“What’s Going On” Tallies Notable News Headlines From Across The Continent — The Good, The Bad, And The Horrible — As A Way Of Ensuring That We All Become A More Sagacious African Generation. With This Column, We’re Hoping To Disseminate The Latest Happenings In Our Socio-Political Climate From Across The Continent, Whilst Starting A Conversation About What’s Important For Us To All Discuss. From Political Affairs To Socio-Economic Issues, ‘What’s Going On’ Will Discuss Just That.

Many killed in violent clashes in Sudan

According to reports in the Guardian, the death toll in Sudan has rise to about 65 people this weekend. The fighting was sparked by the killing of a farmer earlier last week and continued until Saturday, according to the local government. On Sunday, while Sudan protesters marched in the capital city of Khartoum against the country’s military leadership, security forces fired tear gas at them which led to an outbreak of violence in Blue Nile State.

There have been sporadic outbreaks of violence in several parts of Sudan including eastern coastal regions and western Darfur, despite a nationwide peace deal signed by some rebel groups in Juba in 2020. This weekend’s turn of events worsens the situation in the country with increased accusations from anti-military groups that the military of stoking internal conflict and failing to protect civilians.

Since then, Sudan Authorities deployed the military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to bring stability to the region. They also imposed a nightly curfew and banned gatherings in the towns of Roseires and Damazin, where the clashes took place. According to reports in Al Jazeera, raising fears that the situation will become more violent, military expert, Major-General Amin Ismail said: “The conflict in the Blue Nile will become more bloody, especially as politicians become involved in the tribal conflict.”

Mali opens talks on the release of Ivorian soldiers

During the past month, 49 Ivory Coast soldiers were arrested at the Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako. According to Mali’s military government, the soldiers who arrived on 10th July, at the country’s main international airport arrived without permission and correct documentation.

Mali’s military government had said the troops arrived without permission, that some of their passports indicated non-military professions, and that they gave differing versions of their mandate. It said the soldiers would be considered mercenaries and charged as such, adding that Ivorian authorities were unaware of their arrival. However, on Tuesday, the Ivorian national security council said the troops, who were arrested on Sunday at Mali’s main international airport in the capital Bamako, were deployed as part of a security and logistics support contract signed with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali in July 2019.

Ivory Coast has now demanded the release of these 49 soldiers. Ivory Coast added that none of the soldiers carried arms or war munitions as they disembarked but that a second plane contained arms for self-protection authorised by the UN. After much persuasion, Mali’s military ruler is finally ready for a dialogue to resolve the issue of the 49 Ivorian soldiers.

In an official statement, Colonel Assimi Goita said he is willing to resolve the issue through diplomatic means to ensure the good relations between the two countries continue. Adding on the colonel named Togo as the diplomatic lead after he held talks on issues of common interest with Togolese Foreign Affairs minister Robert Dussey. He praised Togo’s support and the personal commitment of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé to Mali’s political transition. This comes after the Ivory Coast openly condemned Mali for the unlawful detention of its soldiers. 

Ghana confirms 2 dead form Marburg virus

Earlier in the month, Ghana confirmed two positive cases of the Marburg Virus which is likened to the Ebola virus. This is only the second outbreak of Marburg in West Africa. The first ever case of the virus in the region was detected last year in Guinea, with no further cases identified. The blood samples of the two victims, who were both male aged 27 and 51, from South Ashanti were tested at Pasteur Institute in Senegal and came back positive. The two victims both had symptoms including diarrhoea, fever, nausea, and vomiting, before dying in hospital. 

The Marburg virus is a zoonotic disease that was first detected in 1967 and can be spread from animals to human beings. Ghanaian government declared an outbreak of the virus over the weekend and has immediately taken measures to contain the virus as it is highly contractable. According to the World Health Organization, the virus has mostly been identified in Eastern and Southern Africa and is mainly transmitted as a result of long exposures in mines or caves that are inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies, which are considered to be the natural hosts of Marburg. 

Buhari orders ministers to end university strike

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has given the country’s education and labour ministers two weeks to end the prolonged lecturer’s strike. The ongoing strike action began on February 14 this year when the country’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) asked its members to skip work. They have not returned since then and many public university students have been outside the classroom for months without end.

ASUU is protesting against the government’s failure to implement a 2009 deal that would see lecturers get better pay and improve facilities in institutions of higher learning. According to reports in Channels, the President gave the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with relevant government Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs).

The Leadership of ASUU would be meeting with President Buhari On Tuesday. #ASUUStrike pic.twitter.com/PUDUhZCspK

— ASUU News (@ASUUNews) July 18, 2022

Featured image credits/AlJazeera

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