[This monthly media roundup addresses significant, non-comprehensive news and updates from/on Sub-Saharan African countries, including additional themes on major powers’ intervention and activities in the continent, recent publications and studies, and other relevant material. Should you have any comments or submissions, please email us at SSAR@Jadaliyya.com.]
Arab League Countries in Africa
Comoros
COVID-19: The two Arab League countries without coronavirus (3/31/2020) The Comoros is the only country in the Arab league that has yet to report a positive case for COVID-19 according to authorities from the country.
Comoros-bound passengers stranded in Dar es Salaam (3/24/2020) Tanzania has cancelled all outgoing flights, meaning Comoran citizens who are stranded there have been unable to return home.
Comoros: Two Leading Public TV Journalists Suspended in Comoros (2/4/2020) Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is saying that two Comoran journalists were suspended by the ORTC regulator because of allegedly biased coverage of a strike. RSF condemned the suspensions and said it hurt the press freedom ranking in Comoros.
Government cancels Harambee Stars v Comoros away clash (3/10/2020) Kenya has cancelled the national football team's match against Comoros for the 2021 African Cup of Nations as a precautionary social distancing measure.
With Comoros Elections, Azali Assoumani Cements His Authoritarian Rule (2/14/2020) The recent elections produced a landslide victory for Comoran President Azali Assoumani. His Convention for the Renewal of Comoros won twenty out of twenty-four seats. The Orange Party won two and independents another two.
Djibouti
Djibouti confirms first coronavirus case (3/20/2020) Djibouti is reporting its first case of the coronavirus, which has caused a pandemic and paralyzed the world economy. Migrant populations currently residing in Djibouti may be especially vulnerable.
Djibouti confirms its first case of coronavirus - Health Ministry (3/18/2020) Djibouti has reported its first COVID-19 case, from a Spanish soldier who served in a special forces unit, which will be returning to Spain.
Djibouti: Flash Floods Operation Update 1 - DREF n° MDRDJ003 / PDJ012 - Djibouti (3/6/2020) Djibouti's Red Crescent Society writes that Djibouti is still recovering from flash flooding in November of last year.
Eyes on AU over Kenya, Djibouti UN Security Council seat dispute (2/9/2020) Kenya and Djibouti are in a dispute over the validity of the African Union's endorsement for a UN Security Council seat.
Siemens Gamesa lands contract to build Djibouti’s first wind farm (2/26/2020) Siemens Gamesa has reached an agreement to build a wind farm in Djibouti, part of over 10GW of wind power the country plans to build between now and 2030.
Mauritania
Abolition Institute Honors People Fighting Slavery In Mauritania (2/9/2020) The Abolition Institute held awards honoring Mauritanians who have worked to end the practice of slavery, which still survives in their country.
Inside Mauritania's winning strategy against Sahel terrorists (2/25/2020) Mauritania has adopted successful anti-terrorism policies that include recruiting and retaining skilled soldiers compared to their regional counterparts.
Mauritania Cracks-down on Humanitarian Aid Embezzlement by Polisario (2/25/2020) Mauritania is taking steps to prevent the Polisario from taking humanitarian aid destined to help refugees in Western Sahara.
Mauritania parliament probes ex-president's rule (2/14/2020) The Mauritanian parliament has announced a probe of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz
Mauritania: Prison Terms for Men Celebrating Birthday (2/7/2020) Human Rights Watch accused Mauritanian authorities of jailing men who were at a birthday party by claiming it was a gay wedding.
Replicating global responses to COVID-19 may not work for Africa (3/14/2020) The author suggests that methods of viral containment from elsewhere in the world may not be effective in African countries.
Somalia
AhluSunna Wa Jamaa leaders Moalim Mohamud and Sheikh Shakir surrender ending more than 24hrs of gunbattle (2/29/2020) Two leaders of the militant group Ahl al-Sunna wa Jamaa surrendered in Somalia after a confrontation that killed thirty-five people.
