[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
African Development Fund approves $9.52 million to enhance coordinated COVID-19 response in East and Horn of Africa and the Comoros (6/30/2020) The African Development Fund Board of Directors has announced aid to several countries in Africa to combat COVID19, Comoros in particular.
Comoros confirms 1st coronavirus case (5/1/2020) Not specified
Comoros ex-president to appeal after 2 years' house arrest (5/10/2020) Former Comoran President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi is accusing the current President of arbitrary detention in an appeal of his case to the country's highest court. He (or more properly his lawyer Mohamoudou Ahamada) argues that President Assoumani has held him for political rather than criminal reasons, violating the country's code of criminal procedures.
Comoros ex-president to appeal after house arrest (5/11/2020) A former Comoran President is appealing the conditions under which he is being held, claiming they are politically motivated based on his opposition to current President Azali Assoumani.
India Sends INS Kesari With Medical teams, Supplies To Mauritius, Comoros To Fight COVID (5/10/2020) The Indian Navy is dispatching ships carrying medical supplies to Comoros as part of an effort to help island nations in the Indian Ocean address the impact of the COVID19 pandemic.
Djibouti
'People need to make a living': Djibouti eases COVID-19 lockdown (5/10/2020) exit
China builds large naval base in Djibouti (5/18/2020) China has begun constructing an expansion to its current military base in Djibouti, with a resemblance to the great wall of China.
China’s Djibouti naval base increasing its power (5/16/2020) China is gradually expanding the scope of its operations in Djibouti. China may be seeking to establish a second overseas base but there is a learning curve from Djibouti.
Djibouti sets up sovereign wealth fund (6/25/2020) Dibouti has announced it will set up a sovereign wealth fund similar to those of richer nations such as the GCC states. Sovereign wealth funds typically make investments on behalf of their governemnts, and have become increasingly important institutional investors in recent years.
Navy cargo planes move mail in response to COVID-19 (5/6/2020) The US military has started using Camp Lemonnier for a more mundane use than the secret missions for which it is usually known - the delivery of mail.
Somalia-Djibouti: porous borders become new threat (5/7/2020) The episodes of COVID19 in Djibouti have increased to around 1,120 creating worries for neighboring countries.
Mauritania
Doubts greet Mauritania claim of total control over coronavirus spread (5/3/2020) Mauritania's rights groups alledge that the government has violated people's rights during lockdown measures undertaken in response to the COVID19 pandemic.
Gunmen ambush Mali army convoy, soldiers killed: residents (6/15/2020) Tuareg militants have ambushed a convoy of Malian soldiers in Central Mali. The Malian army confirms that the attack took place. Several soldiers were killed, and two UN peacekeepers were killed on the same day.
Keeping Terrorism at Bay in Mauritania – Africa Center for Strategic Studies (6/16/2020) Mauritania has had significant successes in reducing the levels of terrorism in its country through dialogue with extremists in the country. Furthermore, the country has had significant reforms to its military that increase its combat capabilities.
Mauritania's former desert jewel, forgotten and fading (6/4/2020) UNESCO world heritage site Tichitt has few visitors due to its inaccessability. One resident says that there are some months when there are no visitors at all.
Morocco to help Mauritania counter Covid-19 (6/12/2020) Morocco has pledged aid to its neighbor Mauritania in addressing the COVID19 crisis.
Perma-Blooms off Mauritania (5/5/2020) Diatoms are microscopia algae. Satellite photos show a significant bloom of Diatoms off the coast of Mauritania in March and October.
Somalia
Somali, Somaliland Leaders Resume Talks in Djibouti (6/15/2020) Somaliland and Somalia are holding talks in Djibouti on their relationship. Some observers argue that Somalia is not able to be a coherent state without Somaliland, but neither can the latter be a viable state without Somalia. There is thus an initiative to attempt to resolve their differences. The two governments in any case are preparing to celebrate their shared independence from Italy and England. Uniquely among former colonies, Somalia is actually the union of two former colonies by two colonial powers.
