Tag Archives: TPLF

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 10, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Ukraine crisis signals the rise of African realpolitik

On February 21, 2022, President Vladimir Putin declared Ukraine’s two breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk, independent. Click here to read…

How America plans to break China’s grip on African minerals

Mining indaba, Africa’s largest mining conference, is an anthropologist’s dream. Click here to read…

NEWS

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, elects Bola Tinubu as the new president

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been declared as the winner of Nigeria’s presidential elections, beating out two other prominent candidates. Click here to read…

Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s political kingmaker, wins a flawed election

After a chaotically organised vote and messy count, Bola Tinubu, the candidate of Nigeria’s incumbent ruling party, has been declared the winner. Click here to read…

Kenyan traders protest against Chinese competitor’s cheap prices

More than a thousand Kenyan traders protested in the capital Nairobi on Tuesday against a new Chinese-owned retail shop they accuse of undercutting them with ultra-low prices. Click here to read…

Libya confirms constitutional fix to hold elections

Libya’s High Council of State approved a constitutional amendment to provide a foundation for elections, but there seems to be little progress on disputes in the way of polls in the country. Click here to read…

Mali: Expert weighs in on draft constitution

Mali’s draft constitution which gives the president sweeping powers has elicited diverse views. Click here to read…

South Sudan president fires defence and interior ministers

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has sacked two top security ministers, violating the terms of a peace agreement with opposition party leader First Vice President Riek Machar. Click here to read…

U.S. and others express concern at conflict in Somalia breakaway region

Representatives from the United States, Britain, Qatar, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey met on Tuesday and expressed concern at the conflict in and around Laascaanood, a disputed town in Somalia’s northern breakaway region of Somaliland. Click here to read…

U.S. offers reward of up to $5 million for Congo’s IS leader

The U.S. Embassy in Congo says the U.S. is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information that could lead to the capture of Congo’s top jihadi, who leads an affiliate of the Islamic State groupClick here to read…

Sudan police kill protester in anti-military demonstrations

Mazjoob is the 125th protester killed in weekly protests launched after the October 2021 coup. Click here to read…

Austria supports Morocco’s initiative for Western Sahara

Chancellor Karl Nehammer pointed out that the Austrian country considers the Moroccan proposal a “serious and credible contribution” to the political process developed by the UN. Click here to read…

Tunisia bans upcoming opposition protest

Tunisian authorities on Thursday banned an upcoming protest by the country’s main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front (NSF), but the group has vowed to press ahead with its planned demonstration on Sunday. Click here to read…

Burkina scraps 61-year-old military assistance deal with France

Burkina Faso scrapped a 1961 agreement on military assistance with France, a move that comes only weeks after it told the French ambassador and troops supporting its anti-jihadist campaign to exit the country. Click here to read…

Former Ghana Leader Mahama Launches 2024 Campaign

Former Ghanaian president John Mahama launched his campaign Thursday to recapture the post he held from 2012 to 2017. Click here to read…

Ramaphosa ready to announce new minister of electricity – one month later

Despite president Cyril Ramaphosa promising to address South Africa’s power crisis with urgency, he has delayed the announcement of a new minister of electricity and a shake-up of his cabinet by almost an entire month. Click here to read…

African Union says Israel’s observer status suspended

AU Commission chief confirms Israel was not invited to the weekend summit where Israeli ambassador was removed. Click here to read…

Tripartite naval exercises between Russia, China and South Africa ended in Indian Ocean

Trilateral naval exercises involving warships and logistics vessels of the Russian Navy, The People’s Liberation Army and the South African navies concluded today in the Indian Ocean. Click here to read…

US increases military support for Somalia against al-Shabab

The United States is increasing its military assistance to Somalia as the country sees success in battling what the U.S. calls “the largest and most deadly al-Qaida network in the world.” Click here to read…

U.S., Djibouti, Japan Partner in Trilateral Engagement to Combat Illegal Shipping

Members of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 8, the Djiboutian Navy, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participated in a trilateral training engagement aboard the Japanese destroyer JS Suzutsuki based in the Port of Djibouti, Feb. 25. Click here to read…

China dominates scramble for Zimbabwe’s lithium

China and other eastern nations that enjoy cordial relations with Zimbabwe are rushing for lithium as the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government is hoping to make the most of the rising global demand for the white gold. Click here to read…

Macron: ‘New era’ in economic, military strategy in Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to reduce the number of French troops in Africa under a “new security partnership” with the concerned nations. Click here to read…

Emmanuel Macron to fly to Africa to counter waning French influence

President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to fly to Africa later this week to counter Russian efforts to France from the continent. Click here to read…

Era of French interference in Africa is ‘over,’ Macron says in Gabon

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated on Thursday that France harboured no desire to return to past policies of interfering in Africa after he began a four-nation tour of the continent. Click here to read…

France’s Macron continues African tour with stop in Brazzavile ahead of DR Congo visit

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday carried his African tour aimed at renewing frayed ties to the Republic of Congo after inking an economic accord with Angola. Click here to read…

French president offers hope to Angola for de-escalation in Congo

Angolan President Joao Lourenco met his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday. Click here to read…

