Africa Now (16-31 December, 2024)

OVERVIEW

This edition of Africa Now, the fortnightly news digest focuses on significant developments in the continent across political, security, diplomacy, and economic sectors. Chad held its parliamentary elections amidst uncertainty with opposition boycotting the elections. Conflict and security challenges loomed large on the continent with military airstrikes by the Nigerian Army against a terror group killing civilians and a suicide attack by the Islamic State militants on the Puntland Security Forces (PSF) base which was successfully prevented. Ethiopia and Djibouti reinforced their partnership with high-level discussions held between the Foreign Ministers of both countries to strengthen ties in areas of trade, development, and regional security.

Significant strides were made for the prevalence of peace and security in the continent. Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Syria met to discuss regional peace. On the other hand, the foreign minister of Egypt announced that they would contribute troops to the African Union’s Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) in Somalia. On the economic development front, Spain's Repsol resumed oil exploration in Libya after a decade-long hiatus and Kenya extended its oil deal with three Gulf based firms.

India’s engagement with Africa continued to thrive. India and Ghana signed a MoU to boost Satellite and Space innovation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Mauritius where he engaged with key leaders of Mauritius, strengthening bilateral ties between the countries. Another important highlight of the week was the appointment of Alok Ranjan Jha, as India's next High Commissioner to Zambia, reflecting India’s continued efforts to strengthen its bilateral ties with the country.

AFRICA

Chad holds parliamentary elections

On December, 29, Chad held its parliamentary elections amidst uncertainty that seemed to grow after President Mahamat Idriss Deby was elected in a disputed vote in May. He seized power and declared himself the interim leader after the rebels killed his father and former president Idriss Deby on the battlefield. The opposition boycotted the elections which further strengthened President Mahamat Idriss Deby's power with little or no opposition. Click here to read... [2]

Somali Security Forces Ward off Islamic State Attack in Puntland

On 31 December 2024, a highly coordinated suicide attack by the Islamic State militants on the Puntland Security Forces (PSF) base was successfully repulsed by the PSF in Somalia, preventing any significant damage. The incident highlights the persistent threat that looms in Somalia by extremist groups and points to the need for rigorous counter terrorism efforts by national and international players. Click here to read... [3]

Ethiopia, Djibouti Reinforce Partnership

The visit of Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos to Djibouti successfully concluded on December 31, 2024. He met his Djiboutian counterpart, Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and President Omar Guelleh to discuss about strengthening partnership between the two countries in areas of trade, development and regional security. Both the sides also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace in the region and combating the insurgent group, Al-Shabaab. Click here to read... [4]

Nigerian military airstrikes Lakurawa group, 10 civilians dead

On 25 December 2024, the operation by the Nigerian military to airstrike Lakurawa group in the Silame area of Sokoto State left 10 civilians dead. Nigeria's military acknowledged that 10 civilians died and several were wounded due to secondary explosions following the initial strike. This shows grave negligence on the part of the Nigerian army which has in the past faced criticisms due to mistaken military airstrikes. There is an urgent need to restore safety for civilians in the conflict-ridden zones not just in Nigeria but across Africa. Click here to read... [5]

United Nations extends peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of Congo

The United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2024, extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The renewal of the mandate would have broad implications. Nearly 11,000 peacekeepers will continue to be deployed till next year, that is December 2025. This is an important move reflecting the United Nations Security Council’s commitment towards supporting peace and security in the mineral-rich, conflict-trotted zone of Africa. Click here to read... [6]

AFRICA AND WORLD

Ivory Coast Asks French troops to leave

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara on December 31 2014, announced that French military will withdraw from the country with pullout process to begin in January 2025. This move will end decades long French military presence as seen in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Senegal-all these requesting the departure of French military presence. This is reflective of a structural transformation in West Africa where several nations reassessed their military relationship with France. Click here to read... [7]

Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Syria discuss regional peace

