Sudan: Air strikes hit Khartoum’s outskirts as Sudan’s war enters sixth week
Air strikes hit the outer areas of the Sudanese capital Khartoum overnight and on Saturday morning, as fighting that has trapped civilians in a humanitarian crisis and displaced more than a million entered its sixth week. The global community has been advocating a ceasefire, but so far, there has been no indication of success in the diplomatic efforts. The Khartoum air strikes came hours after the Sudanese military changed its transitional council’s membership and effectively declared a state of siege in Khartoum. The removal of the Rapid Support Forces’ commander from the council was seen as a move to sideline a potential rival to the military.
Democratic Republic of Congo: After fleeing conflict, displaced women face rape in east Congo
Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has treated over 670 women – nearly 50 per day – who have been subjected to sexual violence at three sites between April 17 and 30 in the east region of Congo who have fled from armed conflict. MSF added that local medical facilities are struggling to meet the demand with very little resources. MSF called on local health authorities to work with international organizations to provide adequate medical care for the thousands of women who have suffered violent sexual abuse in the region.
France: Ahead of financing summit, France lobbies G7 over Africa debt, climate impact
France is urging its G7 partners to take action on climate change ahead of the G7 summit later this year. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned his counterparts about the impact of climate change on African economies and called on them to create “a standard for the financing of African economies that will include interventions to counter climate change.” France also called for a moratorium on debt collection in high-risk African countries.
South Africa: Rare shipment of U.S. oil heads to South Africa for Glencore refinery
A tanker carrying U.S. crude oil arrived in South Africa to help meet demand for fuel, which has increased as the economy has reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic. Glencore’s Cape Town refinery will process the crude. It is a rare occasion for a U.S. shipment to go to South Africa due to the high cost of transportation.
Overall, these recent developments demonstrate the continued security challenges faced by several African countries. Sudan’s ongoing conflict has begun to catch the attention of the international community, with calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic pressure. The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to be ravaged by conflict, with women being subjected to sexual violence as a result of the displacement. France’s campaign to address Africa’s economic issues through climate change action, while the rare shipment of U.S. crude oil highlights the continued energy needs of African countries.
African Boulevard News – (2023-05-20)