Macron warns of sanctions if east Congo peace process is derailed

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged 34 million euros ($36 million) of aid to Congo’s conflict-hit east on Saturday and said any party seeking to derail peace efforts there should face sanctions. Click here to read…

Why Ethiopia is taking its debt relief case directly to China, bypassing the G20

With no sign of progress in a G20-led debt-relief initiative, cash-strapped Ethiopia is turning directly to China for a way out of its loan problems. Click here to read…

China willing to play constructive role in debt talks

China is willing to “constructively” participate in solving the debt problems of relevant countries under a multilateral framework, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Ghana non-payment triggers CDS, panel says

A panel of investors on Friday determined that a credit event had occurred with respect to Ghana, triggering payments of default insurance known as credit default swaps. Click here to read…

On last day of visit, Jill Biden urges more countries to send aid for East Africa drought

U.S. first lady Jill Biden got an up-close look Sunday at the historic East Africa drought as she walked along arid land. Click here to read…

Algeria and Russia strengtens military ties

The head of Algeria’s army hosted Russia’s top security official on Monday to discuss boosting their military ties, the defense ministry in Algiers said. Click here to read…

South Sudan’s Kiir to attend Russia-Africa summit in July

The Russian’s leader Vladimir Putin has invited his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir for the Russia-Africa summit. Click here to read…

Biden names nominees for Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Nigeria and Niger ambassadorship

The United States foreign relations committee held confirmation hearings for President Joe Biden’s Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Rwanda and Niger ambassadorship nominees on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Morocco Issues $2.5 Billion Bond on International Financial Market

Morocco has successfully issued a $2.5 billion bond on the international financial market, with two $1.25 billion tranches. Click here to read…

Shell makes ‘big’ oil discovery offshore Namibia — results imminent

Shell has made a significant oil and gas discovery offshore Namibia, one of the expected hotspots for exploration this year. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s Supreme Court rules CBN naira redesign invalid
Nigeria’s Supreme Court has ruled that old banknotes remain legal tender until the end of the year, bringing relief to millions affected by a chaotic redesign of the naira notes. Click here to read…

World Bank President nominee Ajay Banga to visit Cote D’Ivoire, Kenya next week

World Bank President candidate Ajay Banga will travel to Cote D’Ivoire and Kenya from March 6 to March 8 as he begins a global listening tour. Click here to read…

Saudia Plans New China, Nigeria, South Africa And UK Routes

The international network expansion is being supported by a connectivity program that aims to subsidize Saudi airlines when opening new routes. Click here to read…

Israeli Drip Irrigation Manufacturer Inaugurates Factory in Morocco

Israeli drip irrigation manufacturer Netafim officially inaugurated its factory in Morocco’s Kenitra region on Thursday. Click here to read…

Mozambique – Thousands Displaced as Cyclone Freddy Brings Flooding Rain

At least 7 people have died and thousands have been displaced after Tropical Cyclone Freddy made its way across Mozambique. Click here to read…

Death Toll in Equatorial Guinea Marburg Outbreak Rises to 11

Two more people in Equatorial Guinea have died of Marburg hemorrhagic fever, a cousin of the Ebola virus, bringing the toll of fatalities to 11. Click here to read…

Blast at Shell’s Nigeria oil pipeline kills 12 – police

An explosion on a Nigerian oil pipeline owned by Shell (SHEL.L) killed at least 12 people on Friday, authorities at the scene said, while members of the affected community in Emohua said they feared many more had died in the blast. Click here to read…

Uganda lawmakers revive anti-LGBTQ bill, call homosexuality a cancer

MPs in Uganda have introduced a draft legislation that seeks to punish gay sex and the promotion or recognition of such relations. Click here to read…

Egypt unveils newly discovered chamber inside Great Pyramid

Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass and the country’s Minister for Tourism Ahmed Eissa, announced the discovery Thursday at an unveiling ceremony outside the pyramid. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Egypt’s FM, Indian counterpart discuss bilateral ties, regional and international issues

On the 1st session of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (G20FMM) in New Delhi on Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Click here to read…

Seychelles, India join forces for enhanced maritime security in the Indian Ocean

Seychelles and India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday 28th of February, to improve maritime security in the Indian ocean by sharing information and educating people. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe team in AP looking for solar power

A team from Zimbabwe, located in the southern part of Africa bordering South Africa, which is currently facing a serious energy crisis, is looking for partners to develop green energy projects in the land-locked country, particularly solar power units. Click here to read…

Uncertainty in Nigeria affects Indian auto, pharma, and consumer firms

Nigeria is a major destination for Indian pharmaceutical companies, especially mid-sized onesClick here to read…

Bajaj Auto shares fall over 5% after demonetisation in Nigeria. Here’s why

Shares of Indian two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto tanked over 5 per cent on Monday after a note ban came into effect in Nigeria. Click here to read…

Air Mauritius resumes its operations to New Delhi from May 3

Air Mauritius will resume its direct operations to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi as from the 03rd of May 2023. Click here to read…

Ugandan biologist detained at Kolkata airport for 30 hours after visa goof-up

Airport officials said the Ugandan national was detained as he did not have valid travel documents. Click here to read…

