Category Archives: Africa Policy Briefs

Africa Policy Briefs

BRICS Summit – How South Africa is banking on China and Russia

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BRICS Summit – How South Africa is banking on China and Russia: The unusual degree of official enthusiasm in South Africa for this summit serves, according to some observers, to underline just how far and how fast this country seems to be moving away from the West, not only towards a more multipolar world, but also firmly into the orbit of China and, to a lesser extent, Russia.

BRICS Summit – How South Africa is banking on China and Russia

At a recent pre-summit meeting of Brics foreign ministers in Cape Town, and at a foreign policy workshop organized by the South African government, there was overwhelming consensus that China was the future and the West was in decline.

After three decades in power, the African National Congress (ANC) is struggling to rid itself of infighting, corruption and administrative chaos.

Faced with the war in Ukraine, for example, the South African government offered a confusing set of responses: first condemning the invasion, then ostensibly refusing to condemn it, then blaming NATO, praising Putin, offering to mediate peace, hosting Russian naval exercises, rushing to explain itself to Washington and glibly repeating the Kremlin’s talking points.

Finally, it remains to be seen whether South Africa supplied arms to Russia last year, as the US claims.

BRICS Summit – How South Africa is banking on China and Russia

There is no doubt that President Ramaphosa is deeply uncomfortable with Russia’s invasion, and is keen to present himself as a wise and neutral advocate of a more multipolar world.

But many members of his government and party regularly undermine this position, often invoking nostalgia for Moscow’s support during the struggle against apartheid and a more general distrust of US foreign policy.

This disjointed message succeeded in irritating all parties to the conflict and making South Africa appear weak and indecisive.

Nelson Mandela’s “rainbow nation” is certainly in trouble at the moment, some even going so far as to say that it could soon become a “failed state”.

Driven by China, enlargement tears coalition apart

Some 50 “Brics-friendly” heads of state are also expected to attend the summit, which runs until Thursday August 24. The theme of the meeting is “BRICS and Africa”. On the agenda for this year’s Johannesburg summit will be the possible enlargement of the BRICS.

Africa is a new diplomatic challenge for the West, Russia and China, who are vying for influence against a backdrop of divisions fanned by the conflict in Ukraine and tensions between China and the United States. An increase in the number of BRICS members could give greater weight to the bloc and its message of global reform.

“An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems who share a common desire for a more balanced world order.”

Some forty countries have applied for membership or expressed interest in joining the group, including Iran, Argentina, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. Nearly twenty of these countries have formally applied for membership.

Iran and Venezuela, under sanctions, are seeking to reduce their isolation and hope that the bloc can provide relief for their downing economies. “Other global integration frameworks are blinded by the hegemonic vision of the US government,” said Ramón Lobo, former finance minister and governor of Venezuela’s central bank.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates see the BRICS as a way of playing a more important role in global forums, analysts believe. As for Ethiopia and Nigeria, they are attracted by the bloc’s commitment to reforms at the United Nations that would give greater weight to the African continent.

But enlargement has become a point of contention.

Russia is keen to welcome new members to counter its diplomatic isolation following its invasion of Ukraine. South Africa has also expressed its support.

India, which is wary of Chinese domination and has warned against hasty expansion, has “a positive intention and an open mind”, said Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra on Monday. Brazil, meanwhile, fears that BRICS expansion will dilute its influence.

What do the BRICS want?

These countries are calling for international organizations such as the UN Security Council and the Bretton Woods institutions – the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, etc. – to be rebuilt.

At present, at the IMF, for example, the 5 BRICS countries have just 10% of the votes, and 15% at the World Bank. A distribution which, in the eyes of the BRICS leaders, under-represents them on the international stage. In contrast, BRICS decisions are taken unanimously, on the principle of “one country – one vote”.

