Africa Now (1-15 November, 2024)

OVERVIEW

The African continent witnessed significant progress over the last two weeks. With its vast resources, strategic location and rapidly growing population, Africa has become an important player in the geopolitical scenario. It is important to look at the continent’s increasing importance in global affairs and this edition of Africa Now explores the economic, diplomatic and geopolitical developments.

Nigeria has witnessed the rise of a new insurgent group which attacked the rural communities in the northwest region. Clashes took place in the Lake Chad region between the Chadian army and Boko Haram fighters leaving casualties behind. On democratic developments, Mauritius witnessed a historic win for the opposition party. The breakaway region of Somaliland will hold its general elections amid rising regional tensions with Somalia. Alongside these developments, ahead of polls, Senegal experienced clashes between different party supporters. Mozambique on the other hand witnessed post-election violence killing more than 30 people. Ghana has raised the cocoa farmgate price by nearly 45 per cent to support farmers and curb smuggling while Zambia faces its worst electricity crisis as Lake Kariba, the largest source of hydropower, dries up.

Geopolitically, Nigeria-UK enhances strategic partnership in areas of trade and investment, security reinforcement, defence cooperation, climate change and counter-terrorism. A $1.2 billion deal has been signed between Chinese firm, China National Chemical Engineering Co. Ltd. (CNCEC) and Nigeria to revive a gas processing facility. At the Sochi Summit, Russia offered total support to African countries in countering terrorism, ensuring food security and promoting sustainable development. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks on civilians by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) while the IMF added a new seat to its Executive Board, increasing the total number of seats to 25, and enhancing Sub-Saharan Africa’s representation within the IMF.

India to strengthen its relationship with the continent, gifted two water-jet-propelled Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) to Mozambique as a part of India’s capacity-building mission. Additionally, India and Algeria signed a memorandum of understanding for enhanced defence cooperation. Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Zambia further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.

AFRICA

Somaliland to hold general elections

The self-declared region of Somaliland will hold its general elections amid regional tensions with Somalia, which continues to consider it as part of its territory. Internationally, Somaliland is not recognized as an independent country but it has its government, parliament, currency- all the attributes of a sovereign independent nation. President Muse Bihi Abdi, who has been in power since 2017, is standing for re-election against the main opposition party's candidate, Abdirahman Cirro. Since the region is strategically located, at the juncture of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, the international community needs to come to a consensus regarding Somaliland’s future. Click here to read… [2]

Historic Win for the Opposition in Mauritius

On 10 November, 2024, the Opposition Coalition, The Alliance of Change, won 60 out of 64 seats in the parliament, replacing the Lepep alliance led by Pravind Jugnauth. The ruling party's loss was due to several factors like high cost of living, the 2020 Wakashio oil spill, drug problem and wiretapping issues. The PM, Navin Ramgoolam has new challenges ahead, one of the most important being stabilizing the Mauritius rupee and controlling inflation. The election result was reflective of the faith of the people in the democratic processes of the country and the new government has to build on this trust for a better future for the island country. Click here to read… [3]

Post-Election Violence in Mozambique

The outcome of the general elections held on 9th October,2024 resulted in the victory of the ruling Frelimo Party which was not well received by the public and violent protests broke out. Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party secured more than 70% of the presidential vote. The opposition led by Venancio Mondlane alleged that the election result was rigged and called for nationwide protests. More than 30 people have been killed in the post-election violence which raises concern for the wider region. Mozambique shares its borders with several countries in the Southern African region and has strong trade relations with them, especially with South Africa. In the wake of the violence, South Africa has closed the Lebombo border, which it shares with Mozambique, badly affecting the trade in the region. Click here to read… [4]

Rise of new insurgent group in Nigeria

The new insurgent group in Nigeria, the Lakurawas, attacked the rural community in the northwest region, killing over 15 people. This militant group emerged from the herding communities near the Niger-Nigeria border and started raiding the rural communities for cattle and resources. Their rise will put pressure on the already burdened Nigerian military which is fighting several armed groups, the most notorious being the Boko Haram. Strong interventions like joint patrols with Niger are needed to contain this group and restore peace and stability in the region. Click here to read… [5]