PODCAST

India Africa collaboration on Renewable energies

In this episode of VIF podcast, Shri Rakshpaul Singh Malhotra, former Indian Ambassador to Niger and Samir Bhattacharya, Senior Research Associate at the Vivekananda International Foundation discusses the current contours of India’s collaboration with Africa on renewable energies, what are the challenges and opportunities. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 9, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

The Future of Ethiopia’s Peace Deal

There are nations with states and nations without a state. And in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a third category: states without nations. Click here to read…

Why South Africa is drifting into the Sino-Russian orbit

South Africa’s navy, like much of the country, is dilapidated. Its fleet spends less than half the time on the seas than it did a decade ago. Click here to read…

NEWS

President of Comoros has assumed AU chairmanship

President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros takes over as the New Chairperson of the African Union (AU) for 2023. The Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) have elected H.E Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros, as the new Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2023. Click here to read…

Nigerian voters cast ballots to choose President amid bank note shortage

Voters in Nigeria cast ballots Saturday to choose a new president as Africa’s most populous nation struggles with a bank note shortage that some observers fear will result in a lower than expected turnout. Click here to read…

African Union leaders gather in Addis Ababa for 36th summit

Dozens of African heads of state and government on Saturday participated in the official opening of the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Click here to read…

Israel spat erupts at African Union summit

Israel accused arch-foe Iran of orchestrating the expulsion of a top diplomat from the African Union summit on Saturday, with the help of Algeria and South Africa. Click here to read…

Kazakhstan Takes Part in African Union Summit in Ethiopia as Observer State

Kazakh Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) Barlybai Sadykov participated in the annual 36th African Union summit in Addis Ababa. Click here to read…

African Union reaffirms neutrality on Sahara issue despite Algerian gas money

The standing decision-making organ of the African Union, the Peace and Security Council, issued its annual report without mentioning the Algeria-fueled conflict over southern Morocco, the Sahara. Click here to read…

Italy supports Sahrawi refugee mothers and children in Algeria through WFP’s school feeding and nutrition programmes

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a €1 million contribution from the Government of Italy that will help provide daily school meals for children attending schools and nurseries in Tindouf refugee camps. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s presidential frontrunners in final push for votes

The leading contenders in Nigeria’s presidential election have made their last push for support, a week before the West African nation’s key election. Click here to read…

Djibouti holds parliamentary vote branded as sham by opposition

Only two parties are contesting seats in the 65-member National Assembly in Friday’s election. Click here to read…

Sudan’s military does not have political ambitions: General

Sudan’s army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said the military does not have political ambitions. Click here to read…

Sierra Leone opposition party names runner-up for 2023 presidential vote

Sierra Leone’s main opposition party has named Samura Kamara, the runner-up in the last presidential election, as its candidate for the next vote in June 2023. Click here to read…

Gabon president proposes cutting presidential mandate to five years

Gabon President Ali Bongo on Monday proposed shortening the presidential mandate from seven to five years as he began consultations to prepare for elections this year and measures to prevent violence. Click here to read…

Gambia appoints former civil service head as new vice president

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow on Friday appointed a former head of civil service, Muhammad B. S. Jallow, to replace the West African country’s late Vice President Badara Alieu Joof, the presidency said in a statement. Click here to read…

Tunisia judge imprisons politicians, businessman amid crackdown

A Tunisian “anti-terrorism” investigative judge has imprisoned two prominent politicians and a high-profile businessman, their defence team has said. Click here to read…

Mass trial starts in Chad over former ruler Deby’s death

Authorities in Chad on Tuesday started the mass trial of hundreds of alleged rebels accused of killing longtime President Idriss Deby Itno, who died under murky circumstances in 2021 two days after winning a sixth term in office. Click here to read…

Shadow games on the Red Sea as scramble for Sudan’s ports intensifies

Fishermen tell MEE they were attacked by Russian fighters off Sudan’s coast, as Moscow, Washington and others vie for power and profit. Click here to read…

Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic

Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza reported on recent progress by the Government, including in election preparations and security sector reform. Click here to read…

Eskom chief ousted after TV broadside against South Africa politics

South Africa’s struggling Eskom power monopoly has removed its outgoing chief executive with immediate effect after he implicated senior politicians of the ruling African National Congress in corruption. Click here to read…

Morocco not commenting on crisis with France

The Moroccan Foreign Ministry as well as officials have not officially commented on the nearly two-year-old crisis with France. Click here to read…

Somaliland clashes between government and militias kill nearly 100 in two weeks

At least 96 people have been killed in more than two weeks of clashes between security forces and clan members in the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland. Click here to read…

Angola draws inspiration from Israel as it diversifies its economy

Emerging from a 27-year civil war in 2002, Angola has spent the past two decades rebuilding the country, for a time becoming the continent’s fastest-growing economy. Click here to read…

South Sudan’s Kiir Calls for 2.3 Million Refugees to Return Home

South Sudan’s president is appealing to the more than 2 million South Sudanese refugees living in neighboring countries to start returning home. Click here to read…