BRICS Summit – How South Africa is banking on China and Russia

BRICS members are also trying to break the hegemony of the US dollar in trade. They are promoting the use of their national currencies for trade. Brazil has even floated the idea of launching a common BRICS currency to counter the US dollar. The idea is on the table, but will not be officially discussed at the Johannesburg summit.

Africa Policy Briefs

Repression of journalists in Tunisia worries the UN

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Repression against journalists in Tunisia worries the UN: Since Tunisia voluntarily aligned itself with Algeria in exchange for gas, democracy has suffered an alarming setback, jeopardizing the achievements of the Arab Spring. This situation has led the UN Human Rights Office to strongly condemn the repression of journalists in the country.

Repression of journalists in Tunisia worries the UN

Like Algeria, Tunisia has adopted legislation that treats independent journalism as a criminal act, thereby silencing criticism of the authorities.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his concern at this situation, declaring: “It is worrying to see that Tunisia, a country that once held out so much hope, has regressed and lost the human rights gains of the last decade.”

According to him, the repression that had previously targeted judges, politicians, union leaders, businessmen and civil society actors, has now spread to target independent journalists, who are constantly harassed and prevented from carrying out their work. The High Commissioner called on Tunisia to change course.

Like Algeria, Tunisia uses anti-terrorist legislation to silence independent journalistic voices.

The United Nations Human Rights Office in Tunisia has documented twenty-one cases of alleged human rights violations against journalists since July 2021, including prosecutions before civilian and military courts, according to Volker Türk.

Human rights on the wane in President Saied’s Tunisia

The silence imposed on journalists in a coordinated effort undermines the crucial and necessary role of independent media and has a corrosive effect on society as a whole, he stressed.

Last April, after a series of arbitrary arrests and false accusations against outspoken journalists, Algeria decided to institutionalize its repression of freedom of expression by drafting a law that transforms media silence into a legal procedure.

Last febrary, dozens of Tunisian journalists and rights activists demonstrated in the streets of the capital, Tunis, to denounce “state repression” and attempts to intimidate the media.

The protest, organised by a journalists’ union, SNJT, came three days after police arrested Noureddine Boutar, the director of a popular private radio station, Mosaïque FM.

Boutar is one of 10 public figures arrested since Saturday, mainly critics of President Kais Saied, including members of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party.

“The authorities, at all levels including the president and the prime minister, are seeking to repress press freedom and there are many indicators that prove this, such as military trials, decree-law no. 54, allegations over editorial outlines and other practises”, denounced Amira Mohamed, vice-president of the SNJT journalists’ union.

Africa Policy Briefs

The Algerian president’s visit to Russia or a splash in the water!

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The Algerian president’s visit to Russia or a splash in the water: On Tuesday June 13, 2023, the Algerian president began a three-day state visit to Russia, “at the invitation of his counterpart Vladimir Putin”.

The Algerian president’s visit to Russia, or a splash in the water!

In reality, this low-key trip – rather like the one to Portugal, where he was greeted by egg-throwing – is more a working visit to Russia by the oldest Muppet in the Muppets Show made in Algeria. It’s good to know that Putin has not reserved an agenda for his so-called “protégé” to make this “convocation” a state visit.

That said, Tebboune will first travel to St. Petersburg to take part in the International Economic Forum being held there from June 14 to 17, before perhaps being welcomed by the master of the Kremlin. According to the official blablabla from Algiers, “this visit will be an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their cooperation in a difficult international context”.

It’s no secret that Algiers and Moscow have long enjoyed privileged relations. And with good reason: trade between the two countries – excluding arms and military cooperation – is in the region of three billion dollars, and is largely based on the mechanical engineering, metallurgy and agri-food sectors.

Military cooperation

Military cooperation, of course, is not to be outdone. Moscow is a major arms supplier. Indeed, in military terms, international reports indicate that Algeria is the world’s third largest importer of Russian weapons, while Moscow is considered to be the Algerian army’s leading supplier of weapons and military systems, accounting for over 50%. However, contrary to all expectations, military “cooperation” will not be on the agenda at this meeting, if it is to be held at all.

