Here are the top stories from Africa: Kamala Harris has formed a dedicated team focusing on U.S. policies towards Africa, aiming for stronger ties.
In sports, the Confederation of African Football declared Nigeria the winner against Libya with a 3-0 victory following a controversial airport delay. Meanwhile, the South African Home Affairs plans to revoke IDs and travel documents for Chidimma Adetshina and her mother.
In Botswana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi suffered a substantial defeat in general elections, while Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa has dismissed a proposal to extend his presidency until 2030. Lastly, Idris Elba announced plans to relocate to Africa to support and enhance the local film industry.
Check out all the top stories below:
MASISI’S PARTY LOSES POWER IN A SHOCK DEFEAT
Millions of Botswana’s citizens headed to the polls on Wednesday, 30th October 2024 to cast their votes.
The early election results show that Botswana’s ruling party, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, suffered a substantial defeat in general elections.
Masisi’s party faced a resounding defeat, ending its 60-year hold on power after opposition parties secured at least 35 of the 61 parliamentary seats.
The Independent Electoral Commission is set to confirm the results later on Friday.
HARRIS BUILDS AFRICA TEAM FOR ENHANCED US POLICY FOCUS
Kamala Harris’s campaign has pulled together a team of 25 to develop a detailed US-Africa policy in preparation for a potential White House win next month.
Overseen by former US Attorney General Eric Holder, the team includes diplomats, ex-officials, and development finance experts, working with diaspora leaders to craft a US-Africa policy, coordinated by Witney Schneidman and Gabrielle Posner.
Sources close to the Harris-Walz campaign indicate that the US-Africa policy, which often ranks low in US foreign policy, “will get a lot more attention under Harris” if they win the White House, expanding on the Biden Administration’s initiatives to elevate this policy area.
CAF RULES NIGERIA 3-0 WINNER OVER LIBYA AFTER AIRPORT DELAY
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory over Libya in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier due to a dispute between the teams earlier this month.
The Nigerian team faced significant travel issues, being redirected to Bayda airport, approximately 250 kilometers from Benghazi, and enduring a 16-hour delay without food, water, or communication with Libyan officials. As a result, Nigeria chose to return home rather than play the match.
CAF determined that Libya violated competition regulations and granted Nigeria three points, strengthening their chances for the 2025 AFCON finals. Libya, claiming similar difficulties during their trip to Nigeria, was fined $50,000.
In light of these events, CAF is considering implementing stricter guidelines to prevent mistreatment of visiting teams, a recurring issue in African football.
HOME AFFAIRS TO CANCEL IDS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA AND HER MOTHER
South African authorities are preparing to cancel the identity and travel documents of Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria, along with her mother.
Tommy Makhode, a representative from the Home Affairs Department, informed the parliamentary committee that the decision comes after an investigation by the department’s counter-corruption and security services.
Adetshina and her mother failed to respond by the October 28 deadline to justify why they should keep their South African documents, and they now face potential fraud charges.
According to Albert Matsaung, acting Deputy Director-General for immigration, “The matter is still under investigation.”
Meanwhile, Adetshina’s recent Instagram updates indicate she is in the United States and is set to compete in the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico on November 16.
PICK N PAY TO LIST ITS LOW-COST BOXER DIVISION
Pick n Pay Stores announced it will list its low-cost Boxer division on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange by year-end, aiming to raise up to R8 billion ($452 million) in what could be the continent’s largest offering this year.
In a statement, Pick n Pay said it anticipates the offer will approach the high end of its R6 billion to R8 billion target range, with a potential overallotment not exceeding R500 million.
Sales at Boxer climbed 12% over the six months to August 25, with CEO Sean Summers expressing “quiet confidence” in reducing Pick n Pay’s trading losses by 50% for the year, which may attract investors.
“The Boxer IPO remains pivotal to our strategy, and their remarkable performance continues to prove it is an exceptional business,” he said. “We are excited to see it thrive as a listed entity.” said Summers.
Pick n Pay will maintain majority ownership in Boxer.
STARLINK SUSPENDS PRICE HIKE
Starlink, the satellite broadband service owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has paused its planned price increase for Nigerian users.
This decision follows regulatory concerns addressed by Nigeria’s third-largest ISP in a message sent to subscribers on Thursday (24 Oct.).
The company, which serves 24 million internet users, promised credits for those charged the increased rate and reminded others that they may cancel their subscriptions if needed.
“Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service,” Starlink’s message to subscribers explained.
“Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges. We remain committed to providing high-speed Internet in Nigeria, but we need regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience,” it noted.
“Without these approvals, our ability to continue delivering service is at risk,” the company said.
GOOGLE TO ALLOCATE $5.8 MILLION FOR AI SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA, KENYA, AND SOUTH AFRICA
Google has added $5.8 million in Google.org funds for AI and cybersecurity training in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, building on its prior $20 million investment in Africa’s tech skills development.
The funding from Google aims to equip organizations with the resources to teach foundational AI skills to workers and educate youth on ethical AI use. It will also empower non-profit leaders and aid the public sector in implementing effective AI solutions.
Key recipients of the funding include the Data Scientists Network Foundation (Nigeria), which will receive $1.5 million to train unemployed and at-risk Nigerians in foundational digital skills with a focus on data and AI.
Nelson Mandela University (South Africa) will participate in the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program, receiving $500,000 to equip 200 students with cybersecurity skills and strengthen local organizations’ digital defenses.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation will distribute $300,000 to support AI literacy education for youth in Kenya and Nigeria through partnerships with Young Scientists Kenya and the Data Scientists Network Foundation.
