Africa Now (1-15 September, 2024)

OVERVIEW

The African continent witnessed significant developments over the past two weeks. The continent faces numerous challenges, including poverty, political instability, health crises, etc. The current Africa Now sequel highlights recent political and developmental shifts across Africa, showcasing both internal challenges and strategic advancements.

On the front of internal politics, the African countries experienced uncertainty. South Sudan postponed its general elections from December 2024 to December 2026 due to unfinished tasks and ongoing crises, raising concerns about the electoral process. Whereas, in Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dissolved the national assembly and called for snap elections in response to governance challenges. Meanwhile, in Comoros, President Azali Assoumani survived a knife attack, highlighting the volatile political climate in the region. Algeria's recent election saw President Abdelmadjid Tebboune secure a second term amid controversy over electoral integrity, further underscoring the broader challenges facing democratic processes in Africa. Further, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's confidence in his coalition government reflects efforts to stabilize the economy amidst uncertainties.

The continent witnessed an increase in its engagement with different external powers. As, Algeria's admission to the New Development Bank (NDB), Egypt's diplomatic engagement with Turkey, and a rise in Chinese lending to Africa since 2016, represent strategic moves by African nations to enhance economic and geopolitical ties, signaling a shift towards regional collaboration and development. On developmental projects, World Bank approved a $70 million grant for climate resilience in the Central African Republic, and Africa CDC along with WHO launched a $600 million plan to tackle the Mpox outbreak in Africa. Further, the U.S. supports adding permanent African seats to the U.N. Security Council but opposes new veto powers. Germany and Kenya have signed a deal to address labour shortages. At the same time, Germany considers using UK-funded facilities in Rwanda for asylum processing amid migration debates.

India-Africa engagement seeks to attain new avenues as Egypt explores light combat aircraft and helicopters in India to further strengthen Egyptian Air Force. India prepares itself to host Tanzanian officials for advanced energy grid training. Further, India also plans Joint Trade Council meetings with Kenya and Tanzania to increase trade, and the 12th India-South Africa Navy Staff Talks focused on deepening naval cooperation and joint exercises.  

AFRICA

South Sudan postpones elections for second time since transitional period began

South Sudan has postponed its general elections from December 2024 to December 2026, citing incomplete tasks such as a census, constitution drafting, and political party registration. This is the second delay in elections since the country's transitional period began in 2020. President Salva Kiir and Deputy President Riek Machar, former rivals, signed a peace agreement in 2018 following a devastating civil war. The postponement follows recommendations from electoral and security bodies, amid economic crises and unpaid civil servants. Concerns have been raised about whether the elections will meet international standards, with human rights fears also emerging. Click here to read… [2]

Senegal President Faye dissolves the parliament amid political tensions

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament, on September 12, scheduling snap elections for November 17, 2024. Faye, elected in March 2024, with 54 percent of the vote on an anti-establishment platform, stated that the assembly's refusal to engage in budget discussions and reform efforts had rendered it difficult to govern. He emphasized the need for institutional changes to fulfil his promises of systemic transformation. While Faye’s PASTEF party is expected to gain a parliamentary majority, the opposition coalition, Benno Bokk Yaakar, led by former President Macky Sall, condemned the move, accusing Faye of "perjury." Despite significant public support, particularly among youth, key campaign promises, such as fighting corruption and securing greater control of national resources, have yet to be realized. Click here to read… [3]

Comoros President Azali Assoumani injured in knife attack

Comoros President Azali Assoumani was slightly injured in a knife attack while attending a funeral near the capital, Moroni. A government spokesperson confirmed that his life is not in danger, and he has since returned home. The attacker, reportedly a young military officer, was arrested, though the motive remains unclear. Assoumani first came to power in a 1999 coup and was re-elected in 2016 and 2024, facing allegations of authoritarianism. The incident follows a presidency marked by political unrest and accusations of election irregularities. Click here to read… [4]

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune re-elected amid allegations of irregularities

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune secured a second term with 84.3 percent of the vote, following a review by the Constitutional Court, which corrected earlier figures. Initial results, reported by the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE), had shown Tebboune with nearly 95 percent. This led his opponents to challenge the outcome, accusing the election of fraud. The Constitutional court verified voting data and found errors in the original count, granting his challengers more votes than previously reported. Despite these adjustments, Tebboune's win remained decisive. The final turnout stood at 46.1 percent, with Tebboune's challengers, Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and Youcef Aouchiche, receiving 9.56 percent and 6.14 percent, respectively. The election drew criticism over alleged irregularities and Tebboune’s human rights record, with concerns raised about repression of dissent in Algeria. Click here to read… [5]

