🇨🇳🌍 China could drive Africa's renewable energy revolution, report says
China has a unique opportunity to drive forward an energy revolution in Africa, but it must first reverse nearly two decades of neglect of green power investments there, research from Boston University showed on Tuesday.
Beijing has emerged as the continent's biggest bilateral trading partner since the start of the century and has financed billions of dollars worth of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Three years ago, China's President Xi Jinping said the country would not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, pledging to deal with climate change by supporting the development of green and low-carbon energy.
Although Africa's green energy potential is one of the highest in the world, Chinese lending and investment has so far provided relatively little support for the continent's energy transition, according to a report from Boston University's Global Development Policy Center and the African Economic Research Consortium.
#China #Africa
@africaintel
China has a unique opportunity to drive forward an energy revolution in Africa, but it must first reverse nearly two decades of neglect of green power investments there, research from Boston University showed on Tuesday.
Beijing has emerged as the continent's biggest bilateral trading partner since the start of the century and has financed billions of dollars worth of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Three years ago, China's President Xi Jinping said the country would not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, pledging to deal with climate change by supporting the development of green and low-carbon energy.
Although Africa's green energy potential is one of the highest in the world, Chinese lending and investment has so far provided relatively little support for the continent's energy transition, according to a report from Boston University's Global Development Policy Center and the African Economic Research Consortium.
#China #Africa
@africaintel
🇿🇼🇨🇩 Zimbabwean trucker detained in DRC
A Zimbabwean truck driver employed by SMI Bulk Transport of South Africa is reportedly detained by authorities following a tragic accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while en route to Mokambo.
The driver, Jeremiah Kamuterera hailing from Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West province, is said to have been involved in a fatal crash that claimed 18 lives, leaving six others seriously injured.
Reports suggest that Kamuterera, since the incident, has been grappling with his situation alone in a foreign land, with alleged lack of assistance from his employers. Urgent financial support is being sought to secure his release.
#Zimbabwe #DRC
@africaintel
A Zimbabwean truck driver employed by SMI Bulk Transport of South Africa is reportedly detained by authorities following a tragic accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while en route to Mokambo.
The driver, Jeremiah Kamuterera hailing from Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West province, is said to have been involved in a fatal crash that claimed 18 lives, leaving six others seriously injured.
Reports suggest that Kamuterera, since the incident, has been grappling with his situation alone in a foreign land, with alleged lack of assistance from his employers. Urgent financial support is being sought to secure his release.
#Zimbabwe #DRC
@africaintel
🇰🇪 Kenyan hospital to dispose unclaimed bodies of 475 babies
Kenya's largest public referral hospital has announced that it will dispose hundreds of unclaimed bodies currently at its morgue if family members will not collect them.
"Interested members of the public are therefore requested to identify and collect the bodies within seven days, failure to which the hospital will seek authority from the courts to dispose of them," the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) said.
The 541 bodies include 475 babies and 66 adults.
The hospital published the names of the deceased, but the identities of a few of the bodies are unknown.
KNH and other public hospitals and morgues in Kenya frequently issue notices for relatives to collect unclaimed bodies.
Bodies that remain uncollected after the grace period are often buried in mass graves.
#Kenya
@africaintel
Kenya's largest public referral hospital has announced that it will dispose hundreds of unclaimed bodies currently at its morgue if family members will not collect them.
"Interested members of the public are therefore requested to identify and collect the bodies within seven days, failure to which the hospital will seek authority from the courts to dispose of them," the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) said.
The 541 bodies include 475 babies and 66 adults.
The hospital published the names of the deceased, but the identities of a few of the bodies are unknown.
KNH and other public hospitals and morgues in Kenya frequently issue notices for relatives to collect unclaimed bodies.
Bodies that remain uncollected after the grace period are often buried in mass graves.
#Kenya
@africaintel
🇹🇬 After public outcry, Togolese president Gnassingbé orders constitutional reform back to parliament
After nearly a week of growing public discontent, the Togolese presidency announced that the controversial constitutional reform bill will be tabled again in Parliament.
