Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent - news that matters.
Despite an aggressive de-dollarisation campaign, the greenback still controls the biggest share of global trade. Click here to read... [2]
In this extremely poor Eritrea nation located in the Horn of Africa, with a population 3.6 million, what factors could attract to strengthen cooperation in the spheres highlight by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Click here to read... [3]
Sixty years ago, on May 25, Africa led the world in creating the first-ever pan-continental political body with the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Click here to read... [4]
Bissau-Guineans voted Sunday in a highly anticipated election to fill Guinea-Bissau’s national legislature, more than a year after the West African nation’s president dissolved parliament. Click here to read... [5]
More than 890,000 voters are called upon to elect a new parliament in Guinea-Bissau this Sunday. The elections are taking place in a deeply divided country where basic democratic rights are facing enormous pressure. Click here to read... [6]
President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Wednesday that Zimbabwe will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on August 23, as the southern African country battles a raging economic crisis. Click here to read... [7]
On April 23, President Julius Maada Bio and Kandeh Yumkella danced together at a public function in Freetown, the Sierra Leonean capital, effectively signalling the start of the 2023 election season in the West African state. Click here to read... [8]
Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition candidate in Senegal's 2024 presidential election, has been sentenced to prison on charges of "corrupting youth", in a case he maintains is intended to stop him running. Click here to read... [9]
At least 16 people have died and hundreds arrested since violent protests broke out on Thursday in Senegal. Click here to read... [10]
Hundreds of people have been arrested across Senegal since deadly protests broke out against the sentencing of an opposition leader, an official said Sunday. Click here to read... [11]
Two pro-democracy MPs in Africa's last absolute monarchy, Eswatini, were found guilty on Thursday of terrorism and murder in connection with the wave of anti-regime protests that rocked the country in 2021. Click here to read... [12]
The clashes come as hundreds remain trapped in mining pits, unable or unwilling to resurface out of fear of arrest. Click here to read... [13]
Several hundred militants from Morocco's left-wing trade union movement denounced the "high cost of living" and "government inaction" in Casablanca, western Morocco. Click here to read... [14]
Central Africans are divided following president Faustin-Archange Touadéra's announcement on Tuesday that he would call a referendum on a new Constitution. Click here to read... [15]
Libyan leaders were due to meet in Morocco on Monday to finalise a deal on new electoral laws, but any agreement they announce on voting rules or a new interim government is likely to trigger opposition that may further delay the political process. Click here to read... [16]
The daughter of the country's former president has been added to a $400 million lawsuit brought by Angolan telecoms operator Unitel against a company she owns. Click here to read... [17]
New outburst of violence in North Darfur state has left at least 40 people dead, activists and residents say. Click here to read... [18]
The Israeli military said an Egyptian policeman shot and killed two of its soldiers while they secured a military post at the Egyptian border early on Saturday after forces successfully thwarted a large smuggling attempt overnightClick here to read... [19]
Eswatini is looking for Taiwan's assistance in addressing the challenges of climate change, including food insecurity, facing the African kingdom. Click here to read... [20]
Rwanda is getting ready to host the third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) to be held in Kigali, in June 2024. Click here to read... [21]
Regional leaders have welcomed the Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC) move to deploy troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, providing Kinshasa with a potential plan B against rebel groups. Click here to read... [22]
Mauritanian President Mohamed Weld Al Ghazwany expressed on Monday his appreciation to Egypt and the Arab League for organizing the permanent representatives meeting. Click here to read... [23]
Announcement comes a week after al-Shabab fighters stormed a base housing African Union peacekeepers in Somalia. Click here to read... [24]
The bloodshed is the latest outbreak of inter-communal violence which the country's newly sworn-in President has said will be a priority to combat. Click here to read... [25]
Officials in northern Cameroon have in a crisis meeting on Wednesday requested more troops from Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad to be deployed to their common border after fresh Boko Haran attacks killed at least 12 people including six soldiersClick here to read... [26]
Israeli soldiers will for the first time take part in military exercises in Morocco when the biggest war games event in Africa kicks off Tuesday, the Israeli army said. Click here to read... [27]
For the first time, Burkina Faso tops the list of the world’s most neglected displacement crises, according to a new report from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Click here to read... [28]
The move will help the country tackle the 'triple shocks' of the Covid-19 pandemic, global monetary tightening, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to the statement from the IMF. Click here to read... [29]
The president of Angola, João Lourenço, has welcomed the Portuguese president, António Costa, in the capital, Luanda. Click here to read... [30]
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will travel to Tunisia on Tuesday looking to make progress in unblocking loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the north African state, two diplomatic sources told Reuters. Click here to read... [31]
