African news roundup
December 8-14, 2024
Ghana
EC declares election 2024 winner
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has declared John Dramani Mahama the winner of the presidential elections, without results from nine constituencies. According to the EC boss, Jane Mensah, the delay has ocurred because the collation centres in these constituencies were overwhelmed by political party supporters which hindered the collation process. Mensah confirmed, however, that despite the unavailability of those results, the overall outcome of the 2024 presidential election had been determined. In a direct response to concerns about those results, she noted that “Even if all the votes from the nine constituencies (947,000 votes) were added to the candidate who placed second, it would not change the outcome of the election”.
Mensah reassured the public that the Commission would update its records once the results from the nine outstanding constituencies were received. While the situation remains fluid, she was clear in emphasizing that the integrity of the election result remained intact despite the delay. According to Mensah, who is the EC chairperson and also the returning officer, Mahama polled 6,328,397 votes representing 56.55 per cent, while the vice president and presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, secured 4,657,304, representing 41.61 per cent. The difference between Mahama’s votes and Bawumia’s is 1,671, 093 while the total valid votes were 11,191,422, with rejected ballots being 239,109. The percentage of voter turnout in the 2024 election stands at 60.9 per cent based on 267 constituencies.
Nigeria
Tinubu hosts German president
President Bola Tinubu has assured German businesses in Nigeria of his government’s readiness to implement measures to make investments in renewable energy, youth skill development and industrial growth seamless. Addressing President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany during his visit to Nigeria, Tinubu highlighted some ongoing reforms aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment. The reforms include import duty waivers for machinery, decentralization of power generation and active foreign exchange reforms. Both heads of state also discussed ways to improve the people-to-people relationships between both countries.
Highlighting the country’s potential as a major gas producer in West Africa and the country’s abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar power, which can be harnessed through German technology for rural electrification, Tinubu said it is important for the two countries to strengthen the partnership for the utilisation of energy as a source of supply and for promotion of additional incremental value in business opportunities for Nigeria and Germany. In electricity, the Nigerian leader warned that though Siemens Energy was “working very hard” to fulfil its part of the partnership, Nigerians should not expect a “magical response” as the existing power infrastructure is decades old.
Kenya
President Ruto urges truthful engagement amid criticism
President William Ruto of Kenya has expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media, specifically targeting his administration’s development agenda. During the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Ruto emphasized the importance of truthful engagement and constructive criticism. He welcomed discourse and alternative proposals, acknowledging that feedback was essential for growth and improvement. However, he warned that the proliferation of falsehoods and misrepresentation could undermine Kenya’s freedom, democracy, and progress.
Ruto urged Kenyans to engage responsibly and avoid sabotaging his administration’s goals. He cautioned that failing to do so could lead to negativity, erode values, and ultimately harm the republic. This concern comes amidst the Kenyan Government’s efforts to implement various development programmes. Critics argue that such initiatives could compromise individual rights and freedoms, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in governance. Effective communication and fact-based discourse are crucial in promoting national unity and progress.
South Africa
Crackdown on illegal mining intensifies with 12,000 arrests
South Africa’s crackdown on illegal mining, codenamed “Vala Umgodi” or “close the holes”, has led to the arrest of over 12,000 illegal miners across the country. The operation, which is backed by the President Cyril Ramaphosa, is a strategy to combat the illicit mining trade by blocking supplies to miners thereby forcing them to abandon their activities. The ongoing efforts have rescued over 1,400 illegal miners from various mines around Stilfontein. The illegal miners include more than 900 Mozambicans and 400 Zimbabweans. Meanwhile, a dozen bodies were also recovered during these operations. The latest development in this crackdown saw 150 illegal miners in Mpumalanga arrested and expected to appear in court.
The government says the operation’s progress is a testament to its commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining. However, concerns have been raised about the legality and humanitarian impact of the tactics employed in this operation. The High Court’s ruling on the illegality of blocking supplies to miners raises questions about the sustainability of this approach. On the other hand, the rescue of over 1,400 miners highlights the dire conditions and risks faced by those involved in the illegal activity. The involvement of foreign nationals, including Mozambicans and Zimbabweans, underscores the transnational nature of illegal mining in South Africa. This phenomenon is often linked to organized crime and human trafficking.
Liberia
Finance ministers meet to discuss public financial management reforms
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has met with his Moroccan counterpart, Nadia Fettah, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in public financial management (PFM) and other sectors. The talks, held in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, resulted in an agreement to sign a memorandum of understanding that will provide technical support to Liberia in key areas, including debt and cash management. The partnership will enable Liberian professionals to collaborate with their Moroccan peers, to build capacity for more effective public financial systems. Ngafuan emphasized that this collaboration aimed to equip Liberian professionals with the tools and knowledge to enhance the efficiency of their financial management systems.
