News That Matters To Africa©️
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The task of the educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Sudanese communities take up arms for self-defence
Nigerian medical students abducted for ransom
Nearly 68 million suffering from drought in Southern Africa
Libya UN-brokered political transition in danger
Mpox a risk “not just to Africa but whole world”
TOP NEWS
Eastern Africa
Burundi frees talk-show host after 2 years
Uganda returns 100 Congolese police officers who fled
Ethiopia anxious about possible Egyptian troops on its border
OpEd: Navigating Complex Geopolitics of the Horn: The Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU and Regional Dynamics
Ruto steps up plans to salvage sections of rejected Finance Bill
Raila criticised for invoking Uhuru’s name in deal with Ruto
Why Kenya is turning teachers into its next big export
Flying Kenya’s flag can be a crime. Protesters now waive it proudly.
Kenyans Online are ‘Launching’ fake projects as they mock President Ruto
Churches may pay tax on their collections, Kagame says
Closed for months, a gateway for aid to famine-stricken Sudan swings open
Sudanese communities take up arms as the army fails to protect civilians
Analysis: Peace hopes dashed as Sudan’s warring factions blow off talks
OpEd: War in Sudan: Breaking the silence
Podcast: Sudan’s army rejects peace talks, but hope remains
Tanzania President pushes for diligence in new cabinet hires
Death toll from Uganda garbage landslide climbs to 35
West Africa
Nigeria’s House Of Reps Call For ‘Swift’ Rescue Of 20 Abducted Medical Students
Nigeria: Police Claim to Have Made 2,726 Arrests, Rescued 207 Kidnapped Victims in a Month
China’s Zhongshan frees seized Nigerian presidential jet
After a good start, Faye and Sonko face high expectations in Senegal
The ‘Akon City’ mirage fades in Senegal
Sierra Leone President Bio Vows To Bring Former President Koroma to Justice Over Coup
Southern Africa
SADC summit in Harare as the region faces multiple challenges
Nearly 68 million suffering from drought in Southern Africa, says regional bloc
SAfr delays nuclear power plant plan to consult more
Mercedes-Benz accused of closing the door on qualified black women
SAfr continues to fight for Gupta brothers extradition
‘Battle for Africa’: South African defeats Nigerian in UFC title bout
South African-born in the lead for Miss Universe Nigeria title
OpEd: What does the defection of the EFF’s Shivambu to MK party mean?
North Africa
French-Algerians dream of a new life in Algeria to escape Islamophobia
Libya UN-brokered political transition at risk as tensions rise
Israel’s liaison office in Morocco quietly resumes operations
Morocco buys advanced spy satellites from Israel
Tunisia: Rapper K2Rhym jailed in absentia and banned from standing for presidency for life
AFRICA-GENERAL NEWS
THIS WEEK AHEAD
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
EASTERN AFRICA
BURUNDI
‘I can’t wait to see my children’ – freed talk-show host
A talk-show host who was serving a 10-year prison sentence for undermining Burundi’s national integrity has told the BBC she is overjoyed to have been freed.
Floriane Irangabiye spoke to the BBC as she left Bubanza Prison nearly two years after her arrest and said she could not wait to see her two children. The 36-year-old added that she was unlikely to continue in her role at the media company that regularly criticised Burundi’s government. Burundi has a poor record when it comes to press freedom, ranking 108th out of 180 countries on the latest global index by the Reporters Without Borders watchdog. Before her arrest, the journalist had been living in neighbouring Rwanda where she ran Radio Igicaniro. At the time of her arrest in August 2022, she had come back to Burundi to attend the funeral of a family member and was sentenced the following January. The announcement on Thursday of Ms Irangabiye’s presidential pardon came after she and her lawyers wrote letters to President Évariste Ndayishimiye asking for her release, her family say. They also say she has a serious medical condition which has worsened while in prison. News of Ms Irangabiye’s pardon has been cautiously welcomed by local rights groups, who are urging Burundi’s government to release other people it says are unjustly imprisoned. “Justice and human rights must be respected for all,” said ACAT Burundi, while FORSC said there were “thousands” of other political prisoners still “languishing” in the country’s jails. Another high-profile detainee, a journalist called Sandra Muhoza who is being held on charges similar to those levelled at Ms Irangabiye, remains in state custody.
DRCONGO/UGANDA
Uganda returns 100 Congolese police officers who fled
Uganda handed over the almost 100 Congolese police officers who had fled across the border to Uganda to escape fighting between M23 rebels and Congo’s military, an Ugandan military spokesperson said Friday. The statement said the police officers’ national identities had been confirmed, and that they had been allowed to enter Uganda as an act of humanity and in line with international law. The officers were handed over along with their weapons, ammunition and other arms, the statement by Major Kiconco Tabaro, a Ugandan military spokesperson, said…Fighting in North Kivu has driven more than 1.7 million people from their homes, taking the total number of Congolese displaced by multiple conflicts to a record 7.2 million, according to UN estimates.
ETHIOPIA/SOMALIA/EGYPT
Ethiopia anxious about possible Egyptian troops on its border
Ethiopia expected to express ‘deep reservation’, ‘grave concern’ at prospect of Egyptian troop deployment in Somalia, especially along its border. African diplomatic sources say Ethiopia views such deployment provocative & hostile given Cairo-Addis GERD tensions. Somali President Hassan S Mohamud was in Cairo this week to finalise and sign a Defence Pact with Egypt likely to allow Egypt to establish military toeholds in Somalia and contribute troops to the planned post-ATMIS mission in Jan 2025. Egypt, meanwhile, views an Ethiopian naval base in Somaliland at the confluence of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as a direct threat to its national security and geostrategic interests in the Red Sea.
