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Behind the News

Behind the News: All the backstory to our major news this week

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In the past one week, there were lots of important stories from around the African continent and we served you some of the most topical ones.

Here is a rundown of the backstory of some of the biggest stories in Africa that we reported during the week.

Nigeria commissions 650,000 bpd Refinery

On Monday, Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari commissioned 650,000 barrels per day (BPD) integrated Dangote refinery project which is the largest single-train refinery in the world, and the largest oil refinery in Africa, in Lagos, the country’s commercial capital.

The 1,100 kilometers refinery, built to handle 3 Billion Standard Cubic Foot of gas per day, is located on a 6,180-acre (2,500-hectare) location in the Lekki Free Zone of the state.

About 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the Niger Delta oil reserves would be transferred through a pipeline to the Dangote refinery site for operations. The refinery is projected to meet 100% of the Nigerian oil demands and surplus for export.

According to Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the refinery is expected to generate 12,000 megawatts of electricity and over 135,000 permanent jobs. It will also save Nigeria $25b, and $30b forex annually.

Nigeria’s public refineries have been virtually in comatose for many years now, making the crude-endowed country rely on imported refined petroleum.

This situation has put a serious strain on the country’s forex reserves, drained its earnings through subsidies, and occasioned supply disruptions.

Congo DR drags Rwanda to ICC

The diplomatic row between East African neighbours, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda got to a new height as Kinshasa filed a complaint against Kigali at the office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Hague, Netherlands on Tuesday.

Rwanda has been consistently accused of supporting the armed group, leading to diplomatic tension between the East African neighbours.

Congo DR wants the ICC to investigate and prosecute any person involved in human rights violations between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, the ICC has been investigating eastern DRC since 2004 and it is unclear if the new prayer would shift the court’s focus.

According to a 2022 report by Human Right Watch, resurgent M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, launched their biggest offensive against state forces in a decade, seizing portions of territory in North Kivu, which worsened the dire humanitarian situation in the region.

Uganda to export nurses to UK

In what seems like a twist to a menace of brain drain which many African countries have complained about, a Ugandan professional body, Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union (UNMU) has said plans are in place to send some of its members abroad.

President of UNMU, Justus Cherop revealed that about 3,000 well-skilled nurses who were not employed by the government already work abroad, as plans by some labour groups in the country to send nurses to work in the United Kingdom and the Middle East continue.

“We have about 5,000 nurses graduating from institutions and universities every year. The government can absorb around 2,000 every financial year,” Cherop said.

He hinted that the country currently has 62,000 qualified nurses and midwives which is more than the 55,000 nurses needed. He claimed that only 28,000 nurses are currently employed by the Ugandan government.

United Kingdom stops migration of foreign student families

The United Kingdom is set to announce a policy to restrict foreign students from bringing family members into the country. Under the policy, foreign students would have to obtain a work visa by getting a skilled job or leave the UK within six months after the end of their studies.

Beyond the student and family travel, the British government is also concerned about the number of illegal migrants to its territory which resulted in a £148 million agreement to deport thousands of refugees to Rwanda last year.

According to the government, the size of the foreign-born population in the UK increased from about 5.3 million in 2004 to over 9.5 million in 2021. A large percentage of the foreign-born population, most of whom are Africans, migrated as families and dependants of students in varsities.

Armed conflict continues in South Sudan

The violent clash between the Sudanese army and fighters of the Rapid Support Force (RSF) paramilitary has continued in the East African country.

The Sudanese army on Friday called on retired soldiers and reservists to re-enlist in the army to swell its ranks as fierce fighting continues.

International bodies like the African Union (AU) and the United Nations have all attempted to broker a truce between the rivalling forces but none has been successful as the warring factions continued to engage in fierce battles, especially in Khartoum and Darfur.

The conflict had led to a difficult humanitarian situation in Sudan. According to Reliefweb, currently, over 11 million people can barely meet the minimum food requirements. Close to four million children under the age of five, as well as pregnant and lactating women (PLW), are acutely malnourished. Drought, floods, and disease outbreaks have contributed to the worsening humanitarian situation.

Behind the News

Behind the News: All the backstories to our major news this week

Published

on

Over the past week, there were many important stories from around the African continent, and we served you some of the most topical ones.

