News From Around The Motherland. Week 22 of '24
Hi there! Here are the top African news making headlines from week 22 of the year 2024
- ANC Loses Majority In Historical South Africa Elections
- Former Zambia First Lady Arrested On Fraud Charges.
- Morocco re-elected to the UN Human Rights Committee
- The IMF Predicts Economic Expansion For Nigeria.
- Morocco Re-Elected To The UN Human Rights Committee.
We begin with the news of the fourth protest in Nigeria by the labour unions over pay, since the assertion of President Tinubu. While the protests have since been called off, the dire economic and security situation persists in the country.
HEADLINE NEWS.
- Nigeria
Organized Labor Shuts Down Nigeria's National Grid In Minimum Wage Protest.
Nigeria’s main labour unions have shut down the national grid, disrupted airline operations, and blocked parliament gates in an indefinite strike, which has since been lifted, over the government's failure to agree on a new minimum wage. The previous wage of N30,000 (£15) expired in April, and unions are demanding an increase to N494,000 (£257). This is the fourth strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023. Union members shut down at least six power substations, leaving the national grid down. The NLC cut power and water to the Senate House, and banks and hospitals were closed in several states. Airlines Ibom Air and United Nigeria suspended flights due to the strike's disruption.
The IMF Predicts Economic Expansion For Nigeria.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts Nigeria's economy will reach $1.85 trillion in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms by 2029, up from $1.36 trillion in 2023. This represents steady growth, with an expected 5.5 percent increase in 2029.
Nigeria's share of global GDP in PPP terms is set to rise slightly from 0.77 percent in 2023 to 0.78 percent by 2029. Despite challenges like the 2020 recession and declining oil prices, Nigeria's efforts to diversify its economy and attract investment are contributing to its positive growth trajectory.
Nigeria is presently grappling with historic inflation largely driven by astronomical food prices. Analysts have knocked President Tinubu's performance in the first year of his four-year term due to the alarming rate of hunger, poverty and insecurity in the country.
- Zambia
Former Zambian First Lady Arrested On Fraud Charges Her Family Describes As Politically Motivated.
Former Zambian First Lady Esther Lungu and her daughter Chiyeso Katete were arrested in Lusaka over properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. Another relative, Charles Phiri, was also detained. Esther Lungu couldn't explain a $1.5 million estate acquisition. Former President Edgar Lungu claimed the charges were politically motivated and vowed to challenge them in court.
Former President Lungu announced his return to politics last October, leading to the government revoking his retirement benefits. Lungu, who left office in 2021 after losing to Hakainde Hichilema, had previously overseen a debt-laden economy.
- South Africa
Former President Nelson Mandela's Party, ANC, Loses Majority In Landmark Elections.
The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority in South Africa for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. With 99% of votes counted, the ANC received just over 40%, forcing the party to seek coalition partners to stay in government and reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa. Despite the ANC remaining the largest party, opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the new MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, have hailed the result as a significant shift for the nation.
The ANC must now urgently form a coalition, with potential partners including the DA, which holds around 21% of the vote, and the MK Party, which secured just over 14%. The MK Party has stipulated that any coalition must exclude Ramaphosa, highlighting the internal political strife. South Africa, grappling with a 32% unemployment rate and widespread poverty, faces a critical political transition as the new parliament must elect a president within 14 days of the final election results.
- Djibouti
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released In Djibouti To Fight Malaria.
This is the first release of genetically engineered mosquitoes in East Africa and the second on the continent, following Burkina Faso. The pilot project in Djibouti involved over two years of studying Anopheles stephensi and engaging local communities and stakeholders through workshops and public meetings.
Scientists intend to combat the prevalence of malaria by reducing the female mosquito population, they aim to significantly decrease malaria transmission, as only females bite and transmit the disease. Oxitec's biological pest control technology targets this public health threat effectively they stated.
- Morocco
Morocco And Japan Sign MOU To Strengthen Bilateral Relations.
Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and Japan's Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen their bilateral partnership. This agreement highlights the historic ties between Morocco's Royal Family and Japan's Imperial Family, outlining future collaboration in the areas of economy, trade, food, fisheries, culture, scientific research, space, climate change mitigation, and water resource management.
The Memorandum reaffirms the commitment of both countries to uphold peace and international order, adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter. It also establishes mechanisms for regular joint commission meetings and coordination between Moroccan authorities and Japanese organizations like the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japan External Trade Organization. Additionally, the agreement aims to enhance exchanges and coordination within international bodies on shared interests.
Morocco Re-Elected To The UN Human Rights Committee.
Morocco has been re-elected to the UN Human Rights Committee, represented by Mahjoub El Haiba, during elections held on Wednesday in New York at the 40th Meeting of States Parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. El Haiba secured one of the nine vacant positions for the 2025-2028 term with 120 votes, out of sixteen candidates.
This re-election underscores the credibility and trust in Morocco's efforts to promote human rights under King Mohammed VI. It is part of Morocco's strategy to contribute expertise and experience to UN bodies, supported by a broad diplomatic campaign. El Haiba, a university professor with a notable career in human rights, has worked to enhance the Human Rights Committee's methods since his initial election. The Committee monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its 18 member states.
