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The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing
The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing: The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, visited China, on May 24, 2023, for a period of 5 days, during which he held extensive meetings with officials in Beijing, including his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, Many of the already existing trade deals between the two countries were reviewed, in addition to the conclusion of new agreements.
The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing
Tshisekedi’s visit to China is his first since he came to power in January 2019, as he seeks to rebalance the mineral infrastructure agreements that the previous Congolese government had signed with Beijing, which can be presented as follows:
Review business deals
Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing aims to review existing trade deals between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and China. Quantities estimated at about $10 billion of Congolese minerals. On the other hand, these companies did not commit to establishing the agreed-upon infrastructure, with only about $822 million.
The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa objected to the content of this report, which prompted the Congolese president to hold a meeting with members of his government, on May 19, during which he confirmed that he would complete the talks with the Chinese side.
And the former Congolese President, Joseph Kabila, concluded an agreement with China in 2008, known as the “Sicomines” project, with a value of about $ 6 billion, according to which it was agreed that the two companies “Sinohydro Corp” and “Security Group China Railway Group Limited has allocated about $3 billion for the development of the joint copper and cobalt “Sicomines” project, and about another $3 billion for infrastructure development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in return for an estimated 68% stake in the project, while a company gets Gecamines mining, owned by the Congolese government, has a 32% stake.
President Tshisekedi believes that the Chinese side has not fulfilled its obligations, according to these agreements, which stipulated pumping large investments in the Congolese infrastructure in exchange for Beijing obtaining copper and cobalt from Kinshasa.
Congo requested Chinese compensation
The Congolese government submitted a request to Beijing for compensation for the losses that resulted from the 2008 deal, as President Tshisekedi demanded that the amount allocated for infrastructure in the framework of this deal be raised to 6 billion dollars, instead of 3 billion, in addition to obtaining another compensation of two billion dollars, Claiming that the Chinese companies obtained minerals from the Congolese company at half the prices in the market.
Comprehensive strategic partnership
Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing also aimed at strengthening cooperation and partnership between the two countries. During this visit, it was agreed to upgrade relations between the two countries from the stage of “strategic partnership for win-win cooperation”, which was launched in 2015, to the stage of “comprehensive strategic partnership”. This was followed by the issuance of A joint statement that included announcing plans to enhance joint cooperation in all fields, including security.
And the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing witnessed the signing of a number of joint cooperation agreements between the two countries. China is the largest trading partner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the volume of trade between the two countries in 2022 amounted to about $21.7 billion.
Chinese elasticity with Congo
Tshisekedi’s visit to China reflected the intertwined interests between the two countries, and their keenness to develop relations of cooperation between them, which can be presented as follows:
Raising Congo’s share in “copper and cobalt”
Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing aims to increase the share of the Congolese state mining company, Gecamens, to 60%, and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to obtain a 10% share, in exchange for reducing the share of Chinese companies to only 30%. The two sides announced their agreement to review joint mining deals, provided that a new agreement will be signed by the end of 2023.
Tshisekedi’s readiness for the upcoming elections
It is expected that the presidential elections in the Congo will be held in December 2023. It seems that President Tshisekedi is seeking to achieve several internal and external achievements that enhance his chances of obtaining a new term in these elections.
Perhaps this explains the timing of his tendency to reconsider the 2008 agreement with the Chinese side, and his efforts to strengthen the economic partnership with Beijing, paving the way for new Chinese investments in Kinshasa that will favor Tshisekedi in the upcoming elections.
Expanding military cooperation between the two countries
In mid-May 2023, the Congo received the first batch of Chinese “CH-4” (CH-4) drones, in conjunction with Kinshasa’s intention to use the regional force of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to deploy its forces in eastern Congo. And support efforts to impose stability in this troubled region, after the forces of the East African Group failed in the task of establishing peace and stability there.
The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is witnessing mounting security challenges in the east of the country, with about 120 armed groups active in it, not to mention the Rwanda-backed “March 23” rebel movement. Although the forces of the East African Group sent forces to support the Congolese army in achieving stability in this region, these forces failed to achieve any real progress in the region, but security threats continued to exacerbate in eastern Congo, which prompted Kinshasa to strengthen its rapprochement with Beijing to support its armed forces.