Somalia-Somaliland talks end without deal as Djibouti continues mediation (6/17/2020) Djibouti has said that Somalia and Somaliland were unable to agree to the terms of a joint declaration. Both sides agree that they will not have aid projects by affected by their relationship. But Somaliland argued against the phrasing in a passage involving the movement of people freely between Somaliland and the rest of Somalia.
Somalia: Rep. Omar Leads Letter Calling for Increased Transparency and Accountability for Civilian Casualties from AFRICOM (5/6/2020) Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is praising AFRICOM for releasing its first report on civlian casualties in American military operations in Africa. Rep. Omar said she believes that this disclosure is important for greater transparency, reduction of civilian casualties and the reduction of misinformation supplied by adversaries.
Sudan
ICG briefing: ‘Financing the Revival of Sudan’s Troubled Transition’ (6/24/2020) More than 80 percent of the population in Sudan is currently receiving direct cash payments from the government due to a stimulus of $1.8 billion that was pledged by the 40 donor countries.
In letter to UN: Sudan says ‘deeply concerned’ of Ethiopia’s unilateral filling of GERD (5/25/2020) Sudanese foreign ministry officials have written a letter to the United Nations about the GERD dam. The diplomats call Ethiopia's unilateral decision to start filling the GERD reservoir provocative.
Investigation: Satellite images show visible destruction in Darfur linked to RSF attacks (6/26/2020) In North Darfur, there are returning residents who still face attacks by militant groups who have devastated significant regions of the state since 2017.
SRF accepts appointment of Sudan’s state governors under certain conditions (5/5/2020) The Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) called for appointment of governors from diverse backgrounds, including women and from opponents of the former regime.
Sovereign Council member denies being behind row over Sudan’s health minister (5/13/2020) The Sovereign Council of Sudan issued a statement claiming that the Health Minister had been dismissed, a claim that the information minister and spokesman disputed. The spokesman said that while the Council had discussed the minister's performance this did not necessary mean they were recommending dismissal.
Sudan security sit-ins stay steadfast (6/24/2020) A sit in continued in Darfur as residents call for the dismissal of former officials who worked for the administration of President Omar al-Bashir.
Sudan: Relatives of December Revolution victims demand justice (6/28/2020) Sudan opposition activists plan protests on June 30th regarding the human rights abuses committed against activists in the revolution last year.
Sudanese parties to initial peace agreement on 20 June: mediation (5/18/2020) The Sudanese transitional government and the opposition Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) plan to formally sign the peace agreement on 20 June. The parties plan to have the talks start by 18 May after a break, and conclude no later than 20 June.
There are several pending issues to address before peace: Darfur groups (6/21/2020) Armed militant groups in Darfur argue that there are many issues that remain to be addressed before they are able to participate in government in Sudan. This includes four seats on the current Sovereign Council, and nine ministries in the cabinet. They also want 140 seats in the new transitional parliament.
Sub Saharan African Countries
Botswana
Botswana capital on lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge (6/13/2020) Botswana has imposed a lockdown over its capital city of Gaborone after there were twelve new cases reported in a single day.
Chad
Chad suffering shortage of ventilators amid COVID-19 (5/29/2020) Chad is reporting significant shortages of ventilators amidst the COVID19 pandemic.
France, G5 Sahel Nations Urge Chad to Continue Counterterrorism Support (5/4/2020) France has urged Chad to dispatch additional forces to an area with a high level of extremist activity.
UN chief urges continued international support for Mali amid growing terrorist threat (6/10/2020) The UN Secretary General urged support for Mali in its efforts to combat Islamic extremist militant groups in the country.
WFP Chad Country Brief, June 2020 - Chad (6/30/2020) The European Union and the World Food Program (WFP) have been able to provide assistance to refugees in Chad who have fled from violence in Nigeria.
West and Central Africa: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (16 – 22 June 2020) - Chad (6/2/2020) Chad has deployed forces to Libya to prevent the spread of COVID19 across the border. Clashes there have led to numerous deaths.
DRC
DRC: Ebola epidemic declared over in disease-ravaged east (5/30/2020) The DRC has annouced an official end to its Ebola pandemic in the midst of the worldwide COVID19 pandemic.
