News From Around The Motherland.
In this week's post, we look at the political quagmire in South Africa where the ANC, which took down the Apartheid regime, is forced to partner with DA, a white-led political party, to form a government and keep President Ramaphosa in power for a second term.
Hi there! Here are the top African news making headlines from week 24 of the year 2024
- ANC in uneasy political alliance as President Ramaphosa Secures a second term.
- Former Niger President, Bazoum stripped of immunity as criminal proceeding commences.
- Niger suspends oil export to China through Benin as Border dispute deepens.
- Over 100 Burkina Faso soldiers Killed In Insurgency Attack.
- Nigeria House Of Representatives Propose Single 6-Year Tenure For Presidency.
Week 24 of '24
- Morocco
Morocco's House Speaker Meets With Korean Prime Minister For Bilateral Talks.
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, met with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duk-soo on Tuesday in Seoul during the first Korea-Africa Summit. Representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Talbi El Alami discussed enhancing bilateral relations, emphasizing the continuous growth since diplomatic ties were established in 1962.
During the meeting, attended by Morocco's ambassador to South Korea, Chafik Rachadi, Talbi El Alami highlighted Morocco's major projects and initiatives under King Mohammed VI's leadership, including the Atlantic Initiative and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline. He noted Morocco's role as a gateway to Africa and a key player in South-South Cooperation, aligning with Seoul's goals for the Summit.
- Egypt
Egyptian Opposition Leader And Supporters Jailed.
On May 27, Egyptian authorities imprisoned prominent opposition leader Ahmed Tantawy after an appeals court upheld a one-year sentence against him and nearly two dozen supporters, Human Rights Watch reported. The court also barred Tantawy from running in national elections for five years, following a February 6 ruling linked to his peaceful campaign efforts.
Tantawy was detained in the courthouse after the decision, with his immediate whereabouts initially undisclosed. It was later learned he was in the 10th of Ramadan prison. His campaign adviser, Mohammad Abu al-Dyar, sentenced in absentia, was arrested on June 3 after a retrial confirmed his sentence. Human Rights Watch condemned the imprisonment as a crackdown on peaceful activism and called for the immediate review and release of Tantawy and his supporters.
- Nigeria
Nigeria House Of Representatives Propose Single 6-Year Tenure For Presidency.
Thirty-five members of the House of Representatives, led by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo), have proposed a Bill for an Act to amend the constitution, ensuring the rotation of executive powers among the six geopolitical zones. This initiative aims to ensure equal representation and reduce agitation for state creation.
The bill seeks to amend Section III of the constitution to recognize Nigeria's division into six geopolitical zones and introduce a single six-year term for the President and Governors to enhance efficiency and national stability. It also proposes the creation of two Vice President offices, representing the northern and southern regions, with roles focused on succession and economic management. Additionally, the bill advocates for financial autonomy for Local Government Councils, strict penalties for fund misuse, and synchronization of federal and state elections to be held on the same day, ensuring election-related litigation concludes within six months.
Nigeria Drops Tax Evasion Charges Against Binance, Executives.
Nigeria dropped tax evasion charges against two Binance executives after the crypto exchange appointed a local representative for court proceedings. Binance, Tigran Gambaryan who has been in custody since February in Nigeria, and Nadeem Anjarwalla who was able to 'escape' detention, denied the charges. Despite their removal as defendants in the tax evasion case, they and Binance still face money laundering charges, which they also deny. Nigeria attributes its currency troubles and the naira's record low to cryptocurrency trading amid chronic dollar shortages.
Nigeria's Inflation Rise To 28-Year High.
Nigeria's annual inflation surged to a 28-year high of 33.95% in May, worsening public hardship and anger over President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms. This marked the 18th consecutive month of rising inflation, up from 33.69% in April. Tinubu's cuts to petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira have fueled price increases.
The National Bureau of Statistics reported that food and non-alcoholic beverages were the main contributors to inflation, with food inflation rising to 40.66% in May. In response, the central bank raised interest rates for the third time this year, with Governor Olayemi Cardoso stating rates will remain high to combat inflation.
- South Africa
ANC In Uneasy Political Alliance As President Ramaphosa Secures A Second Term.
For the first time since Nelson Mandela ended the oppressive apartheid rule, former adversaries in South Africa are uniting to address national issues. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced this shift in response to voter demands for solutions to unemployment, economic stagnation, and corruption. However, many Black South Africans are uneasy about the African National Congress (ANC) partnering with the white-led Democratic Alliance (DA).
After a poor election performance ended the ANC's 30-year majority, Ramaphosa formed a government of national unity, needing to include either the DA, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Julius Malema or uMkhonto we Sizwe led by Jacob Zuma. The latter two refused to join a coalition with the DA. The EFF criticized the alliance as an alliance with "white monopoly capital," while the DA insists its reforms will benefit all South Africans.
This historic accord enabled President Cyril Ramaphosa to win a second term with 283 votes. The National Assembly also elected a DA lawmaker as the Deputy Speaker and an ANC politician as the Speaker, marking the first instance of power-sharing between the two parties.
- Niger
Former Niger President, Bazoum Stripped Of Immunity.
