[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
19 Indians stranded in Comoros board flight for India (8/9/2020) A group of Indian citizens returns home after being stranded in Comoros after flights were suspended due to COVID-19.
Air Tanzania resume flights to The Comoros (9/9/2020) Air Tanzania is now flying to the Comoros after its services there were suspended for several months.
ERC team inspects work progress in development projects in Comoros (9/5/2020) Emirates Red Crescent dispatched a team to Comoros to provide developmental assistance to the country, focusing on educational problems in the wake of issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ten migrants, including child, drown in attempt to reach Mayotte (9/30/2020) There were ten migrants found dead after their boat capsized as they were attempting to make good their escape to Mayotte, a French overseas territory where they could have obtained refuge.
Where On Earth Are There No Cases Of COVID-19? - Honolulu Civil Beat (8/25/2020) This article writes that there are several countries without COVID-19 cases, one of them being Comoros. It notes a point made by critics of the government that the statistics are being covered up.
Djibouti
Djibouti Ramps Up Crew Change Efforts for Seafarers (7/3/2020) An overview of Djibouti's position on the Horn of Africa in a place that is easy for pirates and others to disrupt.
Djibouti envoy says stability in Somalia essential for security in Horn of Africa (7/1/2020) Djibouti is arguing that stability in Somalia is critical to the stability of the entire region, due to the potential for spillover, and populations of Somali origin living in other countries nearby.
Ethiopia resumes land and air transport services to Djibouti (8/8/2020) Ethiopia announced it was ending the closure of its borders with Djibouti via land and air.
KBR to upgrade US Navy bases in Djibouti (9/1/2020) KBR has been awarded a contract to upgrade the US Navy base in Djibouti, which includes significant changes to the site on an as-needed basis.
This palm-sized elephant relative was just sighted for the first time in 50 years (8/18/2020) A mammal long thought extinct known as the Somali sengi has been spotted by observers in Djibouti. This indicates that the species may have a much wider range than previously believed.
Mauritania
Arrests made after funds embezzled from Mauritania Central Bank (7/6/2020) As part of a decade-long case, the Nouakchott district attorney announced the arrest of numerous former officials who were believed to have stolen money from the country's central bank.
Fight against jihad ‘back on track’ as Macron meets Sahel leaders in Mauritania (7/1/2020) French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President Idriss Deby participated in a conference in Mauritania at which regional leaders restated their commitment to combat militant Islamist groups operating in the region.
IOM, UNHCR Mourn Death of 27 People off West African Coast - Mauritania (8/7/2020) The United Nations and International Organisation for Migration both express condolences after a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
Islamic Republic of Mauritania : Fifth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement, and Request for Augmentation of Access-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Directo (9/16/2020) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) discusses the steps that the Mauritanian government has taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has caused a significant decline in Mauritanian economic output.
Mauritania President Appoints New Government (8/9/2020) Mauritania's President has decided to dissolve the cabinet and appoint a new government. Despite recent scandals involving former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, officials claim that the dissolution decision is underrated.
Mauritania scales back pandemic restrictions (7/5/2020) On 5 July, Mauritania decided to permit restaurants to begin serving takeaway food to patrons. There is not going to be a relaxation of rules for visiting a mosque, market, or other public place, where social distancing requirements remain in effect.
Mauritania: African Development Bank extends $2.1 million for rollout of Disaster Risk Financing (9/18/2020) The African Development Bank (ADB) announced a 2.1-million-dollar grant to Mauritania for climate and related food supply risks.
Mauritania: President Should Lead Reform Process (8/1/2020) The author calls for Mauritania's current President to take the lead in the reform process in the country. This includes prohibiting the death penalty until legislation eliminating it can be implemented.
Mauritania: Resignation of first government of Ghazouani era, new PM named (8/7/2020) Prime Minister Ismael Cheikh Sidiya resigned in Mauritania. The country has a semi-presidential system, meaning that there is both a president and a prime minister with executive power.
Mauritania’s Economic and Social Ambitions Collide: The Story of Diawling Park (8/6/2020) The author visited Mauritania and discussed their experiences visiting a region of the country where a new port is being developed.
Somalia
AFRICOM admits killing of civilians in Somalia airstrike (7/29/2020) The US Africa Command has admitted that its air strikes in Somalia have caused civilian casualties. Usually the United States does not admit to such casualties in its operations.
Elephant shrew rediscovered in Africa after 50 years (8/18/2020) The Elephant Sengi was rediscovered in Djibouti after previously thought extinct.