Ramaphosa confident in unity government amid economic gains and policy disputes

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the 10-party unity government, stating its collapse would harm investor confidence and economic growth. Formed after the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority in May, the coalition aims to prioritize economic recovery and tackle unemployment. While the coalition has boosted the rand, bond markets, and business confidence, tensions exist, especially with the Democratic Alliance opposing plans for national health insurance and education reforms. Ramaphosa agreed to suspend contentious education bill clauses for negotiations, but the DA is preparing legal challenges, citing concerns over mother-tongue education rights. Click here to read… [6]

Algeria to bolster economic growth with membership in BRICS New Development Bank

Algeria's membership in the New Development Bank (NDB) was officially approved during the Ninth annual Board of Governors meeting on August 31, 2024, in Cape Town. This marks Algeria as the Ninth member of the BRICS financial arm, after five founding members and Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. NDB President Dilma Rousseff confirmed the decision, highlighting Algeria's robust macroeconomic indicators and recent classification as an upper-tier emerging economy. Algeria's membership provides new opportunities to bolster its economic growth, supported by multi-sectoral reforms. The NDB, founded in 2015, aims to finance sustainable development in emerging and developing countries. Click here to read… [7]
 

AFRICA AND WORLD

US seeks to reform UN Security Council: Supporting Permanent seats for African, Caribbean and Latin Countries along with Germany, India and Japan.

The United States announced its support for accession of two permanent seats for African countries on the U.N. Security Council, alongside a non-permanent seat for a small island developing nation. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated this aligns with President Biden's previous call for Security Council reforms to better reflect the 21st-century world. However, Washington opposes granting veto power to new African members, citing the dysfunctionality of the veto system. The U.S. continues to support permanent seats for nations in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Germany, Japan, and India. Despite long-standing global consensus on the need for reform, achieving agreement remains a challenge. Click here to read… [8]

Germany and Kenya sign migration deal to address labour shortages and enhance repatriation

Germany and Kenya have signed a migration deal allowing skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to seek employment in Germany. The agreement, signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to address Germany's labour shortage while offering job opportunities for Kenyans. While the specific number of workers hasn't been disclosed, Kenya had previously discussed employing up to 250,000 workers. The deal also focuses on repatriating undocumented Kenyans in Germany and tightening migration controls, part of Germany's broader crackdown on illegal immigration amid rising concerns over migration and security. Click here to read… [9]

Germany considers using UK funded Rwanda facilities for asylum processing

According to Joachim Stamp, Germany's Special Representative for Migration Agreements, Germany is considering utilizing UK-funded facilities in Rwanda to process some asylum seekers. The accommodation, initially built for a now-scrapped UK plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, could be used for people crossing the EU's Eastern borders. However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed doubts about processing asylum applications abroad, making the plan unlikely. The idea has sparked debate, particularly as Germany faces pressure to tackle illegal migration amid the rise of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD). Discussions are ongoing, with legal and logistical challenges under consideration. Click here to read… [10]

Continent-Wide Response to the Mpox outbreak launched by Africa CDC and WHO

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO launched a continent-wide response to the mpox outbreak, three weeks after the WHO declared a global emergency in 12 African countries. The six-month plan, with a budget of nearly $600 million, focuses on surveillance, testing, and community engagement. Around 55 percent of the funds will address outbreaks in 14 nations, while 45 percent will provide operational support. Since 2024, Africa has reported 5,549 mpox cases and 643 deaths, mostly in Congo. Vaccines have begun arriving, though 200,000 doses are just a fraction of the 3 million needed. Vaccination efforts will initially focus on adults, with high-risk groups prioritized. Click here to read… [11]

USD 70 Million grant to Central African Republic (CAR) by World Bank

The World Bank has approved a US$70 million grant to improve access to basic infrastructure and build climate resilience in the Central African Republic (CAR) under the CAR Inclusive and Resilient Cities Project (PROVIR). The initiative will benefit 1.6 million people, focusing on vulnerable populations, including displaced persons, women, and youth in cities like Bangui and Berberati. The project aims to mitigate flood and erosion risks by upgrading drainage systems. CAR is ranked among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, facing significant challenges from natural disasters and worsening rainfall conditions. Click here to read… [12]

Renewed impetus in China’s lending to Africa: A shift towards renewable energy Projects

In 2023, Chinese lenders approved $4.61 billion in loans to Africa, marking the first increase since 2016, according to Boston University's Global Development Policy Centre. This reflects a shift in strategy, as Beijing seeks to manage risks tied to highly indebted nations. The rise in loans contrasts with the steep decline since the COVID-19 pandemic and China's 2019 decision to reduce lending. Of the 13 loan agreements involving eight African countries and two multilateral lenders, over half targeted regional financial institutions. A significant portion of funds supported renewable energy projects, signalling China's pivot from coal. However, the study noted uncertainties about China's future financial engagement with Africa. Click here to read… [13]

