News from around the Motherland Week 47 of '23

It's been a busy week in Africa as Malawi is on track to self-sufficiency in wheat production. Egyptian President calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing a potential refugee crisis in the Israel/Hamas war as South Africa cuts diplomatic ties with Israel. African women writers shine in Morocco, and President Weah of Liberia concedes election defeat. But first, we start in North Africa.

NORTH AFRICA.

Dispute Along Sudan-South Sudan Boarder Sees 32 Killed

Rival Dinka groups clashed in a disputed Sudan-South Sudan area, resulting in 32 deaths over the weekend, as confirmed by a local official.

The Abyei region, rich in oil, saw conflict between Twic Dinka from South Sudan's Warrap State and Ngok Dinka from Abyei over an administrative boundary. Twic Dinka armed youth, with militia support, attacked Ngok Dinka villages near Agok town on Sunday morning, stated Bulis Koch, Abyei's Information Minister.

The League of African Women Writers in Morocco

The League of African Women Writers, formed in Morocco on March 9, 2023, held its first meeting at Tunis' City of Culture. Led by Badiaa Radi, it focused on national women's writer leagues from Morocco, Libya, Mauritania, and Tunisia. Radi, a writer and journalist, presides over both the league and the Moroccan League of Women Writers.

Towards a Better Africa

On November 21, 2023, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt unveiled the commencement of the African Union's third Reconstruction and Development Week. It's themed "Towards Africa's Better Future via Peacebuilding," and scheduled to run from November 22 to 27, 2023.

Egypt Advocates For Cease-Fire

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt has advocated for a ceasefire and a two-state solution in the ongoing Israeli/Hamas faceoff.

He warned that the ongoing conflict could destabilize the region, stressing that a potential refugee fallout could be difficult to deal with.

WEST AFRICA.

President George Weah Concedes Election Defeat

Liberia's President George Weah conceded defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai, concluding a closely contested race and ensuring a smooth transition of power.

Boakai, a former vice president at 78, secured 50.9% of the vote, surpassing Weah's 49.1%, according to the elections commission with almost all votes counted. Weah's concession marks Liberia's second democratic power transfer in over seven decades, after his election six years ago.

Nigeria To Drop Case Against ENI

Bloomberg reported that Nigeria plans to withdraw $1.1 billion in civil claims against Eni over corruption allegations in an oilfield deal.

The country's justice ministry aims to drop these claims before Italy's highest court immediately, as ENI have dropped their World Bank case against Nigeria related to the OPL 245 field.

(AFIS) Summit In Lomé, Togo

The African financial sector, despite hurdles, is making strides. The Africa Financial Industry Summit (AFIS) in Lomé, Togo, organized by Jeune Afrique magazine, unites over 800 leaders in African finance.

As global competitors recede, African financial institutions have a chance to enhance their global influence.

Nigeria Working To Enhance Passport Issuance

Nigeria's Consul-General in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija confirmed the Federal Government's efforts to enhance passport application processing in the U.S. and other Nigerian missions globally.

He conveyed this during a hybrid town hall meeting with the Nigerian community in New York and its jurisdictional areas, hosted in Cleveland, Ohio.

Nigeria Aims To Unlock $300 Billion In Land Reform

The federal government aims to unlock $300 billion in dormant capital through ongoing land reforms. Minister Ahmed Dangiwa stated this at the 28th Conference of Directors of Lands in Lagos, acknowledging the setbacks caused by the 1978 Land Use Act.

The reforms seek to address these hurdles, with plans to establish a National Land Commission to regulate and handle public complaints on land matters.

EAST AFRICA.

Treaty On Plastic Pollution

Delegates convene in Kenya aiming to advance a treaty to combat global plastic pollution. They're considering strategies targeting plastics production or waste management at the UN Environment Programme headquarters.

This addresses the severe issue caused by over 400 million metric tonnes of yearly plastic waste.

Kenya Lawmakers Approve Plan To Deploy Police To Haiti

Kenyan lawmakers approved sending police officers to aid Haiti in combating gang violence. Initially pledging 1,000 officers, the deployment was halted in October due to a court order obtained by an opposition party.

The legality of the deployment is under scrutiny, with a court verdict expected on January 26 following a recent hearing, according to Charles Midenga, representing the petitioner.

