NIAS Global Politics News Database

NIAS Global Politics News Database
Africa This Week (3-10 Feb 2024)

NIAS Africa Team
10 February 2024
Photo Source: Zohra Bensemra, Reuters

Anu Maria Joseph, Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran

In Africa, the political crisis in Senegal following the postponement of elections pulled the spotlight this week. Violent protests followed the announcement. The opposition believes that the decision is an attempt by President Macky Sall to continue in power.  The latest wave of protests adds to the series of protests that have been ongoing since 2021 against Sall's suspected third-term ambition and violent crackdown on the opposition. The political crisis in Senegal has raised concerns about the country's democratic credibility while military coups are on trend in the region. The election postponement raises two questions- would it be a victory for Sall's third term? If so, how the uncertain national and regional trajectories will unfold?

In Sudan, while the civil war between the two military factions is surging, the humanitarian crisis is intensifying beyond its borders. Meanwhile, the Abyei region, a disputed land between Sudan and South Sudan, is facing a new wave of crisis with the clashes between the Twic and Ngok communities of the Wrrap state. 

The conflict-caused humanitarian crisis in Sudan adds to a similar crisis in Ethiopia's Tigray and Amhara regions. While deaths due to hunger are unravelling, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accuses of politicising the issue. The crisis continues to be ignored, putting the Horn of Africa in an increasingly complex humanitarian crisis.

SENEGAL 
Protests amidst postponement of elections

On 5 February, the Senegalese parliament passed a new bill postponing the elections to December 2024. The bill received a majority with 105 Members of Parliament (MPs) voting in favour out of 165 seats. The development comes after on 4 February Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced the postponement of elections scheduled for February citing disputes regarding the eligibility of the candidates. Violent protests were carried out by several opposition parties across the capital Dakar. The riot police clashed with the protesters who burned tyres and blocked roads. The opposition called the move a “constitutional coup.”

On 6 February, BBC reported on Senegal’s political crisis following the postponement of elections. A contentious bill was passed, delaying the presidential elections to December 2024. The city raged with demonstrations and protests clashed with the riot police. The opposition party alleged that they were forced out of the parliament. Khalifa Sall, a leading opponent and a former mayor of Dakar, called the move a “constitutional coup” and urged people to protest against the delay of elections. Former Prime Minister Aminata Touré condemned the bill. Meanwhile, the AU, ECOWAS, the US and the UK called on the authorities to hold the elections immediately. 

On 7 February, three Members of Parliament (MPs) were arrested after protesting against the parliament’s decision to postpone the elections to December. The announcement has stimulated global concern and protests across the country. The African regional bloc, ECOWAS, insisted on finalising the electoral calendar to avoid tensions. Further, the US Department of State stated that this was "contrary to Senegal’s strong democratic tradition." 

On 8 February, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an emergency meeting on the political crisis in Senegal and the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the bloc. In Senegal, President Macky Sall's sudden announcement of the delay in elections sparked violent protests and accusations of manipulating the system. Senegal's decision to postpone elections has raised concerns about the future of democracy in West Africa. Besides, the coups in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso along with strained relations with the bloc have threatened the stability of the region. Meanwhile, representatives from all four countries were absent during the meeting. 

SUDAN
38 people killed in the Abyei region 

On 5 February, BBC reported that the recent attack in the Abyei region, a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan, took 38 lives and 18 were abducted. According to Abyei's regional administration, the majority of the victims were women and children. Additionally, the attackers raided almost 1000 cattle. The authorities accused two armed groups from the Warrap state, Twic and Ngok of carrying out “coordinated attacks” in four villages. The previous week, the same groups looted the region and killed 53 people. Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport in the Abyei Special Administration, Bulis Koch Aguar, condemned the frequent attacks. 

12 children die of hunger in a day as war rages
On 5 February, BBC reported on the live conditions of the humanitarian crisis in war-raged Sudan. More than 11 million people have been displaced from their homes, making it the world's largest humanitarian displacement. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Darfur has warned about the devastating situation in the refugee camps. According to the agency, every two hours one child dies out of hunger at the Zamzam camp near the city of Fasher. The MSF has called for an increase in international humanitarian aid. The war that erupted in April 2023 has killed more than 12,000 people. The MSF stated that it has been able to deliver vital aid to ten per cent of those in need. 