Rashid Abdi @RAbdiAnalyst on “X”
Egypt, Somalia sign defence pact amid tensions with Ethiopia
Egypt and Somalia have signed a defence agreement believed to be aimed at Ethiopia, which is building a controversial base in the breakaway Somaliland region.
The treaty was signed after a two-day visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Cairo, where he held talks with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The Somali leader’s visit came after Ethiopia signed a deal with the breakaway state of Somaliland last January, giving Ethiopia 20 kilometres (around 12.43 miles) of Somali coastline on which it intends to build a naval base. An Egyptian statement published after the meeting said that Sisi had “stressed Egypt’s position supporting Somalia’s unity and sovereignty and opposition to interference in it internal affairs”. Egypt has its own dispute with Ethiopia over the Great Renaissance Dam the latter has constructed on the Blue Nile. It fears that the dam could deprive it of the life giving water its people need to survive. It also reportedly sees the potential Ethiopian naval base as a threat to its power in the Red Sea. Landlocked Ethiopia is currently dependent on neighbouring Djibouti for access to the Red Sea, amid hostile relations with neighbouring Eritrea.
OpEd: Navigating Complex Geopolitics of the Horn: The Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU and Regional Dynamics
KENYA
Ruto steps up plans to salvage sections of rejected Finance Bill
President William Ruto has stepped up campaigns for a return of the flopped Finance Bill, 2024 and urged MPs to plan afresh. The Bill was withdrawn two months ago following violent protests by Kenyans. Speaking in Kakamega, Western Kenya, where he launched a Sh2 billion water project, he said he had good development plans but they have been put on hold due to a shortage of funds. “We started the project of constructing roads, but along the way, we got stuck because of lack of money. We had planned well and allocated Sh130 billion in the budget but as you all know, things went haywire and I hope Kenyans understand that,’’ said Ruto. “There are some people who made a lot of noise until the budget was withdrawn, I have now told our MPs we are going to plan afresh.” As it has been common with President Ruto’s development tours where he launches ambitious projects and promises many others, the Head of State was at it yet again stating that he has secured money from the European Union for rural electrification and announced that Kakamega will get Sh2.7billion from the kitty.
Raila criticised for invoking Uhuru’s name in deal with Ruto
Raila Odinga’s assertion that former President Uhuru Kenyatta calmed tensions for the Kenya Kwanza administration by advising the Opposition chief to have a sitdown with President William Ruto has sparked criticism. A section of politicians has termed Raila’s claims as a convenience to cover his political mischief and stem the tidal wave of political backlash from his action. They claim he was attempting to cling to Uhuru’s political coattails to salvage his dwindling political fortunes after jumping into a ship sailing in a turbulent sea…“Raila is engaging in high-level political mischief to captivate the hearts and souls of Mt Kenya voters whom he betrayed. He is using Uhuru’s name to sanitise himself. But unfortunately, he has put his legs very wide asunder, one in UDA and the other in Azimio. Nobody will trust him as he talks from both sides of his mouth,” says Kabue Mathenge, a political commentator. Lawyer Hari Gakinya says Raila was being deceptive in invoking Uhuru’s name “to continue reaping dividends from his deal with Ruto while at the same time seeking to remain relevant on the national political scene. He cannot eat his pie and have it.” He says the ODM leader was seeking to sanitise his image so that he could pull out of the political arrangement with Ruto at his convenient time and vie for the presidency should his AUC chairmanship bid flop.
Why Kenya is turning teachers into its next big export
Kenya has a plan to increase a key new export: teachers. It wants to send teachers to wealthier countries such as the United States and Gulf nations, as part of an aggressive strategy to cut unemployment and boost remittances. Late last month, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi unveiled the first cohort of nearly 70 teachers destined for schools in the US. The Department for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the teachers got jobs through a partnership between the labor ministry and two private companies. But critics warn the policy risks exacerbating the country’s already dire shortage of teachers. President William Ruto, who has been grappling with youth-led anti-government protests and calls for his resignation, last month said the government would support anyone who found work abroad. Ruto said the labor ministry knew of 400,000 foreign jobs available and that some 1,000 youth were leaving the country each week to work abroad, although he did not provide evidence to support his claims…The policy will likely drive student-teacher ratios in East Africa’s largest economy even higher — its current recommended ratio is one teacher to 40 students, but some poorer schools have a single teacher for 70 students. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) recommends a teacher-student ratio of 1:25 in primary schools for quality learning. Kenya’s short-term gain will lead to long-term pain. Teaching abroad can alleviate economic hardships, at least for those fortunate enough to land those jobs and relatives receiving money sent home. And the government hopes remittances will go some way towards cushioning the blow of tax rises that it was forced to abandon in the protests. But longer-term, this policy could undercut opportunities for the next generation of Kenyans, who will receive a poorer education from teachers struggling with bloated class sizes. That would leave them ill equipped to compete with their foreign peers for highly skilled jobs as the world shifts to a more global labor market over the coming decades.
Flying Kenya’s flag can be a crime. Protesters now waive it proudly.