Beijing Insurance Kinshasa Metals
China is seeking to strengthen its involvement in the Congo to secure its access to its vast mineral wealth, as about two-thirds of the world’s cobalt production is extracted from the latter, which is the raw material used in the production of batteries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also one of the world’s leading producers of copper, in addition to having large reserves of diamonds, gold, lithium and tantalum.
Recent years have witnessed repeated cases of Chinese deaths during attacks by terrorist groups on some mines inside the Congo, so Beijing is working to secure its presence in the Congolese interior to preserve its interests there, and Kinshasa is of particular importance to Beijing from a strategic point of view associated with the transition towards green energy.
It is noted that the Chinese influence exceeds its American counterpart in the Congo, as Beijing now owns the majority of cobalt mines in Kinshasa, in exchange for the failure of American companies to keep pace with this Chinese expansion, and some of these companies even went to sell their shares to their Chinese counterparts.
Refuting the Chinese “debt trap” novel
China is currently working to refute the Western narrative of the “debt trap”, which the United States and its European allies see as a deliberate strategy pursued by Beijing to plunge African countries into debt in order to obtain the assets and wealth of these countries.
China seeks to confirm that it does not aim to exploit African countries by affirming its agreement to review previous cooperation agreements with the Congo, which the latter considered unfair to it, in order to reach other, fairer agreements.
Possible international bounces
The outputs that resulted from the Congolese President’s visit to China reflect the presence of several potential repercussions that may occur on the internal scene in Kinshasa, and on the surrounding regional context, during the coming period, which can be presented as follows:
Enhance military cooperation
It is expected that the coming period will witness the strengthening of military cooperation between Beijing and Kinshasa, which establishes a foothold for China in the depths of Africa, especially with several reports indicating that Beijing is seeking to obtain a new military base for it in Central and West Africa, so it is not excluded that the Congo is one of the sites potential for this rule.
On the other hand, the Congo may work to conclude a deal with Beijing, according to which Chinese military support for the Congolese government forces will be expanded, and they will be helped to impose control over the eastern region of the Congo, in return for Beijing obtaining greater concessions regarding the mineral wealth in Kinshasa, or this potential base. . This proposition may be reinforced by the meeting of the Congolese Minister of Defense, Jean-Pierre Bemba, with his Chinese counterpart, Li Changfu, during which the latter confirmed Beijing’s readiness to provide all kinds of military support to the Congolese forces.
Growing Sino-American competition
The United States has had great aspirations in the vast fortunes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the 1990s. Therefore, Kinshasa may represent a new focus of competition between the United States and China during the coming period, in light of the large mineral wealth that it abounds in, especially with regard to cobalt, which is a basic pillar in the electric car industry, and it is one of the most prominent areas of current competition between Washington and Beijing, not to mention what This industry is key to the current US administration’s aspirations to limit climate change.
This proposition is consistent with Western reports indicating that the intensity of the US-Chinese competition over the future of green energy has witnessed a sharp escalation in the African continent, as the latter is home to many raw materials needed for the global carbon removal race, which constitute a crucial entry point for batteries and solar panels.
Dedication Polarization in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes region represents one of the most prominent hotbeds of tension in the African continent, and it is expected that the growth of Chinese influence in this region will perpetuate regional and international polarization, especially since the expected Chinese support for the Congolese side may be matched by more Western support for the Rwandan position, which may frame a proxy war. The scene is getting darker in this troubled region.
In conclusion, the Congolese president’s visit to Beijing comes within the framework of the current Chinese movement towards the African continent, and its efforts to expand its political, economic and military influence within it. It is expected that the coming period will witness more visits by some leaders of African countries to Beijing, which may lead to an increase in American concern about these moves, and Washington’s tendency to adopt countermeasures, which may negatively affect the security situation in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing (This article was first published in arabic here, translated by FLAA)
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First edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” in Marrakech
First edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” in Marrakech: The first edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” opened in Marrakech on Wednesday May 31, 2023, with the participation of over 900 exhibitors and start-ups, as well as delegations from some 95 countries.
First edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” in Marrakech
Organized by the Agence de Développement du Digital (ADD) under the aegis of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” brings together public and private sector leaders, political decision-makers, investors and academics for three days of intensive exchanges between the public and private sectors of the world’s future largest digital economy.
The largest entrepreneurship event in Africa, GITEX Africa is an initiative of GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, the world’s largest technology and start-up show, ranked as the best in the world by global technology leaders, and which makes a stopover in this first edition in Morocco, reflecting its commitment to accelerating the development of digital infrastructure in Africa.
In light of the African Union’s mission to unify the Continent into a secure digital single market by 2030, GITEX AFRICA exhibitors are optimistic about the Continent’s technology ecosystem and the trends it is creating, from increasing Internet connectivity and a dizzying start-up scene, to the rise of artificial intelligence and a flourishing fintech sector.
Major players in the Moroccan technology landscape are also committed to this adventure, in keeping with the unifying economic mission of the Kingdom, 60% of whose foreign investment is directed towards Africa.
Leadership dialogues and results-oriented meetings will dominate at GITEX AFRICA Morocco thanks to a rich program of multi-sector conferences, including the GITEX AFRICA Digital Summit and the GITEX AFRICA CEO Forum.
The GITEX AFRICA DIGITAL SUMMIT will bring together over 250 public and private sector leaders, policy makers, investors and academics, to guide Africa’s transformation into a single digital marketplace.
Major themes to be addressed at the world’s most influential forum for dialogue, exchange and collaboration range from analyzing the state of the Continent’s digital economy, to accelerating the development of an integrated and inclusive public digital infrastructure.
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Benin migrant killed in youth attack in Sfax Tunisia
Benin migrant killed in youth attack in Sfax Tunisia: A migrant from sub-Saharan Africa was stabbed to death and five others wounded in an attack by a group of Tunisian youth in east-central Tunisia, a spokesman for the Sfax court announced.
Benin migrant killed in youth attack in Sfax Tunisia
The attack was carried out between May 22 and 23 by seven Tunisians armed with knives and sabers, against 19 migrants gathered in a dwelling in El Haffara, a popular district of Sfax, said the public prosecutor and court spokesman, Faouzi Masmoudi.
A 30-year-old man from Benin died in the attack, and five other people from sub-Saharan African countries were hospitalized. “They were not seriously injured,” said the same source.
Indeed, three Tunisians, aged 17, 23 and 36, were arrested following the opening of a judicial inquiry, said Mr. Masmoudi.
Xenophobic attacks and rising violence against sub-Saharan migrants
Since the Tunisian president’s racist remarks, attacks and violence against sub-Saharan migrants have intensified.
Also, since this diatribe, exiles have faced a wave of attacks. A significant proportion of the 21,000 officially registered sub-Saharan Africans, most of whom are in an irregular situation, have lost their jobs and homes overnight.
Several human rights organizations have denounced this crime. This tragedy “comes against a backdrop of uninterrupted speeches inciting hatred and racism against migrants from sub-Saharan Africa”, reads a press release issued by the FTDES (Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights) and signed by some twenty NGOs.
In the same time, the European border surveillance agency, Frontex, recorded a 1% increase in crossings from Tunisia, compared with the same period last year.
“A climate of fear”: in Tunisia, sub-Saharan migrants stigmatized and attacked
“Patrick”*, a 29-year-old Congolese, arrived in Tunisia six months ago to study international business. But the climate in the country has deteriorated dramatically in recent months for people like him from sub-Saharan Africa.
Patrick lives at home with another student, who also prefers to stay off the streets. The two men sometimes “make an effort” to run small errands:
“We just go out near the house to buy bread, juice…in small stores. That’s it.”
Sub-Saharan Africans are targeted by Tunisians, as in Sfax, where four of them were victims of stabbings on the night of February 25, or in Tunis, where four Ivorian students were attacked as they left their hostel.
