[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
Abu Dhabi funds major projects to provide electricity to 12,000 homes in Comoros (08/17/2021) Abu Dhabi has announced it is providing funding to Comoros to provide 12,000 homes with access to electricity.
Afcon 2021: Comoros coach Abdou unhappy with Ghana, Morocco draw (08/19/2021) The coach of the Comoros side has expressed unhappiness with the team's performance in recent football matches.
Comoros: Cameroon-Comoros - Deeper Economic Ties (09/14/2021) Cameroon's External Relations Minister played host Kamaliduni Souef, Comoroian Minister of Finance, on 27 August 2021.
Kenya: Comoros Probes Registration Status of Ill-Fated Boat (08/12/2021) Comoros is investigating precisely what happened when a boat leaving the country for Kenya. The investigation includes whether or not the owners had properly registered the vessel.
UAE Ambassador hosts meeting on implementing ... (09/23/2021) The UAE Ambassador to Comoros hosted a meeting of high level Comorian officials. At the meeting the group discussed implementing projects in the Comoros with UAE backing.
Djibouti
2 NY natives take part in reenlistment in skies over Africa as ... (09/14/2021) Several members of the United States armed forces participated in a reenlistment ceremony on board a KC-130J aircraft that took off from Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti.
Clashes between communities in Djibouti leave three dead (08/03/2021) Members of the Afar and Issa communities clashed in Djibouti causing three reported deaths. The two ethnic groups together form the majority of the country's population.
Djibouti: Egypt to Build Specialized Hospital in Djibouti - Minister (09/14/2021) Egypt announces that it has completed the design phase of constructing a specialized Egypt-funded hospital in Djibouti's eponymous capital.
First turbine at first wind farm in Djibouti assembled | REVE ... (09/14/2021) Djibouti has installed the first turbine in a new wind farm. The new facility is designed to make it possible for the country to depend less on fossil fuels for power.
Mauritania
An eye-opening visit to Mauritania (08/11/2021) The author - a Mayor from the United States - paid a visit to Mauritania. He was part of a fifteen person American delegation.
Another boat tragedy off North Africa's Atlantic coast stark ... (08/18/2021) Mauritanian coast guard officials say they located a boat with numerous refugees dead on board. There were only seven survivors found.
BP's Mauritania LNG scheme raises environmental concerns (09/14/2021) Mauritania is moving forward with a natural gas project called Greater Tortue Ahmeyim. This project, conservationists argue, will endanger the flora and fauna of the country.
Mauritania: Female-Headed Households Coping with the Burden of Covid-19 (09/16/2021) Female headed housesholds have had to manage additional challenges in Mauritania due to the COVID19 pandemic.
Somalia
Cinema returns to Somalia with first public screening in 30 years (09/23/2021) Originally a gift from Mao Zedong in 1967, the National Theatre in Mogadishu is showing its first film since 1991, when the country's civil war first broke out.
Why Somalia's grand strategies aren't working (08/18/2021) The article discusses why the strategies adopted by the Somali government against groups such as al-Shabaab appear to be ineffective.
Sudan
5 intel officers killed in shootout with militants in Sudan (09/30/2021) Five Sudanese intelligence officers were killed in a gun battle with alleged Islamic State militant in Khartoum, Sudan's capital.
As War Rages in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, Bodies Float Into Sudan (08/03/2021) Ethiopia's border with Sudan has seen bodies float downstream along the Sitit River into Sudan. Locals in Sudan report finding the bodies in the river.
Khartoum strikes deal that keeps South Sudan oil flowing... for ... (09/30/2021) Sudan and South Sudan reached an agreement on distribution of South Sudanese oil through Sudanese pipelines.
Sudan takes 1st step towards joining International Criminal Court (08/04/2021) The Sudanese cabinet voted for ratification of the treaty that established the International Criminal Court. This was viewed as a first step towards membership.
Sudanese government official says failed coup plotters were from Bashir regime (09/23/2021) Sudanese officials say that those who recently attempted a coup in Sudan were associated with the Bashir regime. Since this article went to press, the military has seized power in Sudan.
The Latest: Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines (09/23/2021) Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok urged developed nations to help developing nations with access to vaccines for Covid19
UNHCR's Grandi urges greater support for Sudan and South ... (09/14/2021) The United Nations High Commission on Refugees urged other countries to help the displaced populations of Sudan and South Sudan.
Sub-Saharan African Countries
Botswana
Botswana Assures Unauthorized Immigrants of COVID-19 Vaccinations (09/14/2021) Botswanan officials have said that they will provide the COVID19 vaccine to undocumented immigrants. However, many refugees and others without documentation report being turned away when queueing for the vaccine.
Botswana Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions Amid Rising Death Toll (08/14/2021) Botswana has one of the highest per capita COVID19 infection rates in the world. The government is responding by announcing new measures intended to help curb the spread of the virus.