Kenya has strict rules about displaying the flag. But some people have been wearing and waving them, and draping them on coffins, as a symbol of resistance. The 1960s created law specifies that the flag is to be displayed only on government properties or on public holidays and that violators can be prosecuted. But as antigovernment protests have roiled the East African nation, protesters have embraced the flag as a symbol of solidarity against a political class they say is corrupt and has left the country with grinding poverty, skyrocketing debt, joblessness and poor infrastructure. Activists have embraced the flag as patriotic bunting and a symbol of unity that could overcome the corrosive ethnic politics and political dynasties that have shaped Kenya for decades. Dozens of protesters have been arrested while carrying nothing but the flag, according to lawyers, protesters and activists. While none have been charged with improper use of the flag, the lawyers said, protesters risk two months in prison or a fine of $15. As they go out on the streets, protesters have advised one another on social media to carry three things: water, a phone and a flag. Demonstrators have shown up wearing the flag as a scarf or bandanna or strapped to their belts and bags. They have draped the flag on coffins and on the bodies of dead protesters — as in the case of David Chege, who activists and rights groups say was shot by security forces in front of Parliament. They gave folded flags to the families of the deceased. Young people, chanting “Ruto Must Go,” have also waved the flag at nightclubs, concerts and vigils.
Kenyans Online are ‘Launching’ fake projects as they mock President Ruto’s whirlwind launch spree
Kenyans have started mocking President William Ruto’s extensive ‘development’ tours which have seen him launch, among other things, water stations and a dormitory. The trend, which started permeating X on Wednesday (August 14), involves Kenyans wrapping a ribbon around various nondescript items and then pretending to launch them, an apparent dig at Ruto’s penchant for officiating rural projects that should be launched by his Cabinet Secretaries or even MCAs. The hilarious activities began after Kenyans started noticing that the President was not just launching grand projects but had also gravitated towards launching rather ‘mundane’ stuff including a school dormitory and water tanks. In keeping with the same spirit, Kenyans have now decided to apply the sarcasm by imagining various other meaningless stuff which, from the photos shared online, include a loaf of bread and a batch of bananas….Yet another creative Kenyan shared a photo of themselves ‘launching’ his bed. He wrote: “Tonight, we are pleased to have the President commission the next eight hours of sleep. During that time, his administration will ensure that I sleep soundly and that in the next eight hours, sleep will be replicated all around the country. #RutoDelivers!” The most viral of them all, perhaps, is a photo that was shared by popular X personality @ItsChanzu who, while sharing a photo of himself about to ‘launch’ a loaf of bread, wrote, “I’m honoured to have @WilliamsRuto launch my breakfast earlier this morning. He has promised Ksh. 100 Million to build a bakery in my bedroom.” Since the street demonstrations died down and the political temperatures lowered, the President has embarked on’ development ‘tours which have seen him criss-cross the country to launch projects some of which, Kenyans have authoritatively noted, had already been launched several years back and by him.
RWANDA
Churches may pay tax on their collections, says Kagame
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame says he might introduce a tax on church collections, seeking to tame what has turned out to be extortion and exploitative tendencies by evangelical clerics. In his first address after taking a new oath of office this week, the Rwandan head of state, strongly criticised church leaders who masquerade under the cover of God to manipulate and “squeeze money” from people. “These unscrupulous people who use religion and churches to manipulate and fleece people of their money and other things, will force us to introduce a tax, so churches pay tax on the money they get from people,” he said. Rwandan authorities said this week they had closed down about 8,000 churches for operating illegally and not fulfilling infrastructural requirements. Rwanda has recently seen an increasing number of Pentecostal churches, many of which build their churches on prosperity gospel doctrine, attracting more poor folk. It is not just Rwanda that has struggled with regulating preachers. Uganda announced last week it will publish a white paper on regulating worship, after reports of extortion by clerics. In Kenya, the courts are currently trying Paul Mackenzie and his followers said to have brainwashed worshippers into deadly fasting.
SUDAN
Closed for months, a gateway for aid to famine-stricken Sudan swings open
Sudan’s military announced Thursday it would reopen a major border crossing with Chad whose closure had become a major obstacle to increasingly urgent efforts to reach millions of starving people in Sudan. Until just a few days ago, the military was insisting it had to keep the border closed at Adré, in eastern Chad, to prevent weapons being smuggled to the Rapid Support Forces, the powerful paramilitary group it has been fighting in Sudan’s vicious civil war since April 2023. But the six-month closure throttled the flow of U.N. trucks carrying vital relief aid at a time when Sudan is plunging into a famine that experts warn could be the world’s worst in decades. In an unexpected reversal, Sudan’s military-dominated Sovereign Council announced Thursday that it would immediately reopen the Adré crossing for three months. U.N. and aid groups, caught unaware, welcomed the decision, with one U.N. official saying it could make a “significant difference” to relief efforts. But those providing aid were also seeking clarification from the Sudanese authorities about any potential restrictions. The sudden decision followed weeks of growing international criticism of Sudan’s military for the border closure. It also coincided with the start of an American-led effort to revive peace talks in Switzerland aimed at halting the civil war ripping apart one of Africa’s biggest countries. Adré is the main gateway from Chad into Darfur, the region in western Sudan that suffered a genocide two decades ago, and which is now the center of a famine that threatens the entire country.