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Clear trends in the results of Senegal’s communal elections
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.
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Libya – agreement on electoral law reached in Morocco
Libya – agreement on electoral law reached in Morocco: The agreement provides that the legislative and presidential elections will be held simultaneously and that the next legislative authority will be composed of two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate.
Libya – agreement on electoral law reached in Morocco
The Joint Commission for the preparation of electoral laws in Libya (6+6), composed of deputies of the House of Representatives and members of the High Council of State, announced that it has reached a “full agreement” on the points relating to the election of the head of state and deputies.
This was announced in a statement of the same Committee at the end of the second day of negotiations in the city of Bouznika, Morocco. The agreement provides that the legislative and presidential elections will be held simultaneously and that the next legislative authority will be composed of two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate. The note notes, however, that time is still needed to “formulate and complete the legislative framework.
The 6+6 Committee also called for the formation of a “unified government” to prepare the country for elections before the new electoral laws come into effect, assuming, not assuming, that they are approved by a majority of the members of the House of Representatives (the eastern-based parliament) and the High Council of State (a kind of “upper house” based in Tripoli).
UN envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily has repeatedly stated publicly that everyone should be allowed to run as a candidate in Libya, including divisive figures such as Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, General Khalifa Haftar and Tripoli’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba. A new passage in the House of Representatives led by Aguila Saleh, an eastern politician strongly opposed to Mistino Dabaiba’s entry into the presidential elections, could hinder the success of the initiative and at least postpone the presidential elections “sine die.
End of political impediments?
Since February 2022, Libya has been divided by two rival political and military coalitions: on the one hand, Prime Minister Dabaiba’s national unity government based in Tripoli, recognized by the international community and supported above all by Turkey; on the other hand, the government of national stability, in fact a parallel executive based in Cyrenaica, initially supported by Egypt and Russia but now increasingly abandoned to itself.
Indeed, the general at the head of the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA), Haftar, holds power in eastern Libya. To break the political deadlock, UN envoy Bathily launched a plan on February 27 to set up a new “High Level Committee” to draft the constitutional amendments and electoral laws needed to hold “free, inclusive and transparent” elections by 2023. Yet the new initiative presented by the UN envoy, which was coolly received in Tripoli and Benghazi, does not seem to be gaining momentum. Partial stability currently exists in the country, based on an implicit agreement between two powerful families: the Dabaiba and the Haftar in power in Tripoli (west) and Benghazi respectively.
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Will the President of Tanzania achieve the expected “political reconciliation”?
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.”
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Best ten Cities in Africa
Best ten Cities in Africa to live: Africa is a continent with a diverse range of cities, each with its own unique culture, history, architecture, and attractions. As a matter of fact, from the bustling metropolises of Lagos and Cairo to the scenic coastal cities of Cape Town and Rabat, there is no shortage of amazing cities to explore. In this blog post, we will explore the best 10 cities in Africa that you must visit or live in.
Best ten Cities in Africa to live: Africa is a continent with a diverse range of cities, each with its own unique culture, history, architecture, and attractions. As a matter of fact, from the bustling metropolises of Lagos and Cairo to the scenic coastal cities of Cape Town and Rabat, there is no shortage of amazing cities to explore. In this blog post, we will explore the best 10 cities in Africa that you must visit or live in.
Best ten Cities in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, including Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. It is also home to vibrant neighborhoods such as Bo-Kaap and a bustling food and wine scene.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a city known for its vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and rich history. Indeed, it is home to iconic attractions such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is a city known for its ancient history and iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. It is also home to vibrant neighborhoods such as Zamalek and a bustling food and nightlife scene.
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is a city known for its wildlife and natural beauty, including the Nairobi National Park and the Ngong Hills. It is also a hub for business and technology, with a growing food and arts scene.
Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis is a coastal city known for its stunning architecture, including the Bardo Museum and the Medina. It is also home to a vibrant food and arts scene, with a growing startup culture.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is a bustling city known for its vibrant nightlife, music scene, and street food. It is also home to iconic attractions such as the National Museum and the Lekki Conservation Centre.
