Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent - news that matters.
The Sahel - the region just south of the Sahara - is home to the world's fastest growing extremist group, Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin or JNIM, and the deadliest group, Islamic State in West Africa, according to the 2022 Global Terrorism IndexClick here to read... [2]
Last month, Elon Musk gave an insight on the path that Twitter may take following his acquisition of the social media platform. Click here to read... [3]
Situated just a few hundred kilometres from the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar, and located off the southeastern coast of Africa, Mauritius is a gem of a destination whose cultural history remains widely unknown. Click here to read... [4]
Somali lawmakers are expected to pick the country’s new president on May 15, a long-overdue final step in a protracted political crisis. Click here to read... [6]
On Monday 2 May 2022, the registrar submitted the list of names to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the final clearance, in line with election timelines. Click here to read... [7]
Widely believed to have benefitted from tacit US support for his 2015 campaign, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is now the one warning western diplomats to stay out of next year's elections. Click here to read... [8]
The first round of legislative elections and local elections in Congo-Brazzaville will be held on July 10, according to a government decision announced Friday on state television Télé-Congo. Click here to read... [9]
After almost a decade of speculations, Lt-Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly expressed his interest in succeeding his father Yoweri Museveni as president of Uganda. Click here to read... [10]
Tunisia's powerful UGTT labour union rejected on Friday any formal dialogue over political reforms that marginalise political and social forces in the country and include "ready-made decisions"Click here to read... [11]
Muslims and Christians in parts of Ethiopia are on edge after an attack in Gondar sparked a swell of unrest. Politics is usually to blame when interfaith tensions turn deadly in the countryClick here to read... [12]
Seven soldiers and four auxiliaries of the Burkina Faso army were killed on Thursday in two ambushes by "terrorists" in the northern and central-northern regions. Click here to read... [13]
Five soldiers were killed in an attack by suspected an armed group possibly linked to ISIL or al-Qaeda in a national park in the north of Benin Republic, two military sources have said. Click here to read... [14]
Burundi's military said on Wednesday 10 of its African Union (AU) peacekeepers were killed in an attack on their base in Somalia, while a security source in the region and a Mogadishu-based source said dozens were dead. Click here to read... [15]
Cameroon will preside over the Peace and Security Council (PSC), the standing decision-making organ of the African Union (AU) on the prevention and resolution of conflicts for the month of May. Click here to read... [16]
Germany will end its participation in the European Union training mission in Mali but is ready to continue with a U.N. peacekeeping mission in the country under certain conditions. Click here to read... [17]
The growing international support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan reflects a strong rejection of secessionist aspirations and Aleria’s narrative on Western Sahara, according to a Mexican politician. Click here to read... [18]
South Africa is going to host the International Labour Organisation (ILO) global conference on the elimination of child labour later this month, announced Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Thursday. Click here to read... [19]
Islamist militant group al-Shabab says it has carried out what may prove to be one of its most deadly attacks on the African Union mission in Somalia, however the two sides provide very different death tolls. Click here to read... [20]
Turkey plans to improve its relations with the African continent, and take tangible steps to deepen ties with regional organizations such as the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Click here to read... [21]
Algeria will raise its oil output by 11,000 barrels a day in June, Energy and Mining Minister Mohamed Arkab said on Thursday. Click here to read... [22]
Fathi Bashagha, one of two rival Libyan prime ministers, has denied writing an article published on Tuesday under his name by the Times newspaper in London. In the article, purportedly written by Bashagha, the Libyan politician declares that he wants his country to “stand with Britain against Russian aggression”. Click here to read... [23]
Yasir al-Atta, a member of the Sovereign Council, revealed that the coup leaders held a series of meetings with the political forces to create a suitable atmosphere and to ensure the needed basic agreement before starting the process of national dialogue. Click here to read... [24]
Guinea's military government this week announced plans to prosecute ousted President Alpha Conde and 26 of his former officials for murder, rape, kidnapping and other crimes. Click here to read... [25]
Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe has agreed to act as a mediator in Mali’s political crisis as the West African country’s military government faces pressure to re-establish civilian rule, their foreign ministers have said. Click here to read... [26]
The Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted the Egyptian economy’s flaws. Faced with the risk of social unrest, the government has introduced a series of emergency measures. Click here to read... [27]
In early 2019, Zimbabwe’s central bank announced plans to bring back the Zimbabwe dollar as legal tender after a decade of using the US dollar. Click here to read... [28]
Ethiopian Authorities on Tuesday said they had stopped international cyber-attack attempts targeting the massive Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the country's major financial institutions. Click here to read... [29]
Abu Dhabi's AD Ports Group is to develop, operate, and manage a multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Port on Egypt's east coast as a part of a consortium. Click here to read... [30]
Forces identified by witnesses as Russian have "summarily executed, tortured, and beaten civilians" in the Central African Republic (CAR) since 2019, a report by rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has alleged. Click here to read... [31]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, has bought a nomination form from the governing All Progressive Congress party in a bid to become President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor. Click here to read... [32]
China should head the creditors committee being formed to renegotiate Zambia’s $17.3 billion of foreign debt because that will help accelerate the resolution process, the southern African country’s finance minister said. Click here to read... [33]
President Filipe Nyusi on 21 April announced that laying the first stone for the regional electricity interconnection between Mozambique and Malawi is a historic landmark. Click here to read... [34]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again requested to address the African Union (AU), Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU Commission Chairperson said on Friday. Click here to read... [35]
According to the figures, Angola was responsible for almost 300,000 bpd of the of the OPEC+ supply shortfall while Nigeria was pumping almost 400,000 bpd below target. Click here to read... [36]
The family of Hotel Rwanda hero Paul Rusesabagina has filed a $400m lawsuit in the US over his alleged abduction and torture. Click here to read... [37]
The independent non-governmental human rights group UN Watch today called on U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to move for the suspension of Mauritania from the 47-nation Human Rights CouncilClick here to read... [38]
The Gabonese government has announced the construction of a new special economic zone (SEZ), the Mpassa-Lebombi, in the south-eastern province of Haut-OgoouéClick here to read... [39]
With international tourism still in a slump, African tour companies need local visitors to stimulate tourism. But many on the continent can't afford to travel. Click here to read... [40]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina for recognising India’s leadership in promoting climate and disaster resilience. Click here to read... [41]
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has called for stronger ties between Nigeria and India. This was even as Onyeama said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a “game-changer”. Click here to read... [42]
The visit in late April of Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato to India revitalized the India-Madagascar relationship in diverse ways. Click here to read... [43]
Indian Ambassador to Madagascar Abhay Kumar held talks with Madagascar’s Mining Minister Rakotomalala Herindrainy Olivier and discussed the prospect of a partnership in the mining sector. Click here to read... [44]
Deputy national security adviser Vikram Misri visited Tanzania this week to strengthen defence ties with one of India's key partners in Eastern Africa and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through measures including export of defence productsClick here to read... [45]
India-Mauritius trade agreement may include safeguard mechanism related provisions to protect the domestic industry from a sudden or unusual surge in imports of goods. Click here to read... [46]
These issues, along with efforts to curb illegal narco smuggling, which fuels terrorism, and to expand defence ties, including maritime security, topped the agenda of deputy national security adviser (NSA) Vikram Misri's visit to Mozambique this week, according to people aware of the matter. Click here to read... [47]
Kenya and India have continued to build bilateral trade relations with the ceramic business between the two countries increasing by 27 per cent in the past one year. Click here to read... [48]
Coromandel International will acquire 45% stake in Baobab Mining and Chemicals Corporation (BMCC) for $19.6 million (Rs 150 crore approx.), besides a loan infusion of of $9.7 million (Rs 75 crore approx.) into BMCC for capital projects and expansion. Click here to read... [49]
