Photo : Adrien Barbier, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Adrien Barbier, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin and Immaculine Joy Paul
Mali: UN accuses Mali and "foreign" forces of executions in Moura
On 12 May, the UN, in a report published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights(OHCHR), blamed the Malian army and “foreign” fighters for executing around 500 people in March 2022 during an anti-jihadist action in Moura. The report further states that it had “reasonable grounds to believe that 58 women and girls were victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that these actions could amount to war crimes and even crimes against humanity “depending on the circumstances.” The term “foreigners” is not clearly identified yet it reminds the official Malian statement on the support of Russian “instructors” in the anti-jihadist actions and also the statement of the head of Russian diplomacy Sergei Lavrov on the presence of a private Russian security company, Wagner group, in Mali. (“Mali: army and “foreign” fighters executed 500 people in 2022 in Moura (UN),” Africanews, 12 May 2023)
Chad: Southern village under attack; 17 killed, several injured
On 12 May, Africanews reported on the “mass killing” by “unidentified armed individuals” in the village of Don, which killed 17 and left 3 injured. The prosecutor’s office of Chad had opened an investigation into the murder and appealed to the witnesses for the identification of the perpetrators. Kabba community, an ethnic group mostly Christian and rely on agriculture form the major inhabitants of the village. Clashes between nomadic Muslim herders and indigenous sedentary farmers, mostly Christians are very common in this region. (“Chad: 17 civilians killed in southern village attack,” Africanews, 12 May 2023)
Sudan: A commitment signed between warring factions for civilian safety
On 12 May, Africanews reported the signing of the “Jeddah Declaration” between the RSF and Sudan’s army on 11 May allowing civilians to leave the conflict zone and uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid. In Spite of the ongoing clashes, no mention of a ceasefire or truce is mentioned in the declaration. Around 18 aid workers have been killed while helping the civilians and millions are confined within their homes with no basic facilities. As scarcity of money and food creeps in, the UN has warned of soaring hunger. (“Sudan belligerents sign commitment to protect civilians,” Africanews, 12 May 2023)
South Africa: Supplies Arms to Russia, accusation by US
On 12 May, BBC reported that US ambassador Reuben Brigety accused South Africa of supplying weapons to Russia claiming that a Russian ship, Lady R, was loaded with ammunition and arms in Cape Town last December which concerns the country’s stated non-aligned stance on the conflict. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office denied the allegations and said there was no evidence to support the claim. Previously, South Africa abstained from a UN vote condemning the invasion. It also refused to join the US and Europe in imposing sanctions on Russia. South Africa has long-standing ties with Russia because they are members of the BRICS alliance. (“South Africa supplied arms to Russia - US ambassador Reuben Brigety,” BBC, 12 May 2023)
Morocco: Bilateral ties with Portugal
On 13 May, Africanews reported that the 14th Portuguese-Moroccan meeting took place in Lisbon on 12 May. Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa discussed bilateral relations and signed agreements on cooperation, environment, education, and science. Prime Minister Costa emphasised the significance of the labour mobility agreement. (“Morocco, Portugal strengthen bilateral ties,” Africanews, 13 May 2023)