Africa Now (01-15 August, 2024)

OVERVIEW

Africa, a continent marked by diversity and complexity, is currently navigating a dynamic geopolitical landscape. Recent developments reflect both the promise and challenges that define the region. In the first half of August 2024, the continent witnessed significant developments across various spheres, from diplomacy and governance to public health and international relations. A Chinese firm was accused by Nigeria, of attempting to seize nations assets in a dispute over a revoked contract. While Chad inaugurated a consulate in Western Sahara, endorsing Morocco's claim over the territory. Additionally, a Ugandan court convicted former LRA commander Thomas Kwoyelo of war crimes, marking a step towards justice for survivors.

The region collectively initiates strides to combat the rising Mpox outbreak as, the African Union allocated $10.4 million to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Further, Tunisia aspires towards employment and development as the African Development Bank approved a €92.3 million package for the CAP-Emplois program to boost job creation and economic inclusion. Although tensions grow in other parts of the region as; Sudan's peace talks resumed without key factions, highlighting ongoing conflict; and, Mali expelled Sweden's ambassador over comments regarding Mali's alignment with Russia.

The UN's 2024 food security report highlighted global food insecurity, with over 70 percent in low-income countries unable to afford a healthy diet, emphasizing the need to address food waste. Speculation surrounded China's upcoming financial commitments at FOCAC, with doubts about past pledges. The World Bank's reports on Cameroon revealed economic struggles, urging fiscal reforms, while Africa's push for permanent UNSC representation gained momentum, with strong support from the UK and African leaders.

Indian ties with Africa continued to strengthen. South Africa’s newly appointed High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has underscored the unique relationship between South Africa and India, expressing optimism about their potential for global leadership. Concurrently, India has reiterated its strong support for increased African representation on the United Nations Security Council, advocating for necessary reforms to make the council more representative. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), in collaboration with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, recently hosted an event on business opportunities in Africa, reflecting India's growing economic engagement with the continent. Meanwhile, shipments of Tur/Pigeon peas from Mozambique to India have resumed following disruptions, with assurances of continued supply through 2025-26.

AFRICA

Chinese firm under scrutiny of attempting to seize control of government assets, by Nigerian Government

The Nigerian government has accused Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd., a Chinese firm, of using "unorthodox means" to target its overseas assets, including presidential jets, despite having no contractual obligations with the federal government. The dispute originates from a 2007 contract with Ogun State to develop a free trade zone, which was revoked in 2015 after minimal progress. Despite this, Zhongshan secured a $60 million arbitration award in France and has attempted to seize Nigerian assets. Nigeria denies liability and is working to protect its assets. Click here to read... [2]

Chad inaugurates a consulate in Western Sahara

Chad inaugurated a consulate in Western Sahara on August 14, aligning with several African and Arab nations that have established diplomatic missions in the region, signaling support for Morocco's claim to the disputed territory. Morocco asserts sovereignty over Western Sahara, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent state there. As of now, 29 countries have opened consulates in the cities of Layoune and Dakhla, endorsing Morocco's control over the area. Click here to read... [3]

Funds to implement Tunisia employment program sanctioned by African Development Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has sanctioned a €92.3 million financing package to implement Tunisia's CAP-Emplois program, designed to enhance business competitiveness and foster economic inclusion through job creation. The package comprises a €90 million loan from the AfDB and a €2.3 million grant from the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi). Scheduled to commence in November 2024, the four-year program aims to create 118,900 formal jobs, with significant emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs. It seeks to address key structural challenges inhibiting entrepreneurial growth in Tunisia, including education, market access, and access to business support services. Click here to read... [4]

Peace talks initiated towards peacebuilding for Sudan Conflict

Fresh peace talks aimed at resolving Sudan's 16-month conflict have commenced, despite neither the Sudanese army nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attending. The U.S., leading the talks, emphasized the need to address the crisis, which has caused thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and created the "world's worst hunger crisis," according to the UN. The army boycotted the talks, citing RSF's failure to meet conditions from the Jeddah Declaration, including withdrawing from civilian areas. The RSF also withdrew last minute, leaving the international community to proceed without them. Click here to read... [5]

