darnellafrica
Darnell (Africa)
Reconnecting with the Continent.
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Senegal’s 🇸🇳 President Suspiciously Suspends Elections
President Mackey Sall (who is unpopular in his country) has decided that Senegal 🇸🇳 is not ready to vote on his replacement due to “legal” reasons.
Senegalese President Macky Sall on Saturday announced that elections scheduled for Feb. 25 would be indefinitely delayed, marking a first in Senegal’s history and fueling concerns about the electoral process in a country with one of the strongest histories of democracy in West Africa. […]
Sall said that his decision to postpone the elections was intended to preserve their credibility, which he said was jeopardized by disagreements between the constitutional court and legislative branch centered on which candidates are allowed to run. Sall promised to hold a national dialogue to ensure that the elections are fair and transparent but offered no timeline. […]
Guillaume Soto-Mayor, a nonresident scholar at the Middle East Institute, said the decision to delay the election didn’t seem to have constitutional grounds and appears rooted in fear among the elite that Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the candidate selected by Sonko to run as his replacement, would win if elections were held Feb. 25. Sall was supporting Prime Minister Amadou Ba. (Washington Post)
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This is the first time elections have been delayed in Senegal 🇸🇳, which is one of the few French-speaking African nations that has never experienced a military coup. With no date set for when elections will be held, some are seeing this latest move by President Sall to postpone his retirement from office & remain in power indefinitely.
If President Mackey fails to come up with a reasonable timeline for new elections, we could witness riots again—or worse—a military coup capturing the country.
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Interesting thoughts from Peter Zeihan, a global analyst who is hired by many governments around the world to figure out solutions to complex problems.
To summarize this lengthy video, he believes most of the countries in Africa will not fare too well with America pulling back from the global stage, but he does cite a few prominent nations that will more or less be okay (at least economically).
Senegal 🇸🇳 is sadly controlled by France 🇫🇷 (latter owns their currency), so they will use that leverage in an attempt to dominate the country
Nigeria 🇳🇬 has a lot of infrastructure already built, & is too powerful to control. Zeihan expects foreign nations to approach the country with even negotiations.
Angola 🇦🇴 will probably be sought out by Britain 🇬🇧, France 🇫🇷 & Norway 🇳🇴, & each will attempt to control the country from the sides
South Africa 🇿🇦 will continue to be a power house economically
Kenya 🇰🇪 & Uganda 🇺🇬 may also embrace industrialization
Very good analysis overall.
#africa#africans#nigera#south africa#senegal#angola#france#united kingdom#united states#infrastructure#agriculture#technology#trade#economics#peter zeihan#Youtube
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Sierra Leone 🇸🇱: Former President Accused Of Attempting A Coup
Allegedly Ernest Bai Koroma, the former President of Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 knew about the coup attempt before hand & did nothing to alert present authorities of the pending attack.
“The former president is charged with four offences, including treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harbouring,” a statement signed by Information Minister Chernor Bah said.
According to Dictionary.com, misprision means:
a neglect or violation of official duty by one in office.
failure by one not an accessory to prevent or notify the authorities of treason or felony.
If the former President was aware that a coup was immediate & looked the other way then he would be considered an accomplish to those who actually attempted to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone 🇸🇱.
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Update: Discovered via All Africa.
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Egypt 🇪🇬 & European Union 🇪🇺 To Ethiopia 🇪🇹: Somaliland Is Part Of Somalia 🇸🇴
Egypt 🇪🇬 & the European Union 🇪🇺 are not happy with Ethiopia 🇪🇹 after the latter signed an economic agreement allowing Ethiopia to use Somaliland’s port.
In a telephone call with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi assured that "Egypt will maintain a firm position alongside Somalia and support its security and stability". Mr. Sissi's spokesman, Ahmed Famy, added that the two leaders had also discussed "regional developments" and bilateral relations. […]
The European Union criticized the agreement, demanding respect for Somalia's "unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity".
"This is essential for the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa region," the EU said in a statement.
In exchange for access to the port near the Red Sea, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 promised to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation at a later date.
Somalia 🇸🇴 is obviously upset about this deal (which it does not recognize), but what is more alarming is that Somaliland will allow Ethiopia 🇪🇹 to build a marine base, which is a direct challenge Somalia’s 🇸🇴 sovereignty.
Currently Ethiopia 🇪🇹 pays Djibouti 🇩🇯 $1.5 billion a year for access to their ports, & the ancient nation is seeking out less expensive (albeit more violent) ways to access the Red Sea.
Previously Ethiopia 🇪🇹 considered declaring war against Eritrea 🇪🇷 (a region that Ethiopia 🇪🇹 use to rule over), but it appears they view a quasi-legal agreement with Somaliland as a “more reasonable” option.