Coronavirus: Somalia legend Mohamed Farah dies in London aged 59 (3/25/2020) Somali football legend Abdulkadir Mohamed Farah died at age fifty-nine of the coronavirus. Since his retirement from football, he has served as an informal advisor to the Somali football federation.
High-profile jailbreak undermines Somalia’s fight for justice (3/24/2020) A Somali court—in a landmark decision—indicted Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur (known as Abdirashid Jahan) for serious crimes in 2015. These crimes included violations of both international human rights law and domestic Somali law. He stands accused of killing innocent civilians as well as illegally escaping from custody after a previous arrest.
Jubaland President says Farmajo is in cahoots with Al Shabab (3/8/2020) Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Madobe accused the central government headed by President Farmajo as being in cahoots with al-Shabaab. He cited as evidence the deterioration of the security situation in Somalia.
Locusts Stealing Lives: Fears of farmers, herders in Somaliland as a plague looms (3/31/2020)
Somailand government accuses Somali BBC radio news bureau of fake news (2/26/2020) Somalia's Ministry of Information said that the BBC had aired fabricated news from the separatist region of Somaliland.
Somalia To Reestablish Financial Relations with The World Bank Group After Thirty Years (2/28/2020) The World Bank has begun the process of normalization with Somalia after a hiatus of thirty years.
Somalia confirms second coronavirus case (3/27/2020) Somalia has imposed a nationwide curfew in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Fowzia Akibar of the Somali Health Ministry said that the second case in Somalia involved an asymptomatic patient who came from Italy and who is currently under quarantine.
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Leaders Split Over Funds Control (3/27/2020)
Somalia: Tension Remains High in Bula Hawo As the Standoff Continues (3/4/2020) The Somali national army has been in a standoff with Jubbaland regional state troops near the Ethiopian border. This standoff has cost the lives of five soldiers from both military forces, and numerous civilians.
Somaliland Closes Borders with Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Relieves Most Civil Servants of Active Duty (3/25/2020) Somaliland has announced it is closing its borders with the rest of Somalia, along with Ethiopia and Djibouti. Somaliland is also requiring a fourteen-day quarantine for all travellers flying into Egal International Airport in Hargeisa.
Somaliland government closes borders amid fears of COVID-19 (3/26/2020) The Somaliland government announced that effective on 26 March 2020 the ports and borders of the country will be closed. Exceptions will exist for food, fuel, and humanitarian medical supplies, as well as existing trade orders.
Sudan
Negotiators for peace in Darfur still need to agree on power-sharing issues: SRF official (3/4/2020) The Sudanese government and the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) extended negotiations in Darfur involving the SRF's participation in the government.
Op-ed: Sudan agrees to send Al Bashir to the ICC – what now for the law? (2/13/2020) Sudan has agreed to turn over former President Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court. The government's decision makes the question of his immunity by his position moot.
Sudan petrol stations open 24/7 'until end of fuel crisis' (2/17/2020) The Sudanese Interior Ministry is requiring all Sudanese petrol stations to stay open until the end of the fuel crisis.
Transitional parliament to be formed immediately after signing peace: Sudan’s FFC (3/22/2020) The Sudanese government and opposition reached a deal to convene a transitional assembly. There is no mention of the implications of coronavirus in this article.
U.S. religious freedom body urges Sudan to abolish laws against apostasy (3/3/2020) The United States has removed Sudan from its list of "Countries of Particular Concern (CPC)" for the issue of religious freedom.
Sub Saharan African Countries
Botswana
Botswana Female Boxer Punches Her Way To The Global Stage (3/16/2020) Twenty-two-year-old Botswanan boxer Sadie Kenosi won a spot to represent her country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the first female boxer from Botswana to do so. The Olympics have been postponed until next year due to the coronavirus.
Botswana auctions elephant hunting licenses after lifting ban (2/6/2020) Botswana has issued its first licenses to hunt elephants after an increase in the population from 130,000 from 80,000 in the late 1990s. Conservationists condemned the move, claiming hunting is not an effective population control method.