Here is a rundown of the backstories to some of the biggest news stories in Africa that we covered during the week:

Egypt: In defence of bread subsidy

According to Mohamed Mait, Egypt’s finance minister, the nation’s budget for 2024–2025 will allocate $2.66 billion for wheat subsidies and $3.13 billion for petroleum product subsidies. A total of $12.67 billion was set aside for social protection measures, with 134 billion Egyptian pounds going specifically towards food subsidies.

The largest food crisis to hit Africa in forty years is currently affecting communities in Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Somalia, among other places. Conflict is the main cause of Africa’s food crisis, as evidenced by the fact that 82% of the record 149 million Africans experiencing acute food insecurity live in conflict-affected nations but Egypt’s case is quite different.

Egypt is a significant importer of wheat, other staple goods, and petroleum into the world market and one of the most affected by poor grain supply in the aftermath of the Russian/Ukraine war.  The country is currently dealing with foreign exchange shortages, a gaping budget, and balance of payments imbalances. About 60 million of Egypt’s 105 million inhabitants benefit from the nation’s subsidy program, which provides discounted prices on items like sugar, rice, and bread.

But its disposition towards subsidies is antithetical to the stance of multilateral bodies, the World Bank the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international bodies which are its main aid sources as it anticipates receiving more than $20 billion from the agreement mediated by the IMF.  The country has moved from the verge of economic collapse to receiving over $40 billion from the UAE, IMF and likely investments from Saudi Arabia in just days in March.

In a 2023 assessment, the IMF contended that the wealthy benefited mostly from these subsidies because they consume the most. In the case of subsidies on energy, higher-income groups primarily profit from energy subsidies and the connection to the power grid is heavily biased toward higher-income people, and electricity subsidies are especially regressive. However, the impoverished would also suffer if they were eliminated. Even though there are notable differences in the types of energy products consumed across income groups, the poor would still experience a significant welfare impact from the elimination of subsidies.

Ongoing development in the Middle East, particularly the Israel and Hamas war as the boundary between Egypt and Israel stretches 206 kilometres (128 miles) along the eastern edge of the Sinai Peninsula from the de facto tripoint with Palestine (Gaza) to the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea makes Egypt a geopolitical interest for the Western powers and its institutions who are tilted towards Israel in the conflict means the aids might not cease despite subsidies. The world cannot afford a broken Egypt at this critical time; cheap bread might just be the key.

Senegal Decides: The end of CFA Franc?

As Senegalese vote for their next president on Sunday, campaign promises of controversial opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko to consider the implementation of reform of the West Africa region’s CFA franc currency at a regional level first, and if that failed, would consider creating a national currency, if his preferred candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, wins the next presidential election.

“We will try to implement a monetary reform at the sub-regional level first,” Sonko said. “If that fails, we will decide as a nation.”

“There’s no sovereignty if there is no monetary sovereignty,” said Faye, speaking at the same press conference.

Sonko claimed that the CFA franc, which is pegged to the euro and is used by eight members of the West African Monetary Union, has an impact on regional economic progress and that it is time to look into other choices.

The CFA stands for the African Financial Community or Communauté Financière Africaine representing two currencies the West African and Central African backed by the French government and have a fixed exchange rate to the euro which are although distinct, practically equivalent. Fourteen countries utilize the CFA franc, 12 of which were formerly French colonies. The French colonies used to use currencies pegged to the French franc, but a number of them departed the franc zone after gaining independence: Tunisia in 1958, Morocco in 1960, Guinea in 1959, Algeria in 1964, Madagascar, and Mauritania in 1973.

Given the level of autonomy attained by many former African French colonies since their independence, particularly in West Africa, critics of persisting neocolonialism object to the monetary situation. With an anti-France wave growing in the sub-region, the spread of military coups and ideological shifts towards Russia and China which are both global rivals to France’s African dominance, and the election launching a new president for Senegal, the jury is out on what would be the diplomatic leanings of the country as incumbent Macky Sall bows out.

South Africa’s ruling ACN struggles

During the week, South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) threatened legal proceedings against a rival political party, uMkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation) headed by a former president, and ANC chieftain, Jacob Zuma, manifesting a new level of cracks between the party. The party has a bad reputation due to months of unrest between former President Jacob Zuma and current President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In January, the ANC accused Zuma of insubordination and suspended him over what it described as “exceptional circumstances”. Zuma had criticized the ANC leadership in December and said that he would support the newly established uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, which was named for the ANC’s former military wing, which had opposed apartheid but had disbanded when South Africa gained independence. Later on, Zuma declared that he would continue to be an ANC member.

