Some of Niger’s Neighbors Defend the Coup There, Even Hinting at War--It’s a Warning for Africa

BY CARA ANNA

8:26 AM EDT, August 2, 2023

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Not everyone is hostile to the coups in Niger and other African nations in the past few years that have worried the West. In the “family photo” for last week’s Russia-Africa Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin stood next to Ibrahim Traore, the young military officer who seized power in Burkina Faso in September.

It was an uncomfortable moment for many leaders elsewhere in Africa. “The normalization and dignifying of military takeovers must trouble our great continent,” Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs wrote while sharing the photo this week.

Now Burkina Faso and another military junta-led country friendly with Russia, Mali, have taken the unusual step of declaring that foreign military intervention in neighboring Niger after last week’s coup would be considered a declaration of war against them, too.

They are defying the West African regional body known as ECOWAS, which said on Sunday it could use force if Niger’s coup leaders don’t reinstate the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, within a week. Another coup-affected nation, Guinea, in a separate statement supported Niger’s junta and urged ECOWAS to “come to its senses.”

Their defense of the events in Niger complicates the world’s response as the resolve of partners is tested. It also reflects what a United Nations study warned last month after surveying thousands of citizens of African countries that recently went through coups or other undemocratic changes of government.

“A possible regional-level scenario might see the military juntas in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso team up” to challenge the region’s traditional response to coups, the report said. It warned they could defy sanctions and stand for elections, with help from “new international alliances.”

The report said that “paradoxically,” popular support for the recent military coups in Africa is “symptomatic of a new wave of democratic aspiration that is expanding across the continent” as overwhelmingly young populations grow frustrated with existing economic and political systems and press for change more rapid than what elections can deliver.

Many just want to feel secure as Islamic extremists expand their range in the Sahel, the arid region south of the Sahara Desert. “I think that a military power in Niger will better coordinate its military actions with Mali and Burkina Faso to fight terrorism,” Harber Cisse, a Malian citizen living in Guinea, told The Associated Press. He believes Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, had been “turning a blind eye” and allowing extremists to cross into Mali.

Those with memories of past coups in the region are not necessarily shocked by the hastily assembled military announcements and unrest in the streets. The U.N. survey found optimism and excitement along with anxiety for the future, plus an impatience that has led to multiple coups within months in more than one country. The four coups in Africa in 2021 were the most in a single year in two decades.

Many people said they believed the army should take over when a civilian government is incompetent. “These findings highlight the risk of a return to an era of close military involvement in African politics,” the U.N. report said.

Certain international responses to coups can be seen as an insult, especially if some foreign partners were seen as prioritizing security instead of African governments’ accountability for alleged misconduct. “In some scenarios, these geopolitically driven interventions have compounded the very factors that heighten coup risk,” the U.N. report said.

Niger had been seen by the United States and allies as the last major counterterrorism partner in the immediate region after Mali and Burkina Faso kicked out French troops and Mali ordered a 15,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission to leave, claiming it had failed in its mission.

Post-coup economic sanctions and cuts in assistance programs threaten to worsen the living situation for many in some of the world’s poorest countries, while well-off foreigners board evacuation flights to more comfortable places.

To help counter the “epidemic of coups,” international partners shouldn’t downplay people’s grievances against national authorities, and their engagement should extend beyond the security sector and “national elites,” the director of the Amani Africa think tank, Solomon Dersso, wrote Monday.

“There’s a small number of people profiting from the riches of Niger,” one coup supporter, Seydou Moussa, said in the capital, Niamey. “Nigeriens cannot live like that. It’s time that change comes. And change has come.”

Part of the frustration in Niger and its neighbors over government weaknesses in addressing corruption and the threat from Islamic extremism has been aimed at France, the former colonizer of present-day Mali, Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso and others in west and central Africa. The French embassy was attacked in Niger shortly after the coup, and the one in Burkina Faso was attacked last year.

Some in West Africa have been upset by France’s warning shortly after the coup in Niger against those threatening “French interests” in the country, seeing it as an example of the alleged priorities that have long driven outsiders’ involvement, notably natural resources.

Russia has played into such sentiments by framing itself to African nations as a country that never colonized the continent, winning support in Mali and other vulnerable nations for Moscow and the Russian mercenary group Wagner.

The Russian flag has been seen in the streets of Niger’s capital in the days after the coup, even as the Kremlin called for Niger “to restore constitutional order as soon as possible.”

Moscow also has emphasized its role as the top arms supplier to Africa, which Burkina Faso’s military leader embraced during the Russia-Africa Summit.

“Thank God, Russia is a country that refuses nothing,” Traore said in an interview with the Russian media outlet Sputnik, asserting that Moscow imposes no restrictions on weapons purchases and even is ready to deliver some for free to help the fight against extremism. “In fact, everything we want to buy, Russia agrees to sell to us. This is not the case with other countries.”

___ AP writers Baba Ahmed in Bamako, Mali, and Sam Mednick in Niamey, Niger, contributed to this report.

Falana Warns ECOWAS Leaders Against Attacking Niger, Seeks Stringent Sanctions on Niger Military

By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo

02 August 2023 | 4:04 am

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to “impose more stringent sanctions on Niger Republic and adopt measures to make them work, particularly given the intransigence of the coup plotters.”

This comes two days after ECOWAS declared the country’s airspace a no-flight zone and gave the military junta in Niger one week to cede power with a warning that the “use of force” was not ruled out.

The 15-member ECOWAS demanded “immediate release and reinstatement” of Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who had been held by the military since