News From Around The Motherland Week 15 of '24

Hi there! We're currently in week 15 of the year 2024. In the news,

• Nigerian Currency sustains gains against world currencies
• Niger cuts ties with US, turns to Russia
• Rwanda reflects on genocide, 30 years after
• Iran attacks Israel, risking potential escalation of the Israel-Hamas war

NORTH AFRICA.

🇲🇦 Activist Arrested And Sentenced To 5 Years Imprisonment

An activist in Morocco, Abdul Rahman Zankad, received a five-year prison sentence for criticizing the country's decision to normalize relations with Israel.

Zankad was arrested in March after posting on Facebook about the Israel-Hamas conflict and Morocco's establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020, according to the Moroccan Space for Human Rights.

🇩🇿 Algeria Protests Morocco's Move On Embassy Properties

Algeria opposes Morocco's move to seize Algerian embassy property in Rabat. Tensions arose in 2021 when Algeria accused Morocco of backing "terrorist groups" who started wildfires. Diplomatic relations were severed, resulting in minimal embassy staff.

Morocco's recent decision to annex Algerian properties in Rabat, including land and offices, has provoked outrage in Algiers.

🇪🇬 Egyptian Diplomat Discusses Israel/Hamas War With American Counterpart

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Iranian drone strikes on Israel.

They also tackled escalating tensions, notably the Gaza Strip crisis, fearing regional instability.

WEST AFRICA.

🇳🇪 Niger's Military Junta Welcome Russian Troops

Russian troops arrive Niamey as Military cooperation agreements between both countries begin.

Earlier in the year, Niger’s military government cut military ties with the US Army. This is came months after severing ties with former colonial power; France, which saw over 1,500 French troops leave the country.

It is worthy to note that America considers Niger to be important in her fight against Terrorism, and had invested $100 million to set up a military drone base in the country. The US Secretary Of State described Niger as a "defender of democracy" just a year ago.

🇳🇬 Nigerian Currency Sustain Appreciation Against The Dollar

Nigeria's Currency: The Naira, sustains gains against The US dollar despite huge economic head winds.

Described as the world's best performing currency this month by Bloomberg, the naira has continued its rally against the dollar and other international currencies.

🇹🇬 Constitutional Review In Togo

Starting on Monday, April 8, discussions began in Togo to explain the recent constitutional changes. Parliament adopted a new constitution on March 25, shifting from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system, prompting public outcry.

The consultations aim to address concerns raised in the West African nation. Additionally, legislative elections, initially set for April 20, were postponed to allow MPs to review the new Constitution.

🇱🇷 Liberia To Address Civil War Crimes Through Creation Of A Special Court.

Liberia's Senate overwhelmingly supported the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, two decades after the country's deadliest conflict.

Despite controversy over former warlords holding senate positions, the majority of the senators approved the bill. The decision reflects a call for justice and accountability for victims and perpetrators of atrocities during the two civil wars between 1989 and 2003, which claimed an estimated 250,000 lives each.

The proposal, championed by President Joseph Boakai and backed by 42 out of 72 legislators, aims to address long-standing calls for accountability following both conflicts.

🇸🇱 Highly Addictive Drug Ravages Sierra Leone

Kush, a highly addictive psychoactive blend, has plagued the country for years, and has seen a rapid increase in abuse and resultant deaths recently.

President Julius Maada Bio labeled it a "death trap" and an "existential crisis" as he declared a national emergency. Security measures have been increased in cemeteries to prevent addicts from digging up human bones, which are among the drug's ingredients.

🇳🇬 Nigerian Ministerial Probe

Nigeria's financial watchdog reports the recovery of 30 billion naira ($24 million) in an ongoing corruption probe involving a suspended minister.

The funds were traced to over 50 bank accounts. Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu, suspended in January over the alleged diversion of $640,000 into a personal account, denied wrongdoing.

The investigation, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, is ongoing, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovering multiple leads during nearly six weeks of scrutiny.

🇬🇭 Looted Asante Gold Artifacts Returned On Loan To Ghana

The UK has returned artefacts looted from present-day Ghana, over 150 years after the fact. Thirty-two gold and silver items, taken during 19th-century conflicts between the British and the Asante people, have been loaned to Ghana by the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum.

These objects, stolen from the Asantehene's court, will be officially received by the current king on Friday and displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi next month as part of celebrations for the Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's silver jubilee.

EAST AFRICA.

🇸🇩 Sudanese Civil War; 1 Year On

Since the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, over 8.5 million individuals have been displaced, with a notable portion seeking refuge in Chad and South Sudan.

