By Umamah Bakharia
26:10:2021

Head of the Africa Desk at the Media Review Network, Dr Mustafa Mheta, provides an update on the highlights in Africa this week.

The international community condemned Sudan ‘coup’ after PM was detained. 

On Monday, Sudan’s military seized power from a transitional government that has left seven people dead by gunfire and 140 injured in clashes between soldiers and street protesters.

The forces detailed prime Minister Abdullah Hamdouk along with his ministers. 

The leader of the ‘coup’, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, dissolved the military-civilian Sovereign Council, established to help guide the country to democracy. 

After the detainment of Prime Minister AbdullahHamdouk and his ministers, the international community raised their voices and rejected the presence of the ‘coup’ in Sudan. 

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We reject the actions by the military and call for the immediate release of the prime minister and others who have been placed under house arrest.”

The PM was released on Tuesday night after the United States threatened to suspend aid due to the coup and the EU said they would follow. 

“A ‘coup’ was expected,” says Dr Mheta. 

He added: “We knew that [the] generals were not for the people [of Sudan].”

Eswatini: what is the future of the Kingdom?

The Kingdom of Eswatini has been facing unrest after protesters took to the streets their disapproval of King Mswati III and demanded a dissolving of the monarchy. 

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa enjoyed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to assist in the ongoing protests in the country. 

Regional mediators were sent to resolve this national crisis, but opposition political parties and civil society groups have rejected the call for talks until their demands are heard.

“I don’t think this monarchy is going to survive for a long time. We are seeing a beginning of an end of this monarchy,” says Dr Mheta. 

He adds: “the time has come for him to either sit down with his subjects, his opposition and the likes and map a way forward.”

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