The Algerian head of state having accepted Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet him at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a multilateral setting where it is highly doubtful that the Russian President will be able to devote himself exclusively to the senile man from Algiers. This, despite the fact that the latter is one of the very few heads of state to take part in the St. Petersburg economic forum.

Visit without protocols: Putin belittles Tebboune

In the worst-case scenario, Putin and his Algerian counterpart are expected to take stock of bilateral relations and sign a number of minor agreements, notably within the framework of the famous “in-depth strategic cooperation” between the two countries. This was announced several months ago with great fanfare. Algeria and Russia will be taking this step at a complicated geopolitical juncture for the Russians, due to the conflict with Ukraine, and to Algiers’ great displeasure, there will be little talk of any military equipment procurement.

In short, this visit, which Algiers has been preparing since 2021 to sign a “new historic partnership” – a renewal, as it were, of the “declaration of strategic cooperation” by which Algiers and Moscow have been linked since 2001 – is a splash in the water. Indeed, these agreements encompass a whole (economy, defense, etc.), yet the military side, the big slice of the cake, is obscured, all the more so as the Economic Forum in which Algiers is taking part is a global one, and does not address Algeria exclusively, being in this respect a multilateral framework.

Curiously, this little tour et puis s’en va, this visit or even this convocation, which was scheduled for May, has been postponed until June, rather like the one that the senile man from Algiers was due to make in France. Except that the latter has once again been postponed indefinitely. According to press reports, the Algiers-Paris trip is “under discussion between the two parties to find a suitable date”.

Africa Policy Briefs

Terrorism Threats in Africa

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Terrorism Threats in Africa: Africa is a continent that has been plagued by terrorism for many years. In recent years, the threat of terrorism has increased, with a number of countries facing significant challenges.

Terrorism Threats in Africa

There are a number of reasons for the increase in terrorism in Africa. One reason is the rise of Islamic extremism. In recent years, there has been a growing number of Islamic extremist groups operating in Africa. These groups are often motivated by a desire to establish Islamic states in Africa.

Another reason for the increase in terrorism in Africa is the political instability in a number of countries. In countries where there is political instability, it is easier for terrorist groups to operate. This is because the governments in these countries are often weak and unable to effectively combat terrorism.

The threat of terrorism in Africa has a number of negative consequences. It can lead to violence, instability, and economic hardship. It can also make it difficult for people to travel and do business in Africa.

Leading countries in Africa in the fight againts terrorism

There are a number of countries in Africa that are leading the fight against terrorism. These countries are working to improve their security forces, strengthen their border security, and work with international partners to combat terrorism.

Some of the leading countries in combating terrorism in Africa include:

Kenya: Kenya has been a target of terrorism attacks in recent years. The Kenyan government has responded by strengthening its security forces and working with international partners to combat terrorism.

Morocco: Morocco has been successful in combating terrorism. The Moroccan government has a strong security force and has worked to improve its border security.

Nigeria: Nigeria is facing a significant threat from Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group. The Nigerian government has responded by launching a military campaign against Boko Haram.

The countries that are leading the fight against terrorism in Africa are making progress. However, the threat of terrorism remains. It is important for these countries to continue to work together to combat terrorism and protect their citizens.

Challenges in combating terrorism

  • Lack of resources: Many African countries lack the resources to effectively combat terrorism. This includes a lack of funding, training, and equipment.
  • Political instability: In some African countries, the political instability makes it difficult to effectively combat terrorism. This is because the governments in these countries are often weak and unable to effectively coordinate a response to terrorism.
  • Public support: In some African countries, there is a lack of public support for the fight against terrorism. This is because some people in these countries sympathize with the terrorists or believe that the government is overreacting to the threat of terrorism.