In a statement unveiled on March 29, the office of President Faure Gnassingbé invokes the "interest aroused" by the adoption of the bill and the "perfectible nature of the law" to justify the request for a "second reading".
The legislation, initially passed by parliament on March 25, has faced criticism from opposition parties who view it as a ploy to consolidate Gnassingbe's domination over the structure of power in Togo.
Gnassingbé has ruled the country since 2005. Before that, he's father was in charge.
The proposed Constitution grants parliament the power to choose the president, doing away with direct elections. This makes it likely that Gnassingbé would be re-elected when his mandate expires in 2025.
#Togo
@africaintel
After nearly a week of growing public discontent, the Togolese presidency announced that the controversial constitutional reform bill will be tabled again in Parliament.
In a statement unveiled on March 29, the office of President Faure Gnassingbé invokes the "interest aroused" by the adoption of the bill and the "perfectible nature of the law" to justify the request for a "second reading".
The legislation, initially passed by parliament on March 25, has faced criticism from opposition parties who view it as a ploy to consolidate Gnassingbe's domination over the structure of power in Togo.
Gnassingbé has ruled the country since 2005. Before that, he's father was in charge.
The proposed Constitution grants parliament the power to choose the president, doing away with direct elections. This makes it likely that Gnassingbé would be re-elected when his mandate expires in 2025.
#Togo
@africaintel
🇬🇦 Parties debate democratic future for Gabon
Talks have begun in Gabon over the country's transition to civilian rule.
Representatives from more than 100 political parties are taking part in what's being called an Inclusive National Dialogue.
The process was initiated by the country's military leader Brigadier Gen Brice Oligui Nguema and will be chaired by the Archbishop of Libreville, Jean Patrick Iba-Ba.
The military forced out President,Ali Bongo in August last year after a general election beset by accusations of fraud.
It has since promised a transition to democratic rule.
#Gabon
@africaintel
Talks have begun in Gabon over the country's transition to civilian rule.
Representatives from more than 100 political parties are taking part in what's being called an Inclusive National Dialogue.
The process was initiated by the country's military leader Brigadier Gen Brice Oligui Nguema and will be chaired by the Archbishop of Libreville, Jean Patrick Iba-Ba.
The military forced out President,Ali Bongo in August last year after a general election beset by accusations of fraud.
It has since promised a transition to democratic rule.
#Gabon
@africaintel
🇲🇿 Desperate families dig for food in Mozambique drought
People are surviving by picking wild fruits and tubers after droughts destroyed crops in parts of central Mozambique.
Hunger has forced dozens of families from their homes in Sofala province and into neighbouring areas of Manica province, authorities say.
Because of its latitude and coastal location, much of Mozambique is vulnerable to the destructive El Niño weather phenomenon which has worsened with the climate crisis.
District official Candido Zeca, who is responsible for economic affairs in the badly-hit area of Chemba, admits not enough has been done to help people in need but says food aid and farming resources are on their way.
#Mozambique
@africaintel
People are surviving by picking wild fruits and tubers after droughts destroyed crops in parts of central Mozambique.
Hunger has forced dozens of families from their homes in Sofala province and into neighbouring areas of Manica province, authorities say.
Because of its latitude and coastal location, much of Mozambique is vulnerable to the destructive El Niño weather phenomenon which has worsened with the climate crisis.
District official Candido Zeca, who is responsible for economic affairs in the badly-hit area of Chemba, admits not enough has been done to help people in need but says food aid and farming resources are on their way.
#Mozambique
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Senegal swears in former opposition figure Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal's fifth president, has been sworn into office at a ceremony in the capital, Dakar.
Faye was released from prison less than two weeks before the March 24 election, along with popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko, following a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall. It is the former tax inspector's first time in elected office.
Faye became nation's fifth and youngest president ever, promising to restore stability and bring economic progress.
"The results of the election showed a profound desire for change," Faye said after taking the oath of office at a ceremony he attended with his two wives.
Over a dozen heads of state and regional representatives attended the inauguration, including Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.
#Senegal
@africaintel
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal's fifth president, has been sworn into office at a ceremony in the capital, Dakar.
