News from around the Motherland Week 46 of '23
Hi there! We're currently in week 46 of the year 2023. Here are the news making headlines from across Africa.
It's been a packed week as The Nigerian President held talks with the Saudi Arabia Islamic Development Bank for potential funding. South African Rand gained against the U.S. dollar. East Africa witnessed a deluge of rainfall. But as usual, we start with North Africa.
NORTH AFRICA.
Egypt Extends Grace Period For Illegal Residents
The Egyptian government has extended the grace period for foreigners residing unlawfully in Egypt by three months, moving the deadline from 15 December 2023 to 15 March 2024.
This extension offers more time for individuals to adjust their status, facilitating a smoother transition
Rwandan Filmmaker Shines In Egypt
Rwandan filmmaker Claude Niyomugabo's documentary, 'Born a Refugee but Never Think Like a Refugee,' earned the 'Special Mention Award' at the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Short Films competition in Cairo, Egypt. The film stood out among 10 competitors, affirming its impact in challenging stereotypes and giving a voice to marginalized communities.
Oromiya Rebels in Talks With The Ethiopia Government
Ethiopian Oromiya rebels are currently in Tanzania for a second round of talks with the Ethiopian government to resolve decades-long conflicts.
This follows a previous unsuccessful negotiation more than six months ago between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the Ethiopian government.
Ethiopian Airlines ordered Boeing 737-8 MAX jets
Ethiopian Airlines has recently ordered Boeing 737-8 MAX narrow-body jets, marking a significant move almost five years after the 2019 MAX aircraft crash that led to a global fleet grounding. In March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crashed shortly after take-off from Addis Ababa, resulting in the tragic loss of all 157 passengers and crew on board. This incident followed a Lion Air 737 MAX crash in Indonesia's Java Sea five months earlier, claiming the lives of all 189 people on board.
A Case For The Nigeria/Morrocco Pipeline
The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, discussed at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), is seen as a key to African continent integration, according to Amina Benkhadra, the Managing Director of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM).
She highlighted the strategic importance of this project initiated by King Mohammed VI and former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. The pipeline is expected to foster continental integration, providing energy access to underserved populations and supporting vital industrial and mining sectors.
WEST AFRICA.
Labour Unions Down Tools Across Nigeria
Despite a court order restraining them, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and affiliates, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), commenced a nationwide strike on Tuesday.
The industrial action was declared by NLC and TUC in response to the assault on NLC president Joe Ajaero in Imo State on 1 November. The attack occurred during an NLC protest against the alleged maltreatment of workers by the Imo State government in Owerri, the state capital.
Saudi Arabia Cancels Visas for 264 Nigerians
Yesterday, upheaval occurred in Nigerian aviation and diplomatic circles as the Saudi Arabian government unexpectedly revoked the visas of 264 passengers brought by Nigeria's Air Peace from Kano.
The Saudi authorities insisted on their immediate return to Nigeria. Notably, this development coincides with President Bola Tinubu's presence in Saudi Arabia for the Arab-Africa summits.
Nigerian President Meets With Islamic Development Bank Officials
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu engaged in discussions with top officials of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to negotiate a "multi-billion dollar infrastructure finance facility" for the construction of ports and power plants, according to his spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday.
The talks with IsDB Vice President Mansur Muhtar took place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, but specific details of the finance package were not disclosed. Tinubu emphasized the need for investment in port and power infrastructure, as well as agro-allied facilities, citing serious deficits in these areas.
Malian Army Closing In On Kidal
Amid rumours of clashes with Tuareg rebels, Mali's army is advancing on the northern town of Kidal, causing civilians to flee due to escalating tension, as reported by RFI.
Since the 2020 military coup, regaining control over all regions has been a priority for Mali's authorities, with Kidal emerging as a potential key front in the conflict, according to various sources. Verification of details like casualty numbers and strategies used is challenging in the remote area.
Liberian Elections
Liberia conducted ballot counting on Tuesday for a closely contested run-off election between President George Weah and former Vice President Joseph Boakai.
Weah, a former soccer star who assumed office in 2018 after defeating Boakai, secured only 7,000 more votes than his rival in the October poll. Falling short of the required 50% for an outright victory, a run-off became necessary.
Ghana Raises Minimum Wage
the Ghanaian government and the public labour union agreed to raise the public service base pay by 23% universally from January to June 2024, with a subsequent adjustment to 25% from July to December 2024.
Burkina Faso Terror Attack
Earlier this month, unidentified assailants attacked the village of Zaongo in northern Burkina Faso, resulting in the tragic death of at least 70 civilians, including mainly elderly individuals and children.
The assailants also set properties ablaze during the assault, as confirmed by a statement from the prosecutor on Monday.
East Africa.
Heavy Rainfall and Floods In Somalia
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that approximately 1.6 million people in Somalia may be affected by severe seasonal downpours exacerbated by the dual influence of El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole.