#ethiopia#somaliland#egypt#africa#east africa#european union#politics#red sea#trade#economics#somalia
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Ethiopia 🇪🇹 To Recognize Somaliland As Independent Nation
Ethiopia 🇪🇹 will regain access to the Red Sea after agreeing to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.
As part of the deal, Somaliland plans to lease a 20-km (12.4-mile) stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia to establish a marine force base, Abdi said at the signing.
With a population estimated at over 120 million, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world. […]
Somaliland President Abdi said the agreement included a statement that Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland as an independent country in the near future.
Somalia 🇸🇴 is outraged by this deal, as Somaliland is considered a breakaway province from the country.
The fact that Ethiopia 🇪🇹 is bypassing Somalia 🇸🇴 diplomatically could signal trouble in the future, as Ethiopia 🇪🇹 intends to send troops to secure the route.
Somalia 🇸🇴 will probably try to avoid a war with Ethiopia 🇪🇹 & appeal to the African Union as well as the United States 🇺🇸 for support their claim over Somaliland.
If Somaliland can secure diplomatic recognition from Ethiopia 🇪🇹, they can use that as leverage to secure recognition from other countries on the continent.
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Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Preparing For War Against Eritrea 🇪🇷
After recently ending their war against the Tigray region, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 is preparing to wage war against their former ally Eritrea 🇪🇷 in order to regain access to the Red Sea.
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Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is probably betting on Eritrea 🇪🇷 receiving little diplomatic or military assistance if the nation is attacked as the latter is loathed worldwide by many international governments.
With the world distracted by conflicts in Europe (Russia 🇷🇺 verses Ukraine 🇺🇦), the Mediterranean (Israel 🇮🇱 & Hamas in Gaza), & a potential war between China 🇨🇳 & Taiwan 🇹🇼, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 would face very few sanctions from the international community.
The United States 🇺🇸 would probably be one of the few countries who would respond with economic sanctions against Ethiopia 🇪🇹, although that alone would probably not deter Ethiopia 🇪🇹 from annexing the entire country of Eritrea 🇪🇷.
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Niger 🇳🇪 Junta leader is solidifying his alliance with Mali 🇲🇱 & Burkina Faso 🇧🇫, all three who are facing global sanctions due to their respective coups against the democratic institutions of their nations.
It is still unclear what the end game is for all three nations, as the security situation overall has not significantly improved, even with assistance from Russia 🇷🇺.
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Ghana 🇬🇭 Nuclear Deal: Small Modular Reactors From Five Potential Suitors
Ghana 🇬🇭 has been experiencing energy growing pains as of late, & the nation is actively seeking out nuclear power as a long-term option.
Fortunately, the nation known for its gold has a golden opportunity to have a nuclear power plant built within its borders & is actively being courted by five nuclear-powered nations.
“Choosing the US industry offers advantages you can’t get from anyone else,” said Maria Korsnick, president of the US Nuclear Energy Institute. “The US industry will not seek to weaponise energy production or trap partners in a cycle of debts. We want real partnerships that lead to real energy independence and security.” […]
Ahead of the summit, the US government committed $1.7m to the development of a Small Modular Reactors (SMR) simulator in Ghana to serve the region, matching up similar efforts by Russia’s state-run Rosatom that only recently sealed a nuclear power plant deal with neighbouring Burkina Faso.
Since 2021, when it put out a request for a vendor country, the West African country has received proposals from the US, Russia, China, France and South Korea.
Although the government of Ghana 🇬🇭 still has friendly relations with France 🇫🇷 & Russia 🇷🇺, it would be surprising for them to pick either of those countries due to the growing anti-France sentiment in Africa & global sanctions on Russia 🇷🇺 (over their invasion of Ukraine 🇺🇦), respectively.
China 🇨🇳, South Korea 🇰🇷 & the United States 🇺🇸 are probably the leading contenders for a reactor, with the latter being the most welcoming due to availability of capital.
Hopefully, more African nations will be courted with nuclear energy deals in the future, as Ghana’s 🇬🇭 bigger brother Nigeria 🇳🇬 is also in desperate need of a nuclear power plant.
#ghana#nuclear#nuclear power#small modular reactors#energy#nuclear power plant#africa#united states#china#russia#france#south korea#electricity#west africa
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Liberia 🇱🇷 Democratic Elections Are A Beacon Of Hope
In what might seem like a rarity as of late, President George Weah conceded defeat to President-Elect Joseph Boakai in a close runoff election held a few days ago.
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The US 🇺🇸 government was also pleased with the process & congratulated Liberia 🇱🇷 for once again choosing a peaceful transfer of power (which sadly is not the norm around the African continent & even in America 🇺🇸).