Electricity Crisis in Zambia as Lake Kariba dries up

Due to severe drought conditions, Lake Kariba, a crucial source of hydropower in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is drying up. This might lead to the shutting of Kariba Dam which supplies up to 80% of Zambia’s electricity. Zambia currently is daily facing a 21-hour blackout which has disrupted day to day lives of the people. There’s an urgent need for alternative sources of energy like wind turbines or solar plants to reduce dependence on hydropower. Click here to read… [6]

Egypt seeks international help to meet 42% of renewable energy goal

Egyptian President, Mostafa Madbouly during his address at COP29 urged the international community to support its target of 42% of energy generation through renewable sources of energy by 2030. Egypt heavily relies on natural gas and power generation via solar, wind and hydropower accounts for only 11.5 percent. There's a need for foreign investment in renewable projects along with critical infrastructure improvements to tap into and make full use of the existing renewable resources. Click here to read… [7]

15 Chad soldiers killed in operation against Boko Haram

Clashes took place in the Lake Chad region between the army and Boko Haram fighters, leaving 15 soldiers and 96 rebels dead. The region is already grappling with political turmoil and repeated attacks from insurgent groups like the Islamic State of West Africa. Given Chad’s strategic location, there’s a need to restore peace and stability, not just for the country but for greater stability in the Sahel and Central African region as well. Click here to read… [8]

Ghana increases cocoa farmgate price, boosts farmer incomes and tackles smuggling

Agriculture Minister of Ghana Bryan Acheampong, stated that Ghana has raised the cocoa farmgate price by nearly 45 per cent, from 33,120 to 48,000 cedis ($3,070) per metric ton for the 2024-25 season. The step was taken to support farmers and curb smuggling. This unprecedented increase aligns with global cocoa price surges driven by adverse weather and disease in Ghana and Ivory Coast, the top producers of cocoa in the world. Ivory Coast is expected to announce a similar price adjustment shortly. Acheampong anticipates higher cocoa output due to improved weather and farm rehabilitation. Ghana's Cocobod has sufficient funds for purchases, despite restructuring its financing model to reduce costs. Click here to read… [9]

Violence in Senegal ahead of polls

Senegal goes for a parliamentary election on November 17, 2024, the contest for power mainly between the current ruling party, Diomaye Faye of Pastef Party and a coalition of former ruling parties. Clashes occurred between different party supporters inviting criticism from civil societies and rights defender groups. Senegal's Prime Minister urged his supporters to take revenge for the violence against them during the campaign which raised concerns among different rights groups. Click here to read… [10]

AFRICA AND WORLD

Nigeria-UK enhance strategic partnership

British Foreign Minister, David Lammy along with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, emphasised Britain’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria in areas of trade and investment, security reinforcement, defence cooperation, climate change and counter-terrorism. During his first official visit as foreign minister to Africa, he stressed the importance of the Nigerian diaspora in the solidification of cultural ties and economic cooperation between the two countries. This partnership will mutually benefit both countries and strengthen their existing bilateral ties across various sectors. Click here to read… [11]

South Africa-Britain boost trade and defence ties

Britain’s foreign minister, David Lammy, on his first official visit to Africa, announced to strengthen trade and defence cooperation with South Africa, its largest trading partner in the African continent. According to the South African Revenue Service data, the bilateral trade reached about 133-billion-rand last year. This is expected to grow as the relationship between the two countries is expected to grow in areas of trade, investment and defence cooperation in the coming years. Click here to read… [12]

Russia pledges ‘total support’ to Africa

Russian President, Putin, in his address, read by the Russian foreign minister, at the Sochi Summit has offered total support to African countries in countering terrorism, ensuring food security and promoting sustainable development. The summit highlighted Russia’s growing presence in Africa, which is based on military cooperation, resource sharing and a non-interventionist approach. This is appreciated by African countries like Mali which is seeking Russian cooperation in areas of defence, energy, mining and technology and Rwanda, which has signed joint agreements for building a nuclear power plant. The growing Russian influence in the continent demonstrates the rapidly changing geopolitical arena where alliances and allegiances are constantly shifting. Click here to read… [13]

