Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent - news that matters.
Sudan is bleeding. A transitional administration was established in 2019 after Bashir was overthrown in a coup. Elections were expected to be held following the Click here to read... [2]
Beijing could hold the key to any future peace in Sudan, but this projection must be buttressed with realism. Click here to read... [3]
The geographical importance and the role of Türkiye in global politics, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has increased. Click here to read... [4]
Sudanese capital Khartoum was rocked by gun battles and airstrikes Sunday amid the latest cease-fire talks being held in Saudi Arabia. Click here to read... [5]
One month since Sudan's conflict erupted, its capital is a desolate war zone where terrorised families huddle at home as gun battles rage, while the western Darfur region has descended into deadly chaos. Click here to read... [6]
South Sudan has opened a new refugee camp in its northern region to receive people fleeing conflicts in neighbouring Sudan, a senior official said. Click here to read... [7]
Portugal renewed its support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, describing it as a serious and credible basis to end the dispute over Western Sahara. Click here to read... [8]
Opposition leader Ghannouchi was arrested in April, and sentenced after being charged with incitement, as crackdown on opposition continues. Click here to read... [9]
A Libyan interposition force deployed in the country's western city of Zawiya after battles between armed groups left three people dead. Click here to read... [10]
DR Congo's deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Christophe Lutundula, has said the East African Community regional force sent to the country's conflict-ridden east failed to deliver "expected results," signalling that it might have to exit by the end of June. Click here to read... [11]
Kenya and Somalia have agreed to reopen their border crossing points after 11 years of closure. Click here to read... [12]
The massacre of nine workers in the Central African Republic and other recent attacks raise questions about China’s ability to protect its citizens overseas. Click here to read... [13]
China is trying to exploit Morocco’s strained relation with France to grab contract for Morocco’s proposed expansion of high-speed rail project between Casablanca and Marrakech. Click here to read... [14]
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be making a six-day official visit to South Africa and Kenya from Sunday to Friday. Click here to read... [15]
Political parties are preparing to choose their presidential candidates as Ghana holds talks with the IMF over a $3bln bailout to help overcome an economic crisis and as it faces a growing jihadist threat from a conflict in neighbouring Burkina Faso. Click here to read... [16]
The billionaire founder of Foxconn vowed Sunday at a rally that if elected president of Taiwan, he would be able to "preserve peace" between the democratic self-ruled island and China. Click here to read... [17]
Chinese President Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet in Beijing on Monday for his Eritrean counterpart Isaias Afewerki, saying that China opposed sanctions imposed on the Horn of Africa nation. Click here to read... [18]
China has a ballistic missile tracker Yuan Wang 7 off coast of Oman in Arabian Sea and another Yuan Wang 5 off coast of Durban in South Atlantic Ocean. Click here to read... [19]
Morocco will likely award a project to build a high-speed train linking two of its key cities to a Chinese company following a political crisis with France, according to a newspaper in the North African Arab nation. Click here to read... [20]
South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said his country had resolved a dispute with the U.S. over allegations that Pretoria supplied weapons to Russia, and South Africa is unlikely to face U.S. repercussion. Click here to read... [21]
Africa Finance Corporation (www.AfricaFC.org [22]), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, continues to expand and diversify its membership and shareholder base, recently welcoming Benin, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. Click here to read... [23]
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday and asked Macron to use his country's influence to speed up Zambia's delayed debt restructuring talks. Click here to read... [24]
The African Development Bank said Monday it had developed the financial tools needed to make over $3 billion in compensation payments to white farmers who lost land and other assets in Zimbabwe. Click here to read... [25]
Ghana joined forces with China and France on Friday to form a committee which will help pave the way for a $3 billion dollar International Monetary Fund loan. Click here to read... [26]
The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Mrs Phillianne Ernesta as the new Principal Secretary for The Blue Economy, effective from the 1st May, 2023. This follows the recent appointment of Mr Kenneth Racombo as Ambassador. Click here to read... [27]
