NIAS Global Politics Database

CWA # 1258
NIAS Global Politics Database
Africa This Week (16-22 March)

NIAS Africa Team
25 March 2024
Photo Source: Sam Mednick, AP Photo

In brief: Increasing violence in South Sudan
Anu Maria Joseph, Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran

Increasing violence in South Sudan
The major development in Africa this week is the increasing violence in South Sudan. On 19 March, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) released a report indicating a 35 per cent increase in the number of people affected by violence. It documented 233 violent incidents. 86 per cent of civilians are affected by inter-communal violence carried out by militias or civil defence groups. The head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, stated: “Intercommunal conflict continues to cause immense harm to communities.” 

Separately, on 20 March, BBC reported that at least 15 people were killed in a surprise attack by a rival community in the Boma county in South Sudan. Although the 2018 peace deal ended the civil war in South Sudan, the ethnic violence continues. Often, cattle raids are acts of revenge by ethnic groups including Murle, Anyuak, Nuer, and Dinkas. They have been fighting for land, resources and cattle for the past three years. The majority of the violence is part of the clashes between the two factions of the Dinka ethnic group, Twics and the Ngoks, in the Abeiy region bordering Sudan. Claim over the region is an unresolved issue between Sudan and South Sudan. According to BBC, more than 100 people including the UN peacekeepers have been killed in the violence this year. Besides, the region remains isolated from the governance apparatus. 

Africa News-Database
16-22 March

ALGERIA
President reschedules election
On 22 March, BBC reported that Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, preponed the presidential election by three months, rescheduling it to 7 September. The election was previously scheduled for December. Tebboune, who won 58 per cent of the vote in 2019 elections is yet to announce his candidacy. 

LIBYA
65 migrant bodies found in graveyard
On 22 March, the International Organisation for Migration (IMO) reported the discovery of 65 bodies of migrant people who were found in a Libyan graveyard. The identification and cause of death remains unknown. It is suspected that they were smuggled through the Libyan desert and died while crossing it. Libya has been the main departure point for migrants to enter Europe through the Mediterranean Sea. 

EGYPT
Migration agreement with the EU 
On 18 March, according to the BBC, the EU and Egypt signed an agreement worth EUR 7.4 billion. It focuses on boosting cooperation in trade, and security and preventing the flow of migration to Europe. Grants, loans, and several funds are in line to address the sluggish Egypt’s economy which is the major reason for people moving to Europe. Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi stated: "This shall encompass tackling the root-causes through development-focused solutions and improving regular migration routes." 

SUDAN
Worst humanitarian disaster in recent years, says UN
On 20 March, the UN warned of the worst humanitarian tragedy in Sudan since the war that began in April 2023. The director of operations at the UN Office for Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Edem Wosornu, stated that Sudan remains in the worst condition in meeting humanitarian needs, displaced people, and hunger crises. The UN's Ramadan ceasefire proposal was rejected by the warring parties. UN World Food Program (WFP) deputy executive director, Carl Skau, warned of a high risk of increased famine levels in May due to changing agricultural seasons. The power struggle between the rival forces, RSF and SAF, has led to eight million people being displaced, with 18 million facing acute food insecurity.

SOUTH SUDAN
Extreme heatwave hits the country
On 18 March, BBC reported on the chaotic weather conditions in South Sudan that led to the closure of schools. South Sudan has been hit by extreme heat waves as the temperature is expected to rise to 45C. Due to the El-Nino weather phenomenon, rains are expected after the heatwave that may cause flooding in the southern region.

UGANDA
Alert issued as ADF militants cross the border from DRC
On 19 March, BBC reported that security officials in Uganda were under alert as fighters from Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an IS-linked group, entered the country from DR Congo. They suspected that the militants would target urban areas, holy places, schools, and public events and insisted the public remain cautious. The group conducts attacks, especially in schools, despite Ugandan Prime Minister Yoweri Museveni claiming the destruction of the group.

RWANDA
Refuge granted to 91 Libyans
On 22 March, Rwanda granted refuge to 91 asylum seekers from Libya under a programme backed by the UN’s refugee agency, the EU, and the AU. The refugees are from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Eritrea. Since 2019, more than 2,150 refugees have arrived in Rwanda under the program, with over 1,600 resettled abroad.