Dakar, Senegal
Dakar is a coastal city known for its vibrant culture and arts scene, including the African Renaissance Monument and the Gorée Island. It is also home to a growing tech and startup culture.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is a city known for its rich history and culture, including the Ethiopian National Museum and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It is also a hub for business and diplomacy, with a growing food and arts scene.
Accra, Ghana
Accra is a coastal city known for its vibrant arts and music scene, including the National Museum and the Osu Castle. It is also home to a growing startup culture and a bustling food scene.
Rabat, Morocco
Rabat is a coastal city known for its stunning architecture, including the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. In fact, it is also home to a vibrant food and arts scene, with a growing tech and startup culture.
Criteria for choosing the best cities to live in
The 198 criteria of the ranking are divided into ten categories: quality of life, safety, health, transportation, shops and services, environmental protection (new category), education, solidarity, sports and leisure, and real estate attractiveness.
These categories were not defined at random. The categories were defined by scientists, through surveys (OpinionWay), on the themes that define, for them, a city or a village where it is good to live.
Indeed, these themes constitute the categories of the ranking and are prioritized by the Africans during each survey.
The last survey dates from October 2022. It was conducted on a sample of 1004 people, representative of the African population aged 18 and over.
The sample was constituted according to the quota method, based on gender, age, socio-professional category, urban area and region of residence. FLA conducted this survey in accordance with the rules and procedures of the ISO 20252 standard.
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Best thirteen cuisines in Africa
Best thirteen cuisines in Africa: Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culinary heritage.
Best thirteen cuisines in Africa
#Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culinary heritage.
From the spicy flavors of North Africa to the savory stews of West Africa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog post, we will explore the best cuisines in Africa that you must try:
Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and spices, with dishes such as tagine, couscous, and harira soup being popular staples.
Ethiopian Cuisine
Ethiopian cuisine is characterized by its use of injera, a sourdough flatbread, and spicy stews known as wats. Dishes such as doro wat (chicken stew) and injera with various toppings are must-tries.
Nigerian Cuisine
Nigerian cuisine is diverse, with dishes such as jollof rice, egusi soup, and suya (spicy grilled meat) being popular favorites.
South African Cuisine
South African cuisine is a fusion of various cultures, with dishes such as biltong (dried meat), boerewors (sausage), and bobotie (spiced meat pie) being must-tries.
Ghanaian Cuisine
Ghanaian cuisine is known for its use of spices and herbs, with dishes such as fufu (pounded yam) and banku (fermented corn and cassava dough) being popular staples.
Tunisian Cuisine
Tunisian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and North African flavors, with dishes such as brik (fried pastry) and couscous being popular favorites.
Egyptian Cuisine
Egyptian cuisine is known for its use of legumes, vegetables, and spices, with dishes such as koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta) and ful medames (stewed fava beans) being must-tries.
Senegalese Cuisine
Senegalese cuisine is a blend of West African and French influences, with dishes such as thieboudienne (fish and rice stew) and yassa (chicken or fish marinated in lemon and onions) being popular favorites.
Kenyan Cuisine
Kenyan cuisine is diverse, with dishes such as ugali (maize meal), nyama choma (grilled meat), and chapati (flatbread) being popular staples.
Cameroonian Cuisine
Cameroonian cuisine is known for its use of spices and herbs, with dishes such as ndole (bitterleaf stew) and plantains being popular staples.
Ivorian Cuisine
Ivorian cuisine is a blend of West African and French influences, with dishes such as attiéké (cassava couscous) and kedjenou (chicken stew) being popular favorites.
Tanzanian Cuisine
Tanzanian cuisine is diverse, with dishes such as pilau (spiced rice), ugali, and mishkaki (grilled meat skewers) being popular staples.
Zimbabwean Cuisine
Zimbabwean cuisine is known for its use of maize, with dishes such as sadza (maize meal) and muriwo unedovi (vegetables with peanut butter) being popular staples.
