In tonight’s edition: Thousands of Malians have fled westwards to the border with Mauritania over the last two weeks as a blockade by the al Qaeda-linked JNIM group continues to isolate communities. Also, DR Congo and Rwanda have agreed to an economic pact as the US president seeks to implement a peace deal. Plus a legendary West African band, Orchestra Baobab, celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The toll of post-electoral violence remains unclear in Cameroon, just days after Paul Biya was sworn in for an 8th term as President. Several NGOs report about 40 deaths and thousands of arrests, though these figures have not been officially confirmed. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary – who still insists Biya’s victory is fraudulent – is demanding the government releases all arrested within 48 hours. The ruling party, though, maintains that these arrests were made in an attempt to maintain public order.
Since September, blockades have been multiplying across Mali, carried out by jihadists from the JNIM, the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims. The jihadists are imposing a fuel blockade that has paralysed the landlocked Sahel country’s economy. The resulting unrest and violence have sent refugees fleeing westwards into Mauritania. We speak with Oluwole Ojewale, co-ordinator for West and Central Africa at the Institute for Security Studies.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher met Sudan’s army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Tuesday in “constructive” talks aimed at ensuring life-saving aid reaches all parts of war-torn Sudan. Millions are facing famine and displacement amid the ongoing war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
A Gabon court on Wednesday sentenced former first lady Sylvia Bongo and her son, Noureddin Bongo, to 20 years in prison after a swift two-day corruption trial that found them guilty of embezzlement and other charges. The pair were accused of exploiting ex-president Ali Bongo’s ill health to siphon off state funds during his 14-year rule.
Trump targets South Africa again, declaring a full U.S. boycott of this month’s G20 summit over debunked claims of white persecution.
Mali’s fuel shortage shows no signs of easing, leaving residents of the capital, Bamako, struggling to secure petrol for everyday needs. The crisis stems from a blockade of imports by the al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group JNIM, which aims to cripple the economy and pressure the government into change. Senior researcher at University of Beyrouth, Dr. Adam Sandor, gives his insights.
The Trump administration is pushing for a ceasefire in Sudan. NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe speaks to Sudan scholar, Alex de Waal, about the challenges in bringing an end to the conflict.
After more than two years of civil war in Sudan, the number of Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees seeking safety in eastern Chad has ballooned to over 975,000, creating a deepening humanitarian crisis. Jennie Shin has more.
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