Mali expels Swedish Ambassador amid Tensions over critical remark on Mali support for Russia

Mali has expelled Sweden's ambassador in response to comments made by Swedish Minister Johan Forssell, who criticized Mali's support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Forssell announced Sweden's decision to phase out development aid to Mali, which prompted the expulsion. The diplomatic rift highlights Mali's growing alignment with Russia, especially after Sweden and other European nations, including France, withdrew their troops from Mali in 2022. This shift has seen the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, replace Western forces. The incident underscores the broader geopolitical realignment in the Sahel region, with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger strengthening ties with Russia. Click here to read... [6]

Ugandan court convicts LRA Commander Kwoyelo on war crimes charges

A Ugandan court has found former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo guilty of 44 out of 78 charges, including murder, kidnapping, torture, rape, and crimes against humanity. Kwoyelo, who was captured in 2009 and has been in detention since, led LRA forces during a brutal insurgency against President Yoweri Museveni’s government. His trial began in 2019. Survivors, like Stella Angel Lanam, who was abducted by the LRA at age 10, welcomed the verdict as a step toward justice, though they emphasized the need for broader accountability and support for victims. Kwoyelo’s sentencing is pending. Click here to read... [7]

AFRICA AND WORLD

UN Publishes a report on Food Security and Nutrition in the World

UN released the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World on August 13. The report states that, in 2023, 2.33 billion people, or 28.9 percent of the global population, experienced moderate to severe food insecurity, with over 70 percent in low-income countries unable to afford a healthy diet. The issue isn't a global food shortage but significant food loss and waste—13 percent is lost before reaching markets, and 17 percent is wasted before consumption. This loss, costing over $1 trillion annually, could feed 1.26 billion people. Nutritious foods are disproportionately wasted, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies. Addressing food waste, especially through improved cold chains, could enhance food security, improve health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Click here to read... [8]

FOCAC Summit focus shifts from China’s Financial Commitment to meaningful dialogues

As the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) approaches, speculation abounds regarding China's financial commitment to Africa. Past forums have seen substantial but often unverifiable pledges, such as $60 billion in 2015 and 2018. Despite the focus on these figures as indicators of China's investment in Africa, there is little transparency on whether these promises are fulfilled. Similar skepticism applies to financial commitments from the U.S. and Europe. Instead of fixating on these headline numbers, attention should be directed to the themes and dialogues that emerge from FOCAC, which offer more substantive insights. Click here to read... [9]

World Bank reports highlight Cameroon’s slowing growth and urge fiscal reforms

The World Bank launched two reports on Cameroon’s economy, revealing a deceleration in economic growth to 3.3 percent in 2023, driven by reduced public investment, rising prices, and internal conflicts. Inflation surged to 7.4 percent, but growth is expected to rebound to 4.0 percent in 2024, with further improvements projected through 2027. The reports emphasize the need for fiscal reforms, particularly in the forestry sector, to enhance revenue and sustainability. Cameroon's tax system faces challenges, including narrow tax bases and poor enforcement, leading to significant evasion. Reforms are urged to improve public finance management, enhance social spending, and accelerate fiscal decentralization. Click here to read... [10]

UN Leaders, UK and African delegates demand urgent UNSC reforms for Africa’s inclusion

During a high-level debate on Africa's representation in the UN Security Council (UNSC), the UK, African delegations, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent reforms. Guterres emphasized that the UNSC's current structure, reflecting the post-World War II power balance, is outdated and fails to represent Africa—a continent of over a billion people. He argued that Africa's exclusion is a "historical injustice." The UK supported this stance, with Minister Ray Collins advocating for permanent African seats as a matter of urgency. African representatives, including Dr. Sithembile Mbete, demanded at least two permanent seats with veto power. Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, echoed these calls, labeling Africa's underrepresentation as a profound injustice. Click here to read... [11]

