[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
‘Comoros will give everything to qualify’ – coach Abdou on Africa Cup of Nations ambition (11/29/2020) Comoros is prepared to pull out all the stops to ensure that it is able to get into the Africa Cup of Nations, coach Abdou says of his team.
Comoros 2-1 Kenya: Les Coelacantes go top, Harambee Stars suffer first group loss (11/29/2020) Kenya has suffered a 2-1 loss in football to the rival Comoros, which scored in the 61st minute to hand Kenya its first group loss in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Wanyama’s Kenya Held By 10-man Comoros (11/29/2020) Comoros won a major upset against Kenya in association football (Soccer) after Kenya was short a player due to penalties for most of the match.
Comoros earn historic point at COSAFA Women's Championship (11/29/2020) Comoros was able to earn a point in the COSAFA Women's Championship in Africa for the first time after a 1-1 draw against Angola.
Comorian FM inaugurates embassy in Rabat (10/27/2020) Comoros has opened a new embassy in Rabat, and the Comoran Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Rabat for the occasion.
Mane scores on Senegal return as tiny Comoros surprise again (11/29/2020) Comoros has had a significant run of success, running up an unbeaten streak attempting to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Djibouti
Eight migrants drown after forced off boat by smugglers (10/5/2020) There are at least 12 migrants missing at sea after smugglers threw them off an overweight boat.
Ten migrant bodies washed up on Djibouti coast (10/15/2020) Djibouti authorities report that 10 migrants bodies washed up on their shores after a boat capsized. Some observers reported that the smugglers forced the migrants overboard when the boat appeared too heavy.
Twelve migrants dead, others missing off the coast of Djibouti: IOM (10/17/2020) According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration, there were twelve migrants found dead off the coast of Djibouti while others are missing
From Arsenal and Barcelona to Djibouti: Alex Song has new goals (11/29/2020) After playing for Arsenal and Barcelona, Cameroonian Alex Song has been playing for Mowlokoon, a club based in Djibouti.
Accor grows its portfolio in Africa with signing of first three properties in Djibouti (11/29/2020) Paris-based Accor hotels is opening three properties in Djibouti City.
Djibouti refuses to establish ties with Israel until it makes peace with Palestine (11/29/2020) The President of Djibouti, Omar Ismail Guelleh said that the country would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel before a peace agreement with Palestine is reached.
Mauritania
Morocco Attacks Polisario Rebels Who Controlled Frontier Crossing with Mauritania for 23 Days (11/29/2020) Morocco has launched an offensive against the Polisario in Western Sahara after years of peace during which a portion of the territory was held by the Polisario.
Morocco troops launch operation in Western Sahara border zone (11/29/2020) Moroccan troops have been able to launch an offensive in the border zone of Western Sahara.
Jubilation in Mauritania after Morocco clears Guerguarat crossing (11/29/2020) The Moroccan population has been supportive of the regime’s war efforts in Western Sahara.
Tomato Prices Plummet in Mauritania After Guerguerat Traffic Resumes (11/29/2020) Traffic at a busy terminal resumed after being suspended due to the pandemic, causing the prices of tomatoes in Mauritania to decrease.
The failed diplomacy between Morocco and Polisario (11/29/2020) An account of failed attempts to get the two sides to reach an agreement.
Somalia
Extremists in Somalia kill 8 army soldiers, says official (10/15/2020) The Somali army said that eight soldiers were killed in an ambush in the Lower Shabelle region. Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Cuba and Somalia deny reports Al-Shabaab released doctors abducted in Kenya (10/8/2020) Cuban and Somalian authorities have said that reports militants have released members of their group are not accurate.
Extremists release two Cuban doctors in Somalia (10/8/2020) Extremist militant groups in Somalia have released two cuban doctors who have been held for about eighteen months.