Faye was released from prison less than two weeks before the March 24 election, along with popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko, following a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall. It is the former tax inspector's first time in elected office.
Faye became nation's fifth and youngest president ever, promising to restore stability and bring economic progress.
"The results of the election showed a profound desire for change," Faye said after taking the oath of office at a ceremony he attended with his two wives.
Over a dozen heads of state and regional representatives attended the inauguration, including Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇰🇪 Kenyan doctors strike over pay and training extends into third week
Kenyan public hospital doctors who have been on strike since last month convened in two major cities on Tuesday to discuss their grievances against the government.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which represents over 7,000 members, went on strike on March 15 to demand payment of their salary arrears and the immediate hiring of trainee doctors.
The arrears arose from a 2017 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the union said. Doctors are also demanding the provision of adequate medical insurance cover for themselves and their dependants.
It also wants the government to address frequent delays of salaries and to start paying doctors who work in public hospitals as part of their higher degree courses.
The minister of health Susan Nakhumicha has said the government cannot afford to hire the trainee doctors due to financial pressure on the public kitty.
#Kenya
@africaintel
Kenyan public hospital doctors who have been on strike since last month convened in two major cities on Tuesday to discuss their grievances against the government.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which represents over 7,000 members, went on strike on March 15 to demand payment of their salary arrears and the immediate hiring of trainee doctors.
The arrears arose from a 2017 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the union said. Doctors are also demanding the provision of adequate medical insurance cover for themselves and their dependants.
It also wants the government to address frequent delays of salaries and to start paying doctors who work in public hospitals as part of their higher degree courses.
The minister of health Susan Nakhumicha has said the government cannot afford to hire the trainee doctors due to financial pressure on the public kitty.
#Kenya
@africaintel
🇸🇸 At least 12 killed, 15 children missing in South Sudan attack
Youths attacked a village in eastern South Sudan and shot dead at least 12 people while 15 children are missing, officials said on Tuesday, as local conflicts continued to increase ahead of elections late this year.
Activists believe the recent rise in violence is at least partly connected to the elections to choose leaders to succeed the present transitional government.
In the latest incident on Sunday, youths attacked Ajwara village in Pibor's Pochalla county, Abraham Kelang, Information Minister of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, said.
"Twelve people were killed, 10 injured and there were some cattle that were raided," he told.
The attackers, from the Murle ethnic group, are also suspected of abducting children, Owety Olung, the acting commissioner of Pochalla County, said.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
Youths attacked a village in eastern South Sudan and shot dead at least 12 people while 15 children are missing, officials said on Tuesday, as local conflicts continued to increase ahead of elections late this year.
Activists believe the recent rise in violence is at least partly connected to the elections to choose leaders to succeed the present transitional government.
In the latest incident on Sunday, youths attacked Ajwara village in Pibor's Pochalla county, Abraham Kelang, Information Minister of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, said.
"Twelve people were killed, 10 injured and there were some cattle that were raided," he told.
The attackers, from the Murle ethnic group, are also suspected of abducting children, Owety Olung, the acting commissioner of Pochalla County, said.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
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🇪🇬 Egypt's Sisi starts third term pledging more investment, social spending
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in for his third term on Tuesday in the country's new capital, the largest of the mega-projects that have come to symbolise his rule while stretching the country's finances.
Speaking at the new parliament building, Sisi highlighted the challenges Egypt withstood in recent years while promising continued development.
"The past few years have shown that the path of nation-building is not paved with roses ... between terrorist attempts at home, sudden global crises abroad, fierce wars around us," Sisi told.
Sisi swept to victory in an election last December with 89.6% of the vote and no serious challengers.
#Egypt
@africaintel
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was sworn in for his third term on Tuesday in the country's new capital, the largest of the mega-projects that have come to symbolise his rule while stretching the country's finances.
Speaking at the new parliament building, Sisi highlighted the challenges Egypt withstood in recent years while promising continued development.
"The past few years have shown that the path of nation-building is not paved with roses ... between terrorist attempts at home, sudden global crises abroad, fierce wars around us," Sisi told.
Sisi swept to victory in an election last December with 89.6% of the vote and no serious challengers.
