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... [2]

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... [3]

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... [4]

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... [5]

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... [6]

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... [7]

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... [8]

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... [9]

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... [10]

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... [11]

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... [12]

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... [13]

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... [14]

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... [15]

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... [16]

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... [17]

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... [18]

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... [19]

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... [20]

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... [21]

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... [22]

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... [23]

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... [24]

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... [25]

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... [26]

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... [27]

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... [28]

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... [29]

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... [30]

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... [31]

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... [32]

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... [33]

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... [34]

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... [35]

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... [36]

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... [37]

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... [38]

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... [39]

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... [40]

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... [41]

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... [42]

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... [43]

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... [44]

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... [45]

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... [46]

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... [47]

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... [48]

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... [49]

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... [50]

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... [51]

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... [52]

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... [53]

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... [54]