As it prepares to sign the host government agreement and begin the front-end engineering design of what will become the largest energy project in eastern and southern Africa, Tanzania estimates that the cost of developing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is $42 billion after the most recent technical analysis. Click here to read... [28]
Angola’s oil and gas sector is witnessing an accelerated pace of new investments over the past few months thanks to the rising oil prices, Deutsche Bank said in a new report. Click here to read... [29]
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has said that it has stepped up preparations for the withdrawal of 2,000 soldiers by June 30 from Somalia. Click here to read... [30]
Tanzania faces legal challenges over the government’s seizure of Maasai land, which has raised concerns about human rights abuses and could impact the country’s investment climate. Click here to read... [31]
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has travelled to Reunion Island to “understand” and address the “daily preoccupations” of residents living in the Indian Ocean overseas department. Click here to read... [32]
An Iranian lawmaker said negotiations between Iran and Egypt are going on in Iraq and the two countries’ relations will be restored in the near future. Click here to read... [33]
The United States has imposed entry restrictions on more Nigerians for undermining the democratic process during the African nation's 2023 election cycle, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday. Click here to read... [34]
Since February 6, there has been fighting in the disputed city of Las Anod between forces in the self-declared state of Somaliland and local militia from the Dhulbahante clan in northern Somalia. Click here to read... [35]
Mauritanian opposition parties demanded, on Sunday evening, that the results of the parliamentary, local and regional elections in the capital, Nouakchott, be cancelled, due to what they claim is "tampering with the voting process".Click here to read... [36]
An anti-government movement is planning new protests in Guinea after its leaders said at least seven people were killed and 32 wounded during demonstrations in the capital, Conakry, and other cities. Click here to read... [37]
Clashes between the police and young supporters of the Senegalese opponent Ousmane Sonko occurred on Monday morning in Ziguinchor, Casamance (south), on the eve of the planned rape trial against the latter. Click here to read... [38]
Comoros said Monday it will resume accepting its nationals returning "voluntarily" from the neighbouring French island of Mayotte, following a weeks-long standoff with Paris over the expulsion of undocumented Comorans. Click here to read... [39]
Six crew members of a Liberian-flagged tanker held hostage for more than a month by pirates in West Africa have been freed, the Danish shipping company that owns the vessel said Monday. Click here to read... [40]
At least 33 people were killed when gunmen opened fire on vegetable farmers in a jihadist-hit region of Burkina Faso, the governor said Saturday, as the country struggles to stem an insurgency. Click here to read... [41]
The Malian army and foreign fighters executed at least 500 people during an anti-jihadist operation in central Mali in March 2022, according to a report released on Friday by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Click here to read... [42]
Lesotho authorities must launch a credible investigation into the killing of journalist Ralikonelo ‘Leqhashasha’ Joki and hold those responsible to account. Click here to read... [43]
Around 200,000 people have been displaced due to flash flooding in central Somalia, a regional official told AFP on Saturday, as the Shabelle River burst its banks and submerged roads. Click here to read... [44]
Health authorities in Mozambique are battling the most severe cholera outbreak in the country in more than 20 years. Click here to read... [45]
Climate change may wipe out Marula and Knobthorn — two tree species in Eswatini — from their current ranges, according to a new study. These widely occurring and dominant southern African species are critical to the functioning of lowland savannas. Click here to read... [46]
Mauritius President Prithvirajsing Roopun along with his wife offered prayers at the iconic Dakshineshwar temple in Kolkata on Monday. Click here to read... [47]
Mauritius president Prithvirajsing Roopun G C S K will participate as the guest of honour at the inauguration of Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital at Tirunelveli on May 17. Click here to read... [48]
India appointed three new envoys for three different countries, the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Norway. Bharath Kumar Kuthati, a 2006 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Botswana. Click here to read... [49]