NNPCL HIKES PETROL PRICE ONCE AGAIN
Following a recent price hike, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has raised petrol prices, sparking outrage among Nigerians. In Abuja, the price has increased to N1,060 per litre from N1,030, according to reports from multiple NNPCL stations in the area.
The NNPCL has increased the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), now costing N1,060 per litre in Abuja, up from N1,030, and N1,025 per litre in Lagos, up from N998.
The latest increase, which is the third in two months, has sparked criticism from various groups, such as the Organised Private Sector and Civil Society Organisations.
Experts warn that the new fuel price hike could worsen inflation, which is at a 28-year high of 34.2% as of June, particularly since global crude oil prices have fallen from $78 to roughly $72 per barrel.
Aliko Dangote expressed frustration at the continued importation of petrol despite his refinery’s operation, urging marketers to buy locally and stating, “If I’m in retail business then you can hold me responsible.”
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA REJECTS PROPOSAL TO EXTEND HIS TERM UNTIL 2030
The Zanu PF party has decided to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, which is when he will have completed his two allowed terms under the constitution.
However, Mnangagwa has rejected the offer to continue leading the party and the nation past the constitutionally allowed two terms.
Mnangagwa’s two-term limit, set by the constitution, prevents him from running again after his current term finishes in 2028.
The announcement was made by party secretary for legal affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, at the Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo on Saturday (26 Oct.).
“…the President and first secretary of Zanu PF, His Excellency, Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and first secretary of Zanu PF be extended beyond 2028 to 2030”.
Chinamasa was, however, quick to distance Mnangagwa from the party’s controversial position, emphasizing that the 82-year-old leader has no plans to exceed his constitutionally set term limit.
IDRIS ELBA PLANS TO RELOCATE TO AFRICA TO BOOST FILM INDUSTRY
Idris Elba, known for his roles in both film and television, announced he intends to relocate to Africa to help build the film industry in sub-Saharan regions, stating firmly, “it’s going to happen.”
The TV star revealed this while speaking to the BBC at the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, Ghana.
Elba, whose parents are from Ghana and Sierra Leone, carries a strong bond to Africa, rooted in his heritage.
He expressed a commitment to supporting African cinema by relocating to Africa, citing plans for a film studio in Tanzania: “It’s going to happen. I think [I’ll move] in the next five, 10 years, God willing… I need to be in-country, on the continent.”
He added: “I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in [Sierra Leone capital] Freetown, I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important.”
OPPOSITION LEADERS CALL FOR WEEK-LONG PROTESTS IN MOZAMBIQUE, FOLLOWING ELECTION RESULTS
Further opposition protests are likely to continue across Mozambique through early November, as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for a week-long strike to protest.
Venancio Mondlane, the opposition leader supported by the Podemos party, has urged people to protest nationwide from October 31 to November 7 near the National Electoral Commission and Frelimo offices after the election results. He has also organized a demonstration in Maputo on November 7.
REUTERS reports that at least 10 people were killed and 63 others injured by gunfire during protests in Mozambique last week, according to medical associations, as the country prepares for more demonstrations.
Protests broke out in Mozambique as the electoral commission announced that Frelimo, the ruling party, had won the October 9 election, thereby extending its nearly 49 years in power.
Opposition candidates, civil society groups, and independent observers accused the government of election fraud.
Thousands are expected to participate in upcoming nationwide protests across major cities like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula, with gatherings likely focused around the Frelimo and CNE offices on Kenneth Kaunda and Joaquim Chissano Avenues.
SOUTH AFRICA HOSTS RUSSIAN AEROSPACE FORCES
South Africa is welcoming Russia’s Aerospace Forces for a five-day event to strengthen the military relationship between the two nations.
Per the SANDF statement, “The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) through the South African Air Force welcomes the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation on their goodwill visit in the Republic of South Africa over period 29 October to 02 November 2024.”
The Russian air force brought its equipment to South Africa, landing at Air Force Base Waterkloof from Tuesday to Friday to showcase defense collaboration and strengthen ties with the South African Air Force. Additionally, both armies held a seminar for their technical teams to discuss combat planning and search-and-rescue operations.
“The SANDF will emerge as big heirs of this visit which sets a platform for the South African Air Force to gain knowledge and exposure to the large military air assets including the IL-62, AN-124, and Tupolev Tu-160 ‘Blackjack’ bombers which are the first to ever land on the African continent,” the statement said.
CHAD DECLARES 3 DAYS OF MOURNING AFTER MASSIVE KILLING OF SOLDIERS
The Chadian government has declared three days of national mourning following the deaths of at least 40 soldiers in Lac province.
This decree comes after a deadly attack by unidentified assailants on a Defense and Security Forces base in Barkaram, located in Chad’s Lake region.
From Tuesday midnight to Friday, flags will be flown at half-mast, and all festive activities will be banned across the country.
Only religious music and prayers will be permitted in the media and places of worship.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno promised to track down those responsible for the attack, which has left many families grieving.
NAMIBIA PRESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL ELECTIONS SET FOR NOV. 27TH
Namibia has set November 27th as the official day for its upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
To encourage voter participation, President Nangolo Mbumba has declared November 27, 2024, a public holiday for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Mbumba urged eligible voters to embrace their democratic rights by voting in large numbers. He has held the position of transitional leader since February, following the death of Hage Geingob, who he served as vice president.
Geingob, who was in his second and final term expected to end in November, resigned after announcing he had been diagnosed with cancer.
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The post Top Stories in AFRICA this week: Masisi loses power, Mnangagwa, CAF, Mozambique protests & more appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