#Egypt
@africaintel
Forwarded from ENTRE GUERRAS (Берский)
🇲🇱Los partidos políticos de Mali han solicitado un plazo para las elecciones presidenciales después de que la junta gobernante no haya organizado las elecciones dentro de la prometida transición de regreso a la democracia en un plazo de 24 meses.
"Utilizaremos todas las vías legales y legítimas para restablecer el orden constitucional normal en nuestro país", dijeron en la declaración, que cuenta con más de 20 firmantes, incluida una importante coalición de oposición y el partido del derrocado ex presidente.
La junta no ha reaccionado.
🇬🇧Political parties in Mali have requested a time frame for presidential elections after the ruling junta failed to organise polls within a promised 24-month transition back to democracy.
"We will use all legal and legitimate avenues for the return of normal constitutional order in our country," they said in the statement, which has over 20 signatories, including a major opposition coalition and the toppled ex-president's party.
The junta has not reacted.
🔗https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/africa/2024-04-01-mali-political-parties-request-elections-after-junta-shuns-transition-promise/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=jverheyden%2Fmagazine%2FWEST+AFRICA
▫️ @ENTRE_GUERRAS ▫️
"Utilizaremos todas las vías legales y legítimas para restablecer el orden constitucional normal en nuestro país", dijeron en la declaración, que cuenta con más de 20 firmantes, incluida una importante coalición de oposición y el partido del derrocado ex presidente.
La junta no ha reaccionado.
🇬🇧Political parties in Mali have requested a time frame for presidential elections after the ruling junta failed to organise polls within a promised 24-month transition back to democracy.
"We will use all legal and legitimate avenues for the return of normal constitutional order in our country," they said in the statement, which has over 20 signatories, including a major opposition coalition and the toppled ex-president's party.
The junta has not reacted.
🔗https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/africa/2024-04-01-mali-political-parties-request-elections-after-junta-shuns-transition-promise/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=jverheyden%2Fmagazine%2FWEST+AFRICA
▫️ @ENTRE_GUERRAS ▫️
SowetanLIVE
Mali political parties request elections after junta shuns transition promise
Political parties in Mali have requested a time frame for presidential elections after the ruling junta failed to organise polls within a promised 24-month transition back to democracy.
🇺🇸🇨🇫 US to build much larger embassy in Bangui
The US State Department's call for tenders for the construction of a new embassy in Bangui closed on 28 March, Africa Intelligence reported.
Plans for the 33,000 m2 building include secure offices, staff quarters, an entertainment center, and a helipad.
#USA #CAR
@africaintel
The US State Department's call for tenders for the construction of a new embassy in Bangui closed on 28 March, Africa Intelligence reported.
Plans for the 33,000 m2 building include secure offices, staff quarters, an entertainment center, and a helipad.
#USA #CAR
@africaintel
🇸🇳 Ousmane Sonko named as Senegal prime minister
New Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday appointed politician and key backer Ousmane Sonko as prime minister in his first act as president.
Sonko, an opponent of former President Macky Sall, is popular among the West African nation's youth but was barred from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. He denied any wrongdoing.
Campaigning jointly under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," Sonko urged supporters to vote for his top lieutenant, Faye, who ultimately won with over 54% of the vote in the first round.
Speaking after his appointment, Sonko said he would present Faye with a full list of proposed ministerial appointments for his approval.
"There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility", Sonko said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
New Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday appointed politician and key backer Ousmane Sonko as prime minister in his first act as president.
Sonko, an opponent of former President Macky Sall, is popular among the West African nation's youth but was barred from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. He denied any wrongdoing.
Campaigning jointly under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," Sonko urged supporters to vote for his top lieutenant, Faye, who ultimately won with over 54% of the vote in the first round.
Speaking after his appointment, Sonko said he would present Faye with a full list of proposed ministerial appointments for his approval.
"There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility", Sonko said.
#Senegal
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Millions of Nigerians face power price hikes
Nigerians face soaring electricity bills if the government goes ahead with plans to scrap its subsidy for 15% of consumers.