Ebola resurfaces in Équateur Province, north-western Democratic Republic of the Congo (6/1/2020) Shortly after the government announced the Ebola pandemic was over, there were several cases in the Equateur Province.
In Pictures: From 1960 to 2020, DRC's post-independence history (6/30/2020) A picture series depicting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since the country first gained independence.
Thousands Forced to Flee Violent Interethnic Attacks in Eastern DRC (5/9/2020) The Ituri Province of the DRC has been home to 200,000 people displaced recently by fighting between the Hema and Lendu groups in that region.
Who is behind the fake news campaign around Covid-19 in DR Congo? (5/9/2020) There is an extensive fake news campaign underway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo about the COVID19 virus.
Eritrea
Catholic Church suffering violence in Ethiopia, Eritrea (5/29/2020) In Ethiopia and Eritrea, catholic churches and have been attacked by supporters of the government, particularly in Eritrea.
Covid-19: Eritrea flattens curve in less than two months (5/18/2020) Eritrea has allegedly been able to reduce its rate of COVID19 infection greatly in less than two months.
Eritrea says all COVID-19 patients have recovered (5/16/2020) Eritrea's Ministry of Health has put out a statement saying that the patients with COVID19 diagnosed in the country have recovered.
Eritrean migrants in Libya claim EU-backed voluntary returns programme isn't so voluntary (6/20/2020) Eritrean migrants in Libya are claiming that the European Union (EU) is sending them back home in a so-called "Voluntary" program.
UNICEF applies innovative strategies for COVID-19 response in Eritrea - Eritrea (5/9/2020) UNICEF Eritrea discussed the steps it has taken to assist Eritreans since the start of the COVID19 pandemic.
Ethiopia
Abiy Ahmed must draw lessons from the failed Ethio-Eritrean federation (6/25/2020) Aiby Ahmed, Ethiopia's Prime Minister, has to learn lessons from the failed federation between Ethiopia and Eritrea during the monarchy period, according to one commentator.
An Egyptian cyber attack on Ethiopia by hackers is the latest strike over the Grand Dam (6/27/2020) Egypt allegedly launched a cyberattack on Ethiopia due to a dispute over the construction of the Grand Renaissance dam.
Egypt calls for international solution to dispute over Ethiopian dam filling (6/21/2020) Egypt has called for Ethiopia to agree to mediation to stop them from filling the GERD dam without their consent.
Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt meet to discuss Nile dam project (6/10/2020) Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt have held a meeting to discuss Ethiopia's ongoing Nile dam project.
Ethiopia: Popular musician’s killing must be fully investigated (6/30/2020) Amnesty International is urging an impartial investigation into the murder of a popular musician.
No coronavirus case in Ethiopia over past 24 hours (5/2/2020) The Ethiopian Health Ministry has said there have been no new cases of COVID-19 in their country in the past twenty-four hours. They also said the number of recoveries is greater than the number of active cases of the disease.
Ghana
A worker infected 533 others with coronavirus at a factory in Ghana, president says (5/11/2020) The President of Ghana claimed that a single worker at a factory in Tema caused 533 infections of other nearby people. This was concluded by authorities from tests taken at the factory.
Akufo-Addo's claim that Ghana leads Covid-19 testing in Africa is false (5/16/2020) Ghanian officials' claim that Kenya has the lowest rate of infection from COVID19 in Sub-Saharan Africa are false. Nigeria and Botswana have lower rates of infection.
Ghana reports 24% spike in virus cases (5/1/2020) Not specified
Ghana ruling party nominates President Akufo-Addo for re-election (6/28/2020) The Ghanian NPP (New Patriotic Party) has renominated incumbent President Nana Akufo-Adda as its Presidential candidate. He will face Former President John Mahama for the third time. The first time in 2012, Mahama won with 50.7 percent of the vote, with Akufo-Addo winning the next two elections by narrow margins.
Ghana’s Health Minister Is Being Treated for COVID-19 (6/15/2020) Ghanian Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu is undergoing treatment for COVID19. The President says that he contracted the disease "in the line of duty" although some citizens are skeptical about reopening too early.
