Africa

Nigeria had received four ATAK helicopters from Turkey

Africa /

 Nigeria’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar stated that the end is near for terrorists and armed gang members in the country. Abubakar made the remarks during a ceremony at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base in Katsina state, marking the deployment of the T129 ATAK attack helicopters purchased from Turkey, which were delivered in September. In his speech, Abubakar expressed confidence that the activities of terrorists and armed gang members in Nigeria are nearing their end. He called on the military to collaborate with ground forces and other stakeholders to achieve victory against the country’s enemies. He also highlighted that the two additional T129 ATAK helicopters, received in September, would give Nigeria an advantage over other combat aircraft in preventing enemies from escaping justice. He mentioned that these helicopters are tasked with eliminating bandits and other criminal elements threatening peace, stability, and prosperity in the Northwest region. Abubakar praised the courage, dedication, commitment, and personal sacrifices of the soldiers involved in the ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s future, a fight he believes has already yielded positive results. Nigeria has recently been facing attacks from armed gangs, as well as terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in various parts of the country. Nigeria had received four T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey: two in February and two more in September.

Nigeria had received four ATAK helicopters from Turkey Read More »

Resolute mining to pay $160M to settle tax dispute with Mali

Africa /

Australian gold miner Resolute Mining has agreed to pay Mali’s military-led government $160 million to resolve a tax dispute following the detention of its British CEO, Terry Holohan, and two colleagues. The executives were arrested 10 days ago while traveling to the capital, Bamako, for what they expected to be routine discussions. Their detention occurred amid increasing scrutiny of foreign mining firms in Mali. Resolute announced on Sunday that it would make an initial payment of $80 million from its cash reserves, with the remaining $80 million to be paid in the coming months. Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has been tightening control over foreign mining firms to secure a larger share of mining revenues. The charges of forgery and damaging public property against the Resolute executives are seen as part of the military government’s efforts to extract more from international companies. The release of the executives is reportedly contingent on the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the initial payment, though the timeline for their release remains unclear. Since seizing power in a 2021 coup, Mali’s military government, led by President Col Assimi Goïta, has sought to reshape the country’s trade and political relationships. A new mining code introduced last year raised the maximum stake for state and local investors in mining operations from 20% to 35%. This dispute highlights the growing tensions between Mali and foreign mining companies as the military government seeks to assert greater control over its valuable resources.

Resolute mining to pay $160M to settle tax dispute with Mali Read More »

G20 summit focuses on climate crisis, global conflicts

Africa /

Climate Crisis and Global Conflicts Dominate G20 Summit Opening The climate crisis, along with the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, took center stage on the first day of the G20 summit in Brazil on Monday. In a joint statement, leaders from the world’s major economies condemned the suffering in Gaza and Ukraine and emphasized the need for cooperation on poverty reduction, tax policy, and climate change. UN climate chief Simon Stiell had urged G20 leaders over the weekend to break the deadlock in climate finance negotiations ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan. The summit aims to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. The G20 statement called for a “rapid and substantial increase” in climate finance, but did not propose a specific solution for how much rich nations should contribute. The debate continues over whether to expand the contributor base to include wealthier developing nations like China and Middle Eastern countries. On Tuesday, leaders are set to discuss sustainable development and the transition to cleaner energy, while working to strengthen global efforts on climate change before a potential shift in US policy under a possible Trump presidency.

G20 summit focuses on climate crisis, global conflicts Read More »

PASTEF leading in Senegal’s general election race

Africa /

In yesterday’s general election in Senegal, unofficial results indicate that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s party, PASTEF, is leading the race. While vote counting continues, early figures show PASTEF has gained significant support across nearly all cities. Government spokesperson Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre told local media that, based on initial results, “PASTEF has achieved a decisive victory.” Opposition coalition leader Barthelemy Dias, Mayor of Dakar, congratulated PASTEF on their success in a Facebook post. He leads the “Samm Sa Kaddu” coalition, which translates to “I keep my word” in Wolof. Amadou Ba, former presidential candidate and leader of the “Jamm ak Njarin” coalition (meaning “Peace and Prosperity” in Wolof), also praised PASTEF on X (formerly Twitter), declaring that Senegal was the real winner. Meanwhile, the “Takku Wallu” coalition, led by former President Macky Sall, alleged widespread electoral irregularities and accused Interior Minister Jean Baptiste Tine of misconduct. 83 Seats Needed for Majority Senegal, with about 7.3 million eligible voters, is electing 165 members of parliament from 41 party and coalition lists. A party or coalition needs at least 83 seats to secure a majority. While official results are still pending, it is expected that PASTEF will easily reach the majority needed to control the National Assembly. The last general election in Senegal took place in July 2022, under the leadership of former President Sall. The National Assembly has faced tensions, particularly over Prime Minister Sonko’s vocal opposition to Sall. In September, President Faye dissolved the parliament and called for early elections, which are now scheduled for April 2024.