Sudanese communities take up arms as the army fails to protect civilians
In the wake of over a year of relentless conflict, Sudanese grassroots movements are mobilising for self-defence against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been clashing with the Sudanese army since hostilities erupted between the former allies in April of last year. As the conflict edges closer to full-scale civil war, international efforts to contain the violence have largely failed, leaving civilians to fend for themselves. The rise of self-defence initiatives has been fuelled by the RSF’s brutal actions across the country and the perceived inability or unwillingness of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to protect civilians. Although SAF chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has called for an “armed popular resistance” under the SAF’s command, the current wave of grassroots mobilisation is notably independent, with many expressing distrust in the SAF’s capacity to safeguard them. However, critics warn that arming civilians could rapidly escalate the conflict into a full-blown civil war, particularly given the pervasive hate speech, tribal populism and ethnic rhetoric already inflaming tensions. Self-defence efforts have emerged across several regions, including el-Fasher in North Darfur, al-Dalang in South Kordofan, el-Obeid in North Kordofan, Babanusa in West Kordofan and central Sudan, including el-Gezira. These movements reflect a growing determination among communities to protect themselves, independent of SAF’s command. A prominent member of the Darfur rebel coalition, the Joint Forces, which fights alongside the SAF in el-Fasher, noted that most locals who have taken up arms are not aligned with the army. In South Kordofan’s al-Dalang city, a newly formed group called the Organisation of Nuba People Unity successfully repelled RSF forces. This group, made up of thousands from the Nuba community, includes soldiers affiliated with both the SAF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) under Abdelaziz al-Hilu, as well as ordinary citizens who have taken up arms.
Analysis: Peace hopes dashed as Sudan’s warring factions blow off talks
The RSF in #Sudan “are doing their utmost to repair the reputational damage done by their relentless pillaging and atrocities against civilians.”
OpEd: War in Sudan: Breaking the silence
The conflict, which has already caused the deaths of 150,000 people, cannot have a military outcome. The essential ceasefire requires an end to third-party interference and must lead to political negotiation including representatives of the Sudanese civil society that brought down the dictatorship in 2019.
Sudan’s army rejects peace talks, but hope remains
TANZANIA
Samia pushes for diligence, common sense in new cabinet hires
In a three-minute address after swearing-in the ministers and other government executives, Samia said common sense, diligence and integrity should be observed to enhance efficiency in her administration. A mini Cabinet reshuffle saw the return of former ministers Prof Palamagamba Kabudi and William Lukuvi, whom she dropped in January 2022. Prof Kabudi has been appointed the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, taking over from Dr Pindi Chana who was moved to Natural Resources and Tourism. A former lecturer of law at the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof Kabudi is credited with negotiating major contracts between the Tanzanian government and foreign energy and mining companies operating in the country…The justice system in Tanzania has been one of the targeted sectors for reforms and last year President Samia formed acommission to assess the criminal justice system and come up with improvement measures. The Commission presented its report to the president in July last year, highlighting key findings, including major weaknesses in the entire system. Violations of rights of prisoners and remanded suspects, delays in sending accused persons to court, lack of dedicated interventions and adequate resources for the social reintegration of ex-offenders, denial of bail for bailable offences were cited among human rights violations
UGANDA
Death toll from Uganda garbage landslide climbs to 35
The number of people killed when a mountain of garbage collapsed in Uganda’s capital last week has risen to 35, 12 of whom were young people, police said on Friday. At least 28 others are still missing. The accident occurred late last Friday, when a large chunk broke off the mound of trash at the Kiteezi landfill on the northern outskirts of Kampala. Dozens of homes near the dump were buried while residents slept. Nine more bodies have been retrieved since Wednesday, when 26 were reported dead. Police said in a statement on the tragedy that it had been hard to identify some of the new bodies as they were in such bad shape. The landslide followed torrential rains that have battered parts of the East African country in recent weeks, triggering extensive flooding and damage.
WEST AFRICA
NIGERIA
Nigeria’s House Of Reps Call For ‘Swift’ Rescue Of 20 Abducted Medical Students
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the security agencies to “swiftly” intervene and rescue the 20 abducted medical students in Benue State. The spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, disclosed this on Saturday, stating that the Green Chambers aligned itself with the calls urging the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilise necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the students. The House reaction came a few days after media reported that medical students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri, were kidnapped on Thursday, 15 August 2024, while travelling to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu. In the subsequent call for rescue, the House Committee on Healthcare Services Chairman, Dennis Idahosa, has also lent his voice, stating that “No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.” Meanwhile, since the abduction of these students, their abductors were reportedly forcing them to use a messaging app (WhatsApp) to raise N50 million for their release.
Police Claim to Have Made 2,726 Arrests, Rescued 207 Kidnapped Victims in a Month
The Nigeria Police Force said it has arrested 2,726 suspects involved in various high-profile criminal activities across the country within the past month.
In addition to these arrests, the police recovered 150 firearms and 1,788 rounds of ammunition and successfully rescued 207 kidnapped victims. The arrests and recoveries were announced on Friday by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, during a press briefing where several suspects were paraded before the media. The IGP reiterated the police force’s commitment to maintaining peace, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the safety of all Nigerian citizens…the police recently said it cannot apprehend all criminals at once. The force PRO Muyiwa Adejobi said this while responding to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Zagazola, which showed bandits and kidnappers posing with ransom money. The PRO stated, “We can’t apprehend all the criminals at once. At least appreciate us for the ones we have arrested. We arrest them daily, in large numbers. The armed forces and the police are trying their best.”
China’s Zhongshan frees seized Nigerian presidential jet
A Chinese firm at the heart of a legal dispute with Nigeria has released a government-owned jet seized on its behalf by a French court as a “gesture of goodwill” to allow for talks, the company said on Friday. Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. said in a statement that it had lifted the seizure of the Nigerian presidential Airbus A330 to show it has “consistently sought to act reasonably and fairly in the course of a legal dispute” that was not of its making. The dispute stems from a 2007 contract between Zhongshan and Nigeria’s southwestern Ogun state to develop a free trade zone, which was terminated in 2015 because the company had – according to the Nigerian government – done no more than erect a perimeter fence on the land earmarked for the free trade zone. Zhongshan obtained two orders from a French court in March and August to seize Nigerian assets following an arbitration award of more than $60 million.
