Africa Now (1-15 July, 2024)

Overview

The African continent is going through notable developments, these majorly pertain to the political transitions, economic reforms, and fluctuations in social dynamics. The continent is becoming a hotspot for the various world powers due to its rich resources of minerals. African geo-political landscape is shaped by strategic alliances, economic integration, and regional conflicts.

In the past few weeks, it was observed that the conflict in Sudan continues with the UN brokered ceasefire talks did not have much effect. Whereas, Mali moves a step closer towards stability and dialogue as the ban on the activities of political parties is lifted. Although the Sahel region experiences disturbances as the coup-hit countries of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali forms Alliance of Sahel States, withdrawing from already existing Economic Community of West Asia (ECOWAS) alliance. There were protests against the Kenyan government on the taxation policy, and henceforth the Kenyan President sacked the entire cabinet.

Enhancing its democratic values two countries of the continent, Algeria and Rwanda, are in midst of elections. Whereby Rwanda is set to conclude its elections with President Paul Kagame eying to secure fourth term, Algeria is preparing for its elections due in September 2024. South Africa successfully concluded its elections in May 2024 and President Cyril Ramaphosa have unveiled a new cabinet.

Global powers too have been active in the region. As the countries of Sahel region drift their foreign policy towards Russia, US and Germany are set to complete the withdrawal of its troops from a base in Niger within a month China on the other hand seeks to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Africa through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, scheduled to take place in Beijing from September 3-8, 2024.

India aims to further harness its relations with Africa. The Indian EAM Dr S Jaishankar emphasized on Africa being at India’s top priorities. Additionally, the EAM was confident that India-Africa trade figures would cross $100 billion benchmark.

On Defence cooperation, India seeks to enhance coordination and interoperability with the African nations. The Indian Navy continued its port visits in the African coast, Egypt and Seychelles. Whereas, Indian private sector too solidifies itself in the African region as the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) marked its entry into Tanzania.

Africa

Rwanda votes, Kagame victory almost certain

Rwanda's elections began on July 15, 2024, with President Paul Kagame likely to secure a fourth term. Over nine million citizens are eligible to vote. Kagame, faces the similar opponents as in 2017. Despite accusations of autocracy and human rights abuses, Kagame is credited with Rwanda's stability after the 1994 genocide, infrastructure development, and strong economic growth. Kagame has been in power since 2000, further he has overseen laws that could extend his rule until 2034. His popularity persists even as nearly half the population lives on less than $2.15 a day, as per World Bank. Click here to read... [2]

UN-brokered Sudan ceasefire talks begin

Sudanese warring factions convened in Switzerland for U.N.-led talks, seeking local ceasefires to aid civilians amid ongoing conflict. U.N. mediator Ramtane Lamamra met with the RSF delegation and invited both sides to continue talks. As only one party showed up for the U.N. led talks, there was no official statement on which party missed out. Reuters claims that only the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attended initially. The conflict, starting last April, has displaced 10 million and left 25 million needing aid. Previous efforts in Saudi Arabia, led by US and Saudi failed to achieve a lasting peace. RSF continued to consolidate its control over Sennar State further displacing over 200,000 people. Click here to read... [3]

Algeria President to Run Again with Turnout Likely to Suffer

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced his bid for a second term in a hastened election on September 7, 2024 originally set for December. He highlighted achievements like stabilizing the economy and recovering looted funds. The early poll may disadvantage opposition and lower turnout. Tebboune's 2019 election had low participation amid political unrest. His likely victory hinges on voter turnout and margin, crucial for his influence over Algeria's political factions and stability. The election follows improved state revenues and continued tensions with Morocco and France. Click here to read... [4]

Kenyan president sacks cabinet after anti-tax protests

Kenyan President William Ruto has dismissed all his ministers and the attorney-general after recent deadly protests and the withdrawal of a controversial tax bill. He plans to form a broad-based government through wide consultations. The deputy president and prime cabinet secretary remain unaffected. Government operations will continue under senior civil servants. Analysts urge Ruto to appoint a new cabinet soon to address youth grievances and avoid further unrest. The move aims to address government inefficiency and corruption, following public pressure and ongoing protests demanding more accountability. Click here to read... [5]

Mali junta lifts suspension on political party activities

Mali's military junta has ended the suspension on political party activities, initially imposed in April to maintain public order during a national peace dialogue. The decision aims to focus on implementing dialogue recommendations. The junta, in power since a 2021 coup, had postponed February elections, prompting criticism and calls for constitutional governance amid regional instability from jihadist insurgencies affecting neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Niger. Click here to read... [6]

West African leaders’ summit opens as coup-hit countries form alliance

A West African leaders’ summit began in Abuja, Nigeria, following the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, severing ties with ECOWAS. This new pact, formed to handle armed rebellions or external threats, highlights their independence from ECOWAS, which had imposed sanctions after coups in these countries. Analysts warn of potential difficulties for Mali and Niger if isolated by ECOWAS. Niger's General Abdourahamane Tchiani condemned ECOWAS, advocating for an alliance free from foreign influence. Despite lifted sanctions, tensions persist since the coups in Niger (2023), Burkina Faso (2022), and Mali (2021). Further as the Sahel region drifts towards Russia, US is set to complete the withdrawal of its troops from a base in Niger on July 14. Click here to read... [7]