IMF expands its Executive Board to enhance representation for Sub-Saharan Africa

The IMF added a new seat to its Executive Board, increasing the total number of seats to 25. This is a novel move to enhance Sub-Saharan Africa’s influence within the IMF. The increased Sub-Saharan Africa’s presence in the IMF will attract global players to invest in African markets which would ensure equitable growth and sustainable development in the region. The expansion will give this historically underrepresented region, an opportunity to influence IMF’s policies about debt relief, climate financing and overall financial stability. Click here to read… [14]

Prince William visits South Africa

Prince William visited South Africa as a part of his Earthshot Prize initiative, which awards $1.2 million each to five winners annually for innovative sustainable projects for combating climate change and environmental challenges. He also met the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss environmental issues in Africa like illegal wildlife trade, climate change, coastal conservation and promotion of sustainable technologies. The Earthshot Prize is a good platform for environmental innovators from across the world to bring about change in their respective countries. Notably, this year’s winners included two African countries Kenya and Ghana. Click here to read… [15]

UN Chief condemns RSF in Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks on civilians by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war erupted in mid-April between the Sudanese army and the RSF and has led to the killing of civilians, sexual violence against women and girls and the worst displacement crisis in the region. The region is facing severe international human rights and humanitarian law violations. The international community should put its foot down and act against those who are accountable for their actions. Click here to read… [16]

Nigeria signs $1.2 billion deal with Chinese firm

To revive a gas processing facility, a $1.2 billion deal has been signed between Chinese firm, CNCEC and the BFI group, one of the largest investors in the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria. This is a significant development as it would make Nigeria one of the largest producers of aluminium both in domestic as well as international markets. Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria is facing high inflation rates with its currency, naira, at its lowest against the dollar. This foreign investment would help Nigeria in combating economic challenges and would help in getting back on track. Click here to read… [17]

AFRICA AND INDIA

India and Algeria Sign MoU on Bilateral Defence Cooperation

India and Algeria signed a memorandum of understanding for enhanced defence cooperation. The signing of the MoU between the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and the Chief of Staff of Algerian People’s National Army Said Chanegriha, is a milestone for long-term collaboration across different sectors between India and Algeria. General Chauhan emphasised increasing India’s defence production capability under Make in India and Make for the World initiatives, reiterating India’s responsibility of being a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’, a reliable partner of the world. The MoU will further enhance India’s foothold and strategic presence in North Africa, a region that did not have as strong a relationship with India as other Sub-Saharan African countries. Click here to read… [18]

MoS External Affairs visit Zambia

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Zambia from 4th to 7th November, 2024 to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. He co-chaired the 6th session of the India-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission with Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, the Foreign Minister of Zambia. India also took cognisance of the ongoing drought situation in Zambia and pledged to send 2,500 metric tons of maize as material assistance. India is one of the leading foreign investors in the country with bilateral trade worth USD 448.39 million and investments worth USD 5 billion. Thus, both countries need to enhance their economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties with each other. Click here to read… [19]

Rahul Shrivastava appointed as next High Commissioner of India to Namibia

On 14th November, Rahul Shrivastava, of the 1999 IFS Batch, was appointed as the High Commissioner of India to Namibia. He had earlier served as Ambassador of Venezuela (2015-18); and then as Ambassador of India to Romania, Moldova and Romania (2020-24). India-Namibia has cordial relations dating back to its struggle for liberation when India gave its support to its leaders. India has also helped Namibia in the area of food security by shipping 1000 metric tons of rice during severe droughts in the country. Click here to read… [20]

India gifts two water-jet propelled Fast Interceptor Craft to Mozambique

India gifted two water-jet-propelled Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC), equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins, to Mozambique as a part of a capacity-building mission in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with friendly foreign nations. This is not the first time India has showered Mozambique with gifts. In 2019, India gifted two large Interceptor vessels, followed by two FICs in 2022. India has helped Mozambique not just on the defence front but also in terms of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and vaccine diplomacy. These initiatives have made the Indian Navy an ideal partner for ensuring maritime security in the IOR. Click here to read… [21]