Internet blackout as war continues
On 7 February, BBC reported on the situation of the civil war in Sudan. The 10-month civil war between the RSF and the SAF has killed thousands and displaced millions. NetBlocks, a watchdog that monitors internet freedom, informed that there had been a new collapse of internet connectivity in Sudan. The two major internet providers, Uganda Telecom and MTN, faced disturbance in the services. The RSF is blamed by state-aligned media. Meanwhile, in the Sudan Tribune, the RSF accused the SAF of service blackouts. Currently, Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum and Gezira states are under the control of the RSF. 

UN appeals for humanitarian fund
On 7 February BBC reported on the UN’s appeal for humanitarian fund allocation for Sudan. It has appealed for USD four billion to meet the needs of displaced residing in Sudan and neighbouring countries as war intensifies. More than half of the population, nearly 18 million people, need aid as they face acute food shortages. 

Migrants drowned near Tunisia's coast
On 8 February, BBC reported on a boat accident that led to the deaths of 13 Sudanese migrants near Tunisia's coast. The migrants were trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. A Tunisian official reported that 27 others are missing. The Sudanese migrants are said to have fled the civil war in the country between the RSF and SAF. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 2270 migrants from Africa and the Middle East have lost their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2023. 

SOMALIA
Ten people killed in blast series

On 6 February, Al Jazeera reported that at least ten people were killed and 20 were injured in the capital Mogadishu, following a series of blasts. The incident occurred near the Bakara market near the city. Although the cause behind the blasts is unclear, al-Qaeda linked al Shabab group carry out frequent attacks in the region. The authorities have announced an investigation into the attack. 

ETHIOPIA
UK warns of devastating food crisis

On 5 February, BBC reported on the devastating food crisis in Ethiopia following the conflict and drought. The Tigray region is currently engulfed by drought; more than 350 have lost their lives to hunger. The UK Minister of Africa, Andrew Mitchell, told BBC that there is a risk of famine “if we don't now take action." He promised that Britain would donate EUR 100 million in assistance. According to the Ethiopian government, nearly 16 million people across the country are facing food shortages. 

Abiy Ahmed denies hunger deaths
On 7 February, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed denied the allegations of deaths due to hunger in the country. He stated: “There are no people dying due to hunger in Ethiopia.” However, he accepted that “people may have died” due to illnesses associated with malnutrition. He conceded the country's food insecurities and drought that are affecting many conflict-hit regions including Tigray, Oromo and Amhara, however, he warned not to politicise the issue. The previous month, the state-appointed Federal Ombudsman Institute reported that nearly 400 people died in Tigray and Amhara regions due to hunger. 

President assures no ill intentions on Somalia
On 6 February, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed commented that Ethiopia "does not wish any harm" for Somalia. This comes on the sidelines of Ethiopia-Somalia tensions over a port deal signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Somalia sees the deal, which grants Ethiopia access to the sea, as an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty. Somalia has called its youth to prepare for defence and Ethiopia has blamed unnamed forces for inciting conflict.

UGANDA
Julia Sebutinde elected as the new ICJ vice-president 

On 7 February, Judge Julia Sebutinde, a Ugandan jurist serving the International Court of Justice (ICJ), was elected the new vice president. She sparked controversy by dissenting the emergency measures requested by South Africa against the Israel-Gaza war. She was one of two jurists who voted against the ICJ ruling among the total 17-member panel.

MADAGASCAR
Calls to abolish castration law

On 7 February, BBC reported on the calls for immediate action to abolish castration law laid forward by Amnesty International. The castration law was enforced in January by President Andry Rajoelina. It will impose rape criminals with chemical and surgical castration. The Human Rights group, Amnesty International, called for cancelling the law describing it as "cruel, inhuman and degrading.” Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty's regional director for east and southern Africa, stated: "Implementing chemical and surgical castration, which constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, as a punishment for those found guilty of raping minors will not solve this and is inconsistent with Malagasy constitutional provisions against torture and other ill-treatment, as well as regional and international human rights standard.”  

ZIMBABWE
Cabinet supports death penalty abolition

On 7 February, Zimbabwe’s cabinet expressed its support for the proposed legislation on the abolition of the death penalty, a dire decision to abolish such punishment in the Southern African country. Information Minister, Jenfan Muswere, informed that the decision was taken after consulting the public.

SOUTH AFRICA
African leaders discuss bolstering mining industry

On 5 February, BBC reported that leaders, experts and investors from several African countries gathered for the annual conference to bolster the mining sector in Africa. It is a four-day event, hosted by South Africa. Discussions on critical minerals including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite which are the main components for renewable energy generation were predominantly focused. South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, mentioned Africa's potential in global energy transition, having mining as great support to it. He stated: “South Africa is pursuing a just energy transition – one that is at a pace and scale that our country can afford, and in a manner that ensures energy security and creates new opportunities for those affected.” 