2 guilty of supporting deadly Westgate mall attack in Kenya (10/7/2020) Somalia’s al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda suffered a legal defeat in Kenya when two associates were convicted of
Trump’s short-sighted request to withdraw troops from Somalia (10/15/2020) This report argues that with the mission at a critical stage, it would not be prudent to withdraw American soldiers from Somalia right now.
Sudan
Sudan And Israel Agree To Normalize Relations In U.S.-Brokered Deal (10/23/2020) Sudan and Israel have reached an agreement to establish normal diplomatic relations.
Israel Sees Warming Ties With Sudan as Symbolic Progress in Hostile Region (10/25/2020) Israeli officials view their peace agreement with Sudan as a way to bolster ties with neighbors who have traditionally been hostile.
Joint Statement of the United States, the Republic of Sudan, and the State of Israel (10/23/2020) On 23 October 2020, the United States, the State of Israel, and Sudan agreed for the resumption of diplomatic relations between Israel and the latter two countries.
UN: Over 25,300 fleeing Ethiopia fighting have reached Sudan (11/29/2020) The United Nations says that there are tens of thousands of refugees who are attempting to flee the conflict. Of these about 20,500 have reached Sudan.
In Pictures: Ethiopians fleeing war cross river into Sudan (11/29/2020) Photographs of Ethiopian citizens who are fleeing into Sudan to escape the former country’s conflict.
Sub Saharan African Countries
Mali
Militants in Mali Free 4 Hostages After Government Releases Prisoners (10/9/2020) Malian militants released four hostages, two from France and two from Italy after the Malian government released several prisoners it was holding from militant groups.
Sophie Pétronin released in Mali after nearly four years in captivity (10/9/2020) French aid worker Sophie Petronin has been released by Islamist extremists after being held hostage since her capture in 2014 in the city of Gao.
Mali: Over 100 Jihadist Prisoners Released in Apparent Exchange (10/5/2020) The Malian government has released over 100 prisoners belonging to Islamic extremist groups in return for the release of several foreign aid workers.
Amadou Toumani Touré, Former Malian President, Dies at 72 (11/29/2020) Former Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure has died at the age of 72.
French Forces Kill al-Qaida-Linked Commander in Mali (11/29/2020) French military forces reported killing Bag ag Moussa, a leader of a militant group linked to al-Qaeda in Mali.
South Sudan
U.N. Fears Ethiopia Purging Ethnic Tigrayan Officers From Its Peacekeeping Missions (11/29/2020) Not specified
Economic Analysts Question South Sudan's Large Loans (10/2/2020) Several prominent economic analysts believe that South Sudan is taking on significantly more debt than it is able to afford.
Sudan to strike peace with rebels after decades of war (10/1/2020) South Sudan’s capital of Juba played host to a peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF). The SRF is a coalition of rebel groups that operates in regions spanning from southern Sudan to Darfur.
UN expresses hope ‘new opportunities’ will arise from Sudan’s recognition of Israel (10/24/2020) The United Nations has said that it hopes the treaty between Israel and Sudan would lead to further cooperation.
UN report says South Sudan has healed little since civil war (10/6/2020) The United Nations painted a pessimistic view of South Sudan since the end of its civil war.
Egypt leader in 1st South Sudan visit talks Nile, stability (11/29/2020) Egyptian President al-Sisi visited South Sudan for the first time since assuming power after the 2013 coup d’etat. The talks centered on the Nile river waters and regional stability.
DRC
Islamic State claims prison break in the DRC (10/20/2020) Islamic state forces claim that they have been able to escape prisons in the DR Congo.
More than 1,300 prisoners escape jail in eastern DR Congo (10/20/2020) An attack on a prison in Beni, Congo claimed by Islamic State-linked militants has led to the escape of over 1300 prisoners.
Violence still rife in DRC after UN rights abuses report (10/1/2020) Despite a UN report on abuses in the DRC ten years ago, little has been done to prevent it.