The construction of a major fossil fuel project across Uganda and Tanzania is sparking a debate around economic development and environmental protection in one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Click here to read... [32]
The United States has reopened its embassy in Seychelles after a 27-year absence during which China and other US rivals made significant inroads in the Indian Ocean islands. Click here to read... [33]
A cross-border Yuan settlement center opened on Friday at Zhejiang Chouzhou Commercial Bank in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities. Click here to read... [34]
After a Chinese contractor was awarded the massive project yesterday, construction of the Sh61 billion African Court in Tanzania on Human and People's Rights (AfCHPR) headquarters is finally set to begin. Click here to read... [35]
A growing number of Chinese investors are turning to Egypt for a shortcut to international markets thanks to the Suez Canal. Click here to read... [36]
While the US ponders whether to reopen its embassy in Libya, Vladimir Putin’s new ambassador is preparing to take up his post in the capital. Click here to read... [37]
North African nation’s vast reserves, proximity to Europe make it attractive to the U.S. drillers that have cash to invest Click here to read... [38]
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi faces an uphill battle in his promise to overhaul what he says is an unfair minerals-for-infrastructure deal with China. Click here to read... [39]
Kenya has taken a huge step towards digital transformation after its Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Trade Center Nairobi (KOTRA). Click here to read... [40]
Kuwaiti authorities have begun implementing a contingency plan to ensure an adequate supply of domestic workers following the recent tension with the Philippines and the subsequent closure of the Philippine embassy’s illegal shelter. Click here to read... [41]
Curtin University has launched the Centre for Australia-Africa Relations, a new research and engagement hub that seeks to fill a “critical gap” in Australia’s national academic and policy infrastructure. Click here to read... [42]
South Africa is considering switching the venue of an upcoming summit of BRICS leaders to another country. Click here to read... [43]
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Monday. Click here to read... [44]
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a three-day visit to South Africa beginning Thursday to participate in a conclave of five-nation grouping BRICS in Capetown. Click here to read... [45]
Jaishankar on Saturday called on South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa along with other ministers of the BRICS bloc and conveyed the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Click here to read... [46]
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar invoked the three-decade-old ties between India and South Africa stating that there is a very "deeply emotional" connection between the two countries. Click here to read... [47]
This will be the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to the Republic of Namibia. During the visit, EAM will call on the top leadership of the country. Click here to read... [48]
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has encouraged the Indian diaspora to be part of the country's growth story, highlighting the achievements of the Modi government in its nine years in office. Click here to read... [49]
Low-cost carrier IndiGo announced on Friday, June 2, six new destinations across Asia and Africa. Click here to read... [50]
Furthering India- Africa ties, Indian Navy commenced a 5-nation deployment to the continent as Indian Naval Ship Trishul, under the command of Capt Kapil Kaushik, made a port call at Mombasa, Kenya from 26 to 29 May 2023. Click here to read... [51]
As part of the Indian Navy’s long-range deployment, INS Trishul visited port Anjouan, Comoros. Click here to read... [52]
Nxtra, a joint venture between Airtel and Carlyle, is present only in India with 2 large data centers and 120 edge data centers in its portfolio. Click here to read... [53]
The sailors had informed the Indian embassy in Tunisia in February that they were captured by the local militia after the vessel broke down near Libyan coast. Click here to read... [54]
The Sandesaras built Nigeria’s biggest independent oil firm, but India has accused the pair of scamming its public banks. Click here to read... [55]
Many Indians, particularly Sikhs, were sent to Africa by British rulers to build a railway line. Generations later, they are scripting success stories there while keeping Punjabiyat alive. Click here to read... [56]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/2023/june/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-23
[2] https://nation.africa/kenya/business/why-russia-is-interested-in-kenya-and-how-ruto-s-us-anti-dollar-message-fits-in--4259186
[3] https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/06/02/the-strategic-partnership-between-eritrea-and-russia/
[4] https://thenationonlineng.net/why-politics-matters-for-africas-development/
[5] https://apnews.com/article/guinea-bissau-election-parliament-president-5bd5e4373d936839992a4a49dc61eb01
[6] https://www.dw.com/en/elections-in-guinea-bissau-the-eternal-search-for-stability/a-65805124
[7] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/31/zimbabwe-presidential-and-parliamentary-polls-set-for-august-23
[8] https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/6/1/familiar-faces-concerns-linger-ahead-of-sierra-leones-june-vote
[9] https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20230601-senegal-opposition-leader-ousmane-sonko-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison
[10] https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/05/africa/sixteen-killed-senegal-protests-intl/index.html
[11] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/senegal-arrests-hundreds-amid-tense-political-situation/2914423
[12] https://www.africanews.com/2023/06/02/eswatini-two-pro-democracy-mps-convicted-of-terrorism/
