Ghana President Appoints Retired Army Officer as Envoy to Junta-led Sahel States

Ghana President John Dramani Mahama appoints Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as envoy to Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso

Ghana President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday appointed Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, a former national security chief, as envoy to a new alliance formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Juntas took control in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger between 2020 and 2023, leading to the severance of military and diplomatic ties with regional allies and Western powers. Diplomatic relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso deteriorated in 2022 after former president Nana Akufo-Addo accused Burkina Faso of hiring Russian Wagner mercenaries. Mahama’s appointment of Gbevlo-Lartey as an envoy aims to rebuild trust and facilitate reengagement and the return of the Alliance of Sahel States to the ECOWAS family, according to security consultant Emmanuel Kwesi Aning. (Source: Reuters)

West Africa’s Junta-led Nations Deploy Joint Force in Response to Extremist Violence

The junta-led West African countries of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have established a joint force to be deployed in the Sahel region to counter escalating extremist violence. Following military coups in all three nations, the ruling juntas expelled French forces and sought security assistance from Russia’s mercenary units. However, analysts note that the security situation in the Sahel has worsened since the juntas took power, leading to a surge in attacks and civilian casualties by both Islamic militants and government forces. The violence in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso has resulted in over 3,470 deaths in the last six months, with 2.6 million people displaced, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency. The juntas left ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States to legitimize their military governments amid sanctions and strained relations with neighbors. (Source: AP)

Moroccan Truck Drivers Freed After Being Kidnapped in Burkina Faso

Four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped in West Africa were released in Niger after being taken hostage over the weekend. The drivers were transporting electrical equipment from Casablanca to Niamey, the capital of Niger, when they went missing during their journey. The incident highlights the insecurity in the Sahel region, where militant groups like the Islamic State Sahel Province operate, exploiting local grievances to expand their influence. The drivers’ decision not to travel with a military escort resulted in their abduction while crossing the Burkinabe-Nigerien border. Morocco has been strengthening its ties in the Sahel region and increasing exports to countries like Niger. (Source: AP)

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Run in October Polls

Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan as its candidate for the upcoming general elections scheduled for October. Hassan assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli. While initially praised for easing restrictions on the opposition and media, Hassan has faced criticism for renewed repression, including arrests of opposition politicians and abductions and killings of opposition figures. The political landscape in Tanzania remains tense as the country prepares for the upcoming polls. (Source: RFI with AFP)

Maputo Port Volumes Decline in Mozambique Amid Post-election Unrest

Mozambique’s largest port, Maputo, reported a 1% decrease in volumes in 2024, attributed to post-election protests that led to border closures and road blockages. The country experienced opposition protests following a disputed election won by Daniel Chapo and his Frelimo party. The unrest, coupled with a rail corridor derailment and blockages, disrupted operations at the port and impacted trade. Despite the challenges, Maputo port continues to handle growing volumes driven by commodity exporters looking to navigate logistics bottlenecks in South Africa. (Source: Reuters)

Sudan Faces Cash Crunch as Government Undertakes ‘Political’ Banknote Switch

Sudan’s government has introduced new banknotes in areas it controls, sparking long queues at banks, disrupting trade, and exacerbating the country’s cash crunch. The swap replaced 500 and 1,000 Sudanese pound banknotes with new ones in seven states, leading to frustration among residents as commercial activities are impeded. The move is seen as part of the power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, with economic implications for the country already grappling with war and famine. The political maneuver has created challenges for businesses and individuals reliant on cash transactions. (Source: AFP)

One Million People Flee Sudan War to South Sudan, UN Reports

Over one million people have fled the conflict in Sudan to seek refuge in neighboring South Sudan, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The ongoing violence between Sudan’s army and a rival paramilitary group has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and forced displacement of over 12 million people. The influx of refugees into South Sudan underscores the dire situation in Sudan and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to address the displacement and suffering of affected populations. (Source: AFP)

North African Governments’ Brutal Tactics to Curb Migration to Europe Criticized

North African governments, supported by the European Union to tackle migration, have resorted to brutal tactics to prevent sub-Saharan African migrants from reaching Europe. Instances of human rights violations, such as desert dumps, where migrants are left stranded without food or water in the Sahara, highlight the severity of measures taken to deter migration. Migrants detained in North African prisons face torture, sexual violence, and starvation, prompting criticism from rights groups and advocacy organizations. The mistreatment of migrants underscores the challenges and risks faced by individuals seeking to migrate to Europe through North Africa. (Source: The New York Times)

Libyan General Arrested in Italy on ICC Warrant for Alleged War Crimes

A Libyan general wanted for alleged war crimes and violence against inmates at a prison near Tripoli was arrested in Turin, Italy, but subsequently released due to a procedural error by prosecutors. Osama Najim, also known as Almasri, was detained based on an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape, and murder. Najim’s involvement in abuses at Mitiga prison near Tripoli has drawn international scrutiny and condemnation. The incident highlights the challenges in holding perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations accountable for their actions. (Source: The Guardian)

Nigerian Environmentalists Condemn Plan to Resume Oil Production in Ogoniland

Nigerian environmentalists have criticized the government’s proposal to recommence oil production in Ogoniland, calling for a halt until meaningful consultations with local communities are conducted. Ogoniland, located in the Niger River delta region, has been a focal point of environmental pollution due to decades of oil extraction activities. The $1 billion cleanup initiative launched in 2018 aimed to address the environmental and social damage caused by oil exploration in the region. However, concerns persist over the impact of resuming oil production without adequate consultation with affected communities, raising questions about environmental justice and sustainable development in Ogoniland. (Source: Reuters)

Zambia Banks on Mining Sector for Economic Revival After Drought Impact

Zambia is banking on the mining sector to drive economic recovery following a severe drought that affected growth in the country. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane highlighted the opening of new mines and reinvestment in existing mining operations as key drivers for economic revival. The government aims to increase copper production to over 1 million tons by 2026, with a long-term target of 3 million tons. Despite revising down growth projections for 2024 due to the lingering effects of the drought, Zambia remains optimistic about the potential of the mining industry to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for development. (Source: Reuters)

Kenya Eases Travel Requirements for African Visitors

Kenya has announced the relaxation of travel requirements for citizens of nearly all African countries, allowing them to visit without prior authorization. The move aims to facilitate travel within the continent and aligns with the African Union’s push for increasing mobility and integration across Africa. Visitors from most African countries can now enter Kenya without an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), except for citizens of Somalia and Libya due to security concerns. The revised travel policy is expected to enhance regional cooperation and boost tourism and trade activities within Africa. (Source: BBC)