SENEGAL
After a good start, Faye and Sonko face high expectations in Senegal
After four months in office, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko are still enjoying a state of grace, a period of calm that contrasts sharply with the tumultuous circumstances surrounding their accession to power…If the tandem has enjoyed a honeymoon period since then, it is in part due to the first measures they took upon taking power. These focused first and foremost on social issues, including reducing the prices of everyday consumer goods such as oil, gas, sugar, bread and rice. Land, a sensitive topic in the country described by some observers as a time bomb, is another top priority for the new Senegalese leadership. Reform of the judiciary is also a central pillar of Faye’s program. A week-long consultation on the topic in late May and early June made recommendations that include the establishment of a Constitutional Court in place of the current Constitutional Council…These initial measures have been generally well received by a large section of the population, which sees them as Faye and Sonko’s first steps toward keeping their campaign promises of rupture, or a radical break, from the Sall era. However, the government has also yet to take action on several topics of great importance that are also subject to high popular expectations. One involves legal responses to reports from state auditing bodies accusing former government officials of embezzlement and management errors. Many also hope for investigations to determine responsibility for the deaths of dozens of people during demonstrations between 2021 and 2024, including in the protests following Sall’s attempt to postpone the election in February. Even if some of these events are covered by an amnesty law proposed and passed by Sall’s in early March, some Senegalese believe the law should be repealed so that the perpetrators of the crimes can be judged. For now, the government has not yet clarified whether it will do so…Faye and Sonko have managed to follow through on their initial priorities, to the satisfaction of many Senegalese. But their more ambitious agenda items will require a parliamentary majority, as well as some tough negotiating with the international energy and mining companies active in the country. For now, they still enjoy popular support, but they will have to show results if they are to meet the high expectations they generated upon taking office.
The ‘Akon City’ mirage fades…
In 2020, land was granted to Akon (aka Alioune Badara Thiam), an American rap singer of Senegalese origin, to build a futuristic city in his name. Originally budgeted at around $6 billion (about €5.5 billion), the completion date for the first phase of the Akon City project, forecast for the end of 2023, was pushed back to 2025 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was supposed to include roads, a shopping mall, luxury hotels, a hospital, a police station and a photovoltaic power plant. So far, only the structure of a curved building has seen the light of day: the future city’s Welcome Center, according to local authorities. On June 28, the Company of Development and Promotion of Senegal’s Coasts and Tourist Zones (Sapco), part of the Tourism Ministry, sent a formal notice to the artist warning him of the consequences if work were not resumed by the end of July, when the government could revoke almost all the land granted him, which would be 50 out of 55 hectares for which he does not yet have title deeds. This would effectively put a definitive end to Akon City. The teams in charge of the project, notably the main contractor KE International, did not respond to requests for comment. At the time of its launch, “Akon City” embodied the promise of a new, green and high-tech city, imagined by Akon himself and backed by former president Macky Sall (2012-2024). The first plans, unveiled in 2018, had received extensive media coverage and presaged a city with ultramodern infrastructures and curved architecture – a city worthy of Wakanda, the fictional African kingdom in the Black Panther films, and which would have nothing to envy in Dubai. “I want my buildings to look like sculptures,” the American singer said at a press conference in 2020. His comparisons with the Marvel Studios blockbuster had “increased [his] motivation tenfold.”…Some media outlets in Senegal have not hesitated to suggest a swindle, although nothing has been proven.
SIERRA LEONE
Bio Vows To Bring Koroma to Justice Over Coup Plot
President Julius Maada Bio has pledged to ensure that justice is served against former president, Ernest Bai Koroma, who is accused of involvement in a coup attempt to overthrow the President Bio’s government. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council press briefing, Bio confirmed that Koroma is currently in Nigeria and assured that his government is going to take “all necessary steps” to ensure that justice is served to everyone involved in the coup plot on November 26, 2023. Koroma, who was Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, faces charges of treason and related offenses connected to the coup plot attempt last November. The former president left Sierra Leone in January for medical treatment in Nigeria after securing court approval for a ninety-day stay. However, Koroma has not returned, raising concerns that he may be evading justice.
Recently, 24 soldiers were sentenced to 50-120 years in prison over their involvement in the coup attempt. President Bio is currently in the United States where he is performing his role as the President of United Nations Security Council for the month of August.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
Gov’t delays nuclear power plant plan to consult more
South Africa will delay starting the procurement process for a new nuclear power station to allow for more consultation, its energy minister said on Friday, following legal challenges. The government said in December that it was preparing to request bids for an extra 2,500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power, but the then-opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party and two non-governmental organisations launched legal challenges to try to block the procurement. The DA is now part of the coalition government formed after the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades in an election in May. Separately, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law legislation that lays the foundation for a competitive electricity market, his office said in a statement.The long-planned reforms in the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act are part of efforts to make the power sector more efficient in Africa’s most industrialised economy, which has been plagued by rolling blackouts for years although there have been no outages for more than four months. Announcing the delay to the nuclear procurement on Friday, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa conceded there should have been greater public participation so far. He said he had decided to withdraw a document in the government gazette that would have allowed the procurement to proceed.