Export prices of rice from India rose this week on increasing demand from Asia and Africa, while dwindling supplies of the staple lifted Vietnamese rates. Click here to read... [50]
After successfully navigating the COVID pandemic and ending 2021 in a profitable state, Ethiopian Airlines plans to retain its sharp focus on network expansion that is likely to be high in demand. Click here to read... [51]
Nexcharge, a battery pack three-way partnership between Exide Industries and Leclanché, will discover choices to take its tropical market experience to different world markets. Click here to read... [52]
Mauritius-based Holderind Investments, which holds a 63 per cent stake in Ambuja Cements, can claim capital gains exemption under the India-Mauritius tax treaty. Click here to read... [53]
Accusing Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters of indulging in unethical and unprofessional practices in connivance with Nigerian importers. Click here to read... [54]
A close linkage between LOC and boosting of India's trade, investment and technology has been well brought outClick here to read... [55]
The daunting tasks that include protecting civilians, undertaking a variety of engineering assignments, and offering health services, are some of the capabilities of 1,160 Indian peacekeepers who were recently decorated with UN medals for their exceptional service in South Sudan. Click here to read... [56]
Nigeria may lose its largest crude oil buyers, China and India, as both countries plan to negotiate Russian oil at discount prices. Click here to read... [57]
Resource-rich Gabon is "greedy" for investments from India and is expected to sign a bilateral trade and investment treaty later this year with India to further improve the bilateral economic ties. Click here to read... [58]
Her Excellency Mrs Anisa Kapufi Mbega, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India visited Lovely Professional University, today, to meet and interact with hundreds of Tanzanian students studying at LPU campus. Click here to read... [59]
India and Germany are to undertake development partnership projects in three African countries and one country in Latin America as part of the agreement on triangular cooperation signed between the two countries. Click here to read... [60]
Solar Industries India said that the company and its subsidiary have received orders worth Rs 1,563 crore from Singareni Collieries Company. Click here to read... [61]
Avo Africa is a part of the Keitt Group of companies. Keitt Exporters Limited prides itself on being the leading grower & exporter of fruits and vegetables to markets in Europe and the Middle East for over two decades now. They are the biggest growers and exporters of avocados from Tanzania and Kenya. Click here to read... [62]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/2022/may/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-19
[2] https://allafrica.com/stories/202205060002.html
[3] https://www.justsecurity.org/81357/what-elon-musk-does-not-get-about-twitter-and-democracy-in-africa/
[4] https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/outside-kerala/2022/05/04/the-sacred-indian-hues-of-mauritius.html
[5] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-chief-calls-debt-relief-post-covid-investment-w-africa-trip-2022-05-01/
[6] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/6/somalia-lawmakers-to-decide-president-on-may-15
[7] https://www.theafricareport.com/199923/kenya-election-2022-a-record-47-independents-vie-for-the-presidency/
[8] https://www.theafricareport.com/200041/nigeria-2023-buhari-warns-us-to-stay-out-of-elections/
[9] https://www.africanews.com/2022/05/06/congo-first-round-of-legislative-elections-set-for-july-10/
[10] https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/gen-muhoozi-politics-3807830
[11] https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/north-africa/tunisia-union-rejects-any-formal-dialogue-over-political-reforms-f7zjxhol
[12] https://www.dw.com/en/interfaith-tensions-simmer-in-ethiopia/a-61712061
[13] https://www.africanews.com/2022/05/06/burkina-faso-seven-soldiers-and-four-auxiliaries-killed-in-ambush/
[14] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/13/benin-five-soldiers-killed-in-national-park-attack
[15] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/dozens-au-peacekeepers-killed-somalia-attack-say-sources-2022-05-04/
[16] https://www.africanews.com/2022/05/05/cameroon-takes-over-as-chair-of-au-s-peace-and-security-council/
[17] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-ready-continue-un-mission-mali-defmin-2022-05-04/
[18] https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/05/348851/western-sahara-international-support-refutes-algerias-outdated-narrative
[19] https://www.aninews.in/news/world/others/south-africa-to-host-international-conference-to-tackle-child-labour20220506005302/
[20] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-61320474
[21] https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkey-to-take-tangible-steps-for-deeper-ties-with-africa-fm