Malawi's Wheat Harvest Breakthrough

Malawi's recent successful large-scale wheat harvest marks a breakthrough after years of seeking the right type of grain for her soil. With around 80 varieties tested since 2019, four wheat types have emerged as suitable for Malawi's farming conditions, aiming to reduce reliance on $48 Million in grain imports amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Malawian President Suspends Foreign Travel

President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi suspended all government officials' foreign trips, including his own, aiming to address economic challenges.

He cancelled his attendance at the COP28 climate change conference and directed the finance minister to review wage increases for civil servants. Chakwera also ordered a reduced income tax to alleviate the burden on workers facing income loss.

CENTRAL AFRICA.

Re-election Bid For President Felix Tshisekedi

President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo kicked off his re-election bid in a crowded Kinshasa stadium, calling for support to strengthen his achievements.

With over 43 million voters registered for the December 20 polls, Tshisekedi, seeking a second term, faced challenges in his first tenure, including economic hardships, the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, and insecurity, particularly in the east due to the resurgent M23 rebel group displacing over 1 million.

Somalia And Burundi Sign Bilateral Agreement

Somalia and Burundi released a joint statement with 16 agreed points following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's visit and discussions with his Burundian counterpart, President Évariste Ndayishimiye.

They covered topics such as enhancing bilateral cooperation, combating insecurity, and Somalia's pursuit of East African Community (EAC) membership.

Rwanda-Cuba Relations

President Kagame hosted Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa and his delegation at Urugwiro Village on Monday, November 20.

Their talks aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, focusing on education and health ties between Rwanda and Cuba. This meeting was part of the Cuban delegation's African tour, starting in Ghana on November 14.

SOUTHERN AFRICA.

Contentious Elections Conclude In Madagascar

Madagascar’s presidential election concluded amid a contentious campaign marked by boycotts and accusations of irregularities.

President Andry Rajoelina, a former DJ is seeking re-election after first coming to power in a 2009 coup. Despite a curfew, protests, and calls to boycott the election by the opposition, voting went on smoothly.

Israel Recalls Ambassador to South Africa

Israel recalled its ambassador from South Africa for consultations due to recent statements from the South African government about the ongoing Israel/Hamas war.

The ruling ANC party in South Africa expressed support for a motion calling for the closure of the Israeli embassy in the country.

The IMF and Zambia Agreed On An Extended Credit Facility

The IMF and Zambia agreed on the second review of its Extended Credit Facility, unlocking $184 million pending board approval.

Discussions on debt restructuring progress with official and private creditors, but Zambia may need tighter monetary policy to control inflation and boost reserves. However, Zambia faced obstacles in restructuring $3 billion of Eurobonds due to objections from official creditors, including China.

SADC Troops On A Peace Keeping Mission To The DRC

President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo authorized the deployment of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops to the volatile eastern region from an agreement signed in Kinshasa on November 17, 2023.

The decision, originating from a May 7, 2023 summit in Namibia, reflects SADC leaders' concerns over escalating conflicts and armed groups, notably the resurgence of M23 rebels. Tshisekedi confirmed joint efforts with SADC troops to combat threats during a council of ministers meeting in Kinshasa on November 10, 2023.

WORLD HEADLINES.

Argentina's President-Elect Promises Shock Therapy

Argentina's libertarian Far-right President-elect Javier Milei promises an unconventional economic approach to solving the country's economic conundrum.

Israel And Hamas Agree To A Truce

Both belligerents agree to a truce mediated by Qatar which will see hostage release start by the 24th.

North Korea Scraps Military Deal With South Korea

North Korea scraps military deal with South Korea a day after South Korea suspended part of the inter-Korean deal in response to Pyongyang's launch of a spy satellite.

African Personality Of The Week

George Manneh Oppong Weah

Born on October 1, 1966, George Manneh Oppong Weah is a former professional footballer turned Liberian politician. He served as president from 2018 to 2024 and was previously a Senator from Montserrado County.

Weah, the first African ex-professional footballer to become a head of state, graciously conceded his election defeat, upholding democracy in Liberia. This week, he's honoured as an African personality for his commitment to democratic values.

Today In History

Tanzanian army beats back the invading Ugandan army and recaptures the occupied northwest in the 1979 Kagera war.

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