Elusive Somali sengi documented in Djibouti by scientists after 50 years (8/18/2020) In a development that is rare but not unprecedented, the Somali sengi—long thought to be extinct—has reappeared in Sudan.
FMS rule out one person one vote poll in Somalia, call for inclusive talks in Dhusamareb (7/13/2020) Somalia is not yet ready for a one-person, one-vote election that is common in most other countries. The country's regional leaders say that the country's recent history means a more inclusive model is warranted. The primary objective of regional leaders is to prevent officials from remaining in office for years after the formal end of their terms.
Puntland state leader urges security forces to kill criminals on the spot (7/31/2020) The President of Puntland Said Abdullahi Deni urged regional military and law enforcement to "kill enemies on the spot" when they find them. This comes after police discharged their weapons at a group of peaceful protesters.
Somalia’s army chief escapes car bomb attack in Mogadishu (7/13/2020) Somali army chief General Odawa Yussuf Raga was able to narrowly evade a car bomb planted by militant groups while driving out of the ministry of defense in Mogadishu.
Sudan
ACJPS: Militia holds 72 people incommunicado in West Darfur (7/31/2020) The Sudanese armed forces have arrested seventy-two men attempting to enter Chad. The activist group ACJPS has argued that the authorities are not taking adequate COVID-19 protections in the detention facility.
Economist: ‘Sudan govt economic programme threatens democracy’ (8/17/2020) Economist Sidgi Kaballo has said that the current economic policies of the Sudanese government are not conducive to democratic development. In particular, he called for the replacement of Islamic with regular finance. Furthermore, Kaballo believes that even companies owned by the state and by the armed forces should be subject to the same regulations as other companies.
Ethiopian Leader Reports Progress in Talks With Egypt, Sudan Over Nile Dam (7/21/2020) Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed Aidy stated that Ethiopia had made significant progress in its negotiations.
Govt delegation, Central Darfur protestors reach agreement (7/7/2020) The Sudanese central government has reached a deal with sit-in leaders in Darfur to bring their current protests in Nierteti to an end. The protests were against the government's failure to provide security to the area.
Sudan 'relationship between religion and state defined' (9/26/2020) The peace agreement in Sudan "addresses all issues but does not include all parties" according to a member of the country's sovereign council.
Sudan abolishes strict Islamic legislation (7/13/2020) Sudan has repealed Islamist-imposed laws permitting the country's moral police to conduct public floggings. The country also repealed the death penalty for apostasy, and repealed its ban on drinking alcohol in force since 1983.
Sudan destroys 300,000 illegal firearms (9/29/2020) The Sudanese army has announced it will be destroying illegal weapons with over three hundred thousand collected so far.
Sudan hands out cash to ease economic crunch (7/14/2020) Sudan has created a 1.8-billion-dollar stimulus program with donations from forty countries at a Germany conference held in June 2020. Sudan faces significant challenges in its economy, which now include an accelerating inflation rate. This can be a sign that there's greater demand for goods than the market can supply.
Sudan inflation reached 166.83 per cent in August (9/15/2020) The inflation rate in Sudan reached 166.83 percenytin August 2020, which is one of the highest recorded rates in the country's history.
Thousands of North Darfur flood victims living rough (8/15/2020) Significant rainfall has led to flooding in the North Darfur State. Thousands of families have lost their homes and are currently living rough in that region.
Sub Saharan African Countries
Botswana
350 elephants drop dead in Botswana, some walking in circles before doing face-plants (7/7/2020) There seems to have been a neurological issue with the elephants who died in Botswana recently, with several of them reportedly circumnavigating imaginary paths before they died of unknown causes.
Botswana begins rationing fuel amid shortage (7/10/2020) Botswana has implemented a program of fuel rationing because of the shortages plaguing the country in recent months. The country is already in significant economic difficulty.
Botswana investigating mystery deaths of at least 275 elephants (7/2/2020) In Botswana, authorities want to figure out exactly caused the deaths of almost four hundred elephants in about a thirty-day period. There does not appear to be any foul play by humans involved. Observers reported that the elephants seemed discombobulated prior to their deaths.
Experts Aren’t Sure Why Botswana’s Elephants Are Dying by the Hundreds (7/9/2020) Experts debate the causes of the recent elephant die-off in Botswana. There are some wildlife scholars who believe that these events happen relatively frequently in the animal kingdom and are part of the natural course of events.