PASTEF leading in Senegal’s general election race Read More »

Gabon approves new constitution in referendum

Africa /

Gabon’s military rulers announced that the new constitution has been overwhelmingly approved in a referendum, with provisional results showing 91.8% of voters in favor, and a turnout of 53.5%. The vote, held under the leadership of interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, is seen as a key step in Gabon’s transition to democratic rule, which is scheduled for 2025. The military junta came to power in a coup last August, overthrowing President Ali Bongo, whose family had ruled the oil-rich country for nearly six decades, leaving behind an economy plagued by stagnation and widespread poverty. The proposed constitution includes a two-term presidential limit (seven years each), abolishes the prime minister role, prevents dynastic succession, and establishes that presidential candidates must be born in Gabon to at least one Gabonese parent and have a Gabonese spouse. While the draft is seen as a major shift toward reform, it does not bar Nguema from running for president, which has raised concerns among some observers. The final results will be confirmed by the Constitutional Court.

Gabon approves new constitution in referendum Read More »

Senegal holds early general election

Africa /

Polls have opened in Senegal’s parliamentary elections as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye aims for a resounding majority to see through the promises of ambitious reforms that swept him to power eight months ago. More than seven million of the country’s 17 million people are eligible to vote on Sunday to pick members of the 165-seat National Assembly for a five-year term. Polls opened at 8am (08:00 GMT) and will close at 6pm (18:00 GMT). Faye won the March election on a platform of economic transformation, social justice, and anti-corruption, inspiring hopes among the country’s largely youthful population struggling with high inflation and unemployment. In September, he dissolved the National Assembly. After Sonko, his outspoken mentor, was barred from running for president due to defamation charges, Faye appointed him as prime minister. The two leaders vowed to pursue a left-wing pan-African agenda, aiming to diversify Senegal’s political and economic partnerships, reassess hydrocarbon and fishing contracts, and reclaim the country’s sovereignty, which they claimed had been compromised by foreign interests.

Senegal holds early general election Read More »

Gabon votes on new constitution in key referendum

Africa /

Voters in Gabon’s capital, Libreville, gathered outside polling stations on Saturday, November 16, to cast their votes in a historic referendum on the country’s proposed new constitution. Nearly one million people in the oil-rich nation were expected to take part in the vote. The final draft of the new constitution was made public less than a month ago, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition following the overthrow of former President Ali Bongo by General Oligui Nguema last year. Nguema, who is now leading the country’s transitional government, expressed satisfaction with the process, highlighting the presence of international observers and emphasizing the transparency and inclusiveness of the referendum. “It shows to friendly nations how we were able to organize this referendum process in our country,” Nguema said, adding that it was a positive and crucial step forward in ensuring the transition’s success. One of the key changes in the draft constitution is the imposition of a seven-year presidential term limit, renewable only once, replacing the current system, which allowed for unlimited five-year terms. The new constitution also includes provisions preventing family members from succeeding the president and abolishes the position of prime minister. To pass, the draft constitution requires more than 50% of the vote. Should the “Yes” vote prevail, presidential elections are scheduled for August 2025. “I would like the Yes vote to win so that the long-awaited change in our nation can finally take place,” said Koundji, a voter at the polling station. However, some voters have raised concerns about certain provisions, particularly the power granted to the head of state to dissolve the National Assembly and issues around eligibility rules. The controversy surrounding these points has added a layer of complexity to the referendum. Brice Oligui Nguema, the head of the transition government, is expected to be eligible to run for president under the new constitution, which is also generating some debate among the electorate.

Gabon votes on new constitution in key referendum Read More »

Thousands march in Niamey, reject foreign interference

Africa /

Thousands of Nigeriens took to the streets of Niamey on Saturday (Nov. 16) to show support for the ruling CNSP junta and protest foreign attempts to destabilize the country. The demonstration was organized by a coalition of civil society groups after authorities claimed to have arrested a French ‘spy’. Many protesters also expressed solidarity with Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger’s allies in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Some speakers, like Mohamed, condemned foreign interference, citing recent destabilization attempts in Mali and Burkina Faso. “We are with our military and security forces,” he declared. The protest, which was attended by CNSP officials, including President’s Chief of Staff Colonel Ibro Amadou Bacharou, as well as student and youth unions, was fueled by accusations that France sought to overthrow the regime that deposed former President Mohamed Bazoum. Protesters also rejected France’s withdrawal of troops and expressed determination to defend their sovereignty. Civil society leader Abdourahamane emphasized the rising awareness among Africans, asserting that the continent can no longer be manipulated by external powers. “Today, Africans master the tool of information,” he said. While the protesters celebrated their defiance, they also called for economic and military development. “In the next ten years, the CNSP must build the weapons and tanks to defend us,” organizer Mohamed Elkebir Souleymane said, as the crowd enthusiastically agreed. The demonstration comes just ahead of an international conference in Niamey to support the AES states.

Thousands march in Niamey, reject foreign interference Read More »

Scroll to Top