Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent - news that matters.
India has traditionally prioritised Africa in its foreign policy. However, the current administration of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has shown an extraordinary determination to strengthen India's longstanding ties to the African continentClick here to read... [2]
India should be more assertive and play an active role in helping the conflicting political factions to navigate towards a political settlement peacefully. Click here to read... [3]
Deputy President William Ruto has been declared the winner of Kenya's presidential election amid dramatic scenes. Click here to read... [4]
Logistical delays and a failure of the identification kit in some parts of the country marred a largely peaceful election day in Kenya. Polls are now officially closed but voting has been extended in places which opened late. Click here to read... [5]
On August 9, the cultural politics of East Africa could be reshaped in ways it hasn't been in 37 years. Either Deputy President William Ruto or veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will become the fifth president of Kenya. Click here to read... [6]
Ethiopia has completed the third filling of its mega-dam reservoir on the Blue Nile, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced, a development that could raise further tensions with downstream neighbours Egypt and Sudan. Click here to read... [7]
The last soldiers belonging to France's Barkhane operation in Mali have now left the African country, the French chiefs of staff said on Monday. Click here to read... [8]
Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht has announced that Germany's military mission in Mali would be halted until further notice. France is withdrawing a larger force from Mali, as the junta has hired Russian mercenaries. Click here to read... [9]
Sierra Leone's president, Julius Maada Bio, said on Friday that this week's anti-government protests, which led to the deaths of six police officers and at least 21 civilians, were an attempt to overthrow the government. Click here to read... [10]
Angola has entered the final stretch of the electoral campaign, in the upcoming general elections on the 24th of August. Click here to read... [11]
Guinea’s junta-appointed government has dissolved the country’s leading opposition movement, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), under a decree authenticated by AFP on Tuesday. Click here to read... [12]
Hundreds of Sudanese rallied outside a Khartoum conference hall in a show of support for a political initiative backed by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who last year led a military coup. Click here to read... [13]
At least 40 groups sign a deal with the government to launch a national reconciliation dialogue, but the main rebel group refuses to take part. Click here to read... [14]
A group of “like minded” South Sudanese stakeholder have “categorically” reject the extension by the parties of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) period. Click here to read... [15]
Burundian troops entered the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday as the first deployment of an East African regional force aiming to quell rebel violence, Congo's army said. Click here to read... [16]
The UN Security Council is expected to hold a session on Libya this Monday, with the appointment of a new head of UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on top of the agenda, Libya Update reports. Click here to read... [17]
Djibouti occupies a very strategic maritime location at the mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands. It is strategically positioned near the world's busiest shipping lanes and acts as a refueling and transshipment center. Click here to read... [18]
Officials in central Somalia say a U.S. airstrike against al-Shabab militants has killed 14 fighters, the deadliest strike against the terrorist group in months. Click here to read... [19]
Housed in a detention centre in southern England, Aladeen says he risked his life to travel thousands of miles from his homeland of Syria to escape being forced to fight in the military of President Bashar al-Assad. Click here to read... [20]
The US state Secretary Antony Blinken announced a 10-year program to strengthen democratic governance in sub-Saharan regions of Africa. The program is going to have a budget of 2 billion US dollars. Click here to read... [21]
Blinken's visit to Africa is seen as part of a competition between Russia and Western powers for support from African countries over the war in Ukraine. Click here to read... [22]
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in South Africa on Sunday to kick off a three-country tour that will also take him to DR Congo and Rwanda, aimed at "developing a strategy to counter Russian efforts to undermine democracy in Africa", according to a France-based political scientist. Click here to read... [23]
The White House on Monday unveiled broad new policy goals for sub-Saharan Africa, with administration officials seeking to tie the region’s democratic, economic and security progress to US national security. Click here to read... [24]