Mercedes-Benz accused of closing the door on qualified black women
As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month and reflects on the progress towards gender equity and inclusivity, the German car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), has been accused of appointing unqualified white males for positions previously designated for black female employees. The accusation came after MBSA allegedly hired two white males in roles previously for black female South Africans. The company’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Thato Mntambo, refuted the allegation saying they were without merit. “Mercedes-Benz South Africa remains deeply committed to social responsibility and transformation. As an equal opportunity employer, we rigorously adhere to sound recruitment and labour practices,” said Mntambo. Sources at MBSA said one of the appointed white males was known not to have the requisite qualifications and was handpicked without the position being advertised. He was allegedly recruited based on his friendship with the managing director. “Black South Africans with more experience and qualifications were ignored,” said the sources who claimed that the position designated for black female South Africans which was filled by two white males, was for a Media PR and Manager.
South Africa continues to fight for Gupta brothers extradition
South Africa is continuing its efforts to extradite brothers Atul and Rajesh Gupta from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is also dealing with dozens of requests from around the world for the extradition of wanted criminals. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng said at a media briefing on Friday: “We are committed to fulfilling our treaty and extradition obligations to ensure that justice is served in all relevant cases.” She added that recent developments included “ongoing efforts” to extradite the Gupta brothers from the UAE and as well as fugitive Shepherd Bushiri and his wife from Malawi. Justice director general Doctor Mashabane said he had visited the UAE just before the 29 May elections to discuss the Gupta extradition matter with the department’s counterparts in that country. The Guptas are wanted in connection with the findings of the state capture commission, which revealed their alleged involvement in corruption and their close ties with former president Jacob Zuma. The brothers, who have denied the allegations, fled to the UAE where they were arrested last June and extradition talks began. But the UAE turned down South Africa’s extradition request on a technicality. “The view of the UAE as the matter stands now is that we must resubmit the extradition request, and that has been their view since April last year, when their court took a decision that our application was not in order,” Mashabane said on Friday.
’Battle for Africa’: SAfrican defeats Nigerian in UFC title bout
Dricus du Plessis submitted Israel Adesanya in the fourth round of a captivating contest to retain his middleweight title at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. The South African, 30, rocked Nigeria-born New Zealander Adesanya with a right hook before dragging him down and securing a rear-naked choke. Following the contest, Du Plessis paid tribute to Adesanya as the pair settled their differences after a heated build-up. The contest saw a bitter build-up after Du Plessis said he is the “first real African champion”, clarifying that he resides on the continent while former champions Adesanya, Kamaru Usman (both born in Nigeria) and Francis Ngannou, who grew up in Cameroon before relocating to France, had moved elsewhere. Du Plessis, who joined the UFC in 2020, won the title off Sean Strickland in January and was making the first defence of his belt. Former UFC middleweight champion Adesanya, meanwhile, was fighting for the first time in 11 months after taking a break from the sport, citing mental and physical fatigue after contesting five title bouts in 16 months. Following the fight the pair paid respect to each other, embracing and shaking hands after a long exchange of words before Adesanya raised Du Plessis’ hand in victory.
Chidimma Adetshina in the lead for Miss Universe Nigeria title
Chidimma Adetshina is already leading the race for the Miss Universe Nigeria, title since accepting an invitation to join the competition. The 23-year-old mother of one withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant amid a preliminary investigation into her citizenship by the Department of Home Affairs. She had already made it to the Top 11 of the Miss SA competition before withdrawing. On Wednesday she accepted the invitation from the Miss Universe organisers saying: “I have received an invitation from the Silverbird Group who are the organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, and I say this with great excitement because I have decided to accept the invitation” @PhilMphela posted on X that Adetshina, who now represents Miss Taraba leads Miss Universe Nigeria with 7712 votes. According to the post she is ahead of Edeifo Aikhuele who has 7012 and Fortune Kuroro is third with 3265 votes…Even though there was much controversy while she was competing for the Miss South Africa crown, it appears South Africans have now come out in support of Adetshina. @Melanin_Mmaps tweeted “We will continue voting. South Africa must win Miss universe Nigeria.”
OpEd: What does the defection of the EFF’s Shivambu to MK party mean?
NORTH AFRICA
ALGERIA
French-Algerians dream of a new life in Algeria to escape Islamophobia
People of Algerian descent in France contemplate crossing the Mediterranean for a one-way trip away from racism. On social media, Algerians born or raised in France, mostly young but sometimes elderly, both women and men, married or single, with children or not, are showing a desire to cross the Mediterranean for a one-way trip. They exchange ideas in Facebook groups such as “Make a successful hijra [migration, exile] to Algeria” or “Return to live in Algeria”, where, they criticise the rise in racism and Islamophobia in France. In February, the Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin indicated that anti-Muslim acts had increased by 30 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. Out of the 242 acts recorded, more than half were committed in the last three months of 2023, the minister specified, seeing a link with the start of the Israeli war on Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October. Notably, Darmanin acknowledged that anti-Muslim acts in the country were “clearly still underestimated.” “I no longer feel at home in France. Despite my studies and my long career in teaching, I am constantly brought back to my origins,” complained Boussad, a mathematics teacher in a Paris high school. “Racism has become uninhibited. It is unleashed all day long on television screens.” In a couple of years, the 63-year-old man will retire and he plans to settle with his wife in his parents’ house in Maatkas, in Kabylia, the Tamazight-speaking region in the north of Algeria…Officially, there are no statistics about the number of French-Algerians who have chosen Algeria as their country of residence.These “returns” can also seem marginal compared to the scale of the phenomenon of Algerian migration towards Europe.