Botswana launches online visa application platform - Xinhua ... (08/13/2021) Botswana launches an online e-visa application platform, according to Chinese state-based Xinhua News Agency.
Botswana receives over 404000 Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines (09/14/2021) Botswana received another 404,000 doses of COVID19 vaccines. This bolsters the country's efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.
De Beers, National Geographic Form Partnership to Protect Botswana’s Okavango Delta (09/14/2021) National Geographic and the diamond miner De Beers have launched a partnership aimed at protecting Botswana's Okavango Delta region.
Diamond Sales at De Beers’ Botswana Unit Rebound (08/05/2021) Diamond miner and producer De Beers has reported a 41 percent increase in rough diamond sales from its Botswana unit.
Eritrea
'Erase them from history': Eritreans mark 20 years since brutal purge (09/16/2021) Twenty years ago there was a massacre in Eritrea against critics of the president. This article discusses the events with the nephew of one of the victims.
Eritrea rejected U.S. sanction against General Filipos Woldeyohannes (08/24/2021) The government of Eritrea rejected allegations made by the United States government in sanctioning General Filipos Woldeyohannes.
Eritrea: Release journalists and politicians arrested 20 years ago (09/18/2021) The author calls on Eritrea to release journalists and politicians who were taken into custody following a massacre twenty years ago.
Eritrea: how did we get here? (09/23/2021) Eritrea has remained a one-party state for almost three decades after its independence. This article examines how the country got to this present situation.
Was this Eritrean Man the Oldest Man Alive? (09/30/2021) The article speculates whether or not a recently deceased Eritrean man had surpassed the current record for human longevity.
Ethiopia
Biden threatens more sanctions on Ethiopia, Eritrea over Tigray conflict | TheHill (09/16/2021) US President Joe Biden has made threats of sanctions towards government officials in both Ethiopia and Eritrea over the current Tigray conflict.
Ethiopia's prime minister calls for mass enlistment amid ... (08/10/2021) Ethiopia's Prime Minister has called for citizens to join the military to fight the war in the Tigray region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made the call after Tigray rebels have made gains.
Ethiopia: Eritrean Refugees Targeted In Tigray – Eurasia ... (09/23/2021) Both sides in the conflict have committed serious crimes against Eritrean refugees in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.
Secretary-General's statement on Ethiopia (09/30/2021) UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has issued a statement on the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia. The statement comes as Ethiopia has declared seven United Nations officials persona non grata.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/08/ethiopia-troops-and-militia-rape-abduct-women-and-girls-in-tigray-conflict-new-report/ (08/10/2021) Ethiopian troops and other combatants are appearing to use rape as a weapon in the Tigray conflict.
Ghana
2021 Afcon: Ghana should be wary of Comoros, Gabon - Asamoah Gyan (09/14/2021) Former Ghana head coach Asamoah Gyan is wary of his former side facing the Comoros. The Comoros has had a surprising string of good performances in recent months and years. Gyan also said he was worried about Gabon.
2022 World Cup Qualifiers: How Ghana could line up vs South ... (09/14/2021) Outline of an upcoming World Cup qualifier match between Ghana and South Africa.
Abesim murder in Ghana: Suspected serial killer with human flesh for fridge bore Ghanaians (09/14/2021) A suspected serial killer in Ghana was arrested by police. The police found evidence that he had been keeping human flesh in his fridge.
Anglican church for Ghana sack Priest wey kiss 3 female students (08/18/2021) The Ghanian Anglican Communion sacked a priest after he appeared to kiss three female students in a viral video.
Mali
15 Soldiers Killed in Ambush in Central Mali: Army (09/14/2021) Suspected jihadist militants killed fifteen soldiers and wounded thirty-four in a convoy ambush in the central part of Mali.
AFRICA/MALI - After Burkina Faso, now also Mali: At least 15 ... (09/14/2021) Several soldiers in a Malian military convoy were killed by an ambush by extremist militants.
France Kills Top West Africa ISIS Leader In Drone Strike (09/16/2021) France has killed the leader of the Islamic State in the Sahel in a drone strike.
Mali: Gunmen kill 15 government troops in ambush (08/19/2021) Malian soldiers were involved in deadly violence again. Fifteen of them were killed in the central area of the country.
West Africa turns to sanctions as putschists consolidate power in Mali, Guinea (09/17/2021) ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on coup leaders in Mali and Guinea.
Mozambique
Civilian authorities return to Mozambique city retaken from rebels (08/13/2021) Mozambican civilian authorities have returned to Mocimboa de Praia, a northern city recently recaptured from extremist Islamic militants. The governor of the Cabo Delgado province said that it was safe for people to return to the city.
Female soldiers on the frontline in northern Mozambique (08/17/2021) Mozambique has placed a contingent of Rwandan female soldiers on the front lines in the Capo Delgado region.