Locusts Threaten South Africa (9/4/2020) South Africa is once again under threat from the persistent scourge of migrating locusts. A swarm of locusts can be responsible for consuming up to 2500 people's food in a single day. Pesticide efforts are ongoing, but there are some areas that are so ecologically sensitive that its use cannot take place without damaging the ecosystems there. There's also challenges in reaching affected areas to spray pesticides.
Motsepe saga continues to bedevil Botswana-SA relations (7/3/2020) The Bridgette Moseppe affair has worsened relations between Botswana and its neighbor South Africa. Former Botswanan President Ian Khama allegedly had an affair with Bridgette Motseppe, a South African businesswoman and wife of a member of the African National Congress's executive.
Petra Diamonds sells Botswana exploration assets (7/20/2020) Petra Diamonds has decided to exit Botswana with the sale of a mining project to Botswana Diamonds.
Chad
Chad Asks to Suspend Payments on Glencore Oil-Backed Loan (9/20/2020) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that it will freeze more than a hundred million dollars that Chad is supposed to pay as part of its existing loans.
Chad inquiry finds 44 prisoners died in hot, overcrowded cell (8/9/2020) Chad has a prison in which forty-four prisoners died in a cell that was overcrowded and not designed to handle nearly that many people.
Chad slows down internet to curb ‘hate speech’ on social media (8/4/2020) Chad's government has throttled internet speeds in the country, with officials claiming the measures were intended to curb the spread of hate speech. The government claimed in particular people were spreading messages urging violence against particular ethnic groups.
Chad slows down internet to curb ‘hate speech’ on social media (8/4/2020) A spokesman for the Chadian government said that they have decided to throttle the internet speed to curb the dissemination of messages spreading hate. A government spokesman argued that applications such as WhatsApp do not have insulting others as their primary purpose. Communications companies are hoping that the government rethinks or rolls back the regulations.
IMF Executive Board Approves an Additional US$68.49 Million Disbursement for Chad and Notes Cancellation of its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement (7/22/2020) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cancelled existing loans to Chad and granted the country a new credit facility due to its financial problems with the balance of payments.
Violence in Sudan’s Western Darfur forces 2,500 into Chad: UN refugee agency (8/11/2020) The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) reports that refugees have gone to Chad seeking to have protection from their own countries' internal conflicts.
DRC
At least 50 feared dead in DR Congo mine collapse (9/12/2020) In South Kivo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a mine collapsed trapping approximately fifty people mining for gold at the unlicensed site.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Concrete actions must be taken to protect Denis Mukwege after death threats (9/4/2020) Amnesty International calls on DRC President Tshisekedi to protect Dr Denis Mukwege, a physician who has been on the receiving end of threats in the last few weeks.
Dozens killed in rebel attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (9/30/2020) The Ituri province has been in the grip of a conflict between the Congolese government and rebel groups with a recent operation causing significant casualties on both sides.
UN rights chief urges DR Congo to protect Nobel laureate Mukwege amid death threats (8/10/2020) Nobel Laureate Dr Denis Mukegwe has been subjected to death threats in recent weeks. The UN Human Rights Office has urged that the government provide him with adequate protection. Dr Mukwege's work is focused on women who have been subject to sexual assault.
UNICEF statement on allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (9/30/2020) UNICEF is facing a similar situation to the WHO, with purported workers accused of sexual abuse.
WHO to investigate allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (9/29/2020) The World Health Organization (WHO) reports some people have engaged in sexual abuse or exploitation of people in the DRC, which the WHO claims it will investigate.
WHO, IOM and UNICEF promise investigation of sexual abuse allegations against workers in DR Congo (9/10/2020) UNICEF and the WHO pledged to investigate allegations of sexual abuse committed by their workers. They also were joined by the International Organization on Migration (IOM).
Eritrea
Eritrea Busses Thousands of Students to Military Camp (9/11/2020) Eritrea has been requiring many students to attend military school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many former students have complained about harsh treatment while in these programs.
Eritrea Is Ready to Expand Wind Energy Plants (9/16/2020) Eritrea is embarking on a strategy of expanding its wind power supplies. The projects will not only increase the availability of electricity but will also transfer needed technological knowledge to the country.
Eritrea Works for Peaceful Ethiopia (7/10/2020) Dr Abiy Ahmed, prime minister of Ethiopia, has praised Eritrea for its work to handle major problems on Ethiopia's behalf.
Eritrea's 1st winter Olympian details mental anguish from racism growing up in Canada (8/9/2020) Shannon-Ogbani Abeda was the first athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics representing Eritrea.