Despite these challenges, there are a number of things that can be done to combat terrorism in Africa. These include:

  • Improving security forces: African countries need to improve the training and equipment of their security forces. This will help them to be more effective in preventing and responding to terrorist attacks.
  • Strengthening border security: African countries need to strengthen their border security to prevent terrorists from entering and operating in their countries.
  • Working with international partners: African countries need to work with international partners to share intelligence and coordinate their response to terrorism.
  • Building public support: African countries need to build public support for the fight against terrorism. This can be done by educating the public about the threat of terrorism and by ensuring that the government’s response to terrorism is fair and just.

By addressing these challenges and taking these steps, African countries can combat terrorism and protect their citizens.

Africa Policy Briefs

The history of the global economy will be written in Africa according to the US Treasury

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The history of the global economy will be written in Africa according to the US Treasury: Faced with Chinese competition in Africa, the US Treasury has no shortage of arguments to make up for lost time in the economic arena.

The history of the global economy will be written in Africa according to the US Treasury

African demographics: an asset? While growth in sub-Saharan Africa continues to slow down, weighing on poverty reduction targets in many countries, according to the World Bank’s latest economic outlook, published on June 7, the United States wants to turn the strong demographic growth of sub-Saharan countries into a strength.

A senior US Treasury official has declared that demographic trends mean that American business leaders will be looking to Africa and South Asia over the coming decades. These comments come against a backdrop of fierce competition between the various powers – China, the United States and Russia.

A population set to double

Jay Shambaugh, Undersecretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Treasury, argued that the U.S. was a more attractive financing option than China for the region’s states. “The growth is pretty clear,” he said Wednesday at a conference in Washington. “The story of the global economy over the next 50 years will be written in sub-Saharan Africa.”

According to the World Bank, the population of sub-Saharan Africa will almost double in the next thirty years, with rapid growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania, for example. This region alone will contribute half of the world’s growth by 2050.

Beating China to the punch

After years of disinterest, his successor, President Joe Biden, is bending over backwards to make up for lost time. Since the beginning of the year, more than five officials have already been dispatched to the continent, including Vice President Kamala Harris, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On the ground, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has made every effort to revive ties on the continent and counter Beijing’s influence. She has pushed for progress in debt restructuring talks with several countries in crisis, including Zambia. In recent years, efforts to restructure the debts of low-income countries have been hampered by disagreements between traditional creditors like the Paris Club – mainly wealthy Western countries – and new entrants like China – the biggest lender to developing economies.

For Jay Shambaugh, “China’s presence in the region’s countries sometimes suggests that international financial institutions and foreign direct investment have not provided sufficient funds. But if you ask them what they prefer if both options are on the table, I’d say our offer is the best,” he said, indicating that “the United States has a lot to offer” to the countries south of the Sahara. As US-China competition intensifies, how will African countries balance their relations with these two world powers?

Africa Policy Briefs

Africa CEO Forum – The quest for champions for tomorrow’s economy

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Africa CEO Forum – The quest for champions for tomorrow’s economy: 1,800 top business leaders, heads of state and government, business leaders in the broadest sense of the term: the Africa CEO Forum, the continent’s largest private sector gathering, opened in Abidjan on June 5, 2023 (Hotel Ivoire). Discussions will focus on the emergence of future economic champions in Africa.

Africa CEO Forum – The quest for champions of tomorrow’s economy

Côte d’Ivoire plays host to Africa’s annual private sector rave for two days, with 2,000 public and private decision-makers in attendance. The region’s economic powerhouse is enjoying stronger growth and lower inflation than its neighbors. The $3.5 billion plan recently granted by the IMF should also encourage investment.

As our correspondant, points out, African economies, with their very disparate situations, must not miss the train of global restructuring. The countries of the South certainly have their cards to play. What’s needed are companies capable of carrying out large-scale projects, like Nigeria’s Dangote Group.