In addition to PFM discussions, the ministers explored other areas of mutual interest, including agriculture, particularly fisheries, port development, and sports. They agreed to work closely with other stakeholders to further explore these areas of cooperation. As part of his visit, Ngafuan participated in a high-level panel discussion on “Patient Capital for Critical Infrastructure” at the African Finance Ministers Summit in Casablanca where he highlighted political instability, weak rule of law, and lack of contract sanctity as major deterrents to attracting long-term investment. Ngafuan stressed the importance of creating a stable environment where investors can trust in the long-term sustainability of projects. This visit is part of Liberia’s efforts to strengthen ties with African nations and improve its financial systems through international cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
Sierra Leone
Preventive Ebola vaccine rolled out to frontline workers
Sierra Leone is making history by launching a nationwide preventive ebola vaccination campaign, targeting 20,000 frontline workers across all 16 districts. This campaign is a collaborative effort among between the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health, Gavi, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF. The vaccine being used is Ervebo, which has demonstrated near 100 per cent efficacy in preventing ebola. This campaign comes a decade after the devastating 2014-2016 ebola outbreak, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths, primarily in West Africa. Sierra Leone was severely affected, with nearly 9,000 confirmed and probable cases, and close to 4,000 deaths.
The campaign is aimed at protecting healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and first responders, such as motorbike riders, ambulance drivers, traditional healers, religious leaders, and security forces, who are at high risk of exposure to ebola. Gavi is providing funding for the campaign, while WHO and UNICEF are providing logistical and funding support. The vaccine stockpile is managed by the International Coordinating Group (ICG). This historic milestone marks a significant step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system and protecting its frontline workers.
The country’s Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, emphasized that protecting frontline workers was vital to the success of the National Health Security Plan, ensuring preparedness and resilience against future health threats. Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, praised the partnership and the commitment to protecting those most at risk, saying that vaccination has transformed the ability to fight one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Other countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Guinea-Bissau, have also conducted preventive vaccination campaigns, with the Central African Republic planning to follow suit.
Tanzania
Standard gauge railway project receives $1.2 billion boost
The African Development Bank has taken a significant step towards supporting Tanzania’s infrastructure development. The bank has signed a coordination letter with the Deutsche Bank and Société Générale which aims to establish a syndication strategy to mobilize up to $1.2 billion for Tanzania’s standard gauge railway project. The project, valued at $2.3 billion, involves constructing a 411-kilometer railway line between Tabora and Kigoma, connecting Tanzania’s Port of Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean to the Port of Mwanza on Lake Victoria. This railway line will also extend to neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.
The financing will be disbursed in two tranches, with the African Development Bank coordinating the second tranche with contributions from development finance institutions, export credit agencies, bilateral lenders, and multilateral development banks. This partnership demonstrates the bank’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s economic growth and development. The project is expected to positively impact the country’s economy, creating jobs and stimulating trade. Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance is seeking to raise funds from the international debt capital markets to finance the project. The signing of the coordination letter marks a significant milestone in the project’s development, and the African Development Bank’s involvement is a testament to its role in supporting Africa’s economic growth. The project aligns with Tanzania’s Vision 2050, the goal of which is to promote economic growth and reduce poverty. Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as the standard gauge railway project, can help mitigate the risks associated with climate change.
Eswatini
PM expresses concern over drug shortage during tour of health facilities
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini of Eswatini has expressed frustration over the country’s ongoing medical drugs crisis and the lack of a plan to address the ongoing drug theft. He expressed his frustration during his tour of four government health facilities to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at strengthening the health system. However, his tone changed upon arriving at the Central Medical Stores (CMS) where Assistant Director Thembi Gama presented strategies taken to address the national medical drugs and supplies shortage. The PM criticized Gama’s presentation for omitting the crucial aspect of medical drug theft and tracking, emphasizing the need for a control mechanism to track disbursed drugs and ensure figures align with consumption. According to Dlaini, the lack of a tracking system makes it challenging to determine whether medical drugs are being stolen or not. He further emphasized that the government’s patience has run out, and it is time for the CMS to take concrete actions to address the crisis.
The PM stressed that the CMS should focus on resolving the crisis with actionable plans, rather than just presenting strategies. “We want you to focus on what is important; the crisis has to be addressed, and our patience has run out” he said. He challenged the director to collect data at national, regional, and community levels, track it manually and digitally, and act where there were challenges. The PM believed the issue of tracking drugs could be addressed within a month if the CMS had a plan and knew what it was doing. He also warned the CMS team that they should not wait for the digital system to be implemented but should, instead, use manual mechanisms to track medical drugs. Effective tracking and control mechanisms were crucial to preventing drug theft and ensuring patients receive necessary medication. The government’s commitment to addressing Eswatini’s healthcare challenges was evident in the PM’s stern warning, and it remained to be seen how the CMS would respond to the challenge.
Uganda
President directs review of youth imprisoned by court martial
President Yoweri Museveni has defended the trial of civilians in military courts, citing their efficiency in handling gun-related crimes. He argued that civilian courts were overwhelmed and unable to handle cases quickly, which is crucial for national stability. The President pointed out that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) enacted this law in 2005 to address rampant criminal and terrorist activities. He emphasized that individuals who acquired and used firearms illegally became “soldiers” and fell under military justice. Museveni highlighted the court martial’s success in restoring peace in Karamoja where military courts efficiently prosecuted armed youth, contrasting with civilian courts’ slow processes. He also noted that the court martial system is subordinate to the general courts, allowing for appeals and rectification of any errors. This, he believes, provides a necessary check on the system.
The President directed the Chief of Defence Forces to review cases of Karamojong youth imprisoned by court martial for potential pardons, with 900 youth currently imprisoned in the Kitalya Prison. Museveni’s support for military trials has sparked debate, with critics arguing that trying civilians in military courts raises constitutional concerns and may compromise the independence of these courts. However, Museveni maintains that the system is necessary for national safety and has contributed to Uganda’s peace. He even suggested holding a referendum in affected districts, confident that the majority would support the law. The President’s stance underscores the delicate balance among security, justice, and human rights in Uganda. As the country navigates these complex issues, the role of military courts in trying civilians will likely remain a topic of discussion and debate. Effective and fair administration of justice is crucial to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public trust in the judicial system.
Zambia
African Development Bank approves $108 million loan for economic governance
The African Development Bank Group has approved a $108 million loan to Zambia to strengthen the country’s economic governance and implement key public sector reforms. This loan will fund the Fiscal Sustainability and Economic Resilience Support Programme, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at improving fiscal sustainability, increasing private sector participation, and promoting agro-industrial development. The programme will also focus on climate-smart investments, public-private partnerships, and the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The programme will enhance agricultural productivity by supporting the Ministry of Agriculture’s mechanization strategy and establishing ten mechanisation centres. This will provide farmers with access to equipment, increasing production and supply to national and international markets. Furthermore, the project will provide financing for sustainable agriculture, disbursing $9.4 million to small and medium-sized farmers during the 2023-2024 agricultural season. This market-based initiative will be administered by the private sector through financial institutions providing tailored funding to farmers with limited access to affordable finance. As of November 2024, the African Development Bank Group’s active portfolio for Zambia comprised 24 projects totalling $872.3 million, demonstrating the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic development. The programme’s impact will be significant, contributing to a more resilient and diversified Zambian economy.
Rwanda
Author found guilty of genocide denial, fined €8,400
A French court has found author Charles Onana guilty of downplaying the Rwandan genocide, fining him €8,400 and ordering his publisher, Damien Serieyx, to pay €5,000. The court ruled that Onana’s writings violated France’s laws prohibiting genocide denial and incitement to hatred, with the judge stating that France would “no longer be a haven for denialists”. This landmark decision comes after Onana published his book, Rwanda, the Truth About Operation Turquoise, in 2019, where he described the idea that the Hutu Government had planned the genocide in Rwanda as “one of the biggest scams” of the last century. The book was widely criticized for distorting historical facts and downplaying the atrocities that occurred during the genocide, which saw approximately 800,000 people killed in just 100 days in 1994.
The case against Onana and Serieyx was brought by human rights organizations Survie and the International Federation for Human Rights for “publicly contesting a crime against humanity”. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe welcomed the conviction. He described it as a “landmark decision”. Prosecution lawyer Richard Gisagara hailed the court’s decision as “a victory for justice that protects genocide victims and survivors”. He noted that it was the first time those denying the genocide had been punished in Europe. Onana’s lawyer, Emmanuel Pire, argued that the book was based on 10 years of research, but the court disagreed, stating that Onana’s writings had “trivialized” and “contested” the genocide in an “outrageous manner”. Both Onana and his publisher have appealed the verdict. The court’s ruling sends a strong message that denying or minimizing genocide is unacceptable and will be prosecuted.
Malawi
Malawi Electoral Commission’s voter registration exercise marred by payment delay
Concerns are mounting among Malawi Electoral Commission registration personnel over unpaid allowances, despite the ongoing voter registration exercise. Personnel in several districts, including Chikhwawa, Zomba, Mangochi, and Tcheu, have expressed frustration over delayed payments. A police officer in Chikhwawa district shared his disappointment, stating that he had yet to receive any allowances since the exercise began, despite the transition to another phase. Officials are entitled to receive K1.2 Million by the end of the exercise, with half due before the end of the first phase.
The Malawi Electoral Commission acknowledged the issue. Deputy Spokesperson Richard Veliwa urged officials to follow the proper channels to submit their grievances. The voter registration exercise, which commenced in November, has entered its second phase. The commission aims to ensure all eligible voters are included in the electoral process. However, unpaid allowances pose a significant challenge to personnel morale. Effective communication and prompt resolution are crucial to maintaining the integrity and success of the voter registration process. Timely payment of allowances would help alleviate concerns and ensure seamless execution of the exercise.