51 Women Were Sexually Assaulted by Aid Workers During an Ebola Outbreak in the DRC: Report (10/1/2020) A recent Ebola epidemic in Congo has led to accusations that aid workers raped 51 Congolese women.
WHO names independent body to investigate DRC sex abuse claims (10/15/2020) From 2016 to 2018 there was an Ebola epidemic in the DRC, during which aid workers committed sexual abuse against women from the DR Congo.
Eritrea
Ethiopia's Tigray leader confirms firing missiles at Eritrea as fighting escalates (11/29/2020) The President of Ethiopia’s Tigray region confirmed that his regional government had launched missiles at the capital of Eritrea.
New Zealand's first African MP sparks tears as he recounts escape from Eritrea (11/29/2020) New Zealand’s first African MP Ibrahim Omer gave his maiden speech in parliament. During his speech he moved the audience with his discussions his escape from Ethiopia.
Ethiopia's Tigray leaders claim airport rocket attacks, threaten Eritrea (11/29/2020) An airport in Eritrea suffered from rocket attacks claimed by the leaders of the Ethiopian Tigray region.
Eritrean leader arrives in Ethiopia to boost ties (10/12/2020) Eritrean President Omar Ismail Guelleh visited Eritrea as part of warming relations between the two countries.
Ethiopia
War Between Ethiopia And A Rival Regional Government Escalates (11/29/2020) Ethiopia is currently embroiled in a conflict between the central government and the government of the Tigray region.
Reported Ethiopia massacre: UN rights chief warns of spiralling situation, war crimes (11/29/2020) The Chief of the UN Human Rights Commission warns of the potential for ethnic violence in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia's Tigray leader confirms firing missiles at Eritrea as fighting escalates (11/29/2020) A breakaway region of Ethiopia confirmed firing missiles at neighboring Eritrea in a conflict between itself and the central government.
Capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region under control of Ethiopian forces, says PM after intense bombardment (11/29/2020) Ethiopian Prime Minister Aiby Ahmed said that the capital of the region of Tigray was now under the control of the Ethiopian army.
UN refugee agency appeals for $147 million to support thousands of Ethiopians fleeing to Sudan (11/29/2020) The United Nations High Commission on Refugees is asking for $147 million to assist Ethiopian refugees who are fleeing the conflict in
Ethiopia Claims Victory in Tigray Conflict After Shelling Restive Region’s Capital (11/29/2020) Not specified
Appointment of AU envoys for Ethiopia’s Tigray crisis an 'initiative for peace': UN chief (11/29/2020) Not specified
Kenya
Kenya reopens skies to Tanzania (10/12/2020) Kenya has reopened its airspace to Tanzanian aircraft after a suspension
Eliud Kipchoge Emerges as the Philosopher-King of Running (10/2/2020) Not Eluid Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon in less than two hours.
Kenya's Brigid Kosgei retains women's London Marathon title (10/4/2020) Kenyan Brigid Kosgei won the London marathon after it was postponed for several months due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic.
2 Men Found Guilty For Aiding Mall Attack In Kenya That Left 67 Dead (10/7/2020) Two men who stood accused of aiding the 2013 mall attack in Kenya have been convicted by a jury.
2 guilty of supporting deadly Westgate mall attack in Kenya (10/7/2020) Kenya has finally been able to successfully prosecute those who aided and abetted the deadly mall attack in 2013.
Mozambique
EU Counterinsurgency Aid to Mozambique Should Help Protect Rights (10/14/2020) Human Rights Watch is calling on Mozambique to protect human rights if it accepts assistance from the European Union to address the occupation of portions of the country by extremist Islamic elements.
At Mozambique mission, Messi doesn’t mean goals but breakfast (10/18/2020) Lionel Messi visited Mozambique, after local religious leaders reached out to him to undertake a visit.
Militants from Mozambique staged deadly attack in Tanzania, police say (10/23/2020) Islamic State affiliated militants have carried out another attack in Northern Mozambique according to country officials. Tanzanian government officials admitted that IS branded affiliates were active in their countries as well.