South Africa's President Ramaphosa unveils new cabinet

In an unprecedented move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has included seven different parties in his Cabinet after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in May 2024. The new coalition government, formed after tense negotiations, sees the ANC and Democratic Alliance (DA) set aside differences to address South Africa's socioeconomic issues. The ANC retains key ministries, while the DA secures six ministerial positions. The coalition faces challenges due to South Africa's history of racial tensions and differing economic policies. Major issues include high inequality, unemployment, violent crime, and failing public services. Click here to read... [8]

Africa and World

Chinese, Guinea-Bissau Presidents hold talks, elevate ties ¬– Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference

China and Guinea-Bissau elevated their relations to a strategic partnership during talks in Beijing. President’s Xi Jinping and Umaro Sissoco Embalo emphasized deepened bilateral relations, political trust, and expanded cooperation in several avenues like; agriculture, mining, infrastructure construction and the blue economy under the guidance of the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Furthermore, China aims to strengthen the ties through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit and seeks support of Guinea-Bissau in initiatives like the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Click here to read... [9]

German army to vacate Niger air base in August

The German army will cease operations at its Niger air base by August 31, 2024 withdrawing all soldiers and ending military cooperation after failed negotiations with Niger's ruling junta. This follows Niger's shift towards Russia after a July 2023 coup ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Similar shifts have occurred in Mali and Burkina Faso. The breakdown in talks was partly due to the loss of immunity from prosecution for base personnel. The Niamey base, used for evacuations, recently housed 38 Bundeswehr soldiers and 33 staff. Click here to read... [10]

First Korea-Africa summit focuses on critical minerals

The inaugural Korea-Africa summit in Seoul aimed to strengthen South Korea's ties with Africa, focusing on critical minerals essential for South Korea's technology industry. Attended by 30 African heads of state, the summit saw major deals, one of them being the pledge by South Korea of $10bn in aid and $14bn in export credits, to Korean firms, by 2030. Further the key agreements included a $2.5bn loan for Tanzania's healthcare and a $1bn deal for Ethiopian infrastructure. The summit emphasized creating a stable supply chain for critical minerals, highlighting South Korea's need for resources like graphite. Click here to read... [11]

Africa and India

Indian Naval Ship Tabar Reaches Alexandria, Egypt

INS Tabar, an Indian Navy stealth frigate, was at Alexandria, Egypt, from June 27-30, 2024, as part of a goodwill deployment. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral ties and maritime security cooperation between India and Egypt. Commanded by Captain MR Harish, along with 280 personnels, the crew engaged in professional and social activities with the Egyptian Navy. The visit concluded with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) to improve interoperability and joint operational capabilities, between India and Egypt, against common maritime threats. Click here to read... [12]

INS Sunayna Enters Port Victoria Seychelles

INS Sunayna arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on June 26, 2024, for a long-range deployment in the South West Indian Ocean. The visit coincides with Seychelles' 48th National Day. The Indian presence marks continuous participation of the Indian Navy since 1976, thereby solidifying the cordiality between India and Seychelles. Activities include engagements with the Seychelles Defence Force, a yoga session, community outreach, and an aerial demonstration of the Naval Advanced Light Helicopter. This deployment aligns with India's SAGAR vision for maritime security collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region. Click here to read... [13]

EAM S Jaishankar Says, Africa Will Continue to be at India’s Top Priorities

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized India's enduring commitment to Africa during the Africa Day celebrations in New Delhi. He underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 10 guiding principles for India-Africa engagement, focusing on capacity-building, economic cooperation, and digital transformation. India's role includes significant trade partnerships and investments, alongside extensive capacity-building initiatives through its Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. Click here to read... [14]

‘India Africa Postal Leaders Meet’ being held in India

The 'India Africa Postal Leaders Meet', held in India from June 21-25, 2024, aimed to strengthen postal sector ties between India and 22 African countries. Organized under the Universal Postal Union’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation programme, it focused on capacity building through India's successful postal service model. Discussions included collaboration on cross-border e-commerce, financial inclusion, and digital infrastructure, highlighting India’s unique blend of digital and traditional postal services. Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani emphasized India’s commitment to global postal development and cooperation with Africa, promising continued support through training and capacity building initiatives. Click here to read... [15]

Adani Ports signs 30-year concession to operate container terminal at Dar es Salaam Port

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has secured a 30-year concession to operate Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania, marking its entry into East Africa. The terminal, handling 83percent of Tanzania's container volume, has a capacity of 1 million TEUs. This move aligns with APSEZ's goal to become a top global port operator by 2030. The agreement, involving a $39.5 million acquisition, enhances trade volumes and economic cooperation between East Africa and APSEZ's global network. Further, adhering to the commitment of being carbon neutral by 2050, APSEZ has also signed up for the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Click here to read... [16]