There are around 300 companies on the continent with sales in excess of one billion dollars. That’s ten times more than in Europe or Asia. It’s a question of economic sovereignty and strategic autonomy. In agriculture, energy and digital technology, we need national champions with global reach. The private and public sectors will therefore be looking for solutions together at this 2023 edition of the Africa CEO Forum.

It was against this backdrop that the ceremony was opened on Monday by Makhtar Diop of the International Finance Corporation, a World Bank organization dedicated to the private sector. He recalled the continental economic context, with a difficult post-Covid recovery, high inflation and falling investment.

Continental integration in focus

The Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire then took the podium. He congratulated his country on its good results. The PM recalled the extreme youth of the Ivorian population, which can be “our greatest asset, if we invest”. He stressed the importance of the close relationship between the State and the private sector for Africa’s development, and the need for continental integration to rationalize and strengthen value chains.

This is the whole project of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), but it suffered a serious setback at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Now the countries themselves have to be sufficiently productive. But the second problem is, once again, infrastructure and transport logistics.”

The AfDB estimates that $170 billion a year is needed to invest in the various infrastructures that would enable a continuous flow to a unified African market. The continent is still a long way from achieving this. But Tahirou Barry, Financial Director for Ports and Terminals at African Global Logistics, remains optimistic: “States, development aid institutions and private operators are mobilizing to develop this infrastructure sector. AfCFTA is a reality, since the treaty signed in 2018 is in force, so we’re talking about a unified market. The objective today is to see how we can unleash the potential to enable Africans to trade.” The demand is there, and it’s not likely to stop growing in the coming years. By 2050, the continent alone will account for 2.5 billion consumers.

Finally, Monday June 5 also marked International Environment Day, which is taking place in Abidjan. The two speakers, Makhtar Diop and Patrick Achi, recalled that Africa was “the only continent that has not experienced its green revolution”. Both called for environmentally-friendly and sustainable economic development.

Africa Policy Briefs

Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development

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Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development: Africa is a vast and diverse continent with a population of over 1.2 billion people. It is also a continent with a long history of trade and commerce. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on developing internal trade within Africa. This is seen as a key to economic growth and development on the continent.

Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development

There are a number of reasons why internal trade is important for Africa. First, it can help to reduce poverty. When people are able to trade their goods and services within their own countries, they can earn more money and improve their standard of living. Second, internal trade can help to create jobs. When there is more trade, there is a need for more people to produce and transport goods and services. Third, internal trade can help to boost economic growth. When people are able to buy and sell goods and services within their own countries, they are more likely to spend money and invest in businesses.

There are a number of challenges to developing internal trade in African continent. One challenge is the lack of infrastructure. Many African countries have poor roads, railways, and ports. This makes it difficult and expensive to transport goods and services. Another challenge is the lack of trade agreements. Many African countries have different trade policies, which makes it difficult for businesses to trade across borders. Added to this, the low rate of penetration of Internet in Africa.

Leaders countries in Africa

Despite these challenges, there are a number of countries in Africa that are making progress in developing internal trade. Some of the leading countries in internal trade in Africa include:

  • South Africa: South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and has a well-developed infrastructure. The country has a number of free trade agreements with other African countries.
  • Nigeria: Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and has a large domestic market. The country is also a major producer of oil and gas, which provides a source of income for the government to invest in infrastructure and trade.
  • Kenya: Kenya is a middle-income country with a growing economy. The country has a number of free trade agreements with other African countries and is a major producer of agricultural products.
  • Morocco: Morocco is a North African country with a well-developed infrastructure. The country has a number of free trade agreements with other African countries and is a major producer of agricultural products and textiles.

These are just a few of the countries in Africa that are making progress in developing internal trade. As more countries in Africa focus on developing internal trade, the continent will be well-positioned to achieve economic growth and development.

Benefits of internal trade in Africa

  • Reduces poverty: When people are able to trade their goods and services within their own countries, they can earn more money and improve their standard of living.
  • Creates jobs: When there is more trade, there is a need for more people to produce and transport goods and services.
  • Boosts economic growth: When people are able to buy and sell goods and services within their own countries, they are more likely to spend money and invest in businesses.