Varied and original african cuisine, as rich as its culture
If you visit any of the countries here, you will notice that they, too, like to have three meals a day and more. We attribute this to the fact that we often have garden food.
If there is one thing that makes the charm of Africa, it is its delicious, varied and original cuisine which is as rich as its culture.
Christian Abégan (Cameroonian chef, author, expert in gastronomy and food security & a pioneer of African gastronomy): “Africa must reconsider its place in the culinary world”.
Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, with each region offering its own unique flavors and dishes. From the bold flavors of Moroccan cuisine to the spicy stews of West Africa, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not try something new and explore the best cuisines in Africa?
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Think Tanks in Africa
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 Think Tanks in Africa
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 Think Tanks in Africa
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) -
UN blames Malian army for five hundred civilian deaths
UN blames Malian army for five hundred civilian deaths: In a report, the United Nations has accused the Malian army and “foreign” fighters of executing at least 500 people in March 2022.
UN blames Malian army for five hundred civilian deaths
The United Nations on Friday accused the Malian army and “foreign” fighters of executing at least 500 people in March 2022 during an anti-jihadist operation in Moura, in a damning report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). As documented in the report, the events in the central city of Moura, which have been the subject of conflicting versions for the past year, are the worst of their kind in a country familiar with atrocities by jihadists and other armed groups since 2012. The report is the most damning document produced against Malian forces, which have been implicated on multiple occasions in the past.
OHCHR “has reasonable grounds to believe” that at least 500 people, including some 20 women and seven children, were “executed by Malian armed forces and foreign military personnel” between March 27 and 31, 2022, in this town of a few thousand people, the report says. It is based on an investigation by the human rights division of the peacekeeping mission deployed in Mali since 2013 (Minusma), 157 individual interviews and 11 group interviews.
Wagner pointed out
UN blames Malian army for five hundred civilian deaths: In March 2022, 500 civilians were executed in Moura, a village in central Mali. The massacre was the deadliest since the war in Mali began a decade ago. In a report released on Friday, the UN agency accused the Malian army and “foreign” fighters of being behind the killing.
The massacre is said to have taken place after an anti-jihadist operation “after the area [had] been fully contained” between March 27 and 31, 2022. Malian soldiers, flanked by “foreign fighters,” most likely Wagner fighters, allegedly detained, sorted, tortured, and shot hundreds of civilians, including about 20 women and seven children. Within five days, 500 people had lost their lives. According to the report, there are “reasonable grounds to believe that 58 women and girls were victims of rape and other forms of sexual violence.
Neither Bamako nor Moscow has reacted
While the report does not explicitly identify “foreigners,” it mentions Malian statements about Russian “instructors” present in the country to fight jihadists. The head of Russian diplomacy, Sergei Lavrov, had himself attested to the presence in Mali of the Russian private security company Wagner, as recently as last February. Among the testimonies collected by the UN investigators, some describe white men in fatigues speaking an “unknown” language.
The investigations took place in an extremely tense atmosphere. Witnesses were intimidated: “Some sources were even arrested and detained by Malian security services during interviews with human rights officers. Neither Bamako nor Moscow, to whom the report was submitted prior to publication, have commented.
Washington ‘appalled’ by Malian army abuses
“The United States is appalled by the disregard for human life shown by elements of the Malian armed forces in cooperation with the Kremlin-backed Wagner group during an operation in Moura in March of last year,” said a statement from State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
“We call on the transitional government to conduct an independent, impartial, effective, thorough, and transparent investigation to hold those responsible accountable, consistent with the recommendations of the U.N. report,” the spokesman continued in the statement.
Furthermore, “it is crucial that UNMISMA be able to continue its mandate without hindrance,” he added, denouncing “the transitional government’s restrictions on the freedom of movement” of this UN force.
The United States on Monday urged Mali’s transition government to pursue an “independent, impartial, efficient, exhaustive, and transparent investigation” to hold accountable those responsible for the likely execution of hundreds of people in one village.
“The United States is appalled by the disregard for human life exhibited by elements of the Malian Armed Forces in cooperation with the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group – a transnational criminal organization – during the operation in Moura,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