On 31 December 2024, in a telephonic conversation with the Syrian Foreign Minister, Assad al-Shibani, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty discussed the importance of cooperation between the countries for bringing peace and stability in the region. This is important as it highlights the growing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East and both the countries’ willingness to enhance peace and stability in the region. Click here to read... [8]

Spain's Repsol resumes oil exploration in Libya

After a decade-long hiatus, Spain's Repsol has resumed drilling in a well in the Murzuq Basin, approximately 12 kilometers from Libya’s largest oil field, Sharara. In the wake of political instability and security issues, the resumption in oil exploration activities would surely contribute to Libya’s economic recovery, and infrastructure development along with increasing its oil production capacity. Click here to read... [9]

Egypt troops to join African Union Somalia peacekeeping mission

The Foreign Minister of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty on December 23, 2024, announced that Egypt will contribute troops to the African Union’s Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) in Somalia. Against the backdrop of Egypt’s support to Somalia over the Somaliland-Ethiopia deal, dynamic changes occurred in this relationship bringing Somalia closer to Egypt. In addition to troop deployment, Egypt has also supported Somalia by providing military aid, following the signing of a joint security pact,including anti-aircraft guns and artillery, indicating the strengthening of ties between these two countries. Click here to read... [10]

Kenya extends oil deal with Gulf firms

Kenya has further extended the oil supply deal, initially inked in March 2023 and then extended in September 2023, with three Gulf based companies- Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Emirates National Oil company. This deal is important as it allows Kenya to import petroleum products on a 180-day credit basis. The arrangement also secures the supply of refined petroleum by allowing payments in Kenya shillings, previously estimated at $500 million a month, the Cabinet in a statement said. Click here to read... [11]

AFRICA AND INDIA

India-Ghana sign MoU to boost Satellite and Space innovation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India's Satcom Industry Association (SIA-India) and Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) to promote space technologies and satellite communications. The focus of this space cooperation is in areas including satellite co-development, capacity-building programs for Ghanaian space professionals, and the establishment of ground stations and space application tools. The signing of this MoU is an important step towards strengthening the strategic partnership in the space domain between both countries. Click here to read... [12]

Indian Foreign Secretary visits Mauritius

On December 22, 2024, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Mauritius where he engaged with key leaders of Mauritius, including President Dharambeer Gokhool, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Berenger, and Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful. Both sides discussed deepening the multi-dimensional bilateral partnership that would benefit not just these countries but the larger Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Click here to read... [13]

India Provides Humanitarian Assistance to Lesotho Amid Severe Drought

India extended humanitarian assistance to Lesotho to address the dire effects of a prolonged drought. The aid package included 100 MT of rice medical equipment, and water purification systems, aimed at mitigating widespread water shortages and health challenges faced by the population. This initiative aligns with India’s broader commitment to fostering partnerships with African nations, particularly under the framework of South-South cooperation. By supporting Lesotho during its time of need, India reinforces its dedication to addressing global humanitarian crises and strengthening ties with nations in the Global South. Click here to read... [14]

South Africa, Namibia, and Turkey backed India to Oppose China-Led WTO Proposal

India, was backed by South Africa, Namibia, and Turkey, has expressed opposition to a China-led proposal at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning investment facilitation. India contends that this proposal falls outside the WTO's trade-related mandate and could impose undue obligations on developing nations. The collective stance of these countries underscores a shared concern about the potential implications of such agreements on their economic sovereignty and development priorities. This development highlights the complexities and differing perspectives within international trade negotiations, particularly regarding the scope and focus of the WTO's agenda. Click here to read... [15]

Alok Ranjan Jha Appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Zambia

Alok Ranjan Jha, has been appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Zambia. Jha has served in various capacities during his diplomatic career, including his most recent role as India’s Ambassador to Belarus. His appointment reflects India’s continued efforts to strengthen its bilateral ties with Zambia, a key partner in Africa. Zambia and India share a long history of cooperation, especially in sectors like health, education, and trade. Jha is expected to assume his new responsibilities shortly, bringing his extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations to further enhance India-Zambia ties. Click here to read... [16]