The United States sees Africa’s 54 nations as “equal partners” in tackling global problems, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in South Africa Monday. Click here to read... [25]
We're not in competition: That was the line from both the United States and China as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Africa this week, but analysts said the trip was indeed aimed at, among other things, countering Beijing's massive influence on the continent. Click here to read... [26]
Sudan secured Chinese backing to begin a $640 million restoration of its railway network, pressing ahead with the ambitious project despite an economic crisis worsened by last year’s coup. Click here to read... [27]
Moroccan Ambassador to China Aziz Mekouar recently reiterated the Kingdom of Morocco's adherence to the one-China policy as the foundation of relations between the two friendly countries. Click here to read... [28]
Just south of Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, the US$80 million new African disease control headquarters, built and funded by China, is nearing completion amid disquiet in Washington. Click here to read... [29]
Landlocked Uganda increased its fuel buffer to 100 million liters ahead of Kenya elections to avoid potential supply disruptions, as was the case in 2007 when voting-related violence erupted in Kenya, which is a main conduit for its imports. Click here to read... [30]
When US President Joe Biden announced the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al- Zawahiri on August 1, his family members in Cairo received news of his demise with shock and dismay. Click here to read... [31]
America’s top diplomat on Wednesday was hoping to showcase the potential for democracy and climate action here in one of Africa’s largest countries. But backsliding reality got in the way. Click here to read... [32]
Ennahdha is perhaps the only force remaining in Tunisia that can realistically act against President Saied’s autocratic regime – but to succeed, it needs to reform itself. Click here to read... [33]
Police in Somaliland said they fired on opposition protesters Thursday amid tensions over an upcoming election, killing three people and wounding 27. Click here to read... [34]
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Zambian counterpart, Haikande Hichilema, have agreed to upgrade the cross-border railway connecting the two countries to speed up economic progress as part of a broader push to strengthen ties. Click here to read... [35]
The Islamic State has expanded its influence beyond measure in Africa, with at least 20 countries directly experiencing the extremist group's activity, said African security expert Martin Ewi. Click here to read... [36]
Angola has again produced more crude oil than Nigeria for the third consecutive month, as Africa’s biggest economy lost 74,000 barrels per day in July compared with the previous month of June. Click here to read... [37]
Nigeria, Algeria and Niger — keen to benefit from EU efforts to wean itself off Russian gas — are renewing efforts to implement a decades-old plan. But is there enough political will and funding for the project? Click here to read... [38]
A fire at Coptic Church in Egypt's Cairo killed 41 and injured 16 others. The fire broke out in an air conditioning unit in the church, Egypt's Interior Ministry said. Egypt's Coptic community and churches have been a target of religious-based violence in the past, reported CNN. Click here to read... [39]
At least 15 Burkinabe soldiers were killed when their vehicle hit several landmines in the northern region of the country. The number of those killed includes a rescue team that hit a second explosive while attempting to help the first vehicle. Click here to read... [40]
According to Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, his country’s launch of the “Sango coin” currency, as well as the call for the creation of a common digital currency by the regional central bank, represent two key achievements for his country and all of Africa. Click here to read... [41]
The advent of electric cars on the Tanzanian market has changed the way tourists visit National parks in Arusha and the whole of the Northern tourist circuit, the cars are silent and do not emit any carbon dioxide. Click here to read... [42]
Birds died after feeding from carcass of buffalo, which appeared to have been laced with poison, conservationist says. Click here to read... [43]
Visitors enjoy the snow at the Afriski ski resort near Butha-Buthe, Lesotho, Saturday July 30, 2022. While millions across Europe sweat through a summer of record-breaking heat, Afriski in the Maluti Mountains is Africa's only operating ski resort south of the equator. Click here to read... [44]
Above-average rains last week in most of Ivory Coast’s cocoa regions could pave the way for an early and strong start to the October-to-March main crop if the weather remains favourable next month, farmers said on Monday. Click here to read... [45]
India’s Charge d’affairs to the United Nations, R Ravindra highlighted the importance of the African Continent to the international community on the 9th of August 2022 (Monday) in a UN briefing. Click here to read... [46]