Eritrea: Is Isaias looking for a final confrontation with his Tigrayan enemies? (7/22/2020) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy is said by some observers to believe that the Tigrayan peoples are attempting to carve out their own independent fiefdom within Ethiopia.
Eritrea: The Eritrea-Ethiopia Peace Deal Is Yet to Show Dividends (9/12/2020) The writer argues that despite the promise of better relations, there is little that benefits people on the ground after the peace treaty between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Eritrean government releases on bail 69 Christians imprisoned for their faith (9/25/2020) Eritrea has been holding numerous Christian prisoners hostage because of their faith. It should be noted that Eritrea is a majority Christian country, meaning the arrests were unrelated to religious strife between Christians and Muslims there or in other places.
Ethiopian premier in Eritrea to discuss regional issues (7/18/2020) Ethiopian Premier Aidy is visiting Eritrea to visit his counterpart to discuss bilateral issues between the two countries, who signed a peace treaty in 2018.
Israel taps first-ever Bedouin ambassador to head Eritrea mission (7/5/2020) Israel has up to this point never appointed a Muslim to serve as an ambassador, but now they have selected Ishmael Khaldi to serve as ambassador to Eritrea.
Italy minister’s embrace of ‘Blackface’ memes spotlights racism (9/2/2020) An Italian minister appeared to support blackface memes being circulated about him on the internet, raising allegations of racism on his part. The minister is a member of the right-wing Five Star Movement.
Ethiopia
Egypt must accept that the Nile belongs to Ethiopia and 8 other African states (7/18/2020) The writer argues that the Nile belongs to all riparian states and that Egypt has to accept this reality.
From Nollywood to Netflix - African entertainers are wowing global audiences (9/19/2020) Netflix and several other content distributors have released content from African filmmakers to significant acclaim.
Getting Filled In on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Annalise Blum (7/21/2020) Dr Annelise Blum of the American Association for the Advancement of Science has discussed the implications of the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam.
Slain Singer Is Laid To Rest After Days Of Deadly Turmoil In Ethiopia (7/2/2020) A thirty-four-year-old Ethiopian musician died recently, with events after his death involving escalated tensions between the country’s Oromo minority and citizens from other ethnic groups.
The controversy over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (8/5/2020) This report covers the controversial Grand Renaissance Dam being constructed by Ethiopia on the Nile River.
Ghana
Artist Bisa Butler Stitches Together the African American Experience (7/24/2020) Bisa Butler is an artist whose work is focused on understanding the African American experience in the contemporary United States. She has focused on improvisation and asymmetry included in African American quilts produced as part of a long tradition of quilt making.
Ghana Presidential Candidate Selects First Female Running Mate for Major Party (7/6/2020) In a rematch of the 2017 Presidential election, former President John Mahama has announced a female running mate named Jane Naana Opuku-Agyeman.
Ghana health workers warn of potential COVID-19 calamity (7/9/2020) Healthcare workers believe that they are facing significant challenges in Ghana during the pandemic. These include a lack of protective gear to ensure they themselves do not become infected.
Ghana is ready to resume international flights (8/31/2020) Ghana is now going to resume international flights at its airports five months after they were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ghanaian president announces easing of Covid-19 restrictions (7/27/2020) The President of Ghana announced that the lockdown measures would be eased because of a decline in the rate of coronavirus infection.
Ghana’s budget deficit set to double on oil’s price drop (7/23/2020) Lower oil revenues mean that Ghana's budget deficit this fiscal year is twice as much as it was last year, increasing to thirteen billion dollars.
Liberia vice president flies to Ghana for medical treatment (8/12/2020) Liberia's vice president has travelled outside the country to Ghana to receive medical care.
Over 2,000 health care workers in Ghana have been infected with coronavirus (7/18/2020) The total number of health care workers infected with COVID-19 in Ghana appears to stand at about two thousand.
Some Good News: An 'Elephant Baby Boom' In One Kenyan National Park (8/14/2020) Even as elephants experience die-offs in other countries such as Botswana, Kenya is experiencing its own "elephant baby boom."
Kenya
Ghana to reopen international airport after five months with new regulations to curb spread of Covid-19 (8/31/2020) A five-month pause in international fights to Accra, Ghana is set to end in September 2020.
Harambee Stars to engage in two friendlies before Comoros Afcon qualifiers - Mwendwa (9/13/2020) Kenya will be facing up with two friendly teams before there is a match against rival Comoros.