Ramaphosa reaffirms support for ceasefire in Gaza
On 8 February, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa assured the country's support for a ceasefire in Gaza while addressing the lawmakers at the Cape Town city hall. He stated: “Guided by the fundamental principle of human rights and freedom,” the country has taken the side of Palestinians, “to prevent further deaths and destruction in Gaza.” The development came after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to prevent any act of genocide in Gaza following a case filed by South Africa. Ramphosa welcomed the court ruling stating: “We condemn the killing of civilians on all sides and call on all parties involved in the conflict to commit to a peace process that will deliver a two-state solution.” 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO 
Increasing displacement after M23 advance 

On 7 February, Al Jazeera reported that the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by the Rwandan government, has intensified fighting in the eastern DRC, displacing 42,000 people from the town of Mweso. The conflict has reached near Goma, the capital of North Kivu state. It raises concerns about further displacement and violence. The DRC government assured that it would not let Goma be captured by the rebels. Meanwhile, on 7 February, the rebel group stated its actions as “defensive manoeuvres.” Meanwhile, the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported on treating 30 wounded people and evacuating several of its staff after bullets hit a hospital sheltering residents. The situation remains tense with international accusations and diplomatic tensions simmering. 

NIGERIA 
Debate on the lowest cost of living

On 5 February, the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu’s office claimed that the country has the lowest cost of living in Africa. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that Tinubu’s administration focuses on “solving our economic and security challenges,” adding that his reforms would cause “immediate pains, but will usher in an era of prosperity in the medium and long terms.” The comments faced criticism with opposition leader Atiku Abubakar stating: “The intense cost of living pressures have created more misery for the poor in towns and villages. There is hunger in the land, as basic commodities, including bread, are becoming out of reach for average Nigerians. His 2024 budget is a business-as-usual exercise, bereft of concrete ideas and actions that would support Nigeria’s journey toward economic transformation – consisting mainly of wasteful expenditures to cater to a bloated federal government.” 

GHANA 
Electricity tax hike on hold

On 8 February, BBC reported on the suspension of the electricity tax imposed by the government. A new 15 per cent tax on power was proposed for domestic consumers to boost the country’s revenue after pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The decision faced countrywide criticism over the increasing cost of living. The government has put the plan on hold over the public protest. 

MALI
Economic tensions spike after quitting ECOWAS

On 8 February, Al Jazeera reported that Mali's recent withdrawal from ECOWAS has sparked concerns about the country's future and the economic stability of the region. The move came after ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Mali following two coups within a year. While some Malians support the government's decision, citing the sanctions' negative impact on their lives and ECOWAS's perceived lack of support in their fight against insecurity, others worry about the economic consequences of leaving the bloc and the potential for further isolation. The situation is complicated by the ongoing insurgency in Mali and the government's controversial partnership with Russia. While some hope for a negotiated solution, the future remains uncertain. 


About the authors
Anu Maria Joseph is a Research Associate at NIAS. Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran are Postgraduate Scholars at Madras University.


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Lekshmi MK

Five Questions on Challenges, Capacity and Policies
February 2026 | CWA # 1962

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
February 2026 | CWA # 1961

Lekshmi MK

What does it mean for domestic politics and regional stability?
February 2026 | CWA # 1955

Global Politics Team

Regional Roundups: From East Asia to the Americas
January 2026 | CWA # 1947

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1946

Preetha Renganarayanan

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
January 2026 | CWA # 1945

Global Politics Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1943

Anu Maria Joseph

January 2026 | CWA # 1942

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1941

Brighty Ann Sarah

January 2026 | CWA # 1940

IPRI Team

January 2026 | CWA # 1939

Lekshmi MK

January 2026 | CWA # 1937

Anu Maria Joseph

December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1930

Aparna A Nair

December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1914

Preetha Renganarayanan

December 2025 | CWA # 1913

Rohini Reenum

December 2025 | CWA # 1912

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1911

Swati Sood

December 2025 | CWA # 1905

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1902

Brighty Ann Sarah

December 2025 | CWA # 1893

Lekshmi MK

December 2025 | CWA # 1889

Femy Francis

December 2025 | CWA # 1881

Sunidhi Sampige

December 2025 | CWA # 1864

Femy Francis

Ten Takeaways of a SCMP Interview with a former PLA Colonel
December 2025 | CWA # 1861

Femy Francis

China Reader
November 2025 | CWA # 1859

Brighty Ann Sarah

November 2025 | CWA # 1858

Padmashree Anandhan

August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta