Soul Train: South African singer Tyla’s song “Water” was a huge hit this year. His unique blend of African rhythms and contemporary sounds has captured the hearts of listeners around the world.
In a tumultuous political context, the Central African Republic held a constitutional referendum this year. Among the proposed changes was a possible third candidacy for President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. The results surprised everyone by showing that 95% of voters were in favor of these changes.
This year also marks the end of the mandates of Muhammadu Buhari, president of Nigeria, and George Weah, president of Liberia. Bola Tinubu took over in Nigeria, while Weah left the political scene after his electoral defeat.
Coups d’état, successful or not, have also been numerous this year. Niger and Gabon experienced successful coups, while Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau failed in their attempts. These events surely shook our leaders who found themselves helpless in the face of these crisis situations.
The African continent has also been the scene of many political dramas this year. Niger has accused France of planning a military intervention following the Nigerien coup. In Kenya, Raila Odinga and William Ruto exchanged insults as the opposition leader called for protests. Mali, for its part, called for the withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. And Chad expelled the German ambassador for “lack of respect”.
Escape attempts have also attracted attention. Niger’s ousted former president, Mohamed Bazoum, has been under house arrest since the July coup. In October, the junta announced that Bazoum had been caught trying to flee with his family – as well as two cooks.
The tense relationship between France and certain African countries has also been evident this year. Niger ordered the expulsion of the French ambassador, revoked military agreements with Paris, and essentially told the French to “manage themselves.” Paris therefore began to withdraw its troops and recalled its ambassador. Burkina Faso also requested the withdrawal of French troops and suspended the distribution of French publications Le Monde and Jeune Afrique, as well as the broadcast of France24.
In Gabon, Ali Bongo, who inherited the presidency from his father in 2009, decided to run for a third term and was declared the winner. But the unimaginable happened: a military coup! Bongo then released a video online in which he called on people to “make noise” because “the people here stopped me.” Ironic to seek help on the internet when Bongo himself had blocked internet access during his election.
Although some leaders have taken time off this year, others remain firmly in place. Julius Maada Bio won a second term in Sierra Leone, despite challenges from his rival, Samura Kamara. Madagascar’s DJ President, Andry Rajoelina, also won a landslide victory in the elections, which were boycotted by the opposition. Finally, Emmerson Mnangagwa secured a second term in Zimbabwe.
The year has been full of events in Africa, but we must not forget the Palestinians who continue to fight for their freedom. As Nelson Mandela said, “our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
Among African presidents, there is one who has distinguished himself by his numerous trips abroad. William Ruto, President of Kenya, has been heavily criticized for his frequent travels. Perhaps by receiving the title of “Dora the Explorer of African Presidents”, which was awarded to George Weah last year, Ruto will smile again. He says these trips are part of his plan for the country and that he is not just “a tourist” (except perhaps in Kenya).
The “Coupdashians”, in reference to the famous American reality TV show, saw the arrival of new members this year. From Gabon, we have General Brice Oligui Nguema, and from Niger, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. Like their counterparts in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, they have promised a return to civilian rule, but will they keep their promises? Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Kendall and Kylie must now give way to Mamady, Assimi, Ibrahim, Brice and Abdourahamane.
Despite political tensions, some countries have managed to find love. Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso announced that they would work together to lift the sanctions against them. In addition, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a military pact, stipulating that an aggression against one of them would be considered an aggression against the others.
Outside of the political world, Africa continues to shine in the field of music. Artists like Tyla, Asake, Joshua Baraka, Burna Boy, Bensoul, Maya Amollo, Tems, Blinky Bill, Libianca Fonji, Roseline Layo have achieved huge success with their catchy hits.
Unfortunately, Africa has also been hit by natural disasters this year. Between droughts, floods and cyclones, many lives have been lost, livelihoods destroyed and entire communities displaced or destroyed.
But on a positive note, sport continues to put Africa in the spotlight. South Africa’s spectacular victory at the Rugby World Cup, the courageous performance of Nigeria’s women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, at the World Cup, and the numerous records broken by African athletes, like Faith Kipyegon from Kenya or Tigist Assefa from Ethiopia, who set a new world record in the women’s marathon in Berlin.
In short, the year was rich in events in Africa. Between political crises, protest movements, sporting successes and artistic advances, the African continent continues to stand out and capture the attention of the entire world.