Photo : AUDU ALI MARTE,AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AUDU ALI MARTE,AFP
IN BRIEF
by Jerry Franklin
Cameroon: More than 30 women kidnapped by separatists
On 24 May, the separatists in Cameroon’s restive north-western region abducted around 30 women, leaving several injured in Big Babanki, a village near the border with Nigeria. The women were kidnapped while protesting against the curfew and taxes imposed on them by the separatists. Separatist leader Capo Daniel said that the women were being punished for allowing themselves to be “manipulated” by the Cameroon government. The military said that troops have been deployed to secure the abducted women. The country is facing conflicts since the 2017 rebellion launched by the English-speaking separatists. (“Over 30 women abducted by separatists in Cameroon,” BBC, 24 May 2023)
South Africa: “I Would supply weapons to Russia”, says leader of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
On 24 May, Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EEF), South Africa’s third largest party, said that Russia is at war with imperialism and he “would supply weapons to Russia.” He also insisted that South Africa is an ally of Russia and the non-alignment position of the ANC government applies only to the war in Ukraine. Further, the party wants the withdrawal of South Africa from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it recently issued an arrest warrant to Putin. These comments came on the sidelines of the recent allegations by the US ambassador towards South Africa that they were loading ammunition and weapons inside a Russian vessel in December. (“I would supply weapons to Russia - SA's Julius Malema,” BBC, 24 May 2023)
Ghana: The country will soon resume borrowing, says President
On 24 May, Mr Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana said at the Qatar-Africa Economic Forum in Doha that since Ghana is facing its worst economic crisis, it will start borrowing funds from global savings. The government which is under criticism for extensive borrowing was excluded from the international capital market due to its huge debt. But it can be accessed hereafter following last week’s USD 3 billion bailout by the IMF. The economic position is being blamed on the Ukraine-Russia war and the Covid pandemic. However, he mentioned that the government will reduce its expenditure and create more domestic revenue. (“Ghana to soon start borrowing again - president,” BBC, 24 May 2023)
Algeria: Political opponent KarimTabbou arrested
On 24 May, Africanews reported on the arrest of the Algerian opposition leader, KarimTabbou on 23 May. He was also a leading figure in the pro-democracy Hirak movement that happened in 2019. The movement aimed to completely overthrow the ruling system since Algeria became an independent country in 1962. In 2020, Mr. Tabbou served a one-year prison term over a video on his party’s Facebook account that was “undermining national security”. According to the CNLD (National Committee for the Liberation of Detainees), several with connections to the Hirak movement or those who defend individual freedoms have been arrested in Algeria. (“Prominent Algerian opposition figure arrested again,” Africanews, 24 May 2023)