Africa news rondup
December 22-28, 2024
Ghana
Visa-free entry approved for all African nationals
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made a groundbreaking move, approving visa-free entry to Ghana for all African nationals. This executive approval, granted on 18 December 2024, marks a significant step towards enhancing free movement across the continent. Ghana joins an exclusive group of African countries, including Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin, in offering visa-free entry to all African passport holders. This move is a fulfillment of Akufo-Addo’s promise made during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues in January 2024. The primary goal is to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and services, driving the African Continental Free Trade Area and ensuring economic integration. The policy is set to take effect before the end of Akufo-Addo’s term on 6 January 2025.
In his keynote address at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues, Akufo-Addo emphasized Ghana’s commitment to the visa-free initiative. He acknowledged the challenges many Africans face when traveling. He noted that many attendees at the current event had to acquire a visa to attend. He reassured the audience that the Government of Ghana was committed to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans. This development is expected to boost economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and tourism among African nations. As Ghana prepares to implement this policy, it is essential to note that the country’s passport holders already enjoy visa-free travel to several countries. This move is a significant step towards achieving a more integrated and prosperous Africa.
Nigeria
Airstrike kills civilians in terrorist-hit region
A devastating incident has occurred in Nigeria, where many civilians are feared dead and several others injured after Air Force fighter jets mistakenly bombed two communities. The airstrikes, carried out on Wednesday, targeted terrorists but, instead, hit residents of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame local government area of Sokoto State. Local sources revealed that the communities are situated near Surame Forest, a known hideout for armed gangs, commonly referred to as bandits. Muhammed Alim, a resident of one of the affected communities, reported that at least 10 people lost their lives in the airstrike. However, Abubakar Daftarana, chairman of Silame local government area, stated that efforts are ongoing to assess the full extent of the casualties and damage.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the incident. Spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa reported that an investigation will be conducted to determine the actual number of victims. According to Akinboyewa, “The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated”. This incident raises concerns about the Nigerian military’s tactics and the potential for civilian casualties in their operations. It also highlights the challenges of combating terrorism in the region, where armed groups often blend in with local communities. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Nigerian Air Force has been involved in a mistaken bombing. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, resulting in civilian casualties. These incidents underscore the need for greater precision and caution in military operations to minimize harm to innocent civilians.
Kenya
Surge in gender-based violence sparks national outrage
Kenya is grappling with a devastating surge in gender-based violence. Alarming statistics revealed over 7,100 reported cases since September 2023. Among these cases are 100 documented murders of women since August, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention and justice. The violence has sparked widespread outrage, with protests erupting in Nairobi, demanding justice and government action. However, the police response has been criticized, with tear gas and arrests drawing sharp condemnation from human rights organizations. Foreign Affairs Minister and acting Interior Minister Musalia Mudavadi acknowledged the crisis, revealing that Nairobi County recorded the highest number of gender-based violence cases. He also stated that investigations into most of the 100 murders were complete, with cases pending in court.
Human rights defenders argue that the true extent of the problem may be far worse, with many cases remaining undocumented, especially in low-income areas where poverty and patriarchal norms fuel violence. According to the Gender Violence Recovery Centre, one in three Kenyan women experiences sexual violence before turning 18, and 38 per cent of married women face physical abuse. In response to the crisis, the government has established a special security team to address the issue and ensure justice.
However, activists demand more robust measures to protect women and girls, emphasizing that this epidemic cannot be ignored any longer. They are calling for more effective measures to protect women and girls, ensure justice for survivors of gender-based violence, and address the root causes of violence, including poverty and patriarchal norms.
South Africa
Police crack down on rape suspects after a string of brutal attacks
Limpopo police arrested two suspected rapists Christmas Day, including a 20-year-old man who allegedly used Facebook to lure teenage girls into his trap. The young man, dubbed the “Facebook rapist”, was taken into custody by the Tzaneen Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Brig Hlulani Mashaba, the suspect targeted girls aged 14-16 in the Modjadjiskloof and Bolobedu policing area, using Facebook to initiate contact. He then met his victims at Kgapane Plaza, convincing them to take a walk, which would ultimately lead to a secluded area near Manningburg, where he, allegedly, raped and robbed them of their valuables.
Upon arrest, the police found a fake identity document, stolen cash, and a cellphone on the suspect. Further investigation revealed that he was out on bail for another rape case involving a 14-year-old girl, which had occurred in September 2024, using the same modus operandi.