Cyclone Freddy slams Mozambique with ‘dangerous’ rainfall

Tropical Cyclone Freddy dumped “dangerous and exceptional rainfall levels” over Mozambique Friday as the long-lasting weather system continued to wreak havoc across southern Africa. Click here to read…

Cyclone Freddy death toll rises to 7 in Madagascar

A total of 78,078 people in Madagascar have been affected by the flooding caused by the torrential rain and strong winds. Click here to read…

Niger: EU launches its military partnership mission

The Council is launching today a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger) to support the country in its fight against terrorist armed groups. Click here to read…

US strike kills 7 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia, Pentagon says

A US strike in Somalia killed seven al-Shabaab fighters on Tuesday, US Africa Command said in a statement. Click here to read…

Rebels Capture More Ground In Congo As Fighting Intensifies | Congo Rebel Advances

Rebel group linked with neighboring Rwanda seized more territory Friday, threatening supply routes to the regional capital, as fighting intensified in conflict-ridden east Congo. Click here to read…

Scores Killed in Cameroon’s Battles with Separatists Ahead of Senate Elections

Cameroon’s military says it has killed scores of armed separatists in clashes this month and at least 15 have surrendered. Click here to read…

More than 70 soldiers killed in Burkina Faso, claims IS

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for killing more than 70 soldiers, wounding dozens and taking five hostage, in an ambush on a military convoy in northern Burkina Faso. Click here to read…

13 civilians killed in Mali attack

At least 13 civilians were killed and three others wounded during a raid on a village in central Mali by armed men, local media reported, citing witnesses. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso gunmen kill 15 Nigerian pilgrims bound for Senegal

The Muslim pilgrims were travelling to a religious ceremony in Senegal through conflict hotspots in northern Burkina Faso and central Mali. Click here to read…

Namibian dancers, president welcome Jill Biden to Africa

The first lady’s trip is part of a commitment by President Joe Biden to deepen U.S. engagement with the fast-growing region. Click here to read…

Botswana, Namibia Agree to Abolish Passports for Citizens Crossing Border

The leaders of Botswana and Namibia have signed an agreement that will allow their citizens to cross the two countries’ border without passports. Click here to read…

FATF puts South Africa, Nigeria on ‘grey list’

This was despite desperate attempts by South Africa to pass several relevant laws late last year, as well as a high-level delegation sent to the FATF recently to make representations. Click here to read…

Tanzania Approves $3.5 Billion Pipeline Project

The 1,443-kilometre (900-mile) pipeline will transport crude from vast oilfields being developed in Lake Albert in north-western Uganda to a Tanzanian port on the Indian Ocean. Click here to read…

Six deals signed at UAE-Rwanda Business Forum

Six trade and investment agreements have been signed at the ongoing business forum attended by more than 200 senior executives from Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Click here to read…

Benin entrepreneur transforms plant waste into charcoal

Maize husks, cassava peelings, coconut shells and other organic waste are the untraditional raw materials of Roland Adjovi’s charcoal business that he hopes will help slow the destruction of Benin’s trees for cooking fuel. Click here to read…

Egypt Likely to Devalue Currency Again, Societe Generale Says

Egypt is likely to devalue its currency again in the “not-too-distant future,” and the pound may end the quarter 10% below current levels. Click here to read…

China plans naval exercises with Russia, South Africa

The drills come as the US has recently begun seeing “disturbing” trendlines in China’s support for Russia’s military and there are signs that Beijing wants to “creep up to the line” of providing lethal military aid to Russia without getting caught. Click here to read…

China, Ethiopia strengthen apparel sector ties with new MOU

China and Ethiopia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish an investment and economic cooperation working group. Click here to read…

Zelensky seeks India, Africa’s participation in peace formula on war anniversary

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday vowed to do everything to defeat Russia this year. Click here to read…

China beating Tesla, US in African lithium rush

China has beat out Tesla in a bid to mine for lithium in Nigeria as top nations like the U.S. and leaders across Europe race to go electric amid growing climate change concerns. Click here to read…

China is Ravaging Africa’s Donkey Population

China is shipping in large numbers of donkey skins from Africa in order to tap into a mysterious ingredient with rumored miraculous health benefits. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Second edition of India-Africa joint military exercise to be held in March

THE FOREIGN Training Node (FTN) of the Indian Army located at Aundh Military Station in Pune will host a multinational military exercise involving the Indian Army and armies of several African countries in March. Click here to read…

India and African Nations to Strengthen Military Ties at AFINDEX Exercise in Pune

The Indian Army is all set to host the second edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) at the Aundh military station in Pune from 21 March to 30 March. Click here to read…

India to soon trade in rupee with UAE, Malaysia and Nigeria

Officials from Reserve Bank of India are in discussion with their counterparts in UAE, Nigeria and Russia over the last few months to work out on rupee trade mechanism with the local currencies of the countriesClick here to read…

India – Egypt hold 3rd ‘Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism’ meeting in New Delhi

India has been collaborating with numerous countries and organizations to counter global terrorism at various levels. Click here to read…

India, Seychelles sign pact on information sharing in maritime security

The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region of India and the RCOC (Regional Coordination Operations Centre) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on maritime cooperation. Click here to read…

