Africa in a week
Editorial
Al-Aqsa Flood operation had profound implications, particularly in Africa and the Arab world. This large-scale military action launched by Hamas has overshadowed other events in these regions. Politically and strategically, it drew significant attention away from ongoing conflicts in Africa and the Arab world. Internationally, the operation escalated tensions between Israel and Palestine, resulting in widespread protests across Africa and the Arab world. The media coverage of this operation has been extensive, making it a focal point for discussions on regional stability, human rights violations, and international intervention policies. Consequently, other news stories that would have otherwise gained significant prominence were placed on the backburner during this critical period.
The African Union's Stance on the Al-Aqsa Flood
The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has taken a different stance compared to his European counterpart. He has called for an end to the conflict and urged both parties to return to the negotiating table without any preconditions. The goal is to implement the principle of two states living side by side.
In a statement published by the African Union, Mahamat called on the international community and major world powers to take responsibility for establishing peace and ensuring the rights of both peoples. The statement emphasized that depriving the Palestinian people of their basic rights, especially those associated with an independent and sovereign state, is the main reason for the ongoing tension between Israelis and Palestinians.
North Africa
Algeria's Euphoria
Algeria is celebrating a victory after the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation and showing widespread support for the Palestinian resistance. The Algerians felt a great sense of triumph upon receiving news of the military operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupier. This news dominated local media and sparked hundreds of thousands of interactions on social media platforms like Facebook.
Algerians closely followed the military operation on Facebook, sharing pictures of the resistance heroes and their brave actions. Some even turned to alternative platforms like Telegram to watch videos of the operation. The Algerians expressed their support for the resistance through prayers and sarcastic memes targeting the Israeli occupation army.
At an official level, the Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming its support for the Palestinian people. Algeria has consistently taken a strong position on this issue, remaining steadfast against normalization with Israel and providing aid to the Palestinians.
Morocco's Concern
The Kingdom of Morocco has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions and military actions in the Gaza Strip. The country condemns the targeting of civilians by any party involved. Morocco has long warned about the repercussions of the political impasse on peace in the region and emphasizes the importance of an immediate cessation of violence, a return to calm, and the avoidance of escalation. The statement highlights that dialogue and negotiations are the only way to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution based on international legitimacy resolutions and the principle of a two-state solution.
Egypt
Egypt's Presidential Elections
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is expected to win re-election, utilizing a repressive state apparatus. However, the campaign period could also boost opposition activism. According to writer Hossam Al-Hamalawy, the upcoming elections do not hold any suspense regarding the final result for Sisi. In 2013, Sisi led a military coup against Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi. Since then, he has maintained power by capitalizing on fear and promising economic prosperity.
Tunisia
Families Demand Justice
The sons of four imprisoned Tunisian opposition figures have called on the International Criminal Court to investigate political persecution and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tunisia. Lawyers representing the families have filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court, urging its prosecutor to investigate the country's leaders.
Since President Kais Saied came to power in late 2019, his rule has become increasingly repressive. He suspended Parliament, dismissed the Prime Minister, and dissolved the Judicial Council. Numerous arrests have taken place, targeting opposition politicians, former ministers, scholars, businessmen, and activists.
News Roundup: Updates from Sub-Saharan Africa
South Sahara
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso Leader Prioritizes Security Over Elections
The military commander of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, recently stated that elections in the country are not a priority compared to ensuring security. Burkina Faso has been dealing with jihadist violence, and Traore believes that addressing this issue should take precedence. Although Traore had initially promised to hold presidential elections by July 2024, he now plans to make changes to the constitution to better represent the people. However, a year after taking power, the country continues to face attacks from jihadists.
Niger
Military Junta Rejects Algeria's Proposed Transition Period
Following the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power, Niger's military leaders have accepted Algeria's offer to mediate. However, they have made it clear that they will ultimately decide the timetable for a return to democracy. Algeria proposed a six-month transition period, but the military council believes that the process could take up to three years. They want to consider reforms and the results of a national dialogue. It is worth noting that ISIS attacks have increased since the military seized power and promised to reclaim territory from the militants.