In a separate incident, also occurring on Christmas Day, a 37-year-old man was caught in the act of raping a 30-year-old woman near a local river in Kanana village. The suspect, allegedly, attacked the woman with a rock and punched her before raping her. The community intervened, rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspect, who was later taken into custody by the police. Both suspects are expected to appear before the Tzaneen magistrate’s court. These arrests mark a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families, and serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and community involvement in combating crime.
Liberia
Supreme court halts high-profile trial over lawyer’s eligibility concerns
Liberia’s Supreme Court has temporarily halted the trial of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and his co-defendants who are facing multiple charges, including economic sabotage. This decision was made in response to a request from the Ministry of Justice to disqualify one of Tweah’s lawyers, A. Ndubuisi Nwabudike, due to concerns about his legal standing in the case. Chamber Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay ordered Judge Blamo Dixon of Criminal Court ‘C’ to suspend all proceedings until a conference with the parties, scheduled for December 30. The conference will address the Ministry of Justice’s concerns about Nwabudike’s eligibility to practice law in Liberia.
Nwabudike, the former chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, had his suspension lifted by the Supreme Court, allowing him to practice law in Liberia. However, the Ministry of Justice has questioned his nationality and admission to the practice of law in Liberia. The trial has faced several delays, with the prosecution requesting additional time to gather evidence. Judge Dixon had previously granted Tweah and his co-defendants bail, which the Ministry of Justice contested, arguing that the judge was conflicted.
Tweah and his co-defendants are accused of conspiring to commit economic sabotage, fraud, and theft between 8-21 September 2023. The court’s document alleges that they improperly transferred over L$1 billion and US$500,000 to the Financial Intelligence Agency’s operational accounts. The case has sparked widespread interest, with many Liberians following the developments closely. The trial is seen as a test of Liberia’s judicial system and its ability to hold high-ranking officials accountable for corruption.
Sierra Leone
Multi-million-dollar scandal unfolds as private company defaults on contractual obligations
The 2023 Audit Report has exposed a shocking case of negligence and recklessness in Sierra Leone’s public-private partnerships, specifically involving Zoodlabs (SL) Ltd. The company has blatantly disregarded its contractual obligations, resulting in a staggering $1.44 million in unpaid fees to the government. This financial hemorrhage stems from Zoodlabs’ operational agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone to manage the ACE Submarine Fiber Optic Cable Landing Station and its ancillary infrastructure. The company’s failure to fulfill its financial commitments not only constitutes a breach of contract but also casts serious doubts on its commitment to its obligations. The ACE Fiber Optic Cable, a vital piece of infrastructure designed to enhance internet connectivity and foster technological growth, has become a tool for exploitation under Zoodlabs’ management. The company’s actions reflect a disturbing trend of private entities prioritizing profit over public good with little accountability.
The report highlights systemic failures in oversight and enforcement, raising questions about the role of government officials and regulatory bodies in monitoring compliance. The failure to enforce the terms of the contract indicates a lack of diligence on the part of government agencies, perpetuating a culture of impunity that undermines governance and development. The report noted that to address this issue, Zoodlabs must be held accountable for its financial obligations, with interest and penalties applied where applicable. The government must also conduct a thorough review of all agreements with the company to identify and rectify any other breaches. The situation underscored the need for robust mechanisms to ensure compliance in public-private partnerships. It said that contracts must be accompanied by stringent monitoring frameworks and transparent reporting processes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Zoodlabs scandal is viewed as a wake-up call for Sierra Leone, highlighting the dangers of entrusting critical national assets to private entities without adequate safeguards. As the country grapples with economic challenges, every dollar counts, and the loss of $1.44 million due to corporate negligence was an affront to the people of Sierra Leone. The country must demand accountability, transparency, and justice to prevent such betrayals in the future.
Tanzania
264 cargo wagons arrive for standard gauge railway
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has announced the arrival of 264 cargo wagons manufactured by China’s CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co., Ltd. The cargo wagons are part of a larger consignment of 1,430 wagons destined for the standard gauge railway (SGR) electric trains. According to a statement released by the TRC, the 264 cargo wagons arrived at the Port of Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. The wagons are designed to facilitate the transportation of goods, with 200 of them specifically earmarked for ferrying containers and 64 for loose cargo. The TRC has outlined plans to conduct trial runs of the cargo wagons, initially without cargo and later with cargo, between Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania. Commercial operations for the cargo wagons will commence after the TRC and experts from contractors have certified the wagons for use.