Niger's ousted President Mohamed Bazoum's immunity removed by the State Court of Niamey, allowing the ruling junta to launch criminal proceedings against him, his lawyers announced. Bazoum, deposed in a military coup in July 2023, has been detained with his wife despite calls for their release by ECOWAS and Western powers.
Lawyer Moussa Coulibaly said the court's decision paves the way for prosecuting Bazoum for treason and conspiracy to undermine state security, criticizing the process for denying the defence access to their client. The junta has ignored calls for Bazoum's reinstatement, including from the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which deemed his detention arbitrary. Bazoum and his wife have been isolated since October, with only their doctor allowed to visit. In January, Bazoum's son was granted provisional release from house arrest.
Niger Suspends Oil Export Through Benin As Border Dispute Deepens.
Niger's Oil Minister announced the suspension of oil to China via a pipeline to Benin's coast, amid heightened tensions with Benin over trade and border issues. The move follows Benin's blockage of Niger's crude exports through its port in May and recent disputes over Niger nationals detained in Benin. The situation reflects ongoing strain since Niger's 2023 coup, despite regional efforts to normalize relations and trade flows.
- Ethiopia
Ethiopia Moves To Liberalize Its Banking Sector.
Ethiopia's cabinet approved a bill allowing foreign banks to form local subsidiaries and foreigners to buy shares in domestic lenders, part of the country's move to open up its economy. With a population of over 100 million, Ethiopia is attracting foreign investors after years of being closed off.
The legislation aims to liberalize sectors like banking, telecoms, and transportation, with foreign banks now able to establish subsidiaries or acquire stakes in Ethiopian banks, subject to ownership limits outlined in the bill.
- Burkina Faso
Over 100 Burkina Faso soldiers Killed In Insurgency Attack.
Over 100 Burkina Faso soldiers in Mansila area near the border with Niger were reportedly killed in an attack whose responsibility was claimed by an Al Qaeda affiliate, Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) group, the SITE Intelligence Group said on Sunday. SITE quoted a JNIM statement as saying "Fighters stormed a military post in the town, where they killed 107 soldiers and took control of the site".
Videos reportedly posted by insurgents across social media depicted intense gunfire near an army base, along with a display of weapons and ammunition, and the capture of at least seven Burkina Faso soldiers. This recent attack highlights the ongoing challenge faced by Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali in combating persistent insurgencies that have lasted over a decade, resulting in thousands of casualties and displacing millions.
The control of large territories by insurgents in Burkina Faso and Mali also jeopardizes regional stability, as these groups use their bases to target southern coastal countries.
WORLD HEADLINES.
The U.S. To Provide Aid to Sudan
The U.S. will provide over $315 million in additional humanitarian aid to Sudan, addressing the country's severe crisis, according to USAID Administrator Samantha Power. She urged Sudan's warring army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to stop obstructing aid, emphasizing that blockage, not food shortages, drives the deadly starvation levels. Nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, require aid, with 8 million displaced due to the conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and RSF, causing the world's largest displacement crisis.
The U.N. Security Council demanded the RSF halt their siege of al-Fashir in North Darfur, warning that escalating violence could spark widespread intercommunal strife. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated the council must consider all options, including authorizing aid from neighbouring countries if warring parties don't comply with international law. She urged for renewed ceasefire talks, noting frustration with delays and emphasizing the need for external supporters to stop sending weapons that fuel the conflict. Despite stalled talks in Jeddah, the U.S. remains committed to pressing for negotiations.
Protesters March Against The Far-Right National Rally In France.
Thousands protested across France on Saturday against the far-right National Rally (RN) ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, following the party's recent surge in European polls. In Paris, 75,000 marched from Place de La Republique through Bastille Square to Nation. CGT union reported 250,000 in Paris and 640,000 nationwide, expressing concerns over RN leader Jordan Bardella potentially becoming Prime Minister. Demonstrators, including first-time protester Carol-Ann Juste, 22, cited worries about the party's racist heritage, rooted in the National Front.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Denounces Tactical Pause In Fighting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the military's plan announced on Sunday for daily pauses in fighting along a key road into Gaza to allow aid delivery. The military had proposed 11-hour pauses from 0500 GMT until 1600 GMT from Kerem Shalom Crossing to Salah al-Din Road and northward.
Netanyahu deemed the pauses unacceptable upon hearing the reports, reflecting political tensions over aid access to Gaza amid warnings of a humanitarian crisis by international organizations. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, from Netanyahu's coalition, condemned the tactical pause, calling it a misguided decision that warranted consequences.
African Personality Of The Week
D'banj
Born on June 9, 1980, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, known professionally as D'banj, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and TV personality. His stage name combines his first name, Dapo, with his surname, Oyebanjo. Alongside producer Don Jazzy, he founded Mo' Hits Records. D'banj gained fame for "Oliver Twist," a 2011 hit blending Afrobeats and electronic dance music that topped charts across Africa.
He is our personality of the week because he inspired Funke Akindele to create the hit TV series; Jenifa's Diary which lasted 27 seasons. At his 20-years on stage celebration, Funke Akindele stated how D'banj encouraged her to make more content around Jenifa, the titular character of her iconic movie. He reportedly funded the 3rd part of the movie.
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