The floods, resulting from heavy rains since early October, have claimed at least 29 lives and displaced over 300,000 individuals in Somalia. Additionally, towns and villages in northern Kenya have been inundated by the overflow.
Escalation Of Violence In Sudan
The European Union's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, strongly condemned atrocities against Darfur's Masalit people on Sunday, denouncing an "ethnic cleansing campaign" and warning of the risk of "another genocide" in the region.
The escalation of violence in Sudan's western Darfur, marked by conflict between Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April, has led to destabilization.
Heavy Rainfall and Floods In Kenya
Heavy rains have claimed 46 lives nationwide, causing floods and displacements. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki urged caution and adherence to security officers' directives in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to prevent accidents during the El Nino period.
Central Africa.
Terror Attack In The DRC
Islamist militants killed at least 23 people in an attack on an eastern Democratic Republic of Congo village on Sunday. According to reports from a local official and a humanitarian worker, the attackers tied up villagers and used machetes and other weapons.
Some residents managed to flee during the assault. The death toll was given as 33 people in an attack allegedly carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Home Depot Alleged Corrupt Ties To Equatorial Guinea.
The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has released a report, "The Dictator’s Door," revealing Home Depot's significant ties to major forest crimes and corruption in Equatorial Guinea.
The report indicates that over 1.2 million doors sold since 2018 by the U.S. home improvement retailer may contain illegally sourced Okoume wood, potentially violating the U.S. Lacey Act, which forbids the importation of wildlife and plants obtained unlawfully.
Gabon Military Junta To Hold Elections In 2025
Gabon's military junta declared on Monday its intention to conduct elections in August 2025, marking two years since seizing power from President Ali Bongo.
The regime spokesperson, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, outlined the plans for "elections and the end of the transition" in a televised address.
Southern Africa.
Zanu PF Accused Of Murder and Intimidation
Gift Ostallos Siziba, deputy spokesperson for Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has accused Zanu PF of turning voting in Zimbabwe into a life-or-death matter, citing coercive measures such as abductions, torture, and murder.
This follows the alleged abduction and murder of CCC campaign team member Tapfumaneyi Masaya, who was conducting door-to-door campaigns for CCC's Mabvuku Constituency by-election candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi on Saturday.
Zimbabwean Court Stops Recalls Legislators, Senators
High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi has issued an injunction preventing additional recalls of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators, senators, and councillors.
This follows Sengezo Tshabangu, self-proclaimed CCC interim secretary-general, recalling 28 MPs, senators, and over a dozen councillors, alleging their cessation of party membership. Party representative Obey Shava confirmed the interdict on Tuesday afternoon.
Madagascar's President To Seek Re-election
Despite weeks of protests by opposition groups challenging his eligibility, Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina, is poised to seek re-election on Thursday.
The 49-year-old entrepreneur and former DJ, who initially came to power in a 2009 coup, has faced scrutiny, with opponents calling for a delay in the vote. Rajoelina stepped down after leading a transitional authority for almost five years and later won the presidency in a 2018 election.
South African Rand Gains Against The U.S. Dollar
The South African rand gained over 2% on Tuesday as weaker-than-expected U.S. consumer inflation data fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve might halt interest rate hikes. As of 1500 GMT, the rand traded at 18.3600 against the dollar, marking a 2% increase from its previous close.
World Headlines.
U.S Deputy Treasury Secretary Mulls Fate Of AGOA
U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo expressed hope on Thursday that Congress would extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade program providing duty-free access to the U.S. market for qualifying African countries.
Speaking at the Reuters NEXT conference, Adeyemo highlighted the strategic opportunities in the region and emphasized the importance of extending AGOA, set to expire in 2025.
British Plan For Assilum Seekers Ruled Unlawful
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's flagship plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has been declared unlawful by the UK Supreme Court.
In June '23, an earlier court ruling had deemed the scheme unlawful, citing concerns about Rwanda not being a safe third country for migrants who arrived in Britain without permission.
U.S Interest Rate Hikes Over?
The dollar dropped over 1% against major currencies on Tuesday as U.S. consumer prices for October remained unchanged, primarily due to lower gasoline prices, following a 0.4% rise in September. This suggests the Federal Reserve may have concluded its interest rate hikes.
African Personality Of The Week
Born on February 20, 1984, Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer, producer, actor, and former host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central from 2015 to 2022. A recipient of various awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award, he has been recognized for his influence, being named one of "The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media" and listed among Time magazine's hundred most influential people in 2018. In 2023, he was awarded the Erasmus Prize.
Today In History
The infamous 1884/1885 Berlin Conference where colonial Europe established its legal framework for the partitioning of Africa commences
We invite you to explore sponsorship opportunities or get in touch with us by reaching out to admin@prominentgreen.com. Your engagement is highly valued, and we look forward to hearing from you with enthusiasm!
Thank you for reading.
Unlock a world of knowledge and stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to our engaging weekly newsletter. If this was forwarded to you, don't miss out on the latest and most important headlines from Africa. Subscribe now, share your thoughts in the comments, and spread the knowledge!