LIBYA
UN-brokered political transition at risk as tensions rise
Reemerging bloodshed and power struggles in Libya have raised fears of a broader escalation, threatening to deal a fatal blow to the UN-brokered political transition and push the war-torn country deeper into turmoil. The vast North African country of 6.8 million people has struggled to recover from years of conflict after the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Libya remains divided between a UN-recognized government based in the capital Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Earlier this month, nine people were killed and dozens wounded in fighting east of Tripoli between two groups, both affiliated with the UN-recognized government of Abdulhamid Dbeibah. On Sunday, August 11, a group of men, some of them armed, briefly besieged the Central Bank of Libya headquarters in the capital, local media reported, in what they said was an attempt to force the resignation of its governor, Seddik al-Kabir. In office since 2012, Kabir has faced criticism over the management of oil resources and the state budget, including from figures close to Dbeibah. And recent moves by the eastern parliament have signaled that “certain parties aim to pressure the international community into reaching a new agreement” on the country’s governance, said Khaled al-Montasser, a professor of international relations at the University of Tripoli. The parliament in the eastern city of Tobruk said on Tuesday that the government in Tripoli was “illegitimate,” also moving to strip the Presidential Council – formed under the 2021 UN transition agreement – from its role as high commander of the Libyan armed forces. Montasser added that Tuesday’s decision was a “message directed at the international community rather than the Libyan people” to force new negotiations. The 2021 agreement, he added, was a “complete political failure caused by all involved parties, both Libyan and foreign.”
MOROCCO
Morocco buys advanced spy satellites from Israel
Morocco has entered into an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the supply of two advanced military reconnaissance satellites. With an estimated value of $1 billion, the contract will see the delivery to Rabat of Israel’s Ofek 13 spy satellites over a period of five years. They will replace Morocco’s existing Airbus and Thales space-based surveillance system. Once delivered, the satellites are expected to bolster the African nation’s intelligence-gathering capabilities amid increasing geopolitical tensions. First launched into orbit in March 2023, IAI’s Ofek 13 is equipped with synthetic aperture radar that enables precise imaging even in adverse weather conditions. It also offers unprecedented day and night surveillance with a resolution of up to 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) and an orbit period as short as 90 minutes. The Israeli Air Force previously described the space asset as “a tool that allows us to look beyond the horizon and investigate all areas of interest.” Its “unique radar observation capabilities” also enable seamless intelligence-gathering in any visibility conditions. In Morocco, the satellite can be used to monitor borders, detect potential threats, and gather critical intelligence.
Israel’s liaison office in Morocco quietly resumes operations
Israel’s liaison office in Morocco’s Rabat has resumed operations after a 10-month hiatus in an effort to revitalise relations between the two countries. A source at the Israeli liaison office confirmed to the Moroccan news website Hespress that the office has reopened after operations were suspended due to the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza. Israel has reportedly prohibited its diplomatic officials from having contact with the Moroccan media, fearing social unrest and widespread opposition to the office’s reopening. The move comes after last month’s appointment of Hassan Kaabia, Israel’s deputy foreign ministry spokesman for Arab media, as deputy head of the liaison office in Rabat. The office is led by David Govrin, who in 2022 was recalled for several months following allegations of sexual misconduct and corruption. Following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October and the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, the Israeli delegation left Morocco due to safety concerns. The office officially closed in April this year. According to Hespress, the Israeli liaison office has recently regained some visibility on social networks, posting messages congratulating Morocco on various national events, such as Throne Day and its Olympic Games successes in Paris. Kaabia’s appointment sparked protests on Thursday in front of the parliament building in Rabat, led by the Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Opposing Normalisation, local media reported. Protestors demanded Morocco sever its relations with Israel and called for the expulsion of Israeli representatives from the kingdom.
TUNISIA
Rapper K2Rhym jailed in absentia and banned from standing for presidency for life
A court sentenced rapper Karim Gharbi, widely known as K2Rhym, to four years in prison in absentia on Wednesday for allegedly purchasing voter signatures to secure his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections. Gharbi was also fined 5,000 dinars (around $1,600) by the court in the city of Jendouba and banned from voting and running for the presidency for life, according to a judicial spokesperson. In late July, Gharbi announced his intention to run for the presidential election, set for 6 October, in a video in which he appeared in a suit rather than his usual flashy attire, creating a buzz in the country. The rapper is the former son-in-law of deposed President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. He lives abroad and is known for his charitable actions in Tunisia. To be eligible to run in the election, candidates have been required to present a list of signatures from 10,000 registered voters, with at least 500 signatures from each constituency, or secure endorsements from lawmakers or local officials. Gharbi has joined other aspiring presidential candidates – Abdel Latif Mekki, Nizar Chaari, Mourad Massoudi, Adel Dou and Lotfi Mraihi – recently sentenced to prison on similar charges.
AFRICA-GENERAL NEWS
Failure to deal with mpox ‘is risk not just to Africa but whole world’. How far has mpox spread and how can you protect yourself?
At least two countries outside of Africa have reported mpox cases after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the virus had become a “public health emergency” earlier this week. A relatively new strain of the virus known as clade 1 has been spreading in African countries since 2022. Earlier this year, it was reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was experiencing the biggest outbreak of the disease ever recorded, with tens of thousands of people infected as of June. The government of DRC had declared it an epidemic in December 2022. Last week, the Africa CDC reported that mpox has now been detected in at least 13 African countries. Compared with the same period last year, the agency said cases are up 160 percent and deaths have increased by 19 percent. Here is what we know so far about where the disease has spread, how it affects the human body and how to protect yourself from infection.