KENYA
President signs controversial housing levy bill into law
On 19 March, Kenyan President William Ruto signed a controversial bill into law where people have to pay 1.5 per cent of their monthly income as a housing levy. Through the law, President Ruto aims to provide affordable houses for poorer Kenyans. However, a huge Kenyan population is against the law as it pressures and burdens them to pay high taxes. Previously, the levy was only for people in the formal sector who got a regular monthly wage. However, the new law includes levies for non-salary Kenyans in the informal sector as well. The government argues that increased taxation would develop the country and reduce the budget deficit. 

EAST AFRICA
Eritrea and Somalia hold bilateral talks
On 18 March, BBC reported on the bilateral talks between the leaders of Eritrea and Somalia. Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed the regional issues during the bilateral talks in the Eritrean capital Asmara. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Meskel stated that the meeting included discussions on issues including militant problems in Somalia.

ZIMBABWE
Obtained free grain transfer from Russia
On 20 March, Zimbabwe received 250,000 tonnes of wheat and 23,000 tonnes of fertilizer from the Russian government and the Uralchem-Uralkali group of Russian companies. The donation is part of the free grain transfer program initiated by Russia in 2023. The programme supports drought-affected countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Eritrea, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. Russia's ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nikolai Krasilnikov, described it as "humanitarian assistance.” He added: "Both deliveries were carried out in line with the implementation of the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to assist African countries." 

GHANA
Speaker condemns delayed signing of anti-LGBTQ+ bill 
On 21 March, BBC reported that Ghana’s speaker disapproved of the intake of new ministers amidst President Akufo-Addo's delay in signing the anti-LGBTQ bill. He condemned the president's delay in signing the bill as 'contemptuous.’ The presidency has asked the bill to the table after the controversial claims and statements are resolved. The bill, which was introduced in February, criminalises identifying as LGBTQ+ and groups or individuals supporting the LGBTQ community.

SENEGAL
Foreign investors on alert ahead of elections
On 20 March, Al Jazeera reported that foreign investors in Senegal are on alert and keeping a close eye on Senegal's election due to prevailing political uncertainties and the unknown direction of the country's economy if the opposition wins. Opposition candidates Amadou Ba and Bassirou Diomaye Faye have proposed economic changes including the creation of new currencies and the renegotiation of mining and energy contracts. For foreign investors, Senegal has been the safest country in West Africa due to the peaceful transitions of power. Since the announcement of delayed elections, violent protests and the crackdown on the opposition, investors have been cautious. 

NIGER
Suspends military cooperation with the US
On 17 March, Niger’s military spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane announced the suspension of the military agreement with the US which allowed the latter to install military bases to operate in Niger. This immediate call-off came after the recent US delegates' visit. Abdramane stated: “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism.” During the visit, the US delegates warned Niger of its increasing ties with Iran and Russia. 

NIGERIA
87 people abducted in Kaduna
On 18 March, BBC reported that at least 87 people were abducted in the Kajuru region of Kaduna state. The abductees included women and children. According to the residents, the gunmen were dressed like military personnel. The report commented that authorities are incapable of addressing the daily abductions and mounts pressure on President Bola Tinubu. 

Mega Solar plant commenced
On 20 March, BBC reported that Nigeria launched the Mega solar plant as part of its plan for transition to clean and renewable energy. It would be jointly built by the privately owned North South Power (NSP) company and the state-run Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) in Shiroro region in the Niger state. While signing the agreement, Nigeria's Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, stated: "This is a pioneering project in terms of hybridizing power in solar and hydro."

INTERNATIONAL
Indian Navy rescues cargo vessels from pirates
On 16 March, the Indian Navy rescued a Maltese-flagged bulk carrier, MV Ruen, which was hijacked three months before. The merchant vessel was hijacked in December by the Somalian pirates with 17 crew members. According to the Navy, all the 35 pirates on board were forced to surrender and raided for the possession of illegal arms, ammunition and contraband. The hijacking of MV Ruen by Somali pirates in December marked their first successful operation since 2017.

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


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