Sierra Leone
Supreme Court Orders Publication of Voter Registry
The Supreme Court of Liberia has summoned the National Elections Commission to publish the final list of voters just days before the upcoming elections. Although the commission claimed to have posted the voter list on its website, various political parties and concerned citizens were unable to access it. This has caused confusion and led to two opposition parties filing a lawsuit to force the commission to publish the document. According to regulations, voter lists must be made available at least 30 days before the election date. Liberians are set to choose their next president and representatives on October 10.
Ghana
The Central Bank of Ghana Faces Financial Crisis
Ghana, once considered Africa's leading economic success story, is currently experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis. Demonstrators recently took to the streets of Accra, the capital, demanding the resignation of the governor of the Bank of Ghana and his deputies. The opposition party, National Democratic Congress, led the protest, accusing the bank of illegally printing money to lend to the government. This alleged action has resulted in currency devaluation and high inflation. The bank denies mismanagement but attributes the losses to exchange rate fluctuations and non-payment of loans by state institutions.
Sudan
Apparently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is secretly helping one side in Sudan's war. They're pretending to rescue refugees, but really they're giving weapons and drones to one group and even treating their injured fighters. The UAE is also using their planes to bring seriously injured fighters to their military hospital. This is all according to The Guardian newspaper and a bunch of officials from different countries. The UAE is trying to be a big player in Africa, and it looks like they're supporting a powerful group called the Rapid Support Forces. But here's the thing, this group has been accused of doing some really bad stuff. Sudan's regular armed forces are already fighting a civil war that has killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions of people. It's a really tough situation over there.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has just signed a big agreement with the European Union (EU). The EU is giving Ethiopia 650 million euros (that's a lot of money!) to help with different things. But here's the catch, the EU originally planned to give them even more money, one billion euros to be exact. But because of the fighting in the Tigray region, they had to suspend it. The Tigray war has been really bad, with lots of people dying and terrible things happening. The EU wants Ethiopia to hold those responsible for the crimes accountable before they can have normal relations again. It's a tough situation, but hopefully, things will get better soon.
Somalia
There's been some fierce fighting happening there. Pro-government fighters and militants from a group called Al-Shabab have been battling it out in the Shabello Forest. It's been a really tough fight, with lots of casualties on both sides. The Somali forces and their allies have been trying to get rid of Al-Shabab, who have been causing trouble since 2006. At first, the Somali forces were doing well, but then they got surprised by sniper fire. It's a really difficult task to defeat Al-Shabab, but the government is determined to keep going. Right now, they're focusing on central Somalia, but they plan to go after Al-Shabab in the south too. It won't be easy, but they're not giving up!
Chad
Chad's President Promises Transition to Civilian Rule, with Opposition Skeptical
President Mohamed Idriss Deby is travelling around Chad, talking about how he is working hard to keep the peace and bring back civilian rule. He says he follows the decisions made during the Comprehensive National Dialogue in October 2022.
However, the political opposition in Chad is not so sure about the president's promises. They believe that the country is still facing problems like hunger, poverty, and armed conflict since President Deby took power in April 2021. They think that he hasn't done enough to solve these issues.
President Deby became the head of a transitional council for 18 months after his father passed away in April 2021. His father was visiting soldiers on the front line when he got hurt and later died. This means that President Deby took over as the leader of Chad.
The transition to democracy was supposed to end in October 2022. However, the military leaders decided to extend it for another 24 months. They did this through a big meeting called the Inclusive and Sovereign National Dialogue, which happened from August 2022 to October 2022 in NDjamena, the capital city of Chad. During this meeting, they also said that President Deby could run for president in the elections happening in November 2024.
Timane Erdimi is the leader of a rebel group called the Union of Forces of Resistance in Chad. He told reporters that President Deby didn't do what he promised after a peace talk in Doha. Erdimi also said that the president is not following the decisions made during the national dialogue. This is why the opposition is skeptical about the president's plans.
France, the European Union, and the African Union have asked President Deby to stick to the deadline for the elections in November 2024. They want him to make sure that the elections happen on time and that they are fair and free for everyone.