Tanzania bans Kenya Airways from flying into country (8/1/2020) Tanzania has decided to prohibit Kenyan airplanes from entering its airspace after Kenya took a similar step.
Turmoil at Funeral of Singer Shows Ethiopia’s ‘Combustible’ Politics (7/2/2020) Ethiopian singer Hachalu Hundessa's death resulted in clashes in his funeral, at which dozens of people were arrested.
UNICEF Criticizes Sentencing of 13-Year Old for Blasphemy in Nigeria (9/19/2020) UNICEF argues that the sentence of a 13-year-old child for blasphemy in Nigeria is violative of human rights.
Mali
Africa leaders: Mali military gov’t must name president by Sep 15 (9/7/2020) Neighboring countries insisted that Mali name an interim president by a 15 September 2020 deadline, after the military seized power from former President Keita in a coup.
ICC opens trial against Mali national over Timbuktu destruction (7/14/2020) A Malian national stands accused of desecrating monuments in Timbuktu during 2012 and 2013, in addition to other acts.
Keïta, Mali’s Deposed Leader, Is Said to Be Hospitalized (9/1/2020) Former Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been taken to the hospital after he was ousted from power by the military. There were conflicting reports about whether or not he would be able to leave the country for medical treatment.
Mali celebrates after president’s ouster – but there are few ‘good coups’ (8/18/2020) There may be celebrations right now after former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was ousted. However, history demonstrates that coups by the military rarely lead to better outcomes for their countries afterwards. The editor notes the exception of Portugal, which developed a democracy after socialist officers seized power in 1975.
Mali: Military authorities must end arbitrary arrests and ensure the investigation of unlawful killing of four people (8/19/2020) Former Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his resignation after he was arrested by soldiers who mutinied amidst ongoing anticorruption demonstrations.
Mali: Uncertainty looms about Mali’s political future (8/31/2020) The protesters who clamored for Keita's ouster are now asking for the military to establish a transitional government with civilian rule returning after a period of twenty-four months.
Mali’s President Exits After Being Arrested in Military Coup (8/18/2020) The Malian military took former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita into custody after seizing power.
President Of Mali Resigns After Soldiers Mutiny (8/18/2020) President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced his resignation after the country's military withdrew its support amidst ongoing demonstrations against corruption.
Protesters loot office of Mali president’s political party (7/12/2020) Prior to his ouster from office, former Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's office was ransacked by protesters.
Son of Mali's president resigns parliament position amid calls for father's resignation (7/14/2020) In a further blow to President Keita's attempts at remaining in office, his son resigned his seat in parliament.
West African leaders call for Mali unity government (7/28/2020) The presidents of neighboring countries are calling for the installation of a national unity government in Mali during the period of transition after Keita was ousted.
Mozambique
Amnesty International calls for investigation into video showing execution of woman in Mozambique (9/16/2020) Amnesty International urges Mozambiquan authorities to investigate a video depicting men in military-style gear chasing and killing a woman.
Arsonists torch office of independent newspaper Canal de Moçambique in Mozambique (8/17/2020) The newspaper Canal de Mocambique has been attacked by unknown arsonists, and the Committee to Protect Journalists called on authorities to investigate.
Mauritania releases ex-president amid corruption probe (8/24/2020) A court in Mauritania has released former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who was being held as part of an ongoing probe into corruption in Mauritania under his administration.
Mozambique Should Protect Civilians During Insurgent Fight (8/14/2020) Amnesty International urged the army to avoid civilian casualties even as it engages in operations directed against militant Islamic groups in the Cabo Delgado region.
Violence leaves more than 300,000 ‘completely reliant’ on assistance in northern Mozambique (9/10/2020) Over three hundred thousand people have been displaced from their homes in Northern Mozambique due to the ongoing violence. The region of Cabo Delgado has been particularly hard hit by violence since 2017.
Nigeria
'He had a really big smile.' Nigeria's tech industry reels from the death of Gokada founder (7/16/2020) The company Andela, one of Nigeria's leading tech firms, paid tribute to its founder who died recently.
Media: Founder of Nigeria's Gokada Found Dismembered in New York Apartment (7/15/2020) A tech executive who founded the firm Godaka was murdered in New York by a former employee who reportedly used a power saw that the NYPD found on the scene. He was also the founder of PrankDial, a joke phone application.