UPI may extend to UAE, Mauritius & Indonesia

After Singapore, the RBI is in talks with several countries, including Indonesia, UAE and Mauritiusfor establishing a direct payment link of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with networks in these countries to enable quicker andcheaper fund transfers using mobile phones. Click here to read…

Access to these pharmaceuticals is important: Gambia High Commissioner Mustapha Jawara on Jan Aushadhi

Highlighting the lack of proper testing of quality medicines in Gambia, the country’s High Commissioner to India Mustapha Jawara on Friday laid thrust on the importance of quality and reasonably priced medicines in the Western African country. Click here to read…

India’s opportunity to unlock the clean energy potential of North Africa

As India strives to achieve its own energy independence by 2047 through ambitious clean energy initiatives, it can forge strategic partnerships withNorth African nations to help them unshackle the chains of fossil fuels. Click here to read…

European nations, Egypt eye buying Indian rice as prices stabilise

Indian rice continues to get good enquiries from the global market with European nations and Egypt joining the list of nations looking for the cereal from the sub-continent, traders say. Click here to read…

12 more cheetahs brought to India from South Africa, released in Kuno

The cheetahs, seven males and five females from South Africa, were released into quarantine enclosures at the Park, five months after the first batch of eight cheetahs arrived here from Namibia under the same project. Click here to read…

Customs seize over Rs 7-crore worth gold from 23 Sudan women at Hyderabad airport

The foreigners were found carrying gold concealed in different cavities in their shoes and also in the hidden folds of their clothes. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 8, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

What India’s “One Earth, One Health” Policy means for Africa

Last year, at the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put forward the vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’ to the world. Click here to read…

Can a political underdog save Nigeria?

“Obi, obi, obi” chants the bouncing crowd, fists in the air, as Peter Obi strides into a campaign rally after having unexpectedly taken a lead in the race to become the next president of Nigeria. Click here to read…

NEWS

Tunisian Islamist leader arrested in crackdown on opposition

Tunisian authorities arrested the leader of the Ennahda opposition Islamist movement in a crackdown on rival politicians. Click here to read…

Opposition leader detained as Senegal tensions rise

Senegalese opposition politician Ousmane Sonko was forcibly removed from his vehicle by security forces Thursday after his supporters were dispersed by teargas, in a new bout of tension ahead of presidential elections due next year. Click here to read…

Insecurity threatens Nigeria’s democracy as voters elect a new president

Bandits spraying villages with bullets, killing residents and setting buildings ablaze. Rampant cattle rustling and clashes between farmers and herders. Mass kidnappings for ransom. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s naira shortage: Banks attacked in Warri and Benin City

Angry protests have broken out in some Nigerian towns and cities as people struggle to get hold of new banknotes. Click here to read…

The Gambia National Day

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of The Gambia on the 58th anniversary of your independence. Click here to read…

Libya marks twelve years anniversary of the revolution that ousted Moammar Gadhafi

Libyans on Friday marked the 12th anniversary of their 2011 uprising. Many cities witnessed major celebrations and in the capital, Tripoli, residents took to the streets to celebrate, with squares decorated with national flags and lights. Click here to read…

Dollar-strapped Egypt resorts to selling state assets to Gulf nations

Egypt is running out of dollars and is attempting to bolster its finances by selling state assets to rich Gulf countries, showed a media report. Click here to read…

South Africa: Russia-China drills strain ties with West

Pretoria’s Western allies are unhappy about South Africa hosting upcoming joint naval exercises with Russia and China. Historical ties between Moscow and the ruling ANC may explain President Ramaphosa’s stance. Click here to read…

Europe Parliament bans Morocco lawmakers from entering headquarters

European Parliament has voted on a recommendation preventing Moroccan lawmakers from entering its headquarters until investigations into an alleged corruption case are completeClick here to read…

Tunisia expels European Trade Union chief for ‘interference’

Esther Lynch, who is Irish, has been expelled from Tunisia for participating in a protest organized by the country’s trade union. Click here to read…

Israeli observer delegation kicked out of African Union summit in Addis Ababa

Foreign Ministry blames South Africa and Algeria for severe diplomatic breach; Israel gained official observer status in 2021. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe polls predict a Chamisa triumph over Mnangagwa

Results of an independent survey of Zimbabwean voters show that opposition leader Nelson Chamisa could defeat the incumbent president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in the national elections later this year. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe opposition fears skewed election over crackdown, bias

Fears are growing in Zimbabwe of another disputed poll, considering the ongoing political violence and a clampdown on the opposition. Click here to read…

Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso push for return to AU in spite of coups

Suspended countries Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are lobbying to be re-admitted to the African Union, more than a year after coups plagued the West African region. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso: 5 people killed in a jihadist attack

Five people, including two soldiers, were killed Thursday in an attack by suspected jihadists in eastern Burkina Faso, Click here to read…

Zambia criticises debt restructuring delays

Zambia’s finance minister criticised the prolonged nature of the country’s debt restructuring negotiations. Click here to read…

US try to control China’s dominance of rare minerals from Africa

Cape Town in South Africa hosted the Indaba Mining Conference from February 6 to 9. Several experts at the event pointed out that the United States and China are in a race to gain more crucial minerals that will dominate the world’s projected transition to clean energy. Click here to read…