[13] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/31/protesters-clash-with-soldiers-at-ghana-gold-mining-town
[14] https://www.africanews.com/2023/06/04/morocco-hundreds-in-casablanca-protest-high-cost-of-living/
[15] https://www.africanews.com/2023/06/02/central-africans-react-to-announcement-of-referendum-in-july/
[16] https://theprint.in/world/libya-political-leaders-to-meet-on-electoral-laws/1612756/
[17] https://www.indiatimes.com/worth/news/africa-first-female-billionaire-facing-400-million-lawsuit-in-london-604928.html
[18] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/4/real-hell-deadly-fighting-escalates-in-sudan-as-truce-expires
[19] https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/three-israeli-soldiers-and-an-egyptian-security-officer-die-near-egypt-border/cid/1942096
[20] https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202306060011
[21] https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/7990/news/rwanda/rwanda-to-host-un-landlocked-developing-countries-conference
[22] https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/great-lakes-leaders-okay-deployment-of-sadc-troops-to-congo-4258770
[23] https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/124875/Mauritanian-President-delivers-speech-at-Arab-League-thanks-Egypt
[24] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/4/al-shabab-killed-54-ugandan-soldiers-in-somalia-says-museveni
[25] https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/armed-men-kill-at-least-30-in-north-nigeria-villages/article66935235.ece
[26] https://www.voanews.com/a/cameroon-asks-for-more-border-troops-after-new-boko-haram-attacks/7116890.html
[27] https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/06/06/Israeli-soldiers-participate-in-military-exercises-in-Morocco-for-first-time-v
[28] https://www.nrc.no/news/2023/june/burkina-faso-is-the-worlds-most-neglected-crisis/
[29] https://www.firstpost.com/world/imf-approves-3-5-billion-loan-agreement-for-cash-strapped-ivory-coast-12644052.html
[30] https://www.africanews.com/2023/06/06/angola-and-portugal-sign-new-cooperation-agreement/
[31] https://theprint.in/world/italy-pm-hopes-trip-to-tunisia-may-unblock-imf-loan-sources-say/1613339/
[32] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-05/a-4-billion-oil-pipeline-creates-a-climate-dilemma-for-africa#xj4y7vzkg
[33] https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-reopens-embassy-seychelles-after-27-year-absence-8642001/
[34] https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202305/31/WS6477345aa3107584c3ac3317.html
[35] https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/construction-of-tanzanias-sh-61billion-humanitarian-court-to-be-overseen-by-chinese/cp612lv
[36] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3222963/more-chinese-investors-and-firms-drawn-egypt-suez-canal-advantage-and-shortcut-european-markets
[37] https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/putin_gains_influence_in_oil_rich_libya-05-jun-2023-172967-article/
[38] https://www.livemint.com/special-reports/exxon-chevron-near-deals-to-drill-in-gas-rich-algeria-11685705945109.html
[39] https://www.voanews.com/a/whether-drc-china-mining-deal-will-be-restructured-remains-uncertain-/7118892.html
[40] https://technext24.com/2023/06/02/kenya-smart-city-south-korea/
[41] https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-to-import-domestic-workers-from-ethiopia-amid-tensions-with-the-philippines-1.96193720
[42] https://indiaeducationdiary.in/curtin-universitys-new-engagement-centre-to-aim-on-australia-africa-relations/
[43] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/over-putin-arrest-row-south-africa-may-switch-brics-summits-venue-report-101685621527180.html
[44] https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/rajnath-begins-military-outreach-to-africa-attends-swearing-in-ceremony-of-nigeria-president-elect-tinubu-144154.html
[45] https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-south-africa-namibia-from-june-1-to-6/
[46] https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/2475225-eam-jaishankar-meets-south-african-president-ramaphosa-conveys-pm-modis-greetings
[47] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/india-south-africa-ties-emotional-our-freedom-struggles-intertwined-eam-123060400036_1.html
[48] https://www.businessworld.in/article/Jaishankar-Arrives-In-Windhoek-To-Strengthen-Ties-With-Namibia/05-06-2023-479194/
[49] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-no-longer-lumbering-around-at-relatively-slow-pace-eam-jaishankar/articleshow/100741934.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[50] https://www.zeebiz.com/economy-infra/aviation/news-indigo-announces-six-new-direct-routes-between-india-africa-and-central-asia-delhi-mumbai-flight-238375
[51] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1929016
[52] https://newsonair.com/2023/06/02/ins-trishul-visits-port-anjouan-comoros/
[53] https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/bharti-airtel-to-take-data-center-arm-nxtra-to-african-market-report/100665632
[54] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/9-indian-sailors-released-after-months-in-captivity-in-libya-101685822973971.html
[55] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-06/sandesara-brothers-fighting-fraud-charges-in-india-are-flourishing-in-nigeria#xj4y7vzkg
[56] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/scripting-success-punjab-to-kenya-513929
[57] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=Africa Now - Weekly Newsletter (Week 23, 2023)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/2023/june/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-23
[58] http://twitter.com/share?text=Africa Now - Weekly Newsletter (Week 23, 2023)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/2023/june/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-23&via=Azure Power
[59] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/2023/june/09/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-23
[60] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Samir-Bhattacharya