Author: Lenin Ndebele
Zimbabwe’s army commander has declared that the country will implement “command voting” in future elections, demonstrating the growing influence of military leaders in Zimbabwean politics post-coup. Lt. General Anselem Sanyatwe made the announcement at a Zanu PF event, indicating a shift towards a more controlling approach to voting procedures. Military leaders are gaining power in politics since the coup, with a potential for the next Zanu-PF leader to come from a military background. Opposition activists face challenges as the government cracks down on dissent, labeling planned actions as “theatrics”. In addition to the future prospect of “command voting,” there…
Rights groups are urging funders to withdraw support for conservation in the Republic of Congo’s Conkouati-Douli National Park to safeguard its biodiversity. In February, the government granted an oil permit in this biodiverse area. This decision contradicted a recent conservation agreement, leading to calls for the permit’s cancellation. Amnesty International highlighted past oil-related incidents impacting local communities and ecosystems, prompting the push to halt the licence. The park houses thousands of residents and diverse wildlife, including gorillas and elephants. Environmental organizations like Earth Insight emphasize the need to protect the park from industrial threats. Greenpeace Africa stresses the importance of…
Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai declared his net worth just under a million US dollars, showcasing transparency in a new era of public officials disclosing their wealth. Unlike his predecessor George Weah, who refused to disclose his assets in 2018, Boakai shared details of his homes, cars, and livestock without any offshore assets. His assets tally up to US$970,419, demonstrating a relatively modest wealth compared to other top leaders in business and government. Boakai’s commitment to transparency is evident in his efforts to rebuild trust and combat corruption in Liberia. Despite inheriting an economy with financial discrepancies, he aims to tackle…
Remembering Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima: A Legacy Cut Short Malawi mourns the loss of a potential future leader, Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima, who tragically passed away at the age of 51 in a plane crash. Known for his dedication and patriotism, Chilima’s promising political career was cut short on that fateful day. Despite his immense potential, Chilima faced challenges, including a reduction in powers amid corruption allegations in 2022. However, he was expected to make a run for the presidency in 2025, a dream that will now remain unfulfilled. Chilima’s journey from the corporate sector to politics was marked by…
US to Withdraw Troops from Niger Following Protests Protesters in Niger demanded the departure of US troops, leading to an agreement for the withdrawal of over 1,000 American soldiers by December. The US and Niger have expressed mutual respect and pledged continued cooperation, despite differences over the recent coup in Niger and the strengthening of ties with Russia. US military equipment and personnel have started leaving Niger ahead of a December deadline. The US and Niger praised one another and promised ongoing – but unspecified – cooperation. America has refused to recognise Niger’s coup government, which has moved to strengthen…
Elon Musk. (SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images) Zimbabwe has become the eighth African country to approve Elon Musk’s Starlink for providing satellite internet services, following Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi. Despite initial security concerns, President Emmerson Mnangagwa deemed Starlink beneficial for the country. IMC Communications (Pvt) Ltd, owned by Mnangagwa’s associate Wicknell Chivayo, will partner with Starlink to offer services in Zimbabwe under official licensing from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of technological advancements in his government’s strategy. Economist Stevenson Dlamini welcomed Starlink’s arrival for potentially reducing data costs and improving…
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images) The Democratic Republic of Congo was shaken by a foiled coup attempt led by fringe politician Christian Malanga and his American business partner. Malanga, 41, was killed as his group of armed men tried to enter the presidential residence. His partner, Benjamin Zalman-Polun, an American cannabis entrepreneur, was also arrested. The duo were involved in mining and cannabis ventures in the region. Malanga broadcasted the coup attempt on Facebook, calling for a new era inspired by Mobutu Sese Seko. This marks the first coup attempt in the region…
Banknotes of the new national currency Zimbabwe Gold, ZiG for short, are presented at a press conference of the Central Bank of Zimbabwe. (Columbus Mavhunga/picture alliance via Getty Images) A month after the introduction of Zimbabwe’s new gold-backed currency, ZiG, the government has implemented strict measures to enforce its acceptance. Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has called on liberation veterans to support the new currency, declaring war on those who oppose it. The state security apparatuses are cracking down on illegal money traders, with over 200 arrests made so far. Recent incidents include the arrest of a teacher for…
Lesotho’s government and civil society clash over constitutional reform efforts introduced by Law and Justice Minister Richard Ramoeletsi.(Government of Lesotho) Lesotho’s government is seeking to amend its constitution once again, following the 2014 coup attempts. A civil society group argues that Lesotho needs an entirely new constitution. The government hopes for opposition support in parliament to pass the long-awaited reforms into law this time. Lesotho is once again embarking on significant constitutional reforms to address the country’s political instability. However, a disagreement has arisen between the government and some civil society organizations on the approach to reform. Law and Justice…