Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently announced his candidacy for a fourth term in the country’s upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for next year. Kagame is a de facto leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. His decision to run again for another term is sparking debate over long-term leadership and democracy in the country.
In other news, Niger’s deposed President Bazoum has filed a complaint before the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States, demanding the restoration of constitutional order and handover of power of the State to the elected president. This case highlights the political tensions and the struggle for power in this region.
In DR Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi appealed to the United Nations General Assembly for an accelerated withdrawal of peacekeepers from the country from the end of 2023. He expressed his disappointment at the inability of the peacekeepers to face the armed groups, and his desire to take control of the security of the country. This request raises questions about the effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping mission and the responsibility of the Congolese government in this area.
On a different note, the deadly floods in Libya following the passage of storm Daniel caused the displacement of more than 43,000 people. The town of Derna suffered heavy destruction, but communications were restored after a 24-hour outage. This disaster highlights the challenges facing the country in terms of natural disaster management and population protection.
Ethiopia is also facing increasing violence, leading to calls to renew the mandate of U.N. investigators tasked with documenting war crimes in the country. NGOs stress the importance of maintaining an independent mechanism to report on human rights violations and promote justice in the face of these abuses.
In Libya, the rise of Saddam Haftar, the son of eastern Libyan leader Khalifa Haftar, is raising concerns about corruption and instability in the region. Saddam took the lead in managing relief efforts following the Derna floods, putting him in a good position to succeed his father. This situation raises questions about political succession and the future of Libya.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the violent repression of an attempted demonstration in Goma caused the death of nearly 60 civilians. Bereaved families are now demanding answers about the events that took place and want justice to be served. This violence highlights the challenges facing the country in terms of human rights and maintaining order.
In Senegal, President Macky Sall has chosen not to run for a third term, emphasizing the importance of respecting constitutional limits and democratic principles. This decision highlights the differences in approach to governance and respect for the will of the people.
In Sudan, obtaining a passport has become an additional challenge for people seeking to flee war or access essential medical care. The long queues in front of passport offices demonstrate the difficulties faced by the Sudanese in their quest for security and stability.
Finally, Benin has been hailed as a world champion of school canteens with a program that aims to encourage children’s education by providing nutritious meals. This initiative has seen increasing success, going from 30% to 75% coverage in just six years. It demonstrates the importance of education and nutrition in the development of younger generations.
These different news items highlight the political, social and economic challenges that Africa faces. They highlight the diversity and complexity of the region, as well as the need to find lasting solutions to the problems facing African countries.