Challenges to developing internal trade in Africa

  • Lack of infrastructure: Many African countries have poor roads, railways, and ports. This makes it difficult and expensive to transport goods and services.
  • Lack of trade agreements: Many African countries have different trade policies, which makes it difficult for businesses to trade across borders.
  • Political instability: Some African countries are politically unstable, which makes it difficult to attract investment and trade.

Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development

Despite these challenges, there are a number of things that can be done to develop internal trade in Africa. These include:

  • Investing in infrastructure: African countries should invest in roads, railways, and ports to make it easier and cheaper to transport goods and services.
  • Negotiating trade agreements: African countries should negotiate trade agreements with each other to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade.
  • Promoting trade: African countries should promote trade by providing information and support to businesses that want to trade with each other.

By addressing these challenges and taking these steps, African countries can develop internal trade and boost economic growth and development on the continent.

Africa Policy Briefs

Clear trends in the results of Senegal’s communal elections

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Since yesterday, provisional results have been coming in all over Africa. While the figures are tight in some localities, there are several where clear trends are emerging in the results of Senegal’s communal elections.

Clear trends in communal election results in Senegal.

In Niaguis, Victorine Ndeye is well ahead.

Grand Yoff won’t have a new mayor. Madiop Diop is set to run again.

As announced, Serigne Mboup is well placed to be the next mayor of Kaolack.

Mbour, on the other hand, is on course to have a new mayor, whose name is likely to be Cheikh Issa Sall.

In Dakar, it’s a known fact: Barthélémy Dias is in the lead for the commune and the city.

In the commune of Yoff, Diouf Sarr was beaten by Seydina Issa Laye.

But, in Fouta, Matam mayor Mamadou Mory Diaw retained his seat.

In Ourossogui, Moussa Bocar Thiam, the state’s judicial agent, also retained his post.

In Agnams, Farba Ngom is in the lead, as is Abdoulaye Sali Sall, who should be re-elected in Nabadji Civol.

Clear trends in the results of Senegal’s communal elections

The mayor of Kanel, Haymouth Daf, was defeated by Mamadou Sadio Diallo.

Thilogne is set for a new mayor. The likely new mayor is Mamadou Eline Kane.

In the commune of Cambérène, Benno Bok Yakaar’s Doune Pathé Mbengue came out on top.

Again, in Mbacké, Sogip CEO Gallo Bâ won ahead of Abdou Mbacké Ndao, the commune’s outgoing mayor.

In Podor, Racine Sy is ahead. In Ndioum, Cheikh Oumar Hann is expected to repeat as mayor.

Also, in the Commune des Parcelles assainies, Yéwi Askan Wi is in the lead according to trends.

In Yeumbeul Sud, outgoing mayor Bara Gueye is well placed ahead of the defeated Amadou Hot.

In Les Hlm, Yéwi Askan Wi is leading the trends, while in the commune of Biscuterie, outgoing mayor Djibril Wade is in the lead.

Abdoulaye Timbo leads in Dalifort-foirail, the outgoing mayor according to Le Soleil. In Mbao, Abdou Karim Sall is expected to be installed as the new mayor.

In Kaffrine, Minister Abdoulaye Sow is ahead in the trends for the commune.

Not far, in Kédougou, the outgoing mayor is likely to be replaced by Ousmane Sylla, who leads the trends according to Le Soleil.

In Saint Louis, Mansour Faye, the outgoing mayor, is likely to remain in office in view of the trends.

Clear trends in the results of Senegal’s communal elections

In Bignona, Yéwi Askan Wi is the front-runner for the time being.

More, in Linguère, too, Aly Ngouille Ndiaye is set to retain his seat as mayor.

In Sokone, Abdou Latif Coulibaly is set to replace the outgoing mayor.