Liberian President George Weah conceded defeat today to Joseph Boakai in the presidential runoff election held on November 14. We congratulate president-elect Boakai on his victory and President Weah for his peaceful acceptance of the results. As President Weah said in his concession speech, “Tonight, the CDC has lost the election, but Liberia has won. This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest . . . Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people.”
The United States congratulates the people of Liberia on holding a peaceful presidential runoff election. We note the broad participation of Liberians across the country and applaud the commitment and dedication of Liberian citizens in exercising their right to vote and in engaging in the electoral process peacefully.
Liberians deserve and expect free and fair, peaceful elections. We call on all citizens to follow President Weah’s example and accept the results. We congratulate Liberia’s institutions on a successful electoral process, especially the dedicated work of the National Elections Commission and the thousands of Liberians who worked the polls.
Graciously accepting defeat in an election is one of the rare qualities in short supply nowadays, as many political leaders worldwide will either contest the results (dividing & polarizing a country even further) or attempt a coup & overthrow the government by force.
Hopefully Liberia 🇱🇷 can initiate a new trend, where respecting legit election results is once again normal & citizens do not have to fear the possibility of civil war. While President George Weah is conceding, he seems intent on running for President again in 2029.
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Sudan 🇸🇩 Civil War Is Making The Nation Unlivable
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This is really bad, as there is no sign that the civil war will end in Sudan 🇸🇩. The biggest losers in this conflict are the civilian population, whose plight lacks global media attention due to wars & rumors of wars elsewhere.
UNITED NATIONS — Almost seven months of war between Sudan’s military and a powerful paramilitary group have left a wave of destruction with over half the population in need of humanitarian aid and raised fears of a repeat of the deadly ethnic conflict in Darfur 20 years ago.
“What is happening is verging on pure evil,” the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in the African nation said Friday. […]
[Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the resident U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Sudan] said the decimated health sector — with more than 70% of health facilities in conflict areas out of service — was extremely worrying giving outbreaks of cholera, dengue, malaria and measles; reports of escalating violence against civilians; and fighting spreading to Sudan’s breadbasket. […]
The U.N. is targeting about 12 million people for aid — about half those in need. But its appeal for $2.6 billion for the 2023 humanitarian response in Sudan is just over a third funded, and Nkweta-Salami urged donors to provide additional money. (Washington Post)
Usually, regional & world powers would intervene. However, most Western world powers are preoccupied with other emergencies around the globe (i.e., the Ukraine 🇺🇦 defensive war against Russia 🇷🇺 war, the United States 🇺🇸 prep war against China 🇨🇳 over Taiwan 🇹🇼, & Israel 🇮🇱 versus Hamas terrorists, etcetera).
As far as neighboring nations go, the African countries bordering Sudan 🇸🇩 are currently experience troubles of their own:
Egypt 🇪🇬 is dealing with a food crisis & battling terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula
Libya 🇱🇾 is still recovering from the dam collapse, plus more security issues
Chad 🇹🇩 is…well, Chad 🇹🇩.
The Central African Republic 🇨🇫 is fighting a civil war against a frenemy rebel alliance, with assistance from Russia 🇷🇺 & Rwanda 🇷🇼 (it’s a stalemate right now)
South Sudan 🇸🇸 is experiencing similar issues with it’s northern neighbor (if not worse)
Ethiopia 🇪🇹 just ended one internal conflict which incidentally triggered another one
Eritrea 🇪🇷 (who ironically is the most stable of the bunch) is not interested in intervening (diplomatically or militarily) in the Sudan 🇸🇩 civil war.
While a diplomatic solution is preferable, without some military intervention, the conflict in Sudan 🇸🇩 will likely spark another refugee crisis, with millions of people fleeing the country to escape famine & war.
Sudan 🇸🇩 is currently suspended from the African Union (so no help will arrive from that organization), so unless help arrives from beyond the region, Sudan’s 🇸🇩 situation will likely further deteriorate.
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Five African Nations Embrace Visa Free Travel For African Passport Holders
It appears the pending AfCFTA measure is being implemented independently by African countries across the continent.
Once implemented, Rwanda will become the fourth African country to remove travel restrictions for Africans. Other countries that have waived visas to African nationals are Gambia, Benin and Seychelles.
Kenya’s President William Ruto announced Monday plans to allow all Africans to travel to the East African nation visa-free by December 31.
It is good knowing that Rwanda 🇷🇼 has joined Gambia 🇬🇲, Benin 🇧🇯 & Seychelles 🇸🇨 in removing travel restrictions. I am looking forward to Kenya 🇰🇪 joining later on this year.
Hopefully other African countries will consider adopting this policy in the near future.
Discovered via: African Style Magazine on Instagram.