Nigeria: P&ID Contract a Scam, Can't Stand, Govt Tells UK Court (7/14/2020) In 2010, Nigeria agreed to build a gas processing project in its territory. The country alleged in international arbitration that the contractors had illegally paid Nigerian officials, and had not fulfilled their obligations under the contract.
Nigeria: Police free 25 anti-government protesters (8/6/2020) In Nigeria, police have detained protesters who they said were protesting against the government. The police cited the COVID-19 restrictions now in place as justification for detaining them.
Nigerian social media star appears in US court on fraud charges (7/4/2020) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a Nigerian influencer long suspected of ties to organized crime networks committing fraud against unsuspecting computer users around the world.
World's rarest gorillas spotted with babies in Nigeria's forest (7/9/2020) Nigerian gorillas have been reportedly giving birth to babies, heightening conservationists' hopes that the country's population of the animals will recover.
South Africa
CIA: Iran seeks to assassinate US Ambassador to South Africa – report (9/14/2020) The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is said to believe that Iran was involved in a plot to kill the US Ambassador to South Africa.
Culture in the COVID-19 recovery: Good for your wallet, good for resilience, and good for you (8/20/2020) The loss of revenues from closed cultural sites has had a major impact in many countries around the world including Ghana which has a Central Region with several famous world heritage sites.
Experian South Africa discloses data breach impacting 24 million customers (8/19/2020) Experian South Africa has reported that it was the victim of a massive data breach. There were a total of twenty-four million South Africans and more than seven hundred thousand local companies whose information was hacked.
In South Africa's COVID-19 lockdown, women refugee entrepreneurs struggle (9/28/2020) Women refugees who have taken to entrepreneurship are hit particularly hard by the COVD-19 pandemic.
Protests erupt in South Africa over controversial TRESemmé ad featuring Black hair (9/8/2020) Protesters in South Africa have condemned Clicks for using an advertisement depicting a Black woman's hair as "frizzy and dull" in an advertisement featured in Clicks stores.
S. Africa Says Insufficient Evidence of Plot Against U.S. Envoy (9/18/2020) South African authorities rejected the idea that there was any plot against the US ambassador, citing insufficient evidence.
We Asked, You Answered: How Should Beyoncé Portray Africa In 'Black Is King'? (8/16/2020) NPR conducted a survey asking readers to opine on how Beyonce should portray Africa in her upcoming film "Black is King."
South Sudan
Despite a Unity Government in South Sudan, Conflict Rages On (9/14/2020) South Sudan may have a unity government, but there is violence between groups unaffiliated with the main factions which continues unabated, as they are not parties to the peace agreements.
Hunger, squalor mar South Sudan post-war unification efforts (8/15/2020) The camps that are supposed to establish military units consisting of current soldiers and former rebels do not appear to be offering anything other than rudimentary training. Meanwhile fighting in other areas of Mozambique continues.
Nuba refugees in South Sudan demand UN aid resume (7/14/2020) A group of women from the Nuba ethnic group in South Sudan protested against the end of humanitarian aid for refugees. The Nubian refugees have fled from the Republic of Sudan during fighting there. The services to these refugees have not been provided for more than two years.
Sudan and South Sudan sign draft oil production agreement (9/27/2020) Sudan and South Sudan have signed an agreement in which Sudan will import equipment for the South Sudanese energy sector through Port Sudan.
UN begins pullout from South Sudan civilian protection camps (9/4/2020) The United Nations has decided to withdraw from refugee camps in South Sudan. The UN officials responsible emphasized that the camps would now be supervised by the South Sudanese government, making UN involvement unnecessary.
UN calls to accelerate peace implementation process in South Sudan (9/29/2020) The UN mission chief for South Sudan argues that the peace agreement is not being implemented by the parties with adequate dispatch.
UN watchdog: 'Staggering' $36M embezzled in South Sudan (9/24/2020) South Sudanese authorities embezzled approximately thirty-six million dollars from the country's tax and finance agencies. It appears that international companies are partly responsible for assisting them with this corruption.
W.H.O. donates medical supplies to boost anti-COVID-19 war in South Sudan (9/6/2020) The World Health Organization has continued significant goods to South Sudan in a bid to help the country contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tanzania
In Africa, lack of coronavirus data raises fears of 'silent epidemic' (7/8/2020) African countries are reporting extremely low figures for coronavirus infection. Some observers believe this is because governments are deliberately suppressing or ignoring facts on the ground.
Strong earthquake hits off Tanzania (8/12/2020) Tanzania has been affected by an earthquake measuring about magnitude 6.0. We should note that while the Richter scale is still used, the formula that is used to calculate the scale has changed.