Ghana mining fund in talks over Atlantic Lithium investment

The MIIF said it plans to take an equity stake in Atlantic Lithium and that the company had agreed to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Click here to read…

Mali PM cuts short visit to north over security fears

Malian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga Saturday cut short his visit to the extremist-hit north due to security threatsClick here to read…

Sudan military finishes review of Russian Red Sea base deal

Sudan’s ruling military concluded a review of an agreement with Russia to build a navy base on the Red Sea in the African country, two Sudanese officials said Saturday. Click here to read…

African nations wary of China’s soft loan trap

Witnessing the living example of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, African countries, which are caught in China’s soft loan trap, are fearing that Beijing won’t bail them out, Pardafas.com reported. Click here to read…

Germany mulls sending refugees to Africa

The German government has installed a special representative to make deals with African countries and other states to help with asylum procedures. But migration experts say they’ve seen these proposals before. Click here to read…

Somalia: 5 shebab killed in an American strike

The US military announced on Thursday that it had killed five Shebab fighters in a strike in a remote region of Somalia. This country is waging a major offensive against this group of radical Islamists affiliated with Al-Qaeda. Click here to read…

Rwanda accuses DR Congo soldiers of attack on army border post

DRC authorities have denied its soldiers entered a neutral zone and opened fire on Rwanda’s troops as tensions rise between the countries. Click here to read…

France says its troops misrepresented in ‘Wakanda Forever’

France’s defense minister has denounced the way he says French soldiers deployed in Africa appear to be depicted in the Marvel Studios superhero film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” as “false and misleading.” Click here to read…

US first lady Jill Biden expected to visit Namibia

UNITED States first lady Jill Biden is expected to visit Namibia next week. Biden’s African trip is expected to include a visit to Kenya. Click here to read…

Uganda loses EU Shs70b railway line repair grant

Uganda has lost funding to a tune of €18m (about Shs70.3b), part of a €21.5m (Shs84b) grant that the European Union (EU) had made available to facilitate rehabilitation of the 375km metre-gauge Tororo– Gulu railway. Click here to read…

Tanzania is ready to welcome Elon Musk’s Starlink into the country

The Tanzanian government has distanced itself from reports that its bureaucracy would continue to refuse Mr. Elon Musk’s Starlink application permission to operate in the nation. Click here to read…

Botswana’s Longtime Diamond Deal With De Beers Under Threat

Botswana’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, is threatening to walk away from a diamond mining deal with industry giant De Beers unless the firm offers better terms. Click here to read…

Cyclone Freddy Could Slam Madagascar Next Week on Rare, Long Voyage From Near Indonesia

Cyclone Freddy is already formidably strong in the southern Indian Ocean and is an increasing danger to Madagascar, then possibly parts of southern Africa, next week. Click here to read…

The Israeli Hackers Who Tried to Steal Kenya’s Election

The campaign by Kenya’s opposition to cast doubt on William Ruto’s 2022 victory was aided by Israeli hackers, who accessed the Telegram accounts of the president’s senior officials. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

International Solar Alliance and West African Power Pool hosts 13 African countries in New Delhi to share best practices in solar deployment

International Solar Alliance (ISA), in collaboration with Grid Controller of India Ltd (Grid-India) and West African Power Pool (WAPP), is hosting delegates from the West African Region in New Delhi, India, from 14th to 18th February. Click here to read…

India, Mauritius discusses cooperation in area of urban development

Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri met his Mauritian counterpart Louis Steven Obeegadoo and vowed to strengthen cooperation between the two countriesClick here to read…

Mauritius minister thanks India on Chagos Islands, confirms US base in Diego Garcia will remain

His visit is part of a series of visits expected from Mauritius to India this year, given that the country has been invited to be a guest country during India’s G20 PresidencyClick here to read…

Vistara to start Mumbai-Mauritius flight service from 26 March. Details here

Vistara has announced the launch of its flight services from Mumbai to Mauritius starting from 26 March. Click here to read…

India – Egypt hold 3rd ‘Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism’ meeting

India has been collaborating with numerous countries and organizations to counter global terrorism at various levels. Click here to read…

India, Egypt call upon countries to root out all forms of terrorism

Just about three weeks after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi completed a successful visit to India, during which both sides had condemned cross-border terrorism and vowed to step up counter-terror cooperation. Click here to read…

India-Egypt counter-terror ties: countering terror finance & use of UAVs

Both sides discussed way forward to address new and emerging challenges posed by virtual currencies, unmanned aerial systems and misuse of cyber space by terrorists for terrorist propaganda. Click here to read…

Indian diaspora in Nigeria celebrates Sankranti

More than 400 people of the Telugu community in Nigeria participated in the Sankranti festivities organised at Darlington hall, Illupeju in Lagos on February 5. Click here to read…

Madurai businessman Arunraja appointed trade commissioner of India Africa trade Council-Ghana

World Pulses Day 2023 was celebrated on the 10th of February in Hotel Alisa by the India Africa Trade Council in Accra with the collaboration and support of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Indian High Commission in Accra to accelerate the trade relationships between both countriesClick here to read…