Nigeria condemns attack on diplomatic premises in Ghana (6/21/2020) Nigeria has issued a statement strongly condemning the attack on its embassy in Accra. Apparently a group of unknown individuals broke through the gates with a bulldozer and demolished a building. The scale of the attack on the diplomatic premises has led observers to speculate that there is tension between the two countries.
Kenya
COVID-19: Kenya extends curfew, closure of schools (6/6/2020) Kenya has extended its curfew in a speech by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The nation will keep its schools closed until at least September.
Desert Locust situation update - 21 May 2020 - Kenya (5/21/2020) Kenya has reported a significant increase in desert locust infestation.
Kenya, Somalia and Rwanda hit by deadly flooding (5/7/2020) In Kenya there have been several people killed by flooding from the region's rivers.
Kenya’s coronavirus response has turned into a crisis of policing - The Washington Post (5/7/2020) Coronavirus in Kenya has been perceived by the government as a public order problem rather than a public health problem. The police seem to have focused on detaining people when that is the opposite of the proper strategy for dealing with pandemic scofflaws.
President Kenyatta kicks out Somali majority leader Aden Duale (6/22/2020) Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta has asserted greater control over his party, kicing out the party's majority leader in the National Assembly.
Mali
French forces kill al-Qaida's north Africa chief in Mali (6/5/2020) French forces killed Abdelmalek Droukdel in northern Mali, in an operation that also resulted in the deaths of serveral of his collaborators.
Mali ambush: Gunmen kill 24 in attack on convoy (6/15/2020) Two dozen soldiers in the Malian army were killed in an attack near the Mauritanian border carried out by suspected Islamist militants.
Tens of Thousands Protest in Mali Amid Growing Opposition to Keita Presidency (6/19/2020) Protestors seeking the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita were confronted with tear gas by police. Keita has been in power since 2013, and faces corruption allegations and questions over the government's ability to effectively suppress extremist militants in the country's north.
Thousands of protesters call for resignation of Mali president (6/19/2020) Huge crowds in Mali's capital of Bamako are calling for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The country's formal opposition has also sent calls insisting on the president's resignation.
UN chief appeals for restraint following protests in Mali (6/10/2020) The Secretary-General of the United Nations has called for calm in Mali after protests occurred in the country's capital.
UN peacekeepers killed in improvised explosive attack in Mali (5/10/2020) The UN Security Council condemned the attack against the convoy in Northern Mali and the deaths of the peacekeepers in the attack.
Mozambique
Insurgents Create 'No-Man's-Land' in Northern Mozambique (5/29/2020) Militants claiming affiliation to IS have been largely successful in preventing outsiders from accessing the Cabo Delgao region out of fears for their safety.
Loon signs deal to expand commercial internet service to Mozambique – TechCrunch (5/13/2020) Alphabet Inc, the holding company parent of Google has announced plans to expand its "Loon" internet service in Mozambique under the offices of Vodacom, a local carrier. Loon provides service by sending balloons to extremely high altitudes.
Manuel Vieira Pinto: The death of Mozambique’s Prophetic Bishop (5/18/2020) The Vatican reported the death of Archbishop Emeritus of Nampula Manuel Vieira Pintoon the 30th of April.
Mozambique: Is Cabo Delgado the latest Islamic State outpost? (5/5/2020) Militants in the northern Mozambiquan region of Cabo Delgado are claiming allegiance to the Islamic State. Poverty levels in the region are high, making it potentially fertile ground for extremist recruitment according to observers who believe that "greed" is a primary motivator for individuals to join militant groups.
Total lands $15 billion financing commitment for Mozambique LNG project (5/20/2020) Total SA has been awarded $15 billion in financing from several international entities public and private for a new LNG project in Mozambique.
Urgent Opportunity to Assist Mozambique Civilians at Risk (5/19/2020) Human Rights Watch (HRW) is calling on the Southern African Development Community to pay highest priority to civilian protection. HRW also criticized Zimbabwe for allegedly depoloying soldiers to Cabo Delgado to combat the insurgency without proper safeguards in place.