Doing so would save the public purse $2.6bn but only heap more pressure on millions of people struggling under a cost-of-living crisis.
The move was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, as a way to ease pressure on public finances.
He did not say when the rate would go up, but said rates had last been reviewed in 2020.
#Nigeria
@arficaintel
Nigerians face soaring electricity bills if the government goes ahead with plans to scrap its subsidy for 15% of consumers.
Doing so would save the public purse $2.6bn but only heap more pressure on millions of people struggling under a cost-of-living crisis.
The move was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, as a way to ease pressure on public finances.
He did not say when the rate would go up, but said rates had last been reviewed in 2020.
#Nigeria
@arficaintel
🇨🇩 Health center was damaged in DR Congo rebel attack
At least 10 civilians were killed during an attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, reports say.
The rebels set fire to a health centre, looted shops and burned down houses in the nearby village of Mangodomu, according to Emmanuel Kathembo Salamu, the mayor of the city of Mangina in North Kivu province.
"The army is in contact with the enemy. Psychosis reigns here," the mayor said.
A patient at the health centre was reportedly among civilians who were killed during the attack.
#DRC
@africaintel
At least 10 civilians were killed during an attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, reports say.
The rebels set fire to a health centre, looted shops and burned down houses in the nearby village of Mangodomu, according to Emmanuel Kathembo Salamu, the mayor of the city of Mangina in North Kivu province.
"The army is in contact with the enemy. Psychosis reigns here," the mayor said.
A patient at the health centre was reportedly among civilians who were killed during the attack.
#DRC
@africaintel
🇿🇦 Jacob Zuma appeals against election ban
Former President Jacob Zuma has filed an appeal against South Africa's electoral commission, which last week barred him from standing in forthcoming elections.
The 81-year-old served as president from 2009 until 2018, when he had to step down because of corruption allegations.
He was convicted and received a 15-month prison sentence in 2021 for contempt of court - and the constitution says anyone who has had a prison sentence of longer than 12 months is not eligible to run for election.
The AFP news agency reports that court papers filed on his behalf argue that the electoral commission "had no valid reasons to violate the political rights of [former] President Zuma".
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
Former President Jacob Zuma has filed an appeal against South Africa's electoral commission, which last week barred him from standing in forthcoming elections.
The 81-year-old served as president from 2009 until 2018, when he had to step down because of corruption allegations.
He was convicted and received a 15-month prison sentence in 2021 for contempt of court - and the constitution says anyone who has had a prison sentence of longer than 12 months is not eligible to run for election.
The AFP news agency reports that court papers filed on his behalf argue that the electoral commission "had no valid reasons to violate the political rights of [former] President Zuma".
#SouthAfrica
@africaintel
Africa Intel
🇬🇦 Parties debate democratic future for Gabon Talks have begun in Gabon over the country's transition to civilian rule. Representatives from more than 100 political parties are taking part in what's being called an Inclusive National Dialogue. The process…
🇬🇦 Gabon leader mulls truth and reconciliation push
Gabon's transitional president, Brig Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, has hinted at the possible creation of a truth, justice and reconciliation commission to address atrocities in the country's past.
The military junta "reserves the right to analyse the merits" of such a commission, he said.
Nguema's remarks about a truth process come amid growing calls for justice for 2016's post-election violence, when then-President Ali Bongo was controversially re-elected in disputed circumstances.
"The timeframe of a transition seems, to me, far too narrow to establish responsibility for each event," said Gen Nguema. It is unclear if his statement is an indirect request for more time in power, or more time to get a commission up and running.
#Gabon
@africaintel
Gabon's transitional president, Brig Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, has hinted at the possible creation of a truth, justice and reconciliation commission to address atrocities in the country's past.
The military junta "reserves the right to analyse the merits" of such a commission, he said.
Nguema's remarks about a truth process come amid growing calls for justice for 2016's post-election violence, when then-President Ali Bongo was controversially re-elected in disputed circumstances.
"The timeframe of a transition seems, to me, far too narrow to establish responsibility for each event," said Gen Nguema. It is unclear if his statement is an indirect request for more time in power, or more time to get a commission up and running.
#Gabon
@africaintel