Union Cabinet gives nod to pact between India, South Africa on cooperation in disability sector

The pact will assist Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and ageing population in both countries who especially require modern, scientific, durable, cost effective aids and assistive devicesClick here to read…

New India-Africa cooperation ushering in an era of sustainable agriculture for the continent

A new era of cooperation between India and African countries is bringing a range of benefits to the agricultural sectors of both regions. Click here to read…

South Africa witnesses 200% surge in Indian travellers amid strong recovery

For the third consecutive year, South African Tourism finished another extremely successful partnership with South Asia’s premier travel exhibition, SATTE 2023Click here to read…

2nd batch of 12 cheetahs expected to arrive at MP’s Kuno on Feb 18, says official

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch of eight cheetahs – five females and three males – from Namibia into a quarantine enclosure at KNP on his 72nd birthday on September 17. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 7, 2023)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

The Promise and Peril of Africa in 2023

As the year 2022 ended, here is a brief recap of what happened in Africa over the past year. Most African countries were still battling to recover from the pandemic when the year began. Click here to read…

The Papal Theory of Underdevelopment

Pope Francis’ diagnosis of the causes of African underdevelopment is simplistic, condescending, and ahistorical. Click here to read…

NEWS

Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso seek re-entry to regional blocs

Foreign ministers from the three countries say ECOWAS sanctions ‘affect populations already battered by insecurity and political instability’. Click here to read…

Tigray set to restart banking services after Ethiopia sends $90m

The Ethiopian government said on Saturday it was sending about $90 million to the Tigrayan capital to help restart banking services in the country. Click here to read…

Eritrean president sidesteps questions about troops in Ethiopia

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Thursday sidestepped questions about whether his country’s troops remain in neighbouring Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Click here to read…

Kenyatta backs complete regional force deployment into DR Congo

Former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday asked countries in the East African Community to fully deploy troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Click here to read…

Sudan seeks lift of African Union’s membership suspension

Sudan has engaged in efforts with the African Union to end the suspension of its membership following the coup d’état that overthrew a civilian-led transitional government in October 2021. Click here to read…

Russia’s Lavrov backs Sudan bid to lift UN sanctions

Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov held talks in Khartoum Thursday with Sudanese officials, pledging support for their call to lift long-standing UN sanctions on the African nation. Click here to read…

Uganda says it will not renew mandate of UN human rights office

Uganda has said it will not renew the mandate of the United Nations human rights office in the East African country, citing the development of its own sufficient capacity to monitor rights compliance. Click here to read…

South Africa declares national disaster over blackouts

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster on Thursday to combat severe electricity shortages that have crippled the country’s economy. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s naira crisis: Supreme Court suspends banknote deadline

Nigeria’s Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Friday’s deadline to stop using old banknotes, which had caused a cash crisis in the country. Click here to read…

African energy chamber endorses the 2023 Namibia international energy conference

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) recently endorsed this year’s edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference, slated for 25 to 27 April in Windhoek. Click here to read…

French-Moroccan diplomatic ties in turmoil: Ambassador’s mission comes to an end amid crisis

The mission of Morocco’s ambassador to France has ended without a successor being appointed, in a climate of diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Paris. Click here to read…

Algeria outraged by wanted protester’s French escape

Amira Bouraoui, a key leader of 2019 mass protests that brought down Algeria’s president, has escaped to France, sparking a diplomatic row. Click here to read…

Sudan: All roads lead to Khartoum as Russia, Israel and West vie in game of thrones

Israeli and Russian delegations have been to Sudan in the last week, with US and EU envoys also present. Click here to read…

Botswana warns of dangers in dash for African minerals

African governments must be wary of the risks created by rising global competition for the continent’s minerals. Click here to read…

Italy wants more money for Africa to curb arrivals in Europe

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will ask European Union peers this week to give more money to Africa and create “European humanitarian corridors” to curb irregular immigration, a document showed. Click here to read…

Can Meloni and Italy really build energy ties with Libya?

The Italian prime minister has visited Tripoli in her bid to ramp up new cross-Mediterranean energy links, but critics say that Libya is in no fit state to be a stable energy partner for Europe. Click here to read…

Russia, Mauritania eye development of economic ties

Foreign Minister Lavrov meets Mauritanian leadership on first-ever working visit to African countryClick here to read…

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visits Mali in sign of deepening ties

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on a visit to Mali on Tuesday said Moscow would continue to help Bamako improve its military capabilities. Click here to read…

Attack on UN helicopter in Central Africa; 1 peacekeeper killed, another injured

A United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed and another wounded in an attack on their helicopter in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Click here to read…

At least 24 dead in Somaliland fighting

At least 24 people have been killed and 53 wounded amid heavy fighting in the Somali city of Las Anod, after local clan elders declared their intention to cut ties with the breakaway republic of Somaliland and rejoin Somalia. Click here to read…

3 killed in attack on Ethiopian church amid tension over breakaway Orthodox synod

Three people were killed and at least four injured by alleged security forces in an attack on a church in southern Ethiopia Saturday amid growing tensions within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world. Click here to read…