Botswana registers first case of suspected Corona virus (2/1/2020)
Canadian Safari Club chapter shuts down elephant trophy hunt auction following protests (2/26/2020) The Safari Club chapter in Calgary, Alberta cancelled its elephant hunting auction after animal rights activists protested.
FULL TEXT: Botswana President Placed On 14 Day Self Quarantine After Yesterday's Trip To Namibia ⋆ Pindula News (3/22/2020) Botswana President Masisi is in quarantine following a trip to Namibia as a precautionary measure. His entourage are also in quarantine for the same reason.
DRC
DR Congo warlord Thomas Lubanga released from prison (3/23/2020) Thomas Lubanga Dylo was the first man to be convicted by the ICC, but he has now been released and is back home in the DRC.
DR Congo: Ex-health minister jailed over corruption (3/23/2020) Former DRC Health Minister Oly Ilunga was sentenced to eight years hard labor for embezzling around four hundred thousand dollars from the Ebola response fund.
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Ebola crisis situation report | 12 March 2020 - Democratic Republic of the Congo (3/1/2020) World Vision states that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is almost under control.
Statement on the meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee for Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2/12/2020) The United Nations held an emergency meeting to discuss progress in combating Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The Ebola response failed the people of Democratic Republic of Congo (3/24/2020) The author argues that the DRC faces a greater danger from Ebola than from coronavirus, and that the former should have a higher priority in terms of medical resources.
Eritrea
Amid Red Sea Rivalries, Eritrea Plays for Independence (3/16/2020) President Isaias of Eritrea promoted a regional bloc to ensure the sovereignty of the horn of Africa region to counteract the Gulf States' increasing influence there.
As it moves closer to Eritrea, Egypt eyes military base on Nora island (3/14/2020) Egypt and Eritrea are reportedly close to reaching an agreement under which Egypt would host a base on Nora Island. Eritrea is also closer to securing revenues from natural gas off the coast of the red sea.
EU foreign chief defends aid for Eritrea amid human rights concerns (3/16/2020) The European Union defended its decision to provide aid to Eritrea despite the country's poor human rights record. The decision to provide aid with limited conditionality has led to criticism from some members of the European Parliament.
Eritrea banned social gathering of more than ten people (3/23/2020) Eritrea has banned social gatherings that exceed ten people, in line with the anti-COVID efforts of most other countries.
Eritreans Hopeful After 'Historic' Canadian Ruling (3/27/2020) The Canadian Supreme Court ruled on 27 March that Eritreans affected by the Canadian mining company Nevsun Resources had the right to sue the company in Canada.
UN Decries Lack of Reforms and Widespread Abuse in Eritrea (3/1/2020) Eritrea has increased domestic repression since signing a peace agreement with Ethiopia, according to the United Nations.
United Arab Emirates helps Eritrea push back against desert locust upsurge - Eritrea (3/2/2020) The United Arab Emirates has provided aid to Eritrea which is facing an upsurge of attacks from the desert locust.
With COVID-19 Threat, Eritrea Should Release Political Detainees (3/31/2020) Eritrean diaspora advocates urged the government to release political detainees because of the dangers of COVID-19 in prison.
Ethiopia
Canada, Ethiopia starting talks towards investment agreement: Trudeau (2/8/2020) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada and Ethiopia were working on an investment protection agreement.
Ethiopia report puts most blame for crash on Boeing (3/9/2020) Ethiopian investigators are saying that Boeing was responsible for the crash last year that killed 157 people on board an airplane that had just departed Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia says US plans ‘substantial financial support’ (2/18/2020) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met during Pompeo's trip to Africa in February. He said that the United States would provide a substantial amount of money to Ethiopia.
Ethiopian army ‘ready to protect Renaissance Dam’ (3/16/2020) Ethiopia's Army Chief of Staff General Adam Mohamed said that Ethiopia is ready to defend a dam from any potential attacks by Egypt.
Millions of Ethiopians Can’t Get COVID-19 News (3/20/2020) The government of Ethiopia has imposed an internet lockdown across western Oromia. This is preventing its residents from gaining valuable information about the Coronavirus pandemic and taking steps to protect themselves.
Precious Ethiopian Crown Returned — After 21 Years Stashed In A Dutch Apartment (2/20/2020) An Ethiopian man found an important artifact from the monarchy era, an ornate imperial crown. He kept the crown in his apartment quietly for twenty-one years because he did not want to return it to a corrupt regime, or see it seized by authorities in the Netherlands and not returned to Ethiopia. So he waited until Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed power and then worked with a well-known lawyer and treasure hunter to ensure its return.
Ghana
35 killed in Ghana bus collision and fire (3/9/2020) On 9 March 2020 thirty-five people died when two buses collided on a road in Ghana.
Coronavirus in Ghana: Traders in Accra leave nothing to chance (3/16/2020) Ghana's traders in the marketplace in Accra are wearing facemasks and gloves as they sell their wares to market patrons.
Coronavirus: Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo breaks silence on call to evacuate Ghanaians from China (2/20/2020) Ghanian President Afuko-Addo said that all citizens should evacuate China immediately, although he did not want to score political points because of the situation.
How Russian election meddling is back before 2020 vote (3/12/2020) Russian-based trolls appear to have established a base in Ghana to make fake political posts in the United States.
Russian-backed trolls in Ghana tried to recruit Charleston activists, Clemson troll hunters and CNN find (3/12/2020) Many of the fake Russian accounts based in Ghana were spreading pro-Bernie Sanders messages, as well as messages that supported President Trump.
Kenya
Daniel Arap Moi, Kenya's Longtime Strongman, Dies At 95 (2/4/2020) Former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi has died at the age of ninety-five. His regime was marked for decades by authoritarianism before a decision at the end to retire and return to multiparty democracy. His chosen successor Jomo Kenyatta lost the election in 2003, but later came back to win and is currently serving as president.
East Africa: Row Between Kenya and Somalia Reaches New Low (3/12/2020)
Kenya police under fire over 'excessive force' as curfew begins (3/28/2020) Kenyan police have reportedly used excessive force to enforce a curfew in the country, according to human rights activists.
Kenya: Rotting From the Deep - The Tragedy That is Lake Victoria (2/17/2020) Lake Victoria is being harmed by a lack of proper pollution control on the Kisat River.
President Kenyatta takes pay cut, imposes curfew to halt coronavirus (3/26/2020) President Jomo Kenyatta said that he will be taking an eighty percent pay cut as a cost-saving measure in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mali
A Noted Musician’s Instrument Was Ruined. Not by Us, Says T.S.A. (2/6/2020) The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) denied it was responsible for the breaking of a musical instrument that belonged to a noted Malian musician. The agency said it did not open the case because the instrument had passed screening. Nonetheless, TSA officials said that people should inform an agent if a bag needs special handling during inspection.
Mali opposition leader Soumaila Cisse being held hostage: Party (3/24/2020) The supporters of opposition leader Soumaila Cisse claimed that he was held hostage after UN peacekeepers joined the search with a helicopter.
Mali opposition leader kidnapped (3/27/2020) Malian opposition figure Soumaila Cisse has been reportedly kidnapped.
Mali: Abducted Couple Found Alive in Mali After 15 Months in Captivity (3/14/2020) A Canadian-Italian couple were kidnapped in December 2018 in Burkina Faso, but they will be handed over to Malian authorities in the presence of representatives from the Canadian and Italian embassies.
Mali: Army, UN Fail to Stop Massacre (3/18/2020) Human Rights Watch said that an ethnic militia killed thirty-five people in Mali over the weekend, but as far as they could tell, there was no effort by authorities to question those who were responsible.
Mali: U.S. Customs Officials Destroy Mali Musician's Custom-Made Kora (2/6/2020) Malian musician Ballake Sissoko said that US Customs and Border Protection officials destroyed his valuable kora. A kora is a musical instrument, which Ballake said was destroyed in a stopover in New York.
Malian opposition leader kidnapped ahead of general elections (3/26/2020) Soumaila Cisse of the Union for the Republic and Democracy Party (URD) in Mali has disappeared. He was reportedly travelling with a group of other people when he was kidnapped by gunmen.
Report: Violence in Mali Could Spread if Land Conflict Not Resolved (3/23/2020) Daniel Eizenga from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies argues that extremist groups in Northern Mali have taken advantage of land disputes to increase their support.
Mozambique
Cyclone Idai’s gone, but Mozambique’s problems demand action — now - Mozambique (3/17/2020) Although it has been more than a year since Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, many areas have yet to fully return to normal.
Exclusive: U.S. prosecutors believe Credit Suisse is culpable in Mozambique scandal - sources (3/16/2020) American prosecutors believe that Credit Suisse was complicit in a fraud by officials from Mozambique, who borrowed money under the pretext of boosting coastal defenses and shipping.
Fear spreads in Mozambique's gas-rich province as attacks rise (2/20/2020) Mozambique's northern region is facing threats from jihadist groups claiming affiliation with the Islamic State.
In Mozambique, protecting nature helps people survive (3/11/2020) Former US Senator Russell Feingold writes that wildlife protection in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park has been a significant source of employment for residents of the surrounding area.
More than 60 people found dead in cargo container in Mozambique (3/25/2020) Mozambiquan police are attempting to find the owner and intermediaries for the truck in which over sixty migrants from Ethiopia were found dead.
Sixty-four Ethiopians found dead in truck in Mozambique (3/24/2020) Police in Mozambique made a grisly discovery. They found sixty-four dead Ethiopians in a truck apparently headed for South Africa. Mozambique is frequently used by smugglers and migrants seeking to enter South Africa.
Nigeria
Africa’s largest city is trying to shut down to beat coronavirus—that’s easier said than done (3/16/2020) Lagos region in Nigeria is trying to enforce a lockdown, which is running into opposition from local religious authorities. This includes Muslims living in the city of twenty-one million attending prayer services on Friday.
Nigeria gas explosion: 17 dead, rescue efforts under way (3/16/2020) A gas pipeline exploded in the capital of Lagos, after a truck collided with gas bottles stacked up.
Nigerians shocked after Trump extends travel ban (2/1/2020)
Trump’s expanded travel ban will hit Nigerians the hardest (2/1/2020)
South Africa
Coronavirus: SA records deaths, Kinshasa lockdown, cases up in East Africa (3/27/2020) South Africa reported a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Does legal citizenship actually make one a South African? (3/17/2020) In South Africa, acquiring citizenship does not shield individuals from anti-foreigner attacks on Africans who are from outside of South Africa.
Gauteng is South Africa's cheater's paradise (2/23/2020) According to international infidelity dating site Ashley Madison, the Gauteng region of South Africa is the largest market for the service. The company had previously come under fire for creating fake user profiles. However, it is not surprising that one of the wealthiest regions would also have the highest rate of infidelity.
South Africa military arrest lockdown breakers (3/27/2020) The South African Police have arrested people who have been defying a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In South Africa the government banned dog walking and alcohol sales as well as personal exercise, all of which have been permitted by most other countries.
South Africa's virus cases jump; Mali, Guinea-Bissau get 1st (3/25/2020) South Africa has reported 709 cases according to the Minister of Health. As of 25 March, there were cases of COVID-19 in forty-six out of fifty-four countries.
South Africans are divided over the return of 114 students from China’s coronavirus epicenter (3/14/2020) There are 114 South African students who were placed under a fourteen-day lockdown upon arrival from the Wuhan region of China. These travellers were the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa. The government is protecting their identities to ensure they are not targeted for reprisals.
South Sudan
Coronavirus-infected UN staff member was in self-quarantine (3/22/2020) On 20 March 2020, a member of the UN Staff in Khartoum was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Hussein Abdelbagi appointed 4th South Sudan’s Vice-President (2/24/2020) South Sudan has appointed Hussein Abdelbagi as the fourth vice president. Rebel leader Riek Machar was also appointed as a vice president.
Riek Machar is appointed South Sudan's vice-president for third time (2/22/2020) South Sudanese President Salva Kiir appointed rebel leader Reik Machar vice president. It is the third time that Machar has held this position. It is a potential step towards ending the conflict in South Sudan.
South Sudan continued harmful oil pre-sale practice: UN panel (2/27/2020) International financial institutions have urged South Sudan to cease obtaining loans based upon the proceeds of future oil sales. South Sudan has nonetheless continued this practice.
South Sudan's president agrees to have 10 states (2/15/2020) South Sudanese President Salva Kiir agreed to reduce the number of states in the country to ten. This represents a concession to the opposition, after Kiir repeatedly increased the number of states.
South Sudan: Revert strictly to 10 states (2/16/2020) James Galdet Dak Lampaur criticizes what he argues was a unilateral decision by the Presidency of South Sudan to reduce the number of states in the country to ten.
Sudan stripes citizenship and passports of 13,000 naturalized foreigners (3/3/2020) During the previous regime, Sudan granted passports to leaders of extremist religious sects. The new government is reviewing and revoking these passports, some of which confer diplomatic immunity.
What does it means to fight COVID-19 in South Sudan? (3/29/2020) The author is a Sudanese Human Rights Activist living in Cairo, and he writes the government must take more measures in South Sudan to help travellers showing symptoms quarantine themselves. The facilities for them to do so voluntarily are not available.
Tanzania
COVID-19 claims 1st Tanzanian, appears in Botswana (3/31/2020) COVID-19 has caused its first fatality in Tanzania, and its first reported case in Botswana.
Crush during rush for 'blessed oil' at Tanzania church service leaves 20 dead (2/2/2020) A church service in Northern Tanzania went bad after thousands of worshippers rushed to be anointed, causing a stampede.
Tanzania 'anti-gay' force official Paul Makonda banned from US (2/1/2020)
Tanzania confirms first coronavirus case (3/16/2020) Tanzania is reporting its first case of the COVID-19, as a woman who was out of the country from 3 to 15 March in Belgium, Sweden, and Germany tested positive upon her return.
The East African (2/1/2020)
Zimbabwe
God is punishing US with coronavirus (3/17/2020) Zimbabwe Defense Minister Oppah Muchingiri told people at a rally that the COVID-19 pandemic is divine retribution for American foreign policy towards Zimbabwe. The pandemic of course originated in China.
Prominent 30-year-old Zimbabwe broadcaster dies of coronavirus (3/23/2020) Coronavirus has killed a thirty-year old television journalist in Zimbabwe named Zororo Makamba, the first person in the country to record a positive test result.
South Africa to build 40km fence along Zimbabwe border (3/20/2020) South Africa has built a forty-kilometer fence along its border with Zimbabwe. This demonstrates that ending apartheid is not inconsistent with exclusionary nationalism, although this has yet to dissuade those of a similar ideological or xenophobic bent from supporting apartheid where it continues to exist elsewhere. Perhaps this will change.
Zimbabwe doctors and nurses down tools over lack of protective coronavirus gear (3/25/2020) Zimbabwean doctors are striking in protest at a lack of personal protection equipment (PPEs) during the coronavirus pandemic.
Zimbabwe unfazed by South Africa plan to erect border fence (3/21/2020) Zimbabwe did not object to South Africa constructing a fence along the border between the two countries. They said that it was possible there was a lack of testing for coronavirus at relevant border checkpoints.
Zimbabwe: Army Generals Running Mining, Fuel Cartels - Report (2/17/2020) Even after the ouster of the late President Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwean military exerts a dominant role in the country's economy. This according to a new report from the RAND Corporation.
Zimbabwe: Government Pays Off Eskom Debt (3/30/2020) The Zimbabwean government has moved to bail out the state-owned power utility ZESA, which has a significant debt to Eskom, its state-owned counterpart in South Africa.
Thematic Section
Arts and Culture
COVID-19: South Africa announces relief fund for athletes, art practitioners (3/30/2020) South Africa's DSAC (Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture) announced that a new fund will be established to help artists and athletes affected by COVID-19.
Cape Town Art Fair creates platform for emerging artists (2/17/2020) The Cape Town Art Fair is providing a platform for artists from around the world to connect with their counterparts. It is the largest fair of its kind in Africa.
How a new museum in Lagos with art fit for a prince hopes to inspire and educate (3/7/2020) A Nigerian prince has funded a museum with the aim of creating a home for African art that is eventually returned by European countries.
Mali: Footballer Storms Out of the Pitch After Being Subjected to Racists Chants (2/17/2020) Malian football player Moussa Marega was subjected to racist rants from fans while playing against Vitoria for FC Porto. He left the pitch during the match in protest.
Mauritania: 5th Arab Poetry Festival opens in Nouakchott (2/12/2020) The fifth annual Arab Poetry Festival opened in Nouakchott with support from the Emirate of Sharjah.
Books on Africa(n) Countries
Book Review: Finding common ground on land reform after... (3/30/2020) Agricultural scholar Wandile Siboho writes about the frequently halting process of land reform in South Africa, and the missed opportunities therein.
Introduction (2/1/2020)
New Book Prescribes Solutions To Africa’s Problems – Review (2/24/2020) Economist Derek Murusuni has launched a new book questioning why Africa has the smallest economy of any major continent despite being the wealthiest in resources.
Valerie Hansen: The Year 1000 review - the first globe-trotting age (3/31/2020) This book describes the year 1000, and includes extensive information about sub-Saharan Africa during that time.
China, the US, Russia and Other Countries "In" Africa
Coronavirus: Nigeria's testing up by 32% after Jack Ma's donation (3/27/2020) Jack Ma donated a significant amount of funds to pay for testing in Nigeria, and since his donation, the amount of testing has increased significantly.
German president pledges support to Sudan (2/27/2020) German President Frank Walter Steinmeier—a former vice chancellor to Angela Merkel—pledged his country's support for democratic transition in Sudan.
Nigeria: U.S. Begins Evacuation of Citizens From Nigeria Over COVID-19 Pandemic (3/30/2020) The United States Embassy in Lagos has announced that American citizens are to be evacuated from Nigeria. The US government has arranged multiple flights to help its citizens evacuate.
Somalia sends 20 doctors to help Italy contain Covid-19 (3/31/2020) Somalia has sent twenty doctors to Italy to help combat the coronavirus pandemic in that country.
Turkish Airlines suspends flights to Somalia due to coronavirus (3/17/2020) Turkish Airlines is suspending flights between Istanbul and Somalia after the numerous cases of coronavirus in Turkey, along with Somalia's first case.
U.S. Congress links Sudan’s debt relief to fiscal transparency of security services (3/8/2020) The United States has decided to tie security assistance to Sudan to increased transparency by security forces allegedly wracked by corruption.
UK’s agency warns on wave of dirty money from South Sudan (3/7/2020) The United Kingdom's National Crime Agency provided a warning to financial institutions and businesses about the potential for money laundering from South Sudanese actors.
Updates - African Countries With Confirmed COVID-19 Cases (3/6/2020) In Africa, there are many rumors spreading about COVID-19. This article attempts to refute the claim that handwashing is not an effective measure to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Reports, Studies, Research on Africa(n) Countries
Coronavirus in 52 African countries, 13,600+ cases, 742 deaths, 2,358 recoveries (3/31/2020) At the beginning of April 2020 (the end of the period covered by this roundup) there were a total of thirteen thousand confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Africa, according to statistics from Johns Hopkins University.
Coronavirus: African cases pass 1,400; Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Gambia record deaths (3/23/2020) Zimbabwe reported its first case of coronavirus in March. The man was originally from Bangladesh and was preaching in the country.
The United States Must Not Pick Sides in the Nile River Dispute (3/14/2020) The author argues that the United States must not favor any single party in the dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea over the use of the Nile.