- Angola
Angola And The US sign A Military Cooperation Agreement.
The governments of Angola and the United States signed a military cooperation agreement in Washington to enhance logistical support between their armed forces. Ministerial delegations met for two days to strengthen defense ties, focusing on improving Angola's technical and operational capacities, including acquiring advanced machinery, transport vehicles, and aircraft.
The agreement, signed by Afonso Carlos Neto from Angola's Ministry of Defense and Tressa Guenov from the US Department of Defense, aims to deepen security cooperation, with further discussions planned for 2025 in Luanda. This builds on a 2017 memorandum of understanding. Angola's Defense Minister, João Ernesto dos Santos, who recently visited the Pentagon, emphasized Angola's commitment to African defence policies and international cooperation to ensure peace and stability.
- Zimbabwe
Importers VAT Deferral Programme Scraped by Zimbabwe Treasury.
The Treasury has immediately withdrawn the Value Added Tax (VAT) deferments for operators with outstanding tax payments, previously available for importing critical capital equipment valued at a minimum of $500,000. This provision aimed to offer cash flow relief for sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, mining, health, and aviation by allowing up to six months of VAT deferment on imported capital equipment.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced the withdrawal due to non-compliance by many beneficiaries. Effective immediately, VAT deferments for those with outstanding payments are revoked, requiring immediate tax payment or facing enforcement measures. No further tax concessions will be granted to operators who have previously failed to meet their VAT obligations. Tax expert Trust Chiroora noted this move could enforce punctuality and safeguard revenue but suggested examining the reasons behind non-compliance and consulting with the industry for an informed policy.
WORLD HEADLINES.
South Korea Joins The Rank Of Countries That Has Hosted An Africa Summit.
South Korea hosted a summit with leaders from 48 African nations, focusing on Africa's rich mineral resources and the continent's potential as a vast export market. President Yoon Suk Yeol's deputy national security adviser, Kim Tae-hyo, emphasized that Africa is a "crucial partner" for South Korea's industrial advances, stating that cooperation with Africa is a necessity.
The summit included at least 30 heads of state, with President Yoon and African Union Chair President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani issuing a joint statement. South Korean business leaders also hosted a business summit on investment, industrial development, and food security. Highlighting Africa's strategic importance, Yoon's office noted that the continent holds 30% of the world's critical minerals, making it vital for South Korea's energy needs and technological advancements.
President Yoon had already met with leaders from Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, with plans to meet others, including Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Tanzania announced a $2.5 billion loan from South Korea, and Ethiopia signed a $1 billion financing deal for infrastructure and development.
South Korea aims to assist with industrial infrastructure and digital transformation, targeting Africa's young and growing market of 1.4 billion people. Agreements to facilitate trade and investment, with aid in agricultural technology and climate change responses are also planned. South Korea's engagement reflects its push to leverage Africa's mineral wealth and growing market potential.
Frm. US President Trump Found Guilty In Historic Case.
Donald Trump has been found guilty on all counts in his historic New York criminal trial, making him the first former or sitting president to be convicted of a crime while seeking a return to the White House. A Manhattan jury unanimously convicted him on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a payment to silence Stormy Daniels, with sentencing set for July 11.
During the six-week trial, 22 witnesses testified, including Daniels, whose alleged affair with Trump was central to the case. Trump, 77, called the verdict a "disgrace" and vowed to continue fighting. Prosecutors argued that Trump illegally disguised the hush money as legal expenses, violating election law.
British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak Calls General Election For July 4.
Rishi Sunak has called a general election for July 4, stating that "now is the moment for Britain to choose its future." In a statement outside Downing Street in the rain, the prime minister announced he had met with the King to request the dissolution of parliament, which was granted.
This surprise move is a significant gamble, with Labour leading by about 20 points in the polls. The announcement follows official figures showing inflation had decreased to 2.3% in April.
El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele Sworn In For Controversial Second Term.
In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele was sworn in for a second term on Saturday, despite constitutional limits and a controversial Supreme Court decision allowing his reelection. Bukele's anti-gang strategy has led to over 80,000 arrests without charge. The U.S. sent Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the inauguration, attended by Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Donald Trump Jr.
Protesters in Washington, D.C., denounced the Biden administration's recognition of Bukele's second term, calling it illegal and unconstitutional.
African Personality Of The Week
Mo' Abudu
Mo Abudu was born in Hammersmith, West London, to an engineer father and a caterer mother. Her family hails from Ondo Town, Nigeria. She is the eldest of three sisters. At age 7, she moved to Nigeria to live with her grandparents, returning to England at 11.
Abudu attended Ridgeway School, MidKent College, and West Kent College, earning a Master's degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster. She is a member of the British Psychological Society. In 2014, she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Babcock University, and in 2018, an honorary Doctor of Arts from the University of Westminster.
Abudu founded EbonyLife TV in 2013, which airs in Africa, the UK, and the Caribbean, and later launched a VOD platform. She leads EbonyLife Media, which includes EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, EbonyLife Creative Academy, and EbonyLife Place, a luxury resort in Nigeria.
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