UN Appeals for $2.6 Billion to Ease Hunger Crisis in Somalia

The U.N. is appealing for $2.6 billion this year to assist 7.6 million of the most vulnerable Somalis who are facing acute hunger and possible famine from conflict, high food prices, and unprecedented drought. Click here to read…

WTO head wants to ‘double or triple’ Africa’s share of global trade

Global trade is expected to slow sharply this year as high energy prices and rising interest rates take their toll on the economy. Click here to read…

Africa gears up to keep more of the profits from lithium boom

Lithium-rich African countries, including Zimbabwe and Namibia, are trying to develop processing and refining industries to capture more of the profits of global demand for the battery material. Click here to read…

Morocco to invest $1.95bn in renewable energy projects in disputed Western Sahara

Morocco has launched renewable energy projects worth 20 billion dirhams ($1.95 billion) in the disputed Western Sahara region. Click here to read…

Sub-Saharan Africa is ‘New Epicentre’ of Extremism, says UN

The new global epicenter of violent Islamic extremism is sub-Saharan Africa where people are increasingly joining because of economic factors and less for religious ones, says a new report by the U.N.’s international development agency. Click here to read…

UN High Commissioner Visits Displaced in Ethiopia

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi travelled to Ethiopia’s Tigray region this week to meet with families displaced by conflict. Click here to read…

Africa: Over Ten Ambassadors From Africa Visit China Kingho Group

On the morning of 4th February, 2023, Mr. Ding Shichao, President of China Kingho Group, accompanied the ambassadors and diplomatic staff from more than 10 African countries, including South Africa, Senegal, Benin, Rwanda, Mali, Madagascar, Malawi, Uganda, Lesotho and Chad. Click here to read…

China’s demand for Africa’s donkeys is rising. Why it’s time to control the trade

In recent years, there’s been a huge, rising demand for donkey hides in China, where they are used to make an ancient health-related product called ejiao. Click here to read…

WHO warns of Cholera outbreak in Africa, cases rise exponentially

Africa is facing an exponential rise in cholera cases, with infections in the single month of January already at a third of the level reached in the whole of 2022. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Nigeria, India Deepen Diaspora Engagement

Nigeria and India have collaborated to deepen their engagements in the area of Diaspora development for mutual benefits as both countries continue to boost cordial diplomatic relations. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar meets Deputy PM of Mauritius Steven Obegadoo

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius Steven Obegadoo on Friday evening. Click here to read…

Ghana seeks Indian investment in oil and gas sector

Ghana, which is struggling with its worst economic crisis in a generation, is seeking Indian investment in its oil and gas sector, William Owuraku Aidoo, its deputy minister of energy, said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

HAL delivers advanced light helicopter to Mauritius ahead of schedule

Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday said it handed over the advanced light helicopter mark-3 (ALH-Mk3) to the government of Mauritius ahead of schedule. HAL director-operations EP Jayadeva said: “HAL has handed over the helicopter way ahead of schedule. Click here to read…

Hifzur Rehman appointed next ambassador of India to Chad

Dr Hifzur Rehman, presently Director in the Ministry of External Affairs has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Chad. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Click here to read…

India’s Egyptian gateway to the Middle East

India taking more than seven decades to host the leader of the most populous Arab country as the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations signals the current state of bilateral relations. Click here to read…

ONGC Videsh eyes oil, gas ‘hot spots’ in Africa, Latin America, says MD

It’s better to invest in bigger hot spots where you can get larger discoveries… Africa and Latin America still hold a lot of potential. Ghana is there, Suriname is there. Click here to read…

Hindustan Zinc says $2.98 billion buyout of Africa zinc assets is an ‘attractive opportunity’

The transaction, approved by the Hindustan Zinc (HZL) board on January 19, was opposed by all three government nominees on the board over several concerns. Click here to read…

Kenya cashes in on growing demand for Indian travellers

Kenya is relying on the increasing appetite for leisure travel amongst the Indian youths and professionals to increase its tourism arrivals from the market. Click here to read…

SEBI reportedly probing Adani’s links with its FPO’s Mauritius-based investors

Adani cancelled the FPO even after it was fully subscribed, but the abrupt move caught the market regulator’s eye. Click here to read…

African writers share their story of storytelling

“Africa has been in motion for a long time, and the narratives that emerge about Africa challenge the grand narrative,” said South African novelist. Click here to read…

Indian filmmakers should shoot more films in Kenya, says country’s High Commissioner to India

Bollywood is “immensely popular” in Kenya, says the country’s High Commissioner to India Ambassador Willy Bett, who invited filmmakers here to shoot films in the East African nation. Click here to read…

How India’s Gujarat was shaped by East African music and culture: the Siddi influence

Africans first arrived in India about 800 years ago; today Muslim Siddis – Afro-Indians – are mostly found in the west and southwest, practising a mix of the two cultures. Click here to read…

Gujarat businessman abducted in South Africa, freed after Rs 30 lakh ransom paid

A 28-year-old businessman from Rajkot was abducted in South Africa, and released only after his father paid the captors a ransom of Rs 30 lakh. Click here to read…