The move seemed to irritate the ANC, whose popularity has been dwindling in recent elections due to high rates of poverty and unemployment in one of the most economically unequal nations in the world. The recent instability around the energy sector has forced the rationing of electricity for over a year and has also become a political point as the country builds up towards its next presidential elections in May.

There is a long history of internal conflict and dissension within the ANC, the first episode being in the 1930s as a result of the conservatives’ win in the late 1920s, which caused the leaders of the party to divide over whether or not to cooperate with the Communist Party. In recent history, however, following Thabo Mbeki’s constitutional ban from serving a third term as president of South Africa, there were indications of dissatisfaction within the party before the 2007 national conference. Had Mbeki been able to secure a third term as party president, he would have had significant influence over the selection of the nation’s next president in 2009 which was strongly challenged by sacked Vice president at the time, Jacob Zuma.

Fresh elections are in view again and the ACN’s turbulent history has repeated itself, with opposition voices like the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and a parliament divided across eighteen political parties, the May 29 election might prove to be the biggest test yet for Nelson Mandela’s former party which has ruled South Africa since the end of white minority rule thirty years ago. With Zuma’s political base out of the equation for the ANC, a coalition which the party has also ruled out might be required to remain in power.

Niger: US efforts to regain lost ground in Africa suffers setback

The week began with the Niger Republic, one of the West African countries burdened with terrorist operations in the Sahel, announcing an end to military ties with the United States, dealing a blow to Washington’s recent push for a renewed global influence in Africa.

A surge of terrorism has hit the West African subregion, killing hundreds of people, destroying both private and public property, and uprooting millions of people. States and international organizations both inside and outside the sub-region have created and implemented various mechanisms to deal with the problem in response.

Over a thousand US forces are reportedly stationed in Niger, according to the US military. Furthermore, the US has a drone station in the country’s north, which is crucial for monitoring extremist groups in the Sahel region of Africa, which is located just beneath the Sahara desert.

The event draws attention to the US’s recent efforts to rebuild its alliance in Africa. Niger serves as the centre of US activities in West and North Africa, especially at Air Base 201, one of the most expensive construction projects the US government has ever carried out abroad. Despite its stated purpose of aiding counterterrorism efforts, the project is largely seen as a geopolitical posture against US global rivals China and Russia, both of whom African nations have recently leaned toward for military and economic ties.

International and regional sanctions have been imposed on Niger as a result of a coup that resulted in the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum. The US effectively stopped supporting Niger militarily, and the base’s activities were limited to observation to keep an eye on US soldiers.

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Behind the News

Behind the News: All the backstories to our major news this week

Published

on

Over the past week, there were lots of important stories from around the African continent, and we served you some of the most topical ones.

Here is a rundown of the backstories to some of the biggest news in Africa that we covered during the week:

1. Deadly terrorists’ demands cause outrage

Terrorists who abducted about 287 students and their teachers from schools in Kaduna State in North-West Nigeria, on March 7, caused a sensational outrage when they made an unprecedented ransom demand of N1bn for the release of the victims.

To add to the fear, the abductors gave the distraught parents and guardians of the captives a March 27 ultimatum to come up with the amount or they will kill all of them.

A leader in the community where the abduction of the school children and staff took place, Jubril Aminu, told journalists that he had received a call from the kidnappers who laid out their demands and threats.

“They made a total of N1bn ransom demand for all the pupils, students, and staff of the school,” Aminu said.

“They gave an ultimatum to pay the ransom within 20 days, effective from the date of the kidnap, March 7. They said they would kill all the students and the staff if the ransom demand is not met,” he added.

Aminu said the terrorists were emphatic about their demands and swore they would kill their victims if their demands are not met by the deadline.

Though this is not the first of such abductions of school children by bandits and terrorists, this is about the first time a ransom demand that huge will be made by their abductors.

The ransom demand and threats have also caused bad blood between the government and prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi following his call on the Federal Government to negotiate with the kidnappers for the hostages to be released.

The controversial cleric went as far as offering himself as a negotiator between the terrorists and the government but many Nigerians have been wondering what he stands to gain by often offering to help government negotiate with bandits and terrorists.

2. Tinubu bares fangs, insists govt will pay ‘no dime’ to bandits

In response to the N1 billion ransom demand by bandits who abducted 287 pupils and teachers from two schools in Kaduna State on March 7, President Bola Tinubu decided to play the tough guy by putting his foot down and declaring that his administration will not “pay a dime” to the kidnap gang.