Why South Africa has a keen interest in extremist violence in northern Mozambique (6/22/2020) Mozambique and South Africa have a historically close economic relationship. South African chemical and synthetic oil powerhouse Sasol has invested a significant amount of money in gas development in Mozambique since 2014.
Nigeria
Coronavirus lockdown: Nigerians cautious as restrictions eased in Lagos and Abuja (5/4/2020) Nigeria is easing restrictions on movements due to the pandemic, but officials remain cautious about further measures.
Dozens killed in attack in northern Nigeria (5/4/2020) Suspected jihadists affiliated with Boko Haram have killed 59 people - and maybe more - in an attack believed to have been carried out as a reprisal. The militants destroyed the village where these people lived.
Nigeria reports record infections hours after lockdown was eased (5/6/2020) Hours after Nigeria decided to reopen its economy, the country reported significant levels of COVID19 infection. With a 14 day incubation period this may indicate that lockdowns were less than successful there for whatever reason.
Nigeria reports record infections hours after lockdown was eased (5/5/2020) Nigeria reports that its total number of infections has increased after lifting a lockdown, although residents were still reporteldly wearing face masks.
Nigeria: Exclusive - Buhari's 2020 Budget Cuts Affect National Assembly, Federal Jobs, Capital Expenditure (5/7/2020) Due to corruption allegations, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has elected to cancel the budget lawmakers normally use for constituency projects.
Nigeria: Workers return to work as virus lockdown eased (5/4/2020) Nigerian workers are going back to work after an easing of the lockdown in early May. Officials at the time believed this to be necessary for the economy to provide for everyone.
Rwanda
No imminent threat for Rwanda as new massive swarm of locusts invade region (5/8/2020) The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said that although there is a significant threat from locust infestation, it does not appear to be at risk of affecting Rwanda.
Prosecutor seeks transfer of Rwanda's Kabuga to UN custody (5/20/2020) French Prosecutors are urging that Felicien Kabuga be turned over to the United Nations for Trial at the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals at The Hague. Kabuga's lawyer is requesting that his client's trial be held in France.
Rwanda's Most-Wanted Fugitive, Félicien Kabuga, Arrested For War Crimes (5/16/2020) In an occasion sure to stir up memories of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the alleged financier of that genocide Felicien Kabuga has been arrested. He has been under indictment since 1997. During his time as a fugitive, numerous journalists reported harassment or threats if they got too close to finding out about his whereabouts. French police had to raid several locations simultaneously to ensure that he would not escape.
Rwanda: Major Step Toward Justice for Genocide (5/18/2020) Human Rights Watch (HRW) called the arrest of Felicien Kabuga for financing the genocide in 1994 a major victory for victims of human rights violations. Remember the radio broadcasts from Radio Mille Collienes in the movie "Hotel Rwanda"? These were financed by Mr. Kabuga.
Rwandan genocide suspect captured in Paris suburb after decades on the run (5/16/2020) The suspected mastermind of the Rwandan genocide in the early 1990s was captured in Paris after simultaneous police raids targeting several locations in which he was suspected of hiding. Several witnesses during his long tenure on the run were either murdered or died under mysterious circumstances.
South Africa
'People need to eat': South Africa eases coronavirus lockdown (5/1/2020) Not specified
Amid COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa, Zuma One Step Closer to Justice (5/1/2020) Not specified
South Africa: Calls for Bolder Action As Lockdown Exposes Fault Lines of Inequality (5/6/2020) In South Africa, who you are greatly affects how you are affected by the lockdown. Wealthy white and colored individuals are able to escape the consequences, while Black individuals are often in a worse financial position.
South Africa’s dangerous silence on terror in norther... (5/7/2020) South Africa has so far declined to respond to Mozambique's request for support against militant groups in the Cabo Delgado region.
Trials for COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate Begin in South Africa (6/25/2020) South Africa is hosting a significant clinical trial for a COVID19 vaccine candidate along the the United Kingdom and Brazil. South Africa's testing program is far more robust than other countries in Africa.
