News From Around The Motherland. Week 21 of '24

• Niger Beings Oil Export Following Completion Of Chinese Funded Pipeline.
• The U.S To Designate Kenya As A Non-NATO Ally.
• New Assembly Speaker Elected In Congo Days After Foiled Coup.
• South Africa's Supreme Court Bars Former President Zuma From Running In Elections

We begin in West Africa where Niger has ramped up oil production and export.

WEST AFRICA.

Niger Begins Oil Export Following Completion Of Chinese Funded Pipeline To Benin.

Niger has loaded its first crude oil shipment at Benin’s Seme port following the completion of the Chinese funded $5 billion Niger-Benin pipeline project, according to sources and shipping data.

This milestone comes a year after a military coup and days after a diplomatic rift with Benin, marking Niger's entry into the league of oil-exporting African nations.

The 110,000 barrels per day (bpd) pipeline will significantly boost Niger’s oil production, which currently stands at 20,000 bpd. Initially, the pipeline will operate at 90,000 bpd, with plans to reach full capacity soon.

Nigerian Law Makers Seek To Revert To Colonial Era Anthem.

The Nigerian house of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem. Sponsored by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, the bill went through all readings on Thursday despite some opposition.

The old anthem, written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda at the twilight of Nigeria's colonization, was sung from 1960 to 1978.

The Nigerian Naira Holds Steady At The Official Foreign Exchange Market Following Rate Hikes

The naira remained stable against the dollar at the official FX market on Wednesday, following the Central Bank of Nigeria's 150 basis point interest rate hike to 26.25 percent. After trading, the naira slightly appreciated by 0.21 percent, with the dollar quoted at N1,462.59 compared to N1,465.68 on Tuesday, according to FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited. This stability could make imported goods cheaper and attract foreign investment, potentially boosting economic growth and benefiting consumers and businesses, according to a financial analyst.

Newly Elected Senegalese Prime Minister Questions Presence Of French Military Bases In Senegal.

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko questioned the presence of French military bases in Senegal, claiming it infringes on the nation's sovereignty. Speaking at Dakar University, Sonko criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for ignoring political persecution in Senegal, and Joins other African countries calling for a review of diplomatic relationship with foreign countries. Sonko, a former opposition leader freed from prison before the March 24 presidential election, emphasized the need for Senegal to reclaim its sovereignty in monetary and security matters. He argued for cooperation with other countries based on mutual respect and condemned Macron's support for former president Macky Sall during a period of severe political repression.

Former CBN Governor And Ousted Emir, Sanusi, Reinstated To The Throne.

Mr. Sanusi became the 14th Emir of Kano, Nigeria in 2014 after Ado Bayero's death but had strained relations with then-Governor Ganduje, leading to his dismissal in 2020 for alleged disrespect towards local institutions. The government then created five new emirates, appointing Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as the new emir. On Thursday, a day before Sanusi's return, the Kano State House of Assembly abolished the five emirates, and Governor Yusuf signed the law, giving the emirs 48 hours to vacate their palaces. Public reaction was mixed: some people expressed happiness at Sanusi's reinstatement, while others criticized the move, preferring the retention of all emirs for easier local access.

EAST AFRICA.

Sudanese Army Bombed Sudan's Largest Oil Refinery According To The RSF.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reported that the Sudanese army bombed the Khartoum Petroleum Refinery on Tuesday night, causing severe damage. Videos shared by activists show the refinery in flames. Despite a siege and supply cut-off, the RSF remains in control.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the RSF has planted mines and uses jamming devices, forcing the army to use air attacks. The refinery, the largest in Sudan, ceased operations in October 2023 due to the war but still supplies RSF forces. The Sudanese army has not responded to these claims.

The U.S. To Designate Kenya As A non-NATO ally

US President Joe Biden has pledged to designate Kenya as a “major non-NATO ally” (MNNA) during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington, DC. This symbolic title aims to deepen ties between the two nations. Biden emphasized that this designation is a result of years of collaboration, reflecting Kenya's rise from a regional partner in counterterrorism operations to a significant global influence. The US has designated 18 countries as non-NATO allies, including Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines.

South Sudan Seeking Technical Help To Develop Financial Market.

South Sudan has requested technical support to develop financial strategies to expand its narrow market, which officials believe will improve economic performance measurements. Garang noted that the Central Bank would gain in areas like macroeconomic forecasting and reserve management. Louis Austin Kasekende, Executive Director of MEFMI, praised South Sudan's decision to join the institution, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the country's capacity needs through targeted training.

CENTRAL AFRICA.