Tanzania’s Former President Benjamin Mkapa Dies at 81 (7/24/2020) Former President Benjamin Mpaka has passed away in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania’s President Says Country Is Virus Free. Others Warn of Disaster (8/4/2020) The opposition leaders in Tanzania insist on testing for COVID-19 after the deaths of three of their colleagues. The president of Tanzania meanwhile insists that there are no cases in the country at the present time.
Tanzanite: Tanzanian miner earns millions after second rare find (8/3/2020) A man in Tanzania has struck riches for the second time selling a huge gemstone for the second time.
Uganda and Tanzania Ink a $3.5 Billion Crude Oil Pipeline Deal (9/15/2020) Tanzania and Uganda concluded negotiations over a crude oil pipeline to frow from Uganda to the coast in Tanzania. This will enable large scale exports from Uganda for the first time.
World Bank categorizes Tanzania as middle income country: official - Xinhua (7/3/2020) The World Bank no longer classifies Tanzania as a low-income country after significant gains in per capita income.
Zambia
African leagues: Tunisia resume, Zambia falter, Algeria cancel (8/3/2020) African association football leagues were able to resume play, with Tanzania winning the FA cup.
Canada's First Quantum eyes operations expansion at Zambia mine (9/15/2020) Canada's First Quantum Minerals is seeking to expand its operations in Zambia as other mining companies such as Glencore are paring back their exposure.
Exclusive: Glencore puts entire stake in Mopani on the table in talks with Zambia: sources (9/15/2020) Glencore is one of the world's largest commodity mining and trading firms. The company wants to exit Zambia—or at least this project—and prefers to sell its entire stake to the government as opposed to working as a joint venture partner in developing the mines.
Finance minister says Zambia’s economy to shrink 4.2% in 2020 (7/15/2020) Zambia's Finance Minister is projecting a 4.2 percent decline in economic activity. This comes at the same time as the IMF and World Bank no longer consider Zambia to be a low-income country, instead placing it in the middle-income category.
IMF Statement on Zambia (8/24/2020) The IMF has said that they are concerned that the Zambian Central Bank remain independent from the government after its leadership was fired by the president in a surprise move.
Zambia Is on the Verge of a Pandemic-Related Debt Default (9/23/2020) Zambia is uniquely suffering from the coronavirus pandemic, causing a shortfall in its budget, and seeking aid from other countries.
Zambia court acquits health minister accused of corruption (8/25/2020) Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya was acquitted because a judge ruled that the prosecutors did not have in their possession the evidence needed to convict him.
Zambia seeks Chinese debt relief for virus-hit economy (7/21/2020) Zambian President Edgar Lungu is seeking Chinese financial assistance after the coronavirus pandemic caused serious shortfalls in the country's government revenue.
Zambian president fires central bank governor in surprise move (8/22/2020) The President of Zambia fired the Governor of the Central Bank in a move that shook the confidence of many observers.
Zambian season restarts 24 hours after coronavirus drama (7/19/2020) Zambian football has resumed after a major scare when several dozen players tested positive for the virus.
Zimbabwe
Coronavirus: Zimbabwe health minister in court on corruption charges (7/20/2020) Zimbabwean health minister My Moyo is in trouble, recently receiving bail on corruption charges related to fraudulent contracts with an affiliated firm. He is one of several members of the cabinet either charged with corruption or implicated in it by media reports.
Zimbabwe Locks Down Capital, Thwarting Planned Protests (7/31/2020) Zimbabwe is continuing with harsh repression of opposition activists under President Emmanuel Mnangagwa, who is part of a coterie of senior officials who held effective power during the final Mugabe years.
Zimbabwe bans coal mining in Hwange and other game parks (9/10/2020) Zimbabwe has decided that the days of coal mining in its national parks are over. The country had previously allowed Chinese companies to mine in Hwange game park.
Zimbabwe signs $3.5 billion deal to compensate white farmers (7/29/2020) Zimbabwe has agreed to pay compensation to white farmers who were evicted from their land in Zimbabwe after their representatives and the government of Zimbabwe agreed to pay compensation.
Zimbabwean cities deserted as authorities vow to treat protesters as ‘terrorists’ (7/31/2020) Zimbabwean authorities have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to prohibit demonstrations against corruption.