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Why Turning The Sahara Desert Into A Solar Paradise Never Fully Materialized
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I believe this would have been beneficial for North African countries, but most lack the capital to fund a project this massive. However, the project was primarily focused on bringing the Sahara Desert energy to Europe, which over long distance did not make much fiscal sense.
Solar still has potential to power local cities provided the solar panels are nearby.
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This is long overdue, but can Nigeria 🇳🇬 deliver‽
[Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji] said: “As the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, I am pleased to witness the impressive array of pilot plants established by the Council to demonstrate the conversion and commercial viability of Research and Development (R&D) outcomes into industrial inputs and products. These pilot plants cover various industries and products, such as paints, fertilizers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, personal protective equipment, etc. […]
“As we are aware, the Federal Government, under the able leadership of the President, Asiwaju, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in line with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, has given a directive for fast-tracking the creation of these Technology and Innovation Centers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The replication nationwide will ensure more people access and benefit from these ground-breaking technologies. […]
“This centers will establish a collaborative platform for scientists nationwide, in the African region, and internationally, fostering shared experiences, insights, and best practices. It will also Provide a platform for showcasing and analyzing research outcomes, paving the way for potential patenting and commercialization”, he added.
Nigeria 🇳🇬 is arguably Africa’s superpower, as the country is an economic, military & cultural juggernaut on the continent. If the country of Nigeria 🇳🇬 is able to beat the odds & use the intellect of their people to the betterment of Africans everywhere, they could help enrich hundreds of millions (if not a billion) people across the continent.
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Some welcoming news coming out of Nigeria 🇳🇬!
[Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya] said, “The troop acted on credible and timely intelligence on the kidnap of 6 persons at Hayin Tsando general area of Maraban Jos, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
“The gallant troops quickly mobilized and embarked on a search and rescue operation. The troops made contact with the bandits and criminal elements and a heavy fire fight ensued.
“During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims captured two AK 47 rifles and neutralized one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds.
Banditry has become a primary concern as of late in Nigeria 🇳🇬, & it is good to see that the government is reporting some success against these criminals who are brazen enough to ravage law abiding citizens.
Hopefully Nigeria 🇳🇬 commits more resources to fighting banditry, as well as help further the development of northern Nigeria 🇳🇬.
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South Africa 🇿🇦 Has A Xenophobic Problem
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A disturbing trend is emerging in South Africa 🇿🇦 right now, as Xenophobic groups are harassing foreigners (mostly other Africans) as they blame the current unemployment on outsiders.
Fortunately the government of South Africa 🇿🇦 is much more welcoming to foreigners than the Dudula group. Unfortunately, the current party in control (ANC) is grappling with internal corruption & attempting to turn around a country on the brink of collapse.
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China 🇨🇳 Selling Defective Military Equipment To African Nations
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China 🇨🇳 has sold faulty military equipment to Nigeria 🇳🇬, Ethiopia 🇪🇹, Djibouti 🇩🇯, Central African Republic 🇨🇫 (along with other nations from Asia).
I am not aware of any refunds or repairs (at no expense to the buyer), but African nations would be wise to either develop their own weapons or (if possible) purchase weapons from advanced western nations.
Nigeria 🇳🇬 seems to be doing the latter.
The U.S. government has announced that it has approved the sale of attack aircraft and other equipments to Nigeria. The aircraft are expected to to be used against terrorists and other gunmen operating in the West African country.
According to a statement Thursday by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the equipments are to cost Nigeria about $997 million.
The acquisition of the aircraft and other equipments comes less than a year after the U.S. government supplied the country with 12 units of super tucano aircrafts paid for by Nigeria. (Premium Times)
It would be wise for African nations to develop their own weapons for security reasons, but if China 🇨🇳 continues to sell defective equipment then the African nations should send a bill back to China 🇨🇳 or launch a diplomatic protest about the goods purchased.
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Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 Capital Freetown Unable To Pay Electric Bill
This is surprising news to me, although it might explain why some of my friends have been unable to contact me (as their phones are probably without energy).
Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, is in darkness due to power cuts, as Turkey’s Karpowership discontinued its power supply to the country, due to an unpaid debt of about $40 million, Kanja Sesay – the country’s energy minister said last Friday. […]
The company says on its website that it has deployed around 65 megawatts (MW) of power generation capacity to Sierra Leone since 2020 and has been supplying 80% of its total electricity needs.
Sesay said the switch-off by Karpowership had reduced the electricity supply to the capital by 13%. Electricity is now being rationed in the capital with homes and businesses going without electricity for hours daily.
Stable electricity supply has been a thorn in the side for many African countries, which has stagnated the growth of numerous industries dependent on reliable access to energy.
I am not sure how the government of Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 will pay off the debt to Karpowership without the assistance of a loan from a bank or government.
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. However the country has yet to properly monetize those resources within their borders the way Botswana 🇧🇼 did decades ago.
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