Extending its support to peacebuilding in Africa and establishing capabilities and capacities, India on Monday urged the international community to pay close attention to the African voice and wisdom. Click here to read... [47]
Ambassador of Egypt to India Wael Hamed, handed the Indian Minister for External Affairs Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, President Abdel Fattah al Sisi invitation for the Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi to participate in the UN Climate Change Conference [COP27] expected in November at Sharm al Sheikh. Click here to read... [48]
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday extended greetings to the government and people of the Republic of Chad on the occasion of their Independence Day. Click here to read... [49]
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday extended greetings to the Government and people of the Central African Republic on their Independence Day. Click here to read... [50]
Namgya C. Khampa has been appointed as the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, a press release by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Click here to read... [51]
India is trying to strengthen its long-standing ties to countries on the continent as New Delhi attempts to catch up with China, which has emerged as Africa's largest trading partner. Click here to read... [52]
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, on Monday, pledged his country’s readiness to provide the needed support to end insecurity in Nigeria. Click here to read... [53]
Faced with China’s BRI and aggressive strategic intent, individual countries could not fulfil the challenge for an alternative to China. Thus, the concept of trilateral cooperation emerged. Click here to read... [54]
Airtel Africa has signed up for a USD 125 million revolving facility from American banking major Citi. Click here to read... [55]
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has introduced a new port call in Mombasa, Kenya to its Middle East – India – Mozambique (MIM) service. Click here to read... [56]
The major Indian investments in Egypt include TCI Sanmar Chemicals (with the largest investment of $1.5bln), Alexandria Carbon Black Company, Kirloskar Group, Dabur, FLEX P. FILMS, Scib Paints, Godrej, Mahindra, and Monginis. Click here to read... [57]
Indian generic drug manufacturer Cipla revealed that one of its plants in South Africa has reopened more than a month after it was vandalized during a period of civil unrest that claimed the lives of more than 300 and caused an estimated $3.3 billion in economic losses. Click here to read... [58]
It may appear that our dusty history books have done their part to enlighten us about Mahatma Gandhi’s magnificent figure — the lawyer, the anti-colonial resistance leader, and the political campaigner — all of which add to his reputation as the Father of the Nation. Click here to read... [59]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/august/16/2022/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-33
[2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/international-affairs/navigating-india-africa-relations-in-a-post-pandemic-world-101659936735191.html
[3] https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/civil-war-in-ethiopia-why-india-cant-let-africas-second-most-populous-country-go-yugoslavias-way-11051881.html
[4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62554210
[5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62406288
[6] https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/east-africa-wont-sleep-well-until-kenya-counts-the-votes-3906138
[7] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/12/ethiopia-says-completes-third-filling-of-mega-dam-reservoir
[8] https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/france-completes-troop-withdrawal-from-mali-1136368.html
[9] https://www.dw.com/en/german-military-mission-to-mali-suspended/a-62788650
[10] https://www.zawya.com/en/world/africa/sierra-leone-president-says-protests-aimed-to-overthrow-the-government-n1fphgr3
[11] https://www.africanews.com/2022/08/15/angola-enters-final-stretch-of-electoral-campaigns/
[12] https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20220809-guinea-dissolves-leading-opposition-group-amid-political-unrest
[13] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/14/hundreds-rally-in-sudan-to-support-military-backed-initiative
[14] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/8/chad-military-govt-opposition-groups-sign-peace-deal-in-qatar
[15] https://sudantribune.com/article262795/
[16] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/burundi-sends-troops-into-congo-part-east-african-force-2022-08-15/
[17] https://northafricapost.com/59860-un-security-council-to-hold-session-for-the-appointment-of-libya-special-envoy.html
[18] https://www.globalvillagespace.com/strategic-importance-of-djibouti/
[19] https://www.voanews.com/a/us-airstrike-in-somalia-kills-14-al-shabab-militants-/6702053.html
[20] https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-pushes-ahead-with-rwanda-migrant-scheme-small-boats-keep-coming-2022-08-15/