Truck driver caught with R30 million drug cargo at Mozambique border (5/25/2020) South African authorities are continuing efforts during the pandemic to combat drug smuggling, which often coexists with smuggling of illegal untaxed alcohol.
South Sudan
Hundreds killed in South Sudan tribal clashes: ICRC (5/21/2020) South Sudanese tribal clashes in Jonglei state have caused the deaths of hundreds of people according to the ICRC.
Rumours about Egyptian military base in South Sudan (5/22/2020) Unconfirmed reports persist about Egypt operating a military base within the borders of South Sudan.
UN Security Council Should Renew South Sudan Arms Embargo (5/8/2020) The author calls for the United Nations (UN) to protect South Sudanese civilians by implementing an arms embargo.
Virus outbreak could spin ‘out of control’ in South Sudan (6/22/2020) The author warns that without adequate steps South Sudan risks becoming a ground zero for COVID19.
Tanzania
Coronavirus: John Magufuli declares Tanzania free of Covid-19 (6/8/2020) Tanzanian President John Magufuli announced that Tanzania was now ahead of the curve in dealing with COVID19. He went so far as to praise those who attended religious services without masks.
Night burials amid Tanzania's coronavirus defiance (5/4/2020) Someone in Tanzania is spreading rumors that the disinfection of public places is contributing to the spread of the Coronavirus, comparing himself to the leaders of the Maji Maji rebellion in the early twentieth century according to some observers.
Tanzania first African country to resume football league in pandemic (6/14/2020) Tanzania's football matches have resumed, a situation unique among African countries. Elderly people have been banned from sitting in the stands due to the risk of infection.
Tanzania president questions coronavirus kits after animal test (5/3/2020) Tanzanian President John Magufuli has criticized coronavirus testing kits for detecting positive results in animals. He suggested this was a result of faulty testing kits, and not the susceptability of animals to the disease.
Tanzanite: Tanzanian miner becomes overnight millionaire (6/24/2020) A Tanzanian miner purchased a license to mine for Tanzanite, and became an instant millionaire upon its discovery in his claim.
Zambia
Caritas Zambia stands with Bishops in calling for withdrawal of Bill No.10 (6/28/2020) The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) and Caritas are calling for the government to withdraw proposed amendments to the country's constitution.
Hungry Congolese breach Zambian lockdown at border (5/3/2020) Zambia has faced incursions from famine in neighboring DRC, as Congolese people attempt to cross the border looking for food.
ZIIMA laments brutal suffocation of media freedom and ‘killing’ of independent media institutions by PF govt (5/3/2020) The Zambia Institute of Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA) has come out against the detention of journalists in the country by the PF government.
Zambia soccer HQ raided by drug enforcement officers (6/12/2020) The Zambian soccer federation's offices were raided by drug enforcement agents looking for evidence of performance enhancing drugs. Agents have reportedly seized a laptop. The football federation claims that its operations have been partially paralyzed by the operation.
Zambian jailed gay couple pardoned in presidential amnesty (5/6/2020) Zambia's President has pardoned two men in a gay couple who were arrested in 2019 for having homosexual sex. They were caught by a peeping Tom worker who looked through the window of their hotel room.
Zimbabwe
Zim stares at another war in Mozambique (5/8/2020) Mozambique has hired private security firms to provide protection to officials in the midst of an IS-affiliated insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region.
Zimbabwe's troops not fighting in Mozambique [Morning Call] (5/5/2020) Zimbabwean officials steadfastly denied fighting in Mozambique against the Islamic State affiliated militants in the Cabo Delgado region.
Zimbabwe, accused of orchestrating George Floyd protests, summons US envoy (6/1/2020) The Zimbabwean government condemned remarks by an American official that it was somehow behind the protests that occurred after the death of George Floyd. The Zimbabwean government said it did not consider itself an adversary of the United States and does not intervene in American affairs, and a senior official denied the allegations on the record.