The arrival of the cargo wagons marks a significant milestone in the development of Tanzania’s rail network. The SGR project, which spans 1,596 km from Dar es Salaam to the Mwanza region, is expected to revolutionize transportation in Tanzania and across the region. Upon completion, the modern rail link will significantly reduce travel time and boost economic development in Tanzania and beyond. The project is a testament to the Tanzanian government’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that supports economic growth and development. In August, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially launched commercial passenger operations of the SGR electric train service from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma via Morogoro. The launch marked a major milestone in the project’s implementation, and the arrival of the cargo wagons is a further indication of the project’s progress.
Eswatini
10 men arrested for domestic violence, charged under sexual offences act
Despite ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence, 10 men were arrested over the weekend for abusing their partners. The men, aged between 25 and 41, faced accusations of stabbing, slapping, or strangling their partners or ex-partners, as well as damaging their belongings. All of them were arrested and charged under the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.
One of the accused, City Makama, 35, appeared before the Manzini Principal Magistrate, charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Nosiphephelo Zulu. Makama allegedly slapped Zulu several times and strangled her after she discovered he was seeing another woman. He admitted his wrongdoing and pleaded for leniency, citing unemployment and an infant dependent on baby formula. Makama was sentenced to three years in prison, with an option to pay a fine.
Another accused, Xolani Dlamini, 34, was charged with two counts under the Act for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Phetsile Ngwenya. Dlamini, allegedly, slapped Ngwenya and strangled her. He pleaded guilty to both charges and expressed remorse for his actions. Other accused included Obadiah Makwakwa, 41, who, allegedly, attacked his girlfriend with open hands, fists, and kicks before strangling her; Brandon Olven Bennett, 29, who, allegedly, assaulted the mother of his child with a bush knife; and Lusito Seedwell Dlamini, 34, who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend multiple times. All the accused were granted bail, ranging from E5 000 to E8 000, and were ordered to return to court. The cases highlight the ongoing issue of domestic violence, despite efforts to combat it. The Act aims to protect victims of domestic violence and holds perpetrators accountable. The recent arrests and charges demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement and the judiciary to addressing domestic violence. However, more needs to be done to prevent such cases from occurring. This includes raising awareness about domestic violence, providing support to victims, and promoting healthy relationships.
Uganda
Wife of detained opposition leader defies prison ban
The wife of detained Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye, Winnie Byanyima, has strongly condemned the ban on prisoners receiving visitors on Christmas Day as “cruel and inhumane”. Besigye, 68, has been charged in a military court with possession of pistols and attempting to purchase weapons abroad, which he denies. His trial was delayed until next month.
Prison authorities have cited “potential security lapses” as the reason for the seven-day ban on visitors, starting from Christmas Eve. However, Byanyima, who is also the head of the UN’s organization to tackle HIV and Aids, is determined to see her husband and give him food on Christmas Day. She plans to camp outside the Luzira Prison, defying the ban. Byanyima expressed concerns about her husband’s well-being, stating that he remains “strong and persevering” in a “tiny little room” behind six prison gates. However, she worries that he could be “harmed” and has vowed to seek regular visits to ensure his safety.
The ban on visitors has sparked controversy, with many questioning the motives behind the decision. Byanyima has also raised concerns about the recent change of leadership at Luzira prison, describing the new official as “young and inexperienced”. She has expressed doubts about the intentions of the prison authorities, citing her husband’s previous experiences with the government. Besigye has a long history of run-ins with President Yoweri Museveni’s government, having contested and lost four presidential elections against him. His detention has sparked widespread concern, with many opposition parties and human rights groups calling for his release.
The use of military courts to try civilians has also been a contentious issue. Besigye has objected to being tried by a military court, arguing that he should be tried in a civilian court if there is a case against him. However, Museveni has defended the use of military courts, citing the need to ensure the country’s stability.
As the controversy surrounding Besigye’s detention continues to unfold, his wife remains resolute in her determination to support him and ensure his safety. The ban on visitors may have been intended to prevent “potential security lapses”, but it has ultimately served to highlight the concerns surrounding Besigye’s detention and the broader issues of human rights and justice.
Zambia
Government partners with FAZ to develop world-class technical centre
The Zambian Government has taken a significant step towards boosting the country’s football infrastructure by handing over 80 hectares of land to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for the construction of a state-of-the-art technical centre in Chongwe District. This project, valued at $10 million, is being funded by FIFA and is expected to be completed within three years. The technical centre will feature modern football facilities, including multiple training grounds with artificial and natural turf, accommodation and recreational facilities for players and coaches, and a Centre of Excellence for technical training, coaching certification, and youth development. Additionally, the centre will house a new FAZ headquarters, conference facilities, and medical and gymnasium facilities to support player wellness and fitness.
According to Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, the centre will transform the football landscape in Zambia by boosting talent development, enhancing women’s football, empowering grassroots football, and strengthening the national team. Chileshe emphasized that improved training infrastructure will directly contribute to the performance of Zambia’s national teams on regional and international stages. FAZ President Andrew Kamanga praised the project as a landmark achievement secured through the partnership between FIFA, FAZ, and the government. Kamanga noted that FIFA has already provided support for the rehabilitation of four provincial stadia, with the government leasing the stadia to FAZ and FIFA providing $1.5 million in funding. The project’s sustainability plan incorporates green building practices, community integration, and revenue generation through hosting tournaments and training camps. FAZ’s long-term vision includes having at least one stadium in each province to decentralize football activities.
Rwanda
Mukazayire takes helm as new sports minister
Nelly Mukazayire, who previously served as the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sports, officially took office on December 24, during a handover ceremony. She replaces Richard Nyirishema, who had been in charge of the ministry for four months. Mukazayire’s appointment is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle announced by the Prime Minister. The Ministry of Sports also welcomed new Minister of State Rwego Ngarambe and Permanent Secretary Regis Uwayezu. Ngarambe, a young lawyer specializing in sports, is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the ministry.
During the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet members, President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of resource mobilization to drive sports development forward. He encouraged the new ministers to explore innovative ways to generate resources from sports, which he described as a business based on talent. Kagame noted that sports can be a significant source of revenue, citing the example of how talent is traded and generates resources globally.
Mukazayire’s experience as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sports makes her well-suited to lead the ministry’s efforts to develop Rwanda’s sports industry. Her priorities will likely include promoting sports tourism, developing infrastructure, and supporting grassroots sports programmes. The appointment of Mukazayire and her team is a positive development for Rwanda’s sports sector. With their combined experience and expertise, they are well-positioned to drive growth and development in the industry, and to promote Rwanda as a hub for sports excellence. The ministry has expressed gratitude to the outgoing minister, Hon. Nyirishema, for his service and has warmly welcomed Mukazayire to lead the next chapter of sports development in Rwanda.
Malawi
Climate change leaves lasting scars
Malawi has been grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change-induced disasters for six years, resulting in significant economic losses. The country has been hit by a series of disasters, including Tropical Storm Ana, cyclones Idai, Gombe, and Freddy, as well as El Niño. According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma), these catastrophes have cost Malawi approximately USD 1.19 billion between 2015 and 2023. Dodma’s deputy director for recovery, Fedson Chikuse, notes that the department is still assessing the full extent of the damage. However, initial estimates suggest that the recovery cost will be around USD 1.7 billion, primarily to support affected families and rebuild destroyed infrastructure. A significant portion of this cost will be allocated to the agriculture sector, which is the backbone of Malawi’s economy.
The World Meteorological Organization’s “State of the Climate in Africa 2023” report highlights the severe impact of climate-related hazards on African countries. On average, each country loses 2-5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) annually due to droughts, floods, cyclones, and heatwaves. Furthermore, many African countries are forced to divert up to 9 per cent of their budgets to respond to extreme weather events. The report estimates that the cost of adapting to climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa will be between USD 30-50 billion annually over the next decade, representing 2-3 per cent of the region’s overall GDP. This is a significant burden for countries like Malawi, which are already struggling to recover from the impacts of climate change.
The effects of climate change are being felt across Malawi, with many communities still reeling from the impacts of Cyclone Idai in 2019. The cyclone caused widespread destruction, killing hundreds of people and affecting hundreds of thousands more. Pilirani Mtupa, a 35-year-old resident of Mbenje in Malawi’s southern Nsanje district, is one of the many people still struggling to rebuild their lives. Her family’s home was washed away by the cyclone, leaving them without shelter or livelihood. Mtupa’s story is just one example of the devastating impacts of climate change on communities in Malawi.