[21] https://asianatimes.com/usa-invests-2-billion-in-africa-might-impact-africas-future/
[22] https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-africa-tour-8076558/
[23] https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20220806-blinken-heads-to-africa-to-counter-russian-influence-on-the-continent
[24] https://www.news18.com/news/world/us-says-new-africa-strategy-will-engage-leaders-rethink-military-role-5714155.html
[25] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-says-u-s-is-equal-partner-with-african-countries
[26] https://www.voanews.com/a/china-critical-of-blinken-s-africa-offensive-/6699298.html
[27] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-11/china-backs-640-million-sudan-rail-revamp-amid-economic-crunch
[28] https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-08-13/Moroccan-ambassador-Morocco-adheres-to-one-China-policy-1ct9yYJCFy0/index.html
[29] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3188010/how-us-lost-africa-china-over-new-disease-control-centre-addis
[30] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-10/uganda-boosted-fuel-buffer-to-10-days-ahead-of-kenyan-election
[31] https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/the-founding-head-of-al-qaeda-is-dead-but-radicalism-continues-to-thrive-in-egypt/
[32] https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2022-08-10/far-from-a-showcase-congo-tests-democracy-climate-action-during-blinken-visit
[33] https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2022/8/13/ennahdha-needs-to-change-to-save-itself-and-tunisias-democracy
[34] https://apnews.com/article/africa-elections-police-presidential-a25552af229131cf851485225d9d5f71
[35] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/tanzania-zambia-cross-border-railway-unlocks-trade-ties/2660860
[36] https://indianexpress.com/article/world/security-expert-warns-un-africa-future-is-caliphate-8081607/
[37] https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/08/14/again-angola-overtakes-nigeria-in-oil-production-2/
[38] https://www.dw.com/en/african-countries-seek-to-revive-trans-saharan-gas-pipeline-dream/a-62778681
[39] https://www.outlookindia.com/international/fire-at-church-in-egypt-s-cairo-s-kills-41-photos-216531?prev
[40] https://www.persecution.org/2022/08/13/15-soldiers-killed-twin-blasts-burkina-faso/
[41] https://news.bitcoin.com/central-african-republic-president-says-successful-launch-of-sango-coin-a-key-milestone/
[42] https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/electric-cars-changing-the-face-of-tourism-in-tanzania-3912360
[43] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/12/over-150-endangered-vultures-poisoned-in-south-africa-botswana
[44] https://indianexpress.com/photos/world-news/heavy-snowfall-africa-lesotho-attracts-skiers-heatwave-europe-8086703/
[45] https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/ivory-coast-rains-raise-farmers-hopes-cocoa-crop-2022-08-15/
[46] https://organiser.org/2022/08/10/91127/world/india-highlights-the-importance-of-africa-to-the-international-community-in-un/
[47] https://theprint.in/world/india-urges-international-community-to-pay-close-attention-to-africa/1075062/
[48] https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/118321/Egypt-hands-India-COP27-invitation
[49] https://theprint.in/world/jaishankar-wishes-people-of-chad-on-countrys-independence-day/1078216/
[50] https://theprint.in/world/jaishankar-wishes-people-of-central-african-republic-on-their-independence-day/1081079/
[51] https://theprint.in/world/namgya-khampa-appointed-indias-high-commissioner-to-kenya/1080319/
[52] https://www.dw.com/en/india-woos-africa-with-trade-tech-and-investment/a-62770071
[53] https://punchng.com/india-pledges-commitment-to-end-insecurity-in-nigeria/
[54] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/view-trilateral-cooperation-in-africa-gets-moving/articleshow/93437754.cms
[55] https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/airtel-africa-signs-up-for-125-million-credit-pact-with-citi-122081000746_1.html
[56] https://www.porttechnology.org/news/one-adds-kenya-to-middle-east-india-africa-service/
[57] https://www.zawya.com/en/wealth/alternative-investments/50-indian-companies-invest-total-315bln-in-egypt-ambassador-gupte-u6ndkt3a
[58] https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/after-vandalism-during-unrest-south-africa-india-based-cipla-reopens-manufacturing
[59] https://qrius.com/mahatma-gandhi-founded-3-football-clubs-in-south-africa/
[60] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=Africa Now - Weekly Newsletter (Week 33, 2022)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/august/16/2022/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-33
[61] http://twitter.com/share?text=Africa Now - Weekly Newsletter (Week 33, 2022)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/august/16/2022/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-33&via=Azure Power
[62] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/august/16/2022/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-33
[63] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Samir-Bhattacharya