Thematic Section
Arts and Culture
27 Grants Awarded To African American History Sites; Funder Aims To 'Scale Up' (7/16/2020) The Catherine T. MacArthur foundation has announced grants to twenty-seven African American history sites. One of these sites is the Paul Robeson house, while another is in Tulsa, the site of a well-known atrocity against a prosperous Black community by white supremacists in the early 1900s.
2nd wave of COVID-19 Relief funding for arts, culture heritage sector opens (8/18/2020) South Africa has launched a fund to support cultural heritage and artists impacted by the pandemic.
Fifa Rankings: Kenya move up, Uganda and Tanzania stagnate (9/13/2020) FIFA's new rankings have Uganda and Tanzania running in place while Kenya has been able to improve.
Former Staffers and Board Members Accuse the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art of Perpetuating ‘Culture of Racism’ (7/15/2020) The Smithsonian's Museum of African American History is under fire from several Black former staff members who believe themselves to have been victims of racial discrimination.
Nine black artists reflect on the question: ‘Is America at a point of reckoning?’ (7/3/2020) A discussion by nine Black artists about the present state of the United States.
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art accused of culture of racism (7/15/2020) The Smithsonian does not currently have any Black curators, or anyone that is from Africa or of African ancestry in that role.
US Singer Akon Looks to Break Ground on $6B Futuristic City Project in Senegal (9/14/2020) American singer Akon is planning to launch a city named after himself in Senegal named Akon City.
What Should a Museum Look Like in 2020? (9/10/2020) Vanity Fair discusses how museums should look and address controversial issues from the past in an article focused on a few museums in particular.
China, the United States, Russia and Other Countries "In" Africa
Adele’s hair and bikini spark cultural-appropriation criticism — but support too (9/14/2020) British singer Adele has attracted both support and criticism for wearing an African-inspired outfit at the Notting Hill Carnival in London.
Court acquits men who lynched Eritrean migrant they mistook for terrorist (7/20/2020) An Israeli court acquitted two members of the IDF who killed a man who they suspected of being a terrorist infiltrating from outside the country. The man was in fact an Eritrean migrant.
Feds: Nigerian scammer arrested in $50M scheme that targeted Chicago companies (7/3/2020) A Nigerian scammer has been arrested by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after an investigation revealed he was defrauding companies in the United States. His particular focus appeared to be companies located in the City of Chicago.
Global Witness report: ‘Swiss refiner likely purchased Sudan conflict gold’ (7/20/2020) Valcambi, a Swiss gold refiner, is accused of buying 20 tons of gold from Sudan. According to Global Witness, the company ignored or did not care about signs that the gold had origins in the country's conflict.
ICC permanently closes flotilla war crimes case (9/16/2020) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has decided to end the case pursued by Comoros against Israel for the attack on the Flotilla in 2010. Some countries argued that the aim of the case had been political, although the legality of the Israeli operation located outside of its territorial waters is highly questionable under maritime precedents.
Kinross Gold CEO sees "very low" risk of unrest spreading to Mauritania (9/21/2020) The CEO of Canadian mining firm Kinross gold does not view the potential for unrest in the country as a threat to his company's business activities there. Kinross operates a mine in Mauritania that has in the past been subjected to disputes between Kinross and Mauritania over local employment and visas for Canadian employees and managers.
National Museum of African American History and Culture Is Reopening (9/14/2020) The National Museum of African American History and Culture is reopening in the wake of a closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions.
US sanctions ex-Gambian First Lady Zineb Jammeh (9/16/2020) The United States has imposed sanctions on Zineb Jammeh, who is the wife of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh
Why Foreign Countries Are Scrambling To Set Up Bases in Africa (9/15/2020) This article discusses the increasing trend of foreign military bases in Africa.
Reports, Studies, Research on Africa(n) Countries
Children in Nigeria and surrounding countries, continuing to endure ‘horrendous violations’ (7/24/2020) The United Nations Special Representative for Children Virginia Gamba said that in Nigeria and other countries in the region children frequently endure horrific rights violations by militant groups, to say nothing of violence by their own countries security forces.
Mozambique: Army to investigate 'horrific killing' video (9/15/2020) The Mozambican Army announced that it had begun an investigation to determine whether or not its personnel were involved in the recent video that shows soldiers killing a woman in the Cabo Delgado region.
They said it: Leaders at the virtual UN, in their own words (9/13/2020) A report consisting of quotes from world leaders at the United Nations virtual summit.
UN censures ‘heinous attacks’ in Lake Chad Basin (8/4/2020) The United Nations condemned an attack on refugees in Cameroon who were fleeing internal conflict in their own countries.