member group came to an agreement to deploy forces to help bring down violence in the eastern DRC. Tschiskedi stated upon his visit that he would ensure arrangements for the coming of SADC troops and also criticized the already deployed contingents from the East African Community (EAC). On 9 May, he said the mandate of EAC’s force ends in June “and if we feel that the mandate was not fulfilled will return them and thank them for having tried.” (“DRC’s president on state visit to Botswana, bilateral ties and security top the agenda,” Africanews, 10 May 2023 )
Somalia: Conflict in disputed Las Anod threatens Somaliland’s diplomatic aims
On 10 May, Al Jazeera reported the fighting in the disputed city of Las Anod which took place on 6 February. The conflict between the forces in the self-declared state of Somaliland and local militia from the Dhulbahante clan in northern Somalia has so far led to 299 casualties leaving 1,913 injured and more than 200,000 displaced. According to analysts, the upheaval can put Somalia's stability at stake and deprive it of its international recognition. A former development worker in Hargeisa, Matthee Gordon, said: “Somaliland may maintain its strategic importance but it will lose its broader legitimacy amongst groups sympathetic to Somaliland’s independence if the conflict persists.” (“Conflict in disputed Las Anod dims Somaliland’s diplomatic dreams,” Al Jazeera, 10 May 2023)