Photo : Seyllou, AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Seyllou, AFP
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin and Immaculine Joy Paul
Senegal: Three killed in clashes between Senegalese police and supporters of Ousmane Sonko
On 16 May, BBC reported the death of three in the clashes between Senegalese police and supporters of the opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko, who is facing charges of rape. The protests took place on 15 May following his court appearance for the trial. The latest hearing was adjourned as he denied the charges and refused to turn up. His supporters state the case as a political plot to prevent Sonko from standing in the following presidential election. (“Three killed in Senegal clashes as Sonko snubs trial,” BBC, 16 May 2023)
South Africa: Army chief visits Moscow following US weapons claim
On 16 May, the commander of South Africa’s ground forces visited Moscow just days after facing allegations from the US on loading weapons and ammunition onto a Russian freighter in December. On 15 May, the South African National Defence Force said that the meeting was a part of a “long standing arrangement” and was a “goodwill visit”. It also confirmed that the visit was for a bilateral between the two military establishments. It added that “South Africa has Military to Military bilateral relations with various countries in the continent and beyond” and “receives numerous military delegations into the country and sends its own delegations to other countries.” (“S Africa army chief visits Moscow in wake of US weapons claim,” Al Jazeera, 16 May 2023)
Senegal: Court adjourns the rape trial of Ousmane Sonko
On 16 May, Al Jazeera reported that Ousmane Sonko's rape trial has been adjourned for a week due to his failure to appear in court. Sonko refuted the allegations, claiming that President Macky Sall was attempting to keep him from standing for office in the upcoming elections and asserted his disbelief in the autonomy of the judicial system. A policeman died after being struck by an armoured vehicle during protests in Ziguinchor on 15 May. (“Senegal opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s rape trial adjourned,” Al Jazeera, 16 May 2023)
Somalia: Flood displaces over 210,000 people
On 16 May, Africanews reported that floodwaters in central Somalia displaced thousands of families from the city of Beledweyne. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) stated that more than 460,000 people have been affected, including 219,000 people who have been displaced. Important facilities including government offices and hospitals were compelled to close. If the flood persists, there has been concern about an outbreak of malaria and cholera in the region. (“Over 210,000 displaced by flooding in central Somalia,” Africanews, 16 May 2023)
South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa mediates Russia-Ukraine peace plan
On 16 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that six African leaders were planning to visit Russia and Ukraine for a peace talk. Ramaphosa said: “Principle to our discussions are efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the devastating conflict in Ukraine, its cost in human lives, and impact on the African continent. I presented the initiative on behalf of African heads of state from Zambia, Senegal, Congo, Uganda, Egypt, and South Africa.” Additionally, he stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky have agreed to receive the mission, and the African heads of state, in both Moscow and Kyiv. (“Africa pushing Russia-Ukraine peace plan - Ramaphosa,” BBC, 16 May 2023)