Additionally, approximately 25 million people, representing over half the population, require assistance, with nearly 18 million facing acute food insecurity, as reported by the United Nations.

🇸🇴 Somalia's Puntland Asserts Autonomy.

Somalia's semi-autonomous region, Puntland, which is known for its stability and wealth, has declined to acknowledge constitutional changes that consolidate more authority in the hands of Somalia's president.

Amid escalating concerns of potential conflict, a minister from Puntland stated, "We are not seeking independence, but Puntland will assert its autonomy until it is included in the decision-making process."

CENTRAL AFRICA.

🇷🇼 Rwanda Marks 30-Year Anniversary Of Genocide.

April 7 marked 30 years since the start of the Rwandan genocide, during which nearly 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed

Dignitaries from all over the world including former US President Bill Clinton, alongside Rwandan, and UNESCO officials graced the occasion.

30 years on, a collective memory of pain, healing and forgiveness serve as a reminder of the atrocities, leaving deep trauma among Rwandans who have since strived to forge a more prosperous way forward.

🇨🇩 Landslide Kills A Dozen As Many More Are Missing In DR Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, heavy rains triggered a landslide in southwest Dibaya Lubwe commune, Kwilu province, on Saturday, killing at least 12 people.

More than 50 individuals remain missing. The landslide swept clay and debris onto the Kasai River banks while a boat was docking and people were washing clothes.

SOUTHERN AFRICA.

🇿🇲 Chinese-Run Fraud Syndicate Burst In Zambia

A raid on a Chinese-run company in Zambia, hailed as a breakthrough in fighting cybercrime, uncovered equipment for caller location disguise and thousands of Sim cards.

The company, Golden Top Support Services, allegedly recruited Zambians under false pretenses for deceptive conversations, leading to the seizure of 11 Sim boxes and over 13,000 Sim cards.

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe's New Gold-Backed Currency

Zimbabwe introduced a new currency, ZiG, to replace its depreciating one amidst economic turmoil. The move aims to stabilize the currency crisis fueled by inflation and apathy by the population.

The ZiG will be backed by gold reserves and a mix of foreign currencies, and is a replacement for The Zimbabwe dollar, one of the world's worst performing currencies which lost over 70% of its value since January amid soaring inflation, reaching 55.3% in March.

🇰🇲 Comoros Prison Break

Dozens of prisoners escaped from Moroni Prison in the Comoros by walking through the main gate, according to authorities.

The public prosecutor stated that 38 inmates were missing, attributing the escape to negligent security guards. A government spokesperson suggested the incident was pre-planned.

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Declares State Of Disaster As Drought Ravages Southern Africa

Zimbabwe declared a state of disaster due to a severe drought affecting much of southern Africa. President announced a need for $2 billion in humanitarian assistance.

Similar actions were taken by neighboring Zambia and Malawi, where drought linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon has devastated crops, leaving millions in need of food aid.

🇿🇦 Former South African President Stage Political Comeback, Threatens Ruling Party Dominance

Former South African President Jacob Zuma's successful appeal allows him to run as an MP for his new party in the upcoming election, marking a significant moment post-apartheid.

Zuma's uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party's emergence is poised to challenge President Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC), potentially impacting its three-decade rule. Zuma's shift away from the ANC, culminating in his suspension in January for supporting MK, signals a new dynamic in the election landscape.

WORLD HEADLINES.

🇪🇺 EU Migration Reform

EU lawmakers approved a major overhaul of migration laws to address unauthorized entry and diminish far-right rhetoric ahead of June elections.

The reforms include controversial measures like taking facial images and fingerprints from children as young as 6 and allowing detention during screening. EU member states must now also endorse the package for it to take effect.

🇺🇦 Ukraine Opens Embassies In DR Congo and Ivory Coast

Despite War with Russia, Ukraine has opened embassies in DR Congo and Ivory Coast in a bid to deepen her diplomatic relationship in Africa.

It is worthy to note that The Ukrainian forces are operating in support of The Sudanese Army against the Wagner-backed Rapid Support Forces.

🇮🇷 Iran Targets Israel With Missiles And Drones

Iran has targeted Israel with a barrage of missiles and drones as retaliation for a deadly strike on its consulate in Damascus allegedly carried out by Israel, marking this the first direct Iranian attack on the country.

African Personality Of The Week

Olayemi Michael "Yemi" Cardoso

Born on July 10, 1957, is a Nigerian banker currently serving as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Prior to this role, he held the position of Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in the Lagos State Government.

He's our African Personality Of The Week because of his leadership of Nigeria's Central Bank and the effort in stabilizing the country’s currency.

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