Army chief General Manoj Pande left for a visit to Egypt on Monday as part of the ongoing military outreach to African nations, even as chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan is now in the US to take part in an Indo-Pacific security dialogue with top military officers from the `Quad' countries. Click here to read... [50]
India abstained on a West-backed resolution for examining human rights violations in Sudan. The Human Rights Council - made up of 47 UN member states - narrowly passed the resolution. 18 voted for the resolution, 15 against and 14 other nations abstained. The draft resolution was sponsored by the UK, US and European nations. Click here to read... [51]
Africa's participation in the ongoing G-20 presidency under India has been the highest ever, the Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj said. Click here to read... [52]
India is ramping up efforts to resume operations at a gas project in a terrorist-affected province of Mozambique where an ONGC Videsh-led Indian consortium has a 30% stake. Click here to read... [53]
Trading in Indian rupees rather than the dollar or euro as has been traditionally done for decades is likely to encourage trade and promote economic growth and development between India and South Africa, a prominent business leader has said. Click here to read... [54]
INS Tarkash visited Port Djibouti from 10 - 12 May 2023 for operational turnaround, as part of ongoing deployment to Gulf of Aden. Click here to read... [55]
Cutting-edge technology companies and forward-thinking government entities come together to trade web3 knowledge and collaborate on shaping the future of Africa. Click here to read... [56]
Airtel Africa, a prominent telecommunications and mobile money services provider across Africa has announced positive operating and financial performance in the recently released results for the year ending March 2023. Click here to read... [57]
Airtel Uganda has launched its eSIM (embedded SIM) service, offering customers a digital alternative to traditional SIM cards. The eSIM provides the same functionality with added benefits such as easy setup, sustainability, and the ability to have multiple numbers on one device. Click here to read... [58]
An Indian national was shot dead by an off-duty police constable in Uganda, with the police describing his actions as ‘deliberate’ and ‘pre-meditated.’ Click here to read... [59]
In an attempt to prevent exports of poor-quality cough syrups denting India’s reputation, the central government is planning to put a system of checks for the finished syrups at government laboratories before the final dispatch. Click here to read... [60]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/may/23/2023/africa-now-weekly-newsletter-week-20
[2] https://www.modernghana.com/news/1230647/democracy-at-a-crossroads-the-quest-for-hope-in.html
[3] https://thediplomat.com/2023/05/can-china-broker-peace-in-sudan/
[4] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230511-turkiye-should-continue-its-rapprochement-with-africa-after-the-elections/
[5] https://www.dailysabah.com/world/africa/gun-battles-airstrikes-rock-sudan-amid-saudi-us-backed-truce-talks
[6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/a-month-into-sudans-brutal-war-no-end-in-sight/article66855290.ece
[7] https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1080017
[8] https://thearabweekly.com/blow-polisario-portugal-renews-support-moroccos-autonomy-plan
[9] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/15/tunisians-ghannouchi-sentenced-to-a-year-in-prison-lawyer
[10] https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/15/libyan-forces-deploy-in-western-city-after-deadly-fighting/
[11] https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/7475/news/africa/eac-troops-failed-says-dr-congos-foreign-minister
[12] https://in.investing.com/news/kenya-to-reopen-border-with-somalia-in-30-days-3645618
[13] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/world/asia/china-africa-miners-wagner.html
[14] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/beijing-eyes-big-ticket-deals-in-west-asia-n-africa-region/articleshow/100192781.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[15] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/pm-lee-to-visit-south-africa-and-kenya
[16] https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/africa/ghana-opposition-chooses-candidate-for-2024-presidential-race-aqmu4izd
[17] https://www.voanews.com/a/foxconn-founder-vows-to-preserve-peace-with-china-if-elected-taiwan-president/7083025.html
[18] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3220658/xi-jinping-hosts-eritrean-president-isaias-afewerki-beijing-shoring-ties
[19] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/south-china-sea-secured-china-now-eyes-west-coast-of-africa-and-indian-ocean-101684131065579.html
[20] https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/construction/china-may-grab-morocco-high-speed-train-project-report-jy3knb14
[21] https://www.news18.com/world/us-unlikely-to-sanction-south-africa-in-russia-weapons-dispute-report-7816909.html