[22] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2022/05/06/algeria-to-raise-oil-output-by-11000-barrels-a-day
[23] https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/libya-bashagha-times-article-denied-russia
[24] https://sudantribune.com/article258276/
[25] https://www.voanews.com/a/guinea-to-prosecute-ousted-president-alpha-conde-/6560720.html
[26] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/5/togo-leader-agrees-to-mali-crisis-mediator-role-officials
[27] https://www.theafricareport.com/201395/egypts-president-sissi-sells-assets-to-try-to-boost-the-countrys-economy/
[28] https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/5/5/dollar-oclock-should-zimbabwe-axe-its-faltering-currency-again
[29] https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/rest-of-africa/ethiopia-foils-cyber-attack-on-nile-dam-3803726
[30] https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports-logistics/ad-ports-signs-agreement-develop-egypts-safaga-port
[31] https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/05/africa/russian-forces-executions-car-intl/index.html
[32] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/6/nigerias-central-bank-chief-to-run-for-presidency-in-2023
[33] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-06/china-heading-zambia-debt-talks-will-improve-chances-of-revamp
[34] https://allafrica.com/stories/202205050326.html
[35] https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/world/ukraine-zelensky-renews-request-to-address-african-union-3799678
[36] https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/nigeria-and-angola-responsible-for-almost-half-of-opec-oil-supply-gap/91371089
[37] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/01/family-of-hotel-rwanda-hero-launches-400m-lawsuit-over-his-alleged-abduction
[38] https://unwatch.org/un-slavery-investigator-arrives-in-mauritania-rights-group-urges-unhrc-to-oust-regime/
[39] https://www.africa.com/gabons-plan-to-revive-economy/
[40] https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/africas-tourism-operators-need-local-visitors-101651839751175.html
[41] https://theprint.in/world/pm-modi-thanks-madagascar-president-for-recognising-indias-leadership-in-disaster-resilience/945371/
[42] https://www.sunnewsonline.com/india-nigeria-relations-onyeama-calls-for-stronger-ties/
[43] https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/madagascar-a-firm-partner-of-india/2516200/
[44] https://theprint.in/world/indian-amb-abhay-kumar-discusses-cooperation-with-madagascar-in-mining-sector/947193/
[45] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/deputy-nsa-visits-tanzania-to-widen-defence-ties-in-indian-ocean-region/articleshow/91325319.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[46] https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-mauritius-pact-may-include-safeguard-mechanism-related-provisions-122050100188_1.html
[47] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-and-mozambique-to-expand-fight-against-terror/articleshow/91404902.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[48] https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kenya-india-strengthen-trade-deal-talks/
[49] https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/coromandel-international-acquires-45-stake-in-senegal-based-bmcc-for-rs-225-cr-122050700591_1.html#:~:text=Coromandel%20International%20will%20acquire%2045,for%20capital%20projects%20and%20expansion
[50] https://www.reuters.com/business/asia-rice-strong-demand-asia-africa-lift-indian-prices-2022-05-06/
[51] https://simpleflying.com/ethiopian-airlines-increases-focus-on-india/
[52] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/91354837.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[53] https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/holcim-likely-to-seek-exemption-under-india-mauritius-tax-agreement-122050200013_1.html
[54] https://www.thehindu.com/business/nigeria-accuses-indian-drug-makers-exporters-of-unethical-practices/article65390785.ece
[55] https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/indian-footprints-in-africa-122050201108_1.html
[56] https://newsonair.com/2022/05/03/over-1100-indian-peacekeepers-receive-un-medals-for-exceptional-service-in-south-sudan/
[57] https://punchng.com/china-india-eye-russian-oil-move-to-jettison-nigeria/
[58] https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/gabon-greedy-for-investments-from-india-minister-madiya.html
[59] https://www.5dariyanews.com/news/370273-High-Commissioner-of-Tanzania-to-India-Anisa-Mbega-visited-LPU-to-meet-hundreds-of-Tanzanian-Student
[60] https://goachronicle.com/india-germany-to-work-together-in-africa-latin-america-as-part-of-triangular-cooperation-fs-kwatra/
[61] https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/solar-inds-bags-orders-worth-rs-1563-cr-from-singareni-collieries-122050600475_1.html
[62] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/food/fresh-fruit-importer-ig-international-all-set-to-introduce-tanzanian-avocados-in-india/articleshow/91342411.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
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[66] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Samir-Bhattacharya