Protests from East to West

Good afternoon ????

First Kenya, and now Nigeria – protests over issues including the soaring cost of living are spreading. Last month’s demonstrations in Kenya, spurred by the unpopular Finance Bill, led to a public withdrawal of the Bill and a Cabinet reshuffle – but not before the storming of Parliament by protesters. Police violence – including the use of tear gas and live ammunition – against a largely youth-led movement cast a pall over the country, with a spate of abductions and arrests. Nigeria, meanwhile, is currently in the midst of a planned ten-day protest, partly in response to economic reforms implemented in 2023 that have increased the cost of commodities like fuel. While natural disasters, currency devaluations, and global conflicts have worsened the economic situation across the continent, these outbursts of citizen discontent cannot be reduced to mere fuel prices. Underpinning both movements is a call for good governance, increased accountability, and heightened transparency to address systemic issues that have long been a cause for concern.

Yours in freedom of assembly,

AP editorial team

?? 11.6 million?

The Government of Malawi and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have received a USD 11.6 million insurance payout from African Risk Capacity following the devastating drought in Southern Africa. The money will support immediate humanitarian efforts in the region, where over two million farming households need assistance.?

?? Getting the best out of the West

Africa Practice CEO Marcus Courage examines how countries in West Africa seek to leverage their natural resource wealth to secure a greater share of the economic benefits, as global demand for energy transition minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, and rare earths surges.

???? False start

M23 rebels violated a ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda before it could take effect on 4 August. The rebels, allegedly linked to the Rwandan government, seized the towns of Nyamilima and Ishasha –? just as the ceasefire brokered in Luanda by Angolan President Jo?o Louren?o was due to have taken effect. The United Nations Mission for the Stabilisation of Congo (MONUSCO) condemned the violation of the ceasefire by M23, while M23 claimed that bilateral negotiations between the two states do not bind them. Prospects for an effective ceasefire remain remote, as DRC President FélixTshisekedi reaffirmed his refusal to engage in direct talks with M23. On 7 August, recognising the increasingly dire humanitarian situation, the United States announced it would provide USD 414 million in humanitarian assistance to the DRC.

???? ???? ???? ????? Health concerns

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a 160% increase in mpox (monkeypox) cases across Central and East Africa compared to the same period in 2023. While mpox is endemic to West and Central Africa, a multicountry outbreak was initially declared in July 2022. Mpox has now spread to East Africa, with recent cases in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Despite ongoing transmission, there has been limited investment in controlling the disease in Africa. Vaccines and treatments for the virus have been scarcely available in African nations, including the DRC, which is experiencing its largest outbreak ever. To address this gap, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is launching a clinical trial in the DRC and other African countries, aiming to assess the efficacy of an mpox vaccine. The outcome of this trial could be crucial in managing and mitigating future outbreaks on the continent.

???? Power relations

Zambia’s power utility ZESCO has begun importing 218 megawatts (MW) of electricity from South Africa and Zimbabwe as it battles a shortfall of more than 1,000 MW. With around 80% of its electricity supplied by hydropower generation, the region’s ongoing drought has significantly impacted Zambia’s energy supply. Nationwide power cuts were implemented in March 2024 and now extend up to 12 hours daily. The Kariba Dam, which generates around a third of Zambia’s electricity, currently has 10% usable storage for power generation, compared to 29% one year prior. To supplement its domestic supply, Zambia has halved its electricity exports from 530 MW to 260 MW and launched a consumer solar power plan, where households can feed back into the grid and offset their utility bills.?

???? Fresh start?

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé has reappointed Victoire Sidémého Tomega- Dogbé as Prime Minister. This follows the government’s dissolution in May after constitutional amendments that transitioned Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The amendments are widely seen as a means for President Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, to extend his rule until 2033 through the establishment of a President of the Council of Ministers. This position would be elected by parliamentarians, with the candidate eligible for two four-year terms. Tomegah-Dogbé, initially appointed in September 2020, becomes the first person to hold the position of prime minister under the new constitutional rules, which grant her a six-year term. The rest of the government is expected to be announced within the coming days.

??Final stretch

As the final week of the Olympics unfolds, Kenya and South Africa lead the continental standings, each boasting 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals. Key highlights to watch for in the coming days include Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's gold medal bout in the women's 66 kg event against Yang Liu of China. Khelif, who has been at the centre of a political storm over gender eligibility, received overwhelming support from spectators as she triumphed in her semi-final match. Additionally, the Nigerian women’s basketball team is set to make history as the first African team to compete in the knockout rounds of the Olympic event, facing off against the United States tonight.

??? After Life

The "AFTER LIFE" exhibition, hosted by the Nubuke Foundation in Accra from 22 June to 11 September, celebrates Indigenous cultures while addressing the climate crisis. Despite Africa's minimal contribution to the problem, the continent faces significant impacts. Through the unique work of seven different artists, the exhibition critically examines the causes of the climate crisis and explores transformative solutions for a sustainable future.

?? Africa Leadership Accelerator

The Global Health Corps’ African Leadership Accelerator is designed to strengthen the leadership and management skills of early to mid-career health professionals working across the continent. Applications for the first cohort are now open to candidates in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia. Deadline is 14 August.

?? African Water Cities – Kunlé Adeyemi

African Water Cities is a fascinating collection of essays, research and photographs focused on African cities and communities located by bodies of water. Climate change and rapid urbanisation have presented these areas with new challenges and opportunities, spurring innovative adaptations and inspiring a model for the future of urban and rural development in Africa.

??Live at the Niger River - Mdou Moctar

Live at the Niger River is a 20-minute performance by Nigerien musician Mdou Moctar, set against the breathtaking backdrop of a sunrise over the outskirts of Niamey on the banks of the Niger River. In this intimate session, Moctar delivers a medley of his original compositions, showcasing his distinctive blend of modern rock infused with the rich sounds of Tuareg guitar music.

Copyright ? 2024 Africa Practice, All rights reserved.

Enquiries: [email protected]