[22] http://www.AfricaFC.org
[23] https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/africa-press-releases/africa-finance-corporation-expands-footprint-in-benin-botswana-democratic-republic-of-congo-and-somalia-xmre4cv4
[24] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zambia-asks-france-help-speed-up-debt-restructuring-talks-2023-05-10/
[25] https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/15/afdb-working-to-raise-billions-to-compensate-zimbabwes-white-farmers/
[26] https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/13/ghana-gives-assurances-to-help-secure-3-billion-imf-loan/
[27] https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/africa-press-releases/seychelles-appointment-of-the-principal-secretary-for-the-blue-economy-fb0kxnsy
[28] https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/african-countries-are-already-booking-stakes-in-tanzanias-dollar42-billion-lng/yjk7khm
[29] https://www.zawya.com/en/business/energy/angolas-oil-and-gas-sector-rides-a-new-wave-of-global-investments-m6mrpse0
[30] https://in.investing.com/news/au-transition-mission-in-somalia-steps-up-preparation-to-withdraw-2k-soldiers-in-june-3643733
[31] https://www.theafricareport.com/306901/will-tanzania-lose-the-case-over-maasai-land-grabbing/
[32] https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20230511-france-prime-minister-reunion-island-overseas-borne
[33] https://www.siasat.com/iran-egypt-to-restore-ties-reopen-embassies-soon-2589728/
[34] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-imposes-election-related-visa-restrictions-nigerians-2023-05-15/
[35] https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/5/10/conflict-in-disputed-las-anod-dims-somalilands-diplomatic-dreams
[36] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230515-mauritania-opposition-calls-for-cancellation-of-the-election-results-in-the-capital/
[37] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/11/at-least-seven-people-killed-by-police-gunfire-in-guinea-protests
[38] https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/15/senegal-clashes-in-casamance-on-the-eve-of-ousmane-sonkos-trial/
[39] https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/15/comoros-to-accept-migrants-voluntarily-returning-from-mayotte/
[40] https://apnews.com/article/danish-shipping-west-africa-piracy-hostage-4cc0e241df915af4c457d8f5d0a1cecc
[41] https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/33-civilians-killed-in-burkina-faso-terrorist-attack-1218617.html
[42] https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/mali-army-foreign-fighters-executed-500-in-march-2022-un-report-1218068.html
[43] https://cpj.org/2023/05/lesotho-journalist-ralikonelo-joki-killed-after-radio-show/
[44] https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230513-flooding-in-somalia-displaces-200-000-people-official
[45] https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/15/mozambique-faces-worst-cholera-outbreak-in-more-than-20-years/
[46] https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/africa/climate-change-may-wipe-out-eswatini-s-2-major-savanna-tree-species-study-89338
[47] https://theprint.in/world/mauritius-president-visits-dakshineshwar-temple-in-kolkata/1576062/
[48] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/100263842.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[49] https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/india-appoints-three-new-envoys-for-botswana-bahrain-and-norway20230511221236/
[50] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/100242665.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
[51] https://www.indiatoday.in/newsmo/video/india-abstains-from-un-resolution-for-examining-human-rights-violations-in-sudan-2378414-2023-05-12
[52] https://www.businessworld.in/article/India-Witnessed-Highest-African-Participation-Under-Its-G-20-Presidency/10-05-2023-476032/
[53] https://www.livemint.com/news/india/government-ramps-up-efforts-to-resume-mozambique-gas-ops-11678899787182.html
[54] https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/trading-in-indian-rupees-will-strengthen-ties-between-india-and-south-africa-says-cii-ibf-sa-president/3077821/
[55] https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-tarkash-port-djibouti
[56] https://www.forbesindia.com/article/cryptocurrency/venom-foundation-and-kenya-unite-to-build-a-thriving-blockchain-and-web3-ecosystem/84887/1
[57] https://telecomtalk.info/airtelafrica-reports-over-11percent-revenuegrowth-increased-customerbase/702795/
[58] https://telecomtalk.info/airtel-uganda-announces-the-launch-of-esim/703547/
[59] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-national-shot-dead-police-constable-uganda-police-101684211421816.html
[60] https://www.news18.com/india/after-gambia-uzbekistan-fallout-india-to-put-a-system-of-checks-at-govt-labs-before-exporting-cough-syrups-7827847.html
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[64] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Samir-Bhattacharya