Africa This Week (18/01/2025)

Daniel Chapo, 48, this week was sworn in as Mozambique’s president in a low-key ceremony in Maputo, overshadowed by a boycott from opposition parties and protests over alleged election fraud. Chapo, who won 65% of the October vote, pledged to promote unity and fight corruption but faces legitimacy concerns after violent clashes left over 300 dead since the election, including eight protesters killed on inauguration day. Opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the vote, rejected the results and called for strikes. Chapo’s presidency begins amid widespread dissent, with key opposition groups refusing to recognize his leadership or attend the inauguration.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for alleged human rights violations, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and destruction in areas previously controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The move follows similar sanctions against RSF leader Mohammad Hamdan Daglo (Hemedti) for acts of genocide and sexual violence targeting ethnic groups. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused both factions of war crimes as the ongoing power struggle between SAF and RSF, which began in 2023, continues to devastate Sudan, leaving tens of thousands dead and displacing millions. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans.

Zimbabwe’s parliament could soon debate a bill to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mandate beyond its 2028 expiration, potentially delaying elections until 2030. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, has signaled support for the proposal, sparking speculation about motivations, including potential bribes or self-interest, as MPs would gain two more years in office. Critics within the CCC have condemned the move, calling proponents “sellouts.” While Zimbabwe’s constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, Zanu-PF floated the idea of removing term limits last year, fueling concerns about democratic backsliding in the country.

Mali’s military government this week seized three tons of gold worth $180 million from Canadian mining company Barrick as part of a revenue dispute. The gold, taken from a mine near Kayes, was transported to Bamako following a court order. Barrick CEO Mark Bristow confirmed the seizure in a letter to Mali’s Mining Minister, amid ongoing legal and financial tensions. In December, Mali issued an arrest warrant for Bristow and detained four senior Barrick executives.

The UAE and Kenya on Thursday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the UAE’s first with an African nation, to boost trade and investment. Non-oil trade between the two countries surged to $3.1 billion in early 2024, up 29.1% from 2023. The CEPA eliminates trade barriers and targets key sectors like ICT, tourism, and renewable energy, aligning with the UAE’s goal to double its economy by 2030. Kenya, with a 2023 GDP growth of 5.6%, offers UAE businesses opportunities in services and agriculture.

Morocco has become Africa’s top tourist destination, welcoming 17.4 million visitors in 2024—a 20% increase from 2023 and a 33% rise from 2019. Surpassing Egypt’s 15.7 million tourists, Morocco generated $11 billion in tourism revenue. Key factors include 120 new airline routes, luxury hotel openings, and hosting major events like the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor highlighted Morocco’s aim to join the world’s top 15 tourist destinations, targeting 26 million visitors annually by 2030. The nation’s rapid growth cements its status as a premier global travel destination.

South African rescuers concluded efforts to retrieve anyone left in a Stilfontein illegal gold mine, where 78 miners died during a police siege aimed at cracking down on illegal mining. Since Monday, 246 survivors—mostly from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho—were rescued and arrested for offenses including illegal mining and immigration. Rescuers, using a metal cage, described the harrowing task of recovering emaciated survivors and handling corpses. Volunteer Mzwandile Mkwayi recounted the trauma of extracting bodies, driven by solidarity with the miners. Authorities defended the siege, stating that allowing food and water would perpetuate criminality. Rescuers verified the mine was empty on Thursday.

The World Bank this week suspended disbursements to Gabon due to debt arrears of 17 billion CFA francs ($27 million), the country’s public accounts ministry announced. The ministry attributed the arrears to factors such as insufficient resource mobilization in international markets. It assured that steps are underway to resolve the issue swiftly. Gabon had three active World Bank projects worth $214.5 million as of October. In July, the bank restricted Gabon’s access to loans and grants after overdue payments hit $17 million. Despite the suspension, Gabon reported making debt payments totaling 1,210 billion CFA francs ($1.9 billion) by November 2024.

Britain and Mauritius made good progress in negotiations on Monday regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the strategic U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia. An agreement in October outlined that the U.K. would cede control of the islands to Mauritius while maintaining control over the military base under a 99-year lease. The deal is awaiting ratification, with discussions continuing to finalize it. Some political figures, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s ally Marco Rubio, have voiced concerns, arguing the deal poses a security risk. Chagossian community groups, however, have criticized their exclusion from the talks.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia on Saturday, signaling a significant improvement in bilateral relations after a year of tensions. The visit followed Ethiopia’s controversial plans to establish a naval base in the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland, which had strained relations. During his stay, Mohamud and Ethiopian leaders discussed strengthening ties, including full diplomatic representation in both capitals. This visit followed a high-level meeting in December, after which both nations agreed to resolve the dispute and enhance security cooperation. They also vowed to work together against extremist militant groups in the region.

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