Welcome to our African Weekly Roundup, where we bring you the most impactful news, deep-dive analysis and consultancy opportunities from across Africa. Here’s a snapshot of the key events from this week:?
- ???? March 22, 2024 | Senegal’s top court confirms Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election victory: Senegal's Constitutional Council has officially confirmed opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the winner of the presidential election, paving the way for his inauguration on April 2. Faye, an anti-establishment figure and ally of Ousmane Sonko, secured over 54 percent of the vote, becoming Senegal's youngest president at the age of 44. His victory signals a protest against the outgoing leadership and highlights divisions within the ruling coalition. Read more on Al Jazeera
- ???? March 28, 2024 | South Africa's Jacob Zuma barred from running in election: Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been disqualified from running in the country's upcoming general elections in May by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) due to his 2021 conviction and jailing for contempt of court. Zuma, who now leads the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), plans to appeal the decision, which comes amidst increasing tensions in the run-up to the polls. Despite his disqualification, the MK party can still compete in the vote, and Zuma's popularity has helped it gain traction, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Read more on DW
- ???????? March 28, 2024 | French MPs condemn 1961 massacre of Algerians in Paris : The French National Assembly has overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning the 1961 Paris massacre of Algerians, where up to 300 protesters supporting Algerian independence were killed by police. The resolution also calls for an official day of commemoration for the victims and highlights the historical context of the massacre occurring during Algeria's independence war. Maurice Papon, the police prefect at the time, was later convicted of crimes against humanity for his role in collaborating with the Nazis. Read more on BBC
- ???? March 26, 2024 | Thousands Arrive in Gabon for Dialogue to End Military Transition: Thousands of people are gathering in Libreville and Akanda for Gabon's Inclusive National Dialogue from April 2 to 30, aimed at transitioning the country back to civilian rule. Military ruler General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who previously announced plans to relinquish power in August 2025, has named 28 officials from various sectors to oversee the dialogue, which includes participation from opposition and civil society members. However, opposition parties express concern about the composition of delegates and the dialogue's objectives, questioning the inclusivity and efficacy of the process. Read more on VOA
- ???? March 25, 2024 | Togo adopts a new constitution: Togo's lawmakers have adopted a new constitution, transitioning the nation from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Under the new text, the president will be elected by legislators for a single six-year term, rather than by the public. This change, proposed by lawmakers mostly from the ruling party, introduces the position of "president of the council of ministers," effectively diminishing the powers of the head of state. The move marks Togo's entry into its fifth republic, less than a month before the upcoming legislative elections, where the opposition plans to participate. Read more on Le Monde
- ???? Senegal election results: Who is Diomaye Faye, tipped to be next president? | This article provides a comprehensive overview of Senegal's recent presidential election, highlighting the rise of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a former tax inspector, to the presidency. Faye's victory, backed by the opposition and supported by a significant portion of the electorate, marks a significant shift in Senegal's political landscape. The article outlines Faye's background, his incarceration, and his pledges to combat corruption and prioritize economic reform. Additionally, it discusses the broader implications of Faye's win for Senegal's democracy, emphasizing the peaceful electoral process and the hope it brings for addressing key issues such as unemployment and governance. Overall, the article sheds light on a pivotal moment in Senegal's political history and its implications for the country's future trajectory.? Read more on Al Jazeera
- March Is Women’s History Month; How Can We do More to Support Africa’s Women in Business? | This
CNBC
's article discusses the importance of supporting women in Africa's private sector, especially in light of Women’s History Month. It highlights the challenges women face in accessing networks, markets, and finance, and emphasizes the need for policies and programs to address these issues. Despite progress in some areas, such as legal reforms, gender equality in economic opportunities remains low in many African countries. The article also discusses the impact of digital technology and gender-based violence on women's economic participation. Furthermore, the article showcases initiatives by organizations like the
IFC - International Finance Corporation
and
世界银行
to support women-led businesses through programs focused on procurement, training, mentorship, and leadership development. It underscores the importance of investing in adolescent girls' education and continuing education for women entrepreneurs to enhance their economic participation. Overall, the article stresses the significance of supporting women in Africa's private sector to foster gender equality, economic growth, and opportunity in the region, highlighting the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of African women.? Read more CNBC
??? Which story do you think will have the biggest impact on the continent in the weeks and months to come? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below. ???