New Speaker Elected In D. R. Congo Days After Foiled Coup.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's national assembly elected Vital Kamerhe as speaker in a delayed vote, a crucial step towards forming a government five months after the presidential election. Kamerhe, a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi, secured 371 out of 407 votes, making him the country's second-highest authority.

This vote paves the way for naming a government, which has been absent since Tshisekedi's re-election in December 2023. The election had been postponed by Tshisekedi and followed an attack on Kamerhe's home in a foiled coup attempt, which resulted in the deaths of two guards. Kamerhe has a history of political roles, including serving as Tshisekedi's chief of staff and as deputy prime minister of the economy.

Apple Accused Of Sourcing Conflict Minerals From Congo.

International lawyers representing the Democratic Republic of Congo presented new whistleblower evidence on Wednesday, suggesting Apple may be sourcing minerals from conflict areas in eastern Congo. The lawyers urged Apple to address supply chain concerns and are considering legal actions. Apple is yet to comment.

Congo's lawyers informed Apple CEO Tim Cook on April 22 about issues in its supply chain, also contacting Apple subsidiaries in France. Despite Apple's past claims of auditing its suppliers and ensuring conflict-free sourcing, the tech giant has remained silent on the new allegations. The law firm Amsterdam & Partners LLP continues to investigate the smuggling of minerals through Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.

SOUTHERN AFRICA.

South Africa's Supreme Court Bars Former President Zuma From Running In Coming Elections.

South Africa's highest court has barred former President Jacob Zuma from running in next week's general election due to his 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court. Convicted in 2021 for refusing to testify at a corruption inquiry, Zuma leads the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which continues its campaign despite the ruling.

The electoral commission confirmed Zuma's removal from MK's candidate list, though his image remains on the ballot papers. Supporters outside the court portrayed him as a victim, while inside, Justice Leona Theron emphasized the constitutional rule that bars anyone sentenced to 12 months or more from serving in parliament to protect the integrity of the post-apartheid democratic regime.

WORLD HEADLINES.

UK Prime Minister Calls For 4th Of July Elections.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election for 4th of July in a speech outside Downing Street, highlighting his government's achievements in NHS spending and education. He asked, "Who do you trust?" after discussing the Covid pandemic, furlough scheme, and the war in Ukraine.

Amidst rain and the tune of Labour's 1997 anthem "Things Can Only Get Better," Labour leader Keir Starmer called the election the "moment the country's been waiting for," promising to unlock the UK's potential with "patience and determination."

Late Iranian President Buried After National Mourning.

Iran’s late president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash, was buried on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad after a three-day mourning procession that drew millions of mourners across five major cities. The funeral was held at a significant Shia shrine, and the service included high-ranking political and religious figures, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leading a prior ceremony in Tehran for Raisi and other crash victims. Foreign dignitaries, including the Emir of Qatar and Iraq’s prime minister, attended to pay their respects. The incident has accelerated political maneuvering ahead of an emergency presidential election set for June 28, with current first vice-president Mohammad Mokhber temporarily leading the executive branch. The election is expected to be a contest among hardline candidates, with little chance for moderate or reformist figures.

Three European Countries Recognize Palestine In Historical Move

Norway, Ireland, and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state in a historic move. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris announced the coordinated effort on Wednesday, calling it “an historic and important day for Palestine.” Several other European countries have also indicated plans to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing that a two-state solution is crucial for lasting peace in the region.

Haiti's Health Sector In The Verge Of Collapse Amid Gang Violence And Political Turmoil

Haiti faces an increased risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, like malaria, with the onset of the rainy season in non-hygienic environments. Nadesha Mijoba of the Haitian Health Foundation reported that gang attacks and destruction have closed many health services, forcing patients to travel long distances under threats of violence. Kenya plans to deploy police to Haiti as part of an international taskforce to help restore stability. Kenyan leader William Ruto met with US President Joe Biden to discuss the operation. Meanwhile, Partners In Health is advocating for a humanitarian corridor to ensure aid deliveries. Following Prime Minister Ariel Henry's resignation in March, gangs have exploited the power vacuum, increasing their control and rendering parts of the country lawless.

African Personality Of The Week

Ousmane Sonko

Ousmane Sonko (born 15 July 1974) is a Senegalese politician and former tax inspector, serving as Prime Minister since 2024. Leader of PASTEF since its founding in 2014, he ran for president in 2019, finishing third.

His 2019 arrest on sexual assault charges sparked mass protests. In June 2023, he was sentenced to two years in prison, and PASTEF was dissolved by the government in July 2023.

He is our personality of the week because of his fearlessness and bravery in the face of oppression. He stands as a beacon of hope for political astuteness in Africa.

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