Zimbabwe: Authorities must account for the disappearance of three opposition leaders (5/17/2020) Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Zimbabwean authorities have to disclose what has happened to several female opposition activists from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). They have been detained by security forces while protesting government failures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Thematic Section
Arts and Culture
African artifacts, sacred Nigerian statues auctioned in Paris (6/30/2020) Christie's auction house was criticized by Nigeria's antiquities commission for holding an auction in Paris of statues that the commission argues were stolen.
Ghana and Marseille legend Abedi Pele breaks down during nostalgic television broadcast (5/31/2020) Abdei Pele cried as he discussed his experience as a professional soccer player in a televised interview.
Mory Kante, Guinea music star and 'baobab of culture', dies at 70 (5/22/2020) Guinea has lost an icon as singer Monte Kante has died at age 70. It is not reported if his death was due to the coronavirus.
Mosques reopen across West Africa despite virus spread (5/17/2020) In West Africa, masajid are reopening with social distancing requirements. This move, critics say, may contribute to the spread of the coronavirus.
Opinion | Democratic leaders’ kneeling was fine. The kente cloth was not. (6/11/2020) A Ghanian American criticizes leaders of the Democratic Party in the United States for wearing a Ghanian traditional cloth. Not because they objected to the wearing of such a cloth per se. But their choice of cloth. In Ghana, people wear kente cloths for weddings, while a more appropriate cloth would have been a adinkra cloth, which is red and black. The author argues that if one wishes to appropriate elements of another culture one must do so with an understanding of the context. One does not want to send the wrong message to those from the culture in which the cloth originated, the author argues.
South Africa needs to build a new culture: Mkhize (6/16/2020) The South African Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize argued that young people in South Africa and abroad have been forced to choose between living life or preserving the external trappings of our previous existence.
Books on Africa(n) Countries
A Lost ‘Little Africa’: How China, Too, Blames Foreigners for the Virus (5/5/2020) In China there are primarily-African enclaves where residents report significant discrimination from the Chinese population.
An African Literary Festival for the Age of Coronavirus (5/14/2020) The Afrolit festival went ahead online, giving the continent's authors the ability to discuss their works with readers as many other festivals are not going forward.
Covid-19 and the New Scramble for Africa (5/27/2020) The author characterizes the COVID19 crisis as triggering a new "scramble for Africa" among foreign actors such as China and the United States.
Lazarus Chakwera sworn in as Malawi president after historic win (6/28/2020) New Malawian President Lazarus Chakawera - a pentacostal preacher and opposition figure - took office with a pledge to unite the country's citizens, claiming those who had opposed his candidacy should not be afraid.
Metals are where you find them-Geologist´s travels through six continents. (5/20/2020) A Geologist writes an account of his experiences conducting searches for metal deposits in Africa and elsewhere in the world.
New African audio books to be launched worldwide (5/27/2020) There are African Audiobooks that are now being offered online that were previously unavailable in the English language.
Perspectives - How HIV/AIDS changed the world (6/25/2020) The Economist reviews a book on the worldwide impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, its emergence, and lessons learned during the period since it began. In the 1990s there were signifncant numbers of people who were untested. However, there still has not been a scientific breakthrough bringing out a vaccine for the virus.
China, the US, Russia and Other Countries "In" Africa
Armed forces to accommodate 2,100 Indian evacuees (5/7/2020) India's armed forces are planning to accomodate people who are fleeing back to India from African countries afflicted by the COVID19 pandemic.
Coronavirus ends China's honeymoon in Africa (5/16/2020) Until recently, African governments were reluctant to criticize China behind closed doors, but recently with the COVID19 Pandemic, such criticism has increased to the point where they have voiced it publicly.
India Sends INS Kesari With Medical teams, Supplies To Mauritius, Comoros To Fight COVID (5/10/2020) India is dispatching medical assistance to Comoros along with several other Islands in the Indian Ocean during the pandemic.
Turkey Condemns Mogadishu Attack Targeting It’s Military Academy (6/24/2020) Turkey has critized an attack on a school located near the Somali military academy.
Turkish agents rescue Italian woman held hostage in Somalia (5/20/2020) Italy and Turkey have collaborated to resuce a woman who was kidnapped in Kenya and held in Somalia.