Don’t Focus on the Big Number at the End of FOCAC

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… [14]

President el-Sisi becomes first president to visit Turkey in 12 years

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt visited Turkey to hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on September 4, marking the first presidential visit in 12 years. This follows Erdogan's trip to Cairo in February, aimed at repairing relations strained since el-Sisi's 2013 ouster of Mohammed Morsi, a Turkish ally. The leaders will discuss bilateral relations, regional issues like Israeli attacks on Gaza, and sign around 20 agreements to enhance cooperation in sectors such as energy, defence, and trade. They aim to increase trade from $10 billion to $15 billion. Click here to read… [15]

AFRICA AND INDIA

Egypt Eyes HAL's Aircraft Amid Fighter Jet Options

On September 13, 2024, senior Egyptian officials recently visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru to explore light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) and advanced light helicopter (ALH) platforms for Egypt’s air force. Egypt is considering various fighter options, including Chinese J-10 jets, and has expressed interest in acquiring 18-20 lightweight fighters and multi-mission helicopters. HAL, aiming to boost exports, is engaging in talks with Egypt and other nations. Despite concerns about delays in the LCA Mk-1A production, HAL is expanding its production capacity to meet domestic and export demands, with the Indian Air Force planning to operate around 350 LCAs. Click here to read… [16]

Tanzanian Delegation to Receive Advanced Energy Grid Training in India under TriDeP initiative

The U.S. government recently hosted a reception for a Tanzanian delegation traveling to India for advanced energy grid training, a key component of the U.S.-India-Tanzania Triangular Development Partnership (TriDeP) funded by USAID. This initiative, which began with a 2022 exchange programme, aims to strengthen energy sectors through collaborative expertise. The Tanzanian delegates will undergo intensive training from September 14-28, focusing on India’s power systems, including renewable energy integration and grid standards. U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Michael C. Battle and Indian High Commissioner Bishwadip Dey highlighted the partnership’s role in enhancing Tanzania's energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. Click here to read… [17]

Kenyan High Court halts investment by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd

Kenyan High Court has temporarily suspended a $1.85 billion deal between the government and India's Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, which would have allowed Adani to operate Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years. The suspension follows a legal challenge by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Law Society of Kenya, who argue the lease is unconstitutional, citing concerns over governance, job losses, and financial risks. The Kenyan government defends the deal, emphasizing the urgent need for private investment to expand the airport due to capacity limitations and fiscal constraints. Click here to read… [18]

India extends humanitarian assistance to Chad

India has dispatched approximately 2300 kg of medical aid to Chad following a deadly fire incident. The aid, which left New Delhi on September 7, includes essential life-saving antibiotics and general medicines. This initiative reflects India's 'Vishwabandhu' approach, emphasizing its role as a global friend. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the gesture as a significant humanitarian effort to support Chad during this crisis. Click here to read… [19]

South Africa announces to launch TTOS scheme to boost tourism

South Africa will launch a Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) in January 2025 to boost tourism from India and China. The initiative aims to streamline the visa process for tourists from these key markets, where Indian visitors currently represent only 3.9 percent of total international arrivals. TTOS will allow vetted tour operators to manage group visa applications, ensuring faster processing by a dedicated team. The scheme, inspired by the Trusted Employer Scheme, is expected to enhance South Africa’s tourism appeal, increase economic growth by 0.6 percent annually, and create new jobs by removing barriers to tourism. Click here to read… [20]

India prepares for trade talks with Kenya and Tanzania to boost trade

India is set to hold Joint Trade Council (JTC) meetings with Kenya and Tanzania in September 2024, aiming to double trade with Africa to $200 billion by 2030. The Commerce and Industry Ministry is consulting industry councils to address barriers and opportunities in trade. Key issues include procedural delays and regulatory hurdles affecting imports. India’s trade with Tanzania reached $7.9 billion in 2023-24, making it India’s second-largest African trade partner. Exports to Kenya were $3.35 billion during the same period. The meetings will focus on resolving these issues to boost trade and investment. Click here to read… [21]

India South Africa holds 12th Navy staff talks, boosting maritime security

The 12th India-South Africa Navy Staff Talks, held in New Delhi on August 27-28, 2024, focused on enhancing naval collaboration. Co-chaired by Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna of the Indian Navy and Rear Admiral David Mkhonto of the South African Navy, the discussions covered key areas such as operational training, secure information exchange, and joint maritime exercises like India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR). Both navies emphasized personnel exchanges and expert collaborations in fields like Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence, and diving support, reaffirming their commitment to maritime security and future cooperation. Click here to read… [22]