Tanzania confirms 1st attack by Mozambique-based extremists (10/23/2020) Tanzania has admitted that it faces problems with Islamic State branded affiliates in operation already in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado region.
Mozambique: The War in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado - Four Scenarios That Will Potentially Materialise (10/22/2020) The article contains a history of the Islamic State affiliated militant group Ansar al-Sunna. The organization started establishing mosques prior to October 2017, when it launched an armed insurgency campaign.
Nigeria
Nigeria protests: security forces open fire on protesters in Lagos (10/20/2020) Nigerian police and security forces have used lethal force against protesters seeking the abolition of a controversial police unit in Lagos.
A Dozen Protesters in Nigeria Reported Killed by Security Forces (10/21/2020) Nigerian police and security forces have killed more than a dozen protesters
SARS: Why are tens of thousands of Nigerians protesting? (10/21/2020) An article describing why tens of thousands of people are protesting against a police unit known as SARS, in the midst of the ironically named SARS-COVID pandemic.
Nigerians Demand End to Police Squad Known for Brutalizing the Young (10/12/2020) Nigerians are demanding that a police squad known for brutal force against youth activists be disbanded.
SARS: Nigerian youth, celebrities protest against controversial police unit accused of brutality (10/9/2020) Nigerian pop culture figures and youth are protesting against
South Africa
Big blow for Rugby Championship as South Africa withdraw (10/16/2020) Defending Champion South Africa has decided not to participate in the Rugby Championship as South Africa withdraws.
Senior S.Africa ANC leader Magashule granted bail in graft case (11/29/2020) After his arrest, a senior ANC official has been granted bail by a South African court.
Top South African official due in court over corruption charges (11/29/2020) The South African Police have issued a warrant for senior ANC figure Ace Magashule. Magashule is a rival of President Cyril Ramaphosa within the ruling ANC party.
Killing of White Farmer Becomes a Flash Point in South Africa (10/16/2020) A court case in South Africa regarding the alleged killing of a White farmer by two Black Africans has reopened tensions regarding the country’s patterns of land ownership.
Speedsters in focus as South Africa, England face-off (11/29/2020) South Africa and England are set to face off in a cricket match, with their fastest clocking players in focus.
Tanzania
Tanzania arrests opposition leaders, foiling post-election protests (11/1/2020) The Tanzanian government launched a crackdown against the opposition after the incumbent President was reelected.
Tanzanian president sworn in amid disputed poll result (11/5/2020) Tanzanian President John Magufuli has been sworn in for a second term amid allegations that the ruling CCM party committed fraud.
Amnesty accuses Tanzania gov’t of stifling dissent ahead of polls (10/12/2020) Amnesty International writes that the government of President John Magufuli is attempting to stifle dissent ahead of Tanzanian elections.
Tanzania presidential election: Who are the main candidates? (10/26/2020) Tanzanian President John Magufuli is seeking reelection against rivals in a campaign marred by irregularities.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe to Make Foreign Contacts, Allegations of Torture, Abduction Illegal (10/28/2020) Zimbabwe is making it illegal for its citizens to contact foreign governments and accuse their own government torture or kidnapping.
Zimbabwe will reopen land borders from Dec 1 (10/28/2020) Zimbabwe announced that starting on 1 December 2020, its land borders will reopen.
Zimbabwe Cabinet Approves Proposal to Criminalize Protests (10/28/2020) Further discussion on the new Zimbabwean proposal to restrict protests and complaints made to foreign officials.
Zimbabwe thanks China, Russia for support on sanctions removal (10/26/2020) The government of Zimbabwe expressed its gratitude to Russia and China over the end of sanctions.
Pan African body urges end to sanctions on Zimbabwe (10/26/2020) The African Union urged that sanctions against Zimbabwe imposed during the Mugabe era be ended.