The bandits had made a ransom demand along with a deadline to kill all the hostages if the families of the victims fail to pay the amount along with other demands including motorcycles and food items.

And while Nigerians waited with bated breath to see what the government will do, Tinubu surprised all by putting his foot down and insisting his administration would not pay any ransom for the release of the abducted victims.

“Mr President has reiterated his zero tolerance for the payment of ransom,” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said after a Federal Executive Council meeting.

“Mr President has directed that no ransom will be paid by the government to any of these criminal elements,” the Minster added.

This will be the first time a Nigerian leader will stamp his feet and call the bluff of terrorists and bandits whenever they kidnap Nigerians and make outrageous ransom demands.

But it is left to be seen how the roulette game between the bandits and the government will end and who will blink first.

3. Nigerian communities on edge after murder of soldiers

In what is often referred to as “drawing of rain” in local parlance, two communities in Delta State, South-South Nigeria, may have drawn the ire of the Nigerian Army after 16 soldiers were ambushed, abducted and killed by youths in the communities.

The soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, a Captain, and 12 other rank and file soldiers, were reportedly on a mission to restore peace between two warring villages – the Okuama and Okoloba communities of Ughelli South LGA of the state – when they met their deaths.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the soldiers were on a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a hostage identified as Anthony Aboh, who was allegedly abducted over a lingering land dispute between the two communities when they were ambushed and killed.

“The troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State, were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March, 2024,” the statement said.

“The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State,” it added.

The horrific murder of the soldiers have thrown the residents of the communities into a frenzy of panic as many have fled for fear of a reprisal attack by military men who may want avenge the killings of their colleagues.

The scenario can easily be equated with what happened in 1999 when the Odi community in Bayelsa State was razed down by soldiers after 12 of their men were murdered by an armed militia gang.

Thousands of innocent civilians lost their lives in the invasion while the town is still to fully recover from the invasion.

4. For Hichilema, it never rains but pours

The troubles and opposition facing Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, have continued to pile up with no end in sight following a petition by a group asking the US government to impose sanctions on him and some top officials in his administration.

In its petition, the group, Our Civic Duty Association (OCIDA), called on the US to place stiff sanctions including financial sanctions, visa restrictions and travel bans, against Hichilema and the seven top government officials for allegedly undermining democratic rights in the country.

The group led by Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, said it was “deeply worried by the continued abuse of institutions of governance and the erosion of democracy in Zambia.”

“Of particular concern are the violations of democratic rights such as the right to public assembly, free speech, freedom of association and the right to a speedy trial,” Mpundu said in the petition.

Though the civil society group is well within its rights to call for sanctions against the President and any government functionaries they deem wanting, the action is akin to still being tied to the apron strings of the western.

It is also a clear statement that many years after gaining independence from colonial masters, most African countries have found it difficult to conduct its affairs without involving the western world.

It also calls to question the penchant of African leaders to arrogate undue powers to themselves by truncating all tenets of democracy and ending up as dictators once they get into power.

5. When Diamond Platnumz caused his fiancee heartache

Tanzanian super star, Diamond Platinumz once caused serious heartbreak for his fiancee when he called off their wedding a few days to the great day because he was not ready for such long term commitment.

His sister, Esma Platnumz, who revealed this in an interview, said the two families were looking forward to the wedding and the Bongo Flava exponent had even ordered his suit Turkey before he chickened out.

Esma revealed that just when the wedding was about to be announced, her brother “abruptly changed his mind, citing concerns about rushing into marriage and wanting to make the decision with more certainty.”

“We can force him to get married but he’s not genuinely ready for it. He can get married to someone’s daughter and abandon her.

“We tried to persuade Diamond to get married to Sophia. Her family had already received a dowry and we were planning to visit her home and for formal arrangements.

“We’ve involved him several times, but I believe everything happens as God’s plan. God does his things whenever he wants,” she said.

As it stands, Diamond is fully enjoying his single status to the hilt and despite being a father of four.

And having had his fair share of some of the hottest women in Eastern Africa including Ugandan socialite, musician and actress, Zarinah Hassan, fashionista Hamisa Mobetto, as well as Kenyan model and singer, Tanasha Donna and currently seeing his protege Zuchu, it is left to be seen if the “Jeje” hitmaker has marriage in mind in the foreseeable future.

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