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Published 18th November 2021

Vol 62 No 23

Zambia

Chasing the mining millions

Pic: KCM
Pic: KCM

The old government sold future copper output to Trafigura for a $40 million advance. The new government wants to know where it is

One of President Hakainde Hichilema's toughest challenges is the raft of complex and costly legal battles over mining assets bequeathed by the Patriotic Front (PF) government, which was defeated by a landslide in the 12 August general election.

Cracks in ZANU-PF edifice

ZANU–PF Building. Pic: Greg + Jannelle (CC BY 2.0)
ZANU–PF Building. Pic: Greg + Jannelle (CC BY 2.0)

Dissidents opposing Mnangagwa’s plans for a second term are starting to organise in the ruling party

As it launched its heavily choreographed Annual National People's Conference on 29-30 October in Bindura, the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) was trying to dampen down...

Cash takes on the kingpins

Raila Odinga. Pic: SOPA Images Limited / Alamy
Raila Odinga. Pic: SOPA Images Limited / Alamy

Raila Odinga's presidential bid relies on the grandees, while his rival William Ruto focuses on the money

With less than ten months before the presidential elections next year, the two leading contenders are almost certain to be veteran oppositionist Raila Odinga, now 'handshake' partner to...

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BLUE LINES
THE INSIDE VIEW

The deadly blasts in central Kampala on 17 November have been claimed, via an identified Telegram account, as the work of Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), previously known as the Allied Democratic Forces. It points to the growing capacity of IS chiefs to recruit militants across East and Central Africa where it has established training camps. ADF, initially recruiting among dissident muslims to fight President Yoweri Museveni's government, has widened its war aims across the reg...

The deadly blasts in central Kampala on 17 November have been claimed, via an identified Telegram account, as the work of Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), previously known as the Allied Democratic Forces. It points to the growing capacity of IS chiefs to recruit militants across East and Central Africa where it has established training camps. ADF, initially recruiting among dissident muslims to fight President Yoweri Museveni's government, has widened its war aims across the region.

Three suicide bombers killed six people, injured 36 and forced an evacuation of parliament in coordinated blasts. Police spokesman Fred Enanga said a fourth bomb-maker was arrested and equipment was found at his house.

Security officers say that Islamist militants have been boosted in the wake of the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan, providing terrorist groups with trainers, equipment and fighters to step up attacks in vulnerable countries.

Statements from Ugandan security are fuelling concern that Museveni's government is losing its grip, distracted by its suppression of peaceful political opposition around this year's elections.  After last month's bomb attack, police units insisted there was no evidence linking the attacks to ISCAP. Yet senior intelligence sources had earlier warned of ISCAP attacks, saying they had arrested suspects running sleeper cells.

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ANC faces post-poll turmoil

Following heavy losses in local government elections, the ANC's factions are blaming each other and arguing over coalition partners

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has entered uncharted territory after losing its majority in 70 councils across the country including the five metropolitan councils in major cities....

When the parties go to pieces

All the main parties are floundering, seeking successors and relevance, as Gbagbo relaunches his political career

Ex-President Laurent Gbagbo's Front populaire ivoirien (FPI) has splintered and its former leader helms a new party; President Alassane Ouattara's Rassemblement des houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la...

Rebel advance drives a diplomatic flurry

Reports that a joint opposition force might march on Addis Ababa have triggered a fresh push for a ceasefire and political talks

The call by Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni for a summit on Ethiopia's deepening crisis reveals growing alarm among regional leaders and the problems their organisations face in resolving...

A new political launchpad

After winning the governorship in Anambra, Charles Soludo has positioned himself for a future presidential campaign

Former central bank governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo stormed to victory in Anambra state's gubernatorial elections on 6 November in a blow to the two biggest parties and militant...

Endgame of throne?

Africa's last absolute monarchy teeters as activists step up protests and demand action from South Africa

What started as a student protest against police brutality has morphed into a full-scale crisis with King Mswati III's army killing between 80-100 civilians in clashes with demonstrators....

Populist anti-gay bill divides churches and activists

Advocates of a draconian anti-gay law are piling pressure on President Akufo-Addo and have sparked a rift with the Anglican church

The Ghanaian Family Values Bill is likely to sail through Parliament if it is voted on in the coming weeks. The main opposition and governing parties are broadly...

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Lagos probe accuses military

Activists doubt that evidence of systematic killings by police and soldiers will prompt a serious response by government

The report by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry was damning and contradicted all official accounts, especially those by the army and police, of what happened at...

Bamako and Moscow defy Paris

The Malian foreign minister's trip to Moscow will be read as a slap in Paris's face as the junta deepens relations with President Putin's government

The visit by Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop to Moscow on 11 November flies in the face of French government complaints about Russia's state-backed mercenaries and their allied...

Pointers

Meeting Moscow, battling Brussels

European Union sanctions on those who impede the transition back to democracy, following those imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), deepens confrontation with Bamako...

In on the Actum

Actum International UK is the new big player in African political lobbying, taking over K–Street lobby shop Mercury Public Affairs' foreign lobbying contracts after absorbing Mercury's London affiliate,...

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