This week, Malawi initiated a cholera vaccination rollout to combat the disease, which kills tens of thousands globally each year. Cholera, primarily spread through contaminated food and water, is preventable with clean water access and treatable with rehydration. Unusually heavy rains and flooding in southern Africa have heightened the cholera threat, with Malawi experiencing a rise in cases, including 17 diagnoses and one death in Blantyre. The previous year saw over 300,000 cholera cases across Africa, the highest in 25 years, prompting urgent health interventions in vulnerable areas like Chilomoni township.
Burkina Faso’s military-led government dissolved all political parties that were already suspended following the coup four years ago. This decree, passed by the council of ministers, aims to address issues of dissent as the government faces insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. Interior Minister Emile Zerbo stated that the decision is part of efforts to “rebuild the state” due to alleged abuses within the multiparty system. The review indicated that the proliferation of political parties weakened social cohesion. As a result, all parties’ assets will be transferred to the state, affecting over 100 registered parties, 15 of which were represented in parliament after the 2020 elections.
Niger’s military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused French President Emmanuel Macron, Benin’s Patrice Talon, and Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara of sponsoring a “terrorist attack” on Niamey International Airport without presenting evidence. Gunfire and explosions were reported late at night, followed by calm on Thursday morning. Tiani vowed retaliation, emphasizing a deteriorating relationship with France and neighboring countries. He acknowledged Russian troops at the air base for their support. Niger state television reported that a French national was among the assailants killed but provided no evidence.
In Somalia, chaos erupted during a joint session of Somalia’s parliament on Wednesday when the speaker attempted to advance constitutional amendments, leading to a suspension of the session. Opposition lawmakers argued that the proposals would extend the parliament’s mandate by two years, amidst ongoing tensions and past crises over governance. Since 2012, Somalia has operated under a provisional constitution, and this latest attempt to amend it has highlighted significant divisions between the federal government and regional states. Previous efforts to extend political terms have resulted in armed confrontations and widespread unrest.
The United States, on Wednesday, announced its readiness to lift a suspension of aid to Somalia, indicating that Somali authorities had taken responsibility for recent disruptions in aid operations. However, the Somali government did not confirm this assertion. Earlier, the World Food Program (WFP) reported that its warehouse, containing specialized food for malnourished young children and mothers, was demolished by Somali authorities. Following the incident, the U.S. had suspended all assistance to Somalia, citing destruction of the WFP’s U.S.-funded warehouse and seizure of food aid. It remains unclear when aid deliveries will resume.
TotalEnergies has resumed construction of its $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique, which had been halted due to violence linked to ISIL in the region. The official relaunch was announced by TotalEnergies executive Patrick Pouyanne and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo at a ceremony near Afungi in Cabo Delgado. The project, expected to produce over 13 million tonnes of LNG annually and generate $35 billion in government revenues over its lifetime, is anticipated to begin operations in 2029. It aims to create up to 7,000 jobs during construction and will allocate over $4 billion in contracts to local companies.
Madagascar has announced the end of a 16-year moratorium on new mining permits for most minerals, excluding gold, which will continue to be suspended due to regulatory issues. The previous suspension aimed to review the country’s mining governance and legal framework. Mining, crucial to Madagascar’s economy, features key exports like nickel, cobalt, graphite, and ilmenite, with the Ambatovy project being particularly significant. Minister of Mines Carl Andriamparany emphasized the need for permits for legal mining operations. As of 2023, about 1,650 mining permit applications remain pending, but discrepancies in gold production reporting have led to the continued suspension of gold permits.
Rwanda has initiated legal proceedings against the UK over its refusal to release payments under a controversial agreement concerning the deportation of asylum seekers to Kigali. The Rwandan government has approached the Permanent Court of Arbitration, seeking £50 million in compensation due to the UK’s failure to formally terminate the agreement two years ago. Michael Butera, chief technical adviser to Rwanda’s justice minister, expressed regret over the necessity of arbitration but emphasized the lack of diplomatic resolutions. The agreement was established as a deterrent for illegal arrivals to the UK but was scrapped by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July 2024. Prior to this, the UK had disbursed £240 million to Rwanda, with another £50 million expected in April.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has lifted all sanctions imposed on Guinea following the 2021 coup that resulted in the election of former junta leader Mamady Doumbouya. Sanctions were initially imposed after Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Condé. Following a constitutional referendum and presidential election, ECOWAS announced the immediate removal of sanctions and full reintegration of Guinea into its decision-making bodies. Doumbouya was sworn in as president with 86.7% of the vote, but his leadership has seen crackdowns on civil liberties and opposition. ECOWAS urged him to promote policies for social cohesion and national unity.
Egypt’s Parliament is exploring legislation to regulate children’s use of social media to address “digital chaos” affecting youth. Following President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s comments urging consideration of age restrictions similar to measures in Australia and the UK, the House of Representatives plans to consult with experts to draft laws safeguarding children from online risks. A 2024 report indicates 50% of Egyptian children under 18 use social media, facing exposure to harmful content. Other countries are also moving towards restrictions to enhance child safety online.
Researcher at Alafarika for Studies and Consultancy; and writer at Cultural.ng.