African Union allocates $10.4 million to Africa CDC for Mpox outbreak response

The African Union's Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) has approved an emergency allocation of $10.4 million from COVID funds to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to combat the Mpox outbreak. From January to July 2024, 15,074 Mpox cases and 461 deaths were reported across 12 AU member states, marking a significant increase compared to 2023. The funds will enhance Mpox surveillance, laboratory testing, data collection, case management, and vaccine distribution. Africa CDC has already supported national response plans, regional cooperation, and distributed testing kits. This funding highlights the AU's commitment to strengthening health systems and addressing public health emergencies across the continent. Click here to read... [12]

AFRICA AND INDIA

South Africa’s new envoy to India highlights deep ties and untapped potential

Anil Sooklal, the newly appointed High Commissioner of South Africa to India and the first of Indian origin highlighted the deep and historic ties between India and South Africa, describing their relationship as "special" with significant untapped potential. Speaking at an event marking his appointment, Sooklal recalled Nelson Mandela's gratitude to India for its role in the anti-apartheid struggle. He emphasized the opportunity for both nations, as vibrant democracies, to provide global leadership in promoting freedom and human rights. Sooklal also noted the cultural significance of the mandir being constructed in Johannesburg, symbolizing the enduring connection between Africa and Asia. Click here to read... [13]

India backs increased African representation on UNSC, calls for reform

India has expressed strong support for increased African representation in both permanent and non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as part of necessary reforms. Speaking at a UNSC high-level debate, India's Deputy Permanent Representative, R. Ravindra, emphasized that such representation is crucial for a more effective and representative council. He criticized the UNSC for failing to address global security challenges adequately and highlighted the need for reform to reflect current geopolitical realities. India, as part of the G4 group, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa's legitimate demands for a greater role in multilateral institutions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called for a permanent African seat on the UNSC, stressing the need for the council to adapt to contemporary global dynamics. Click here to read... [14]

ASSOCHAM and ARISE-IIP highlight Africa’s business opportunities in recent session

On August 14, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), in collaboration with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE-IIP) - Africa, hosted a session on business opportunities in Africa. The event attracted over 80 company representatives interested in ARISE-IIP’s initiatives, which aim to enhance Africa's industrial capacity by converting raw materials into high-value products, boosting manufacturing, import substitution, and exports. ARISE-IIP executives A.K. Pramod Kumar and Hitesh Nagarajaiah detailed their company's operations in Africa and their commitment to sustainable industrialization. ASSOCHAM's M. Dinesh Babu emphasized Africa’s potential for investors seeking growth and diversification. Click here to read... [15]

HMI completes historic Divyangjan Expedition 2024 from Kanchenjunga to Kilimanjaro

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), under the Ministry of Defence, has achieved a historic feat by conducting a Divyangjan expedition from Kanchenjunga National Park to Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. The team, led by Group Captain Jai Kishan, included climbers like Mr. Uday Kumar, an amputee who used crutches, showcasing extraordinary resilience. They displayed a massive 7,800-square-foot Indian flag at Kibo Hut and successfully reached Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters on August 8, 2024, after a challenging climb. This expedition, celebrating 78 years of Indian independence, underscores the strength of the human spirit and aims to inspire future generations. Click here to read... [16]

Shipments of Tur dal from Mozambique resume after Indian intervention

Shipments of Tur/Pigeon peas from Nacala Port in Mozambique, disrupted by an anti-India group, have resumed following intervention by India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Indian High Commissioner to Mozambique. As of mid-August 2024, 1,400 containers, carrying around 35,000 tons of the pulses, have left for India, with the remaining 400 containers expected to follow. Mozambique is a key supplier of Tur/Pigeon peas to India, which imports significant quantities to meet domestic demand. The disruptions were attributed to local anti-India activities and extortion attempts. An MoU between India and Mozambique ensures continued supply through 2025-26. Click here to read... [17]