Why the world needs a UN global tax convention
The global tax system needed reform, and the UN answered the call on Friday with a blueprint for a new universal tax accord that represents an historic step towards changing the financial landscape. The aim is to help nations around the world boost economic growth and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals. A UN tax convention represents a major shift in how international taxation is approached, with the potential to significantly impact the architecture of global financial systems and how tax dollars are used for the public good. That’s why the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee to draft terms of reference for a UN framework convention on international tax cooperation concluded its second session by approving a package of guidance for the new treaty, taking a landmark jump towards building a legitimate, fair, stable, inclusive and effective international tax system. More inclusive and effective international tax cooperation is critical in enabling countries to respond to existing tax-related challenges, from digitalisation to global operations of large multinational enterprises, as well as to mobilise domestic resources and use tax policy for sustainable development.
Three-quarters of African Governments are tightening their belts
Africa has been through painful bouts of austerity before, with damaging effects on health and education. The IMF examined 82 instances of African governments reducing deficits between 1980 and 2021. About a quarter of the adjustments came from tax rises, and three-quarters from spending cuts. But this time governments plan to have an even split. A greater emphasis on tax rises comes partly at the urging of the IMF, which reckons that in Africa they are less harmful to growth (in rich countries, it thinks the opposite). There are plenty of things that could be taxed more: property in booming cities; oil, gas and mining, which are quite lightly burdened; and the rich, who often pay little. But politicians often find it simpler, and easier on their own pockets, to raise indirect taxes on goods, such as value-added tax (VAT).
African students’ embrace of China opportunities build support for Beijing?
Observers say a growing number of African students are choosing China as their top study destination because of its affordability in terms of both tuition fees and living costs, as well as a lenient student visa regime and easy access to scholarships. They could become an army of influencers in the future that is favourable towards China and its activities as Africa’s largest trading partner and bankroller of multibillion-dollar projects through the Belt and Road Initiative, the observers said. China’s education system has improved in quality to match the skill levels in Europe and North America. The cost of living is much lower for foreign students, who are also looked after better, so that many parents who are willing to privately fund their children’s education abroad are increasingly looking towards China. China was outranked only by France as the top overseas higher education destination for African students four years ago, when Chinese statistics about international student numbers were last released. In 2018 at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping promised Africans 50,000 scholarships and an equal number of training opportunities in China over three years. The pledge dwarfed similar scholarship programmes for African students offered by France, Britain and the US…Admission requirements for most Chinese universities are less stringent than their Western counterparts. African students can more easily gain admission to universities in China for medicine, engineering and other prestigious courses. It is also relatively easier to get a student visa for China than it is to study in France, Britain or the US.
The most desired companies in Africa are those related to the United Nations
For many professionals in Africa, as is everywhere else in the world, career advancement is a crucial component of selecting a company to work for. Highly sought-after companies are those that offer clear career paths and have a history of internal upgrades. Companies must offer security, enticing incentive packages, and consideration for staff wellbeing to attract the most skillful experts. In a heavily digitized era, many professionals are looking for remote or hybrid work. These are some of the reasons why Africans are interested in foreign organizations particularly those related to human development. According to a report by Switch on Business, a business consultancy firm, “Thirteen African countries can count the United Nations or one of its agencies — UNHCR, Unicef, or the World Food Programme – as their most desirable workplace. Africa is a key point of focus for the UN, which attempts to work closely with locals in order to help Africa help itself. In fact, of 125,436 global employees, 44,276 (35.3%) of UN’s staff work in Africa,” the report reads.
Gaming giants are looking to Africa for growth
Global gaming giants are increasingly looking to Africa for growth as the continent’s video games market rapidly expands. The African gaming sector’s annual revenue is expected to cross $1 billion for the first time this year, up from $862.1 million in 2022. The Middle East and Africa games market is projected to record the highest growth among all regions this year, at 8.9%, according to new report by games market data provider Newzoo. By comparison, the North American market is expected to grow by just 0.6%. The world’s youngest population, rapidly expanding internet connectivity, and increasingly widespread smartphone access are among factors driving growth of Africa’s games market. Gaming startups on the continent are attracting more funding and firms such as Disney, Electronic Arts (EA) and Riot Games are partnering with African gaming studios. The growth of the continent’s gaming industry has generated a wave of interest from global tech giants. Microsoft in July hosted its annual Xbox Game Camp with events online and in-person in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Casablanca. The event brought together industry experts, game developers, and gaming enthusiasts from across the continent. The camp saw various gaming startups pitch projects. Speaking at the event, Principal Xbox Research Manager Melissa Boone said Africa’s gaming sector was “on the cusp of something truly remarkable.” Sony earlier this year began making investments from its new $10 million venture capital fund, meant to support African gaming and tech companies. The fund in January invested in South African game publisher Carry1st. Carry1st, which focuses on games tailored for the African market, has raised over $60 million since its inception in 2018.
THIS WEEK AHEAD
Aug. 19 — Africa’s biggest telecoms company, South Africa-based MTN, will report half-year results.
Aug. 19 — South African lender Absa Group is set to release half-year results, in which it expects to report low single digit revenue growth.
Aug. 20 — The second edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference will be held in Windhoek, Namibia.
Aug. 23 — S&P Global Ratings agency is scheduled to issue a reassessment of Kenya’s ‘B’ credit rating, after deadly protests against tax hikes in June forced the government to withdraw its funding plan for this fiscal year.
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Sept. 6 — Applications for the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship Class of 2025, the flagship program of the African Leadership Institute, are open to people between the ages of 30 and 40.
Sept. 15 — Aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers are invited to apply to be part of the 12-month MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy class of 2025.
Oct. 4 — Applications are now open for the 2024/2025 Africa Research Excellence Fund research and development fellowship program for early career researchers in Africa.
The Africa Edition ©️ 
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