Humanitarian crisis in Mozambique - Mozambique (09/23/2021) The conflict in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province has displaced nearly three quarters of a million people.
Mozambique: Civilians Prevented from Fleeing Fighting (08/06/2021) Human Rights Watch calls on the government of Mozambique to assist civilians who are attempting to flee from fighting. Many of them are unable to reach safer areas amidst the ongoing conflict between the government and Islamic militants in the northern Cabo Delgado province.
Rwandan ex-army officer gunned down in Mozambique (09/14/2021) A Rwandan former army officer told Mozambican police about a plot to murder him. Then he was recently found shot to death. It is unclear at this time if the shooting is connected to a plot similar to the one he alleged.
International support bolsters Mozambique’s fight against insurgents in Cabo Delgado (08/16/2021) Mozambique has been able to gain the upper hand in the Cabo Delgado region after receiving support from abroad, including from Rwanda.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe arrests after child bride dies giving birth at church shrine (08/19/2021) A twenty-six year old man has been arrested by Zimbabwean police after a teenage woman passed away after giving birth to his child. The case attracted significant publicity within the country.
Zimbabwe legend Brendan Taylor to retire from international ... (09/14/2021) Zimbabwean cricketer Brendan Taylor has announced his retirement from international competition.
Zimbabwe look to finish T20I leg of Ireland tour on a high (09/14/2021) Zimbabwe vs. Ireland cricket match preview. This match was to be the final one held in the T20I series.
Zimbabwe: Mixed reactions greet court ruling permitting exhumation of Mugabe remains (09/12/2021) Per the request of tribal chiefs, former President Robert Mugabe was exhumed and his remains will be reburied at a monument in Harare.
Thematic Section
Arts and Culture
2022 AFCON: Black Stars to face Morocco, Comoros and ... (08/17/2021) To advance in the Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana must defeat Morocco, Comoros, and Gabon.
2022 World Cup qualifiers: Predicted Ghana XI to face Ethiopia (09/14/2021) A report on Ghana's preparations to face Ethiopia in an upcoming World Cup qualifier match.
Brume provides Olympic relief for Nigeria after farce and failure (08/03/2021) Ese Brume's performance at the Olympics in Tokyo was a positive event in an otherwise challenging Olympic Games for Nigeria.
Chariot sketches out green hydrogen plan in Mauritania (09/30/2021) Chariot has made a deal with the Mauritanian government to operate a green hydrogen project within the country.
Comoros President extends Independence Day greetings to PM Modi, people of India (08/16/2021) Comorian President Azali Assoumani congratulated Prime Minister Nahendra Modi and the Indian people on the anniversary of independence.
‘Djibouti was designed for big screens’ (09/14/2021) The country of Djibouti - the author argues - is uniquely suited for filming spectacular outdoor scenes.
Books and Research on African Countries
Ending Hereditary Slavery in Mauritania: Bidan (Whites) and Black “Slaves” in 2021 (08/26/2021) This report discusses how slavery has persisted in Mauritania despite numerous efforts to prohibit the practice.
The United States, Russia, China, and other countries "in" Africa
After Ethiopia Trip, USAID Administrator Samantha Power ... (08/05/2021) USAID Administrator Samantha Power conducted a recent visit to Ethiopia. Upon her return she gave an interview to National Public Radio (NPR)
Anger, confusion spread over UK's new COVID travel rules (09/23/2021) Many African governments voiced concerns over new covid19-related travel restrictions in the United Kingdom.
Aura Energy expands uranium resource in Mauritania (09/14/2021) British/Australian mining firm Aura Energy has announced it has upgraded its presence in Mauritania. The company plans to invest a further 5 million UK pounds in the
Background Press Call By Senior Administration Officials on ... (09/16/2021) Senior Biden administration officials conducted a call on background (text could be reported, speakers could not). During the call, the officials raised concerns about Ethiopia's stability, including those raised by its neighbors.
Covid Vaccines Produced in Africa Are Being Exported to Europe (08/16/2021) The COVID19 vaccines produced in South Africa by Johnson & Johnson are being exported to Europe, rather than other African countries still waiting on the vaccine.
Designations of ISIS-Mozambique, JNIM, and al-Shabaab ... (08/07/2021) The US State Department designated the leaders of five extremist groups as terrorists. Groups whose leaders are targeted with sanctions include al-Shabaab, JNIM, and ISIS-Mosambique.
Seychelles, Comoros and Angola added to Facebook cable project (08/17/2021) Facebook Inc has announced plans to extend undersea cables to Comoros, along with Seychelles and Angola.
US military providing additional training to Mozambican ... (08/16/2021) The United States has greatly increased the size of its military training footprint in Mozambique in recent months. In four months, the training program for Mozambican security forces is twice its original size.