Welcome to our African Weekly Roundup, where we bring you the most impactful news and deep-dive analysis from across Africa. Here’s a snapshot of the key events from the past week:?
- ???? Dec 18, 2023 | El-Sissi wins third term as Egypt's president: Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi secured a new six-year term with 89.6% of the vote, announced the election authority, amid an "unprecedented" 66.8% voter turnout. Despite Egypt facing its most severe economic crisis and tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Sissi's victory was anticipated. The election outcome means Sissi, who has ruled for a decade, will embark on his third and constitutionally final term in office starting in April. Read more on Le Monde
- ???????? Dec 18, 2023 | Von Der Leyen in Kenya to sign 'historic' trade agreement: Kenya and the European Union have signed a significant trade agreement, granting Kenyan goods tariff-free and quota-free access to the European market, while European products heading to Kenya will benefit from reduced tariffs. The deal, termed the "most ambitious economic partnership" ever concluded with a developing country, aims to strengthen economic ties between the EU and Africa and counter China's influence in the region. The agreement, which includes commitments to sustainable development, environmental protection, and labor rights, awaits ratification by both the Kenyan and European parliaments. Read more on The Brussels Times?
- ???? Dec 21, 2023 | DR Congo vote marred by protest and delays as opposition alleges fraud: Democratic Republic of Congo's presidential and legislative elections faced chaos and allegations of fraud, with delays reported in several towns and voting materials missing in some areas. Opposition candidate Martin Fayulu declared "total chaos" and warned of protests if all polling stations were not accessible. Concerns about electoral transparency, logistical setbacks, and violence leading up to the vote have raised questions about the legitimacy of the results in a country that plays a significant role in global copper and cobalt production. Read more on CNN
- ???? Dec 21, 2023 | Angola to leave OPEC over disagreement on oil production quotas: Angola will exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) due to disagreements over oil production quotas, reducing the group's membership to 12. Angola's oil minister stated that the country gains nothing from remaining in OPEC, highlighting concerns over production cuts and revealing the nation's struggle to meet quotas in recent years. Read more on VOA
- ???? Dec 22, 2023 | Ghana legalizes cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial use: Ghana's Parliament has made history by legalizing cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes, aligning with global trends recognizing the diverse benefits of cannabis. The decision, passed on December 14, 2023, empowers the Interior Minister to issue licenses, marking a transformative moment in Ghana's cannabis regulations. The move follows the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 (Act 1019) and positions Ghana at the forefront of cannabis industry development in Africa, with licenses covering cultivation, processing, distribution, sale, import, and export. Read more on Africanews?
- Coups, climate and cost of living: Key issues that shaped 2023 in Africa | In 2023, Africa faced high-stakes geopolitical drama and economic crises, with key issues including climate shocks leading to droughts and floods, a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by global disruptions, a continuation of the coup trend in West and Central Africa, ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the expansion of the BRICS bloc with Egypt and Ethiopia joining, and shifting geopolitical dynamics as France's influence declined, and Russia sought to make inroads. Additionally, open borders became a notable trend as African countries, including Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa, dropped visa requirements to boost trade and enhance diplomatic ties. The year presented a mix of challenges and opportunities for the continent. Read more on Al Jazeera
- ???????????? Why Niger is saying goodbye to France but not US | In the aftermath of the coup in Niger, France is withdrawing its last remaining troops, and relations with the former colonial power have deteriorated. The military junta, led by Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has canceled agreements with the European Union under which EU specialists trained Niger's security forces. While France and the EU face a chilly reception, the US maintains a significant presence, and the junta has not called for the shutdown of two US military bases in Niger. The geopolitical landscape in West Africa is shifting, with France's influence declining, and the US engaging with military regimes more diplomatically manner. Read more on BBC