Thematic Section
Arts and Culture
How the SoCal coast inspired a legendary author’s feminist Kenyan epic (10/12/2020) Ngugi wa Thiong’o has remained very prolific while living in California. The author has written a book inspired by his experiences in Southern California as an exile from Kenya.
Letter from Africa: Culture clash over Nigeria's rival alphabets (11/15/2020) A Nigerian attorney is seeking to prohibit the Central Bank from using Arabic script on banknotes.
'Restitution is important but it is not essential': the African museums building a homegrown cultural revival (11/15/2020) African museums are very appreciative of efforts by former colonial powers to return artifacts. However, they also point out that the history of African societies has to be recaptured from colonialism by finding additional artifacts.
Renowned artist Esther Mahlangu urges Africans to hold on to their traditions (11/22/2020) Esther Mahlangu urges Africans to maintain their cultural heritage in works of art.
Books on Africa(n) Countries
South Africa: New Books | Mothers of the Nation (10/7/2020) A study of the prayer practices of Manyano women in South Africa whose Christian practices constitute an important part of religiousity by Black South Africans.
Black Spartacus: The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture review – superb history of Haiti (10/11/2020) A biography of the life of Toussant L'Overture, a Haitian former slave who led the Haitian revolution.
China, the US, Russia and Other Countries "In" Africa
India provides food aid to Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea amid COVID-19 pandemic (11/29/2020) India is reportedly providing food to several countries in Africa during the pandemic.
Aurora to Receive RMB17.24 Million in Special Support Funding from Shenzhen Municipality DRC as Part of Strategic Emerging Industries Development Program (10/15/2020) Not specified
Trump’s short-sighted request to withdraw troops from Somalia (10/15/2020) President Donald Trump has announced plans to withdraw American soldiers from Somalia before his term ends on 20 January 2021.
US to remove Sudan from State Sponsors of Terrorism list: Trump (10/19/2020) Then-current President Donald Trump removed Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism after it settled claims related to the embassy bombings.
Biden’s Priority in Africa Should Be Debt Relief (11/12/2020) Foreign Policy Magazine’s Theodore Murphy argues that the most important American priority in African foreign policy should be to assist countries with debt relief from Chinese-imposed obligations.
China and Africa: Debt-Trap Diplomacy? (11/15/2020) Is China attempting to trap countries in Africa in debt that it can later use to influence their policies.
Louis Vuitton Just Acquired a Massive 549-Carat Rough Diamond From Botswana (11/5/2020) Louis Vuitton was the buyer of a massive rough diamond that was mined in Botswana.
Reports, Studies, Research on Africa(n) Countries
EU Counterinsurgency Aid to Mozambique Should Help Protect Rights (10/14/2020) Human Rights Watch is calling on the European Union to ensure that the counterinsurgency aid that the EU provides to Mozambique improves not detracts from human rights in the country.
Paul Rusesabagina: Family of 'Hotel Rwanda hero' calls on United States, EU and Belgium to help free him (10/2/2020) The family of Paul Rusesabagina called on the Rwandan government to release the real-life hotelier behind Hotel Rwanda because of a feud between him and the country’s majority Tutsi leadership.
Mozambique’s Insurgency & Prospects for Regional Insecurity (10/4/2020) This report places the insurgency in northern Mozambique in context.
Rwanda in talks with EU, U.S. firms to produce cannabis for export (10/14/2020) European and American firms have turned to Rwanda as an ideal growing climate for cannabis as knowledge from the drug’s medical benefits spreads around the world.
Tanzania: Laws weaponized to undermine political and civil freedoms ahead of elections (10/12/2020) According to Amnesty International, Tanzania has been
Kenya must not deport fleeing opposition Tanzanian MP and his family (11/9/2020) Amnesty International calls on Kenya not to deport opposition MP Godbless Lema back to his country where he faces potential persecution.