Minister Moustapha Diop, outgoing mayor of the commune of Louga, leads the poll.

In Thiès, Talla Sylla congratulated Babacar Diop on his Tweeter page.

In the commune of Kolda, Mame Boye Diao leads the trends.

Mainly, in the commune of Gandon, young Alpha Mamadou Diop, candidate for the Convergence Patriote pour la Justice de l’Équité Naay Leer, defeated Benno Bokk Yakaar candidate Khoudia Mbaye by a margin of 20.68%.

In the commune of Mpal, Benno’s Mor Guèye Gaye, with a percentage of 49.76%, beat outgoing mayor Dr Moussa Diaw.

The commune of Fass Ngom also fell to Benno Bokk Yakaar with the victory of Ibrahima Diaw. The ex-DG of Crous won his commune with a percentage of 64.59%.

In Ndiebene Gandiol, outgoing mayor Arouna Sow was unseated by businessman and candidate Pape Ndiaga Fall. Fall won with a percentage of 25.68%.

Trends and fever on the eve of the presidential race

Reported missing by his party, opponent Ousmane Sonko “brought back” to Dakar by the authorities

Senegalese police abruptly ended opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s march across the country on Sunday, arresting him in the south and forcibly returning him to Dakar, authorities said.

Interior Minister Antoine Diome cited the clashes between Sonko supporters and police that have accompanied the opponent’s return to Dakar in convoy by road since Friday, and in which one man was killed.

“A man was killed in Kolda, so is the State going to stand idly by (…) the answer can only be in the negative,” said the minister on public television.

He argued that Ousmane Sonko should have requested prior authorization before organizing what he called a “freedom caravan”.

“As a result, we were able to escort the leader of the Pastef (party) (Ousmane Sonko) to his home (in Dakar), where he was deposited,” he said.

The Interior Minister reported that weapons had been found in the vehicle carrying Ousmane Sonko.

Political tension grows in the streets and in the digital space

The official website of the Senegalese presidency was temporarily blocked on Sunday, May 28, following the launch of a cyberattack claimed by a group claiming solidarity with the anti-government protest. Inaccessible at the start of the day, the site was back online by late morning.

Two days earlier, the presidency had already been targeted by an attack affecting dozens of official sites. The @MysteriousTeamO account, which claims to belong to the hacker group Anonymous, announced a second wave on social networks. This is one of the very first attacks of its kind in Senegal.

The 2024 presidential election comes against a backdrop of great tension nine months ahead of the next presidential election. On the one hand, President Macky Sall remains uncertain as to whether or not he will run for a third term. On the other, opposition politician Ousmane Sonko is raising tensions as he risks losing his eligibility. This June 1, a criminal chamber is due to deliver a long-awaited verdict in a trial against him for rape. He has refused to appear in court, claiming that the authorities are plotting to keep him out of the presidential election.

Africa Policy Briefs

Will the President of Tanzania achieve the expected “political reconciliation”?

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Tanzania has taken a major step towards achieving “political reconciliation” promised by the country’s President, Samia Solo Hassan, upon her accession to power in 2021, by canceling a ban imposed on political gatherings more than 6 years ago, and sparked repeated tensions between the police and opposition forces. Will the President of Tanzania achieve the expected “political reconciliation”?

FILE PHOTO: Tanzania’s new President Samia Suluhu Hassan takes oath of office following the death of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli at State House in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania March 19, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

Will the President of Tanzania achieve the expected “political reconciliation”?

Encouraging political signals

Samia Hassan assumed power after the death of former President John Magufuli in March 2021, whose rule was seen as the “most tyrannical” in the country’s history, according to international human rights organizations, which repeatedly accused him of “carrying out repeated arrests of opposition political figures.” Hassan said, in a meeting in her office in the capital, Dar es Salaam, with the leaders of 19 political parties registered in Tanzania, on Tuesday evening, that “political parties have the right to hold their public meetings,” stressing “allowing the lifting of the declaration banning public meetings.” However, with the abolition of the ban, she stipulated a security guarantee, she said: “The government will be responsible for ensuring security during gatherings, but I urge all politicians to practice civilized politics as well,” noting that “the security services will evaluate the requests, and if there is any threat, they will not allow ». The Tanzanian president also expressed her patience over the opposition’s criticism.

International NGO Welcome

Samia Hassan’s decision to lift the ban is part of a declared strategy for reconciliation and political reforms, which includes resuming the stalled constitution review process, as promised to the political forces.

The Tanzanian presidential decision was welcomed locally and internationally. “It is good that the president allowed political meetings… We are now waiting to see implementation by other government officials,” said prominent dissident Freeman Mboye, who spent seven months in prison on “terrorism” charges. Tanzanian political activist Leon Copeland described Samia Hassan as having “applied her courage,” noting in statements that the decision “comes within multiple demands for political reform and the establishment of a true democratic system that allows the transfer of power and freedom for political parties,” calling on the president to implement it.

In turn, Amnesty International welcomed the lifting of the ban on political assemblies in Tanzania, and said that “although the ban should not have taken place in the first place, we salute the Tanzanian government’s decision to lift the comprehensive ban on political assemblies in the country, a ban that was used in the past.” For the arbitrary arrest and detention of prominent opposition politicians.

A conciliatory phase in Tanzanian politics

Furthermore, she considered the move “comes in the right direction,” calling on the Tanzanian authorities to “move forward towards greater protection of human rights, including by repealing or amending the Political Parties Law to remove all obstacles to the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression.”

After his election in October 2015, President Magufuli banned public gatherings of political parties, stressing at the time that “the time has come for action, not politics.” However, this prohibition did not actually extend to the opposition, because the ruling party since independence in 1961, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, could still organize rallies whenever it wanted.

Will the President of Tanzania achieve the expected “political reconciliation”?

Samia Hassan, 62, is the first woman to reach this position in the East African country. According to the description of the African affairs expert and professor of political science, it represents “the beginning of a conciliatory phase in Tanzanian politics, which enhances the democratic transition.”

Africa Policy Briefs

Think Tanks in Africa

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Best Think Tanks in Africa: Think tanks are research institutions that conduct research and analysis on various issues of public interest. What about Africa?

Think Tanks in Africa: What are they and why do they matter?

Think tanks are research institutions that conduct research and analysis on various issues of public interest. They provide policy recommendations to governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. In Africa, think tanks have become an important part of the policy-making process, providing valuable insights on a range of issues that affect the continent.

The role of african think tanks

Think tanks in Africa play a critical role in shaping public policy. They provide evidence-based research and analysis that informs policy decisions. They also provide a platform for dialogue and debate on critical issues facing the continent. This helps to ensure that policy decisions are informed by a wide range of perspectives.

The Challenges facing africa think tank

Despite the important role that think tanks play in Africa, they face a number of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is funding. Many african think tanks are underfunded, which limits their ability to conduct research and provide policy recommendations. This has led to a situation where many think tanks are unable to attract and retain top talent, which further limits their impact.

Another challenge facing those research institutions in Africa is the lack of recognition and support from governments. Many governments in Africa are reluctant to engage with think tanks, which limits their ability to influence policy decisions. This has led to a situation where many think tanks are forced to rely on external funding sources, which can limit their independence and objectivity.

Best Think tank in Africa for public policy

Think tanks in the continent play a critical role in shaping public policy. They provide valuable insights and recommendations that inform policy decisions. However, they face a number of challenges, including funding and lack of recognition from governments. Addressing these challenges is critical if african think tanks are to continue to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the continent.

Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA)
Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA)
Future Leaders Academy of Africa (FLAA)
African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Conflicts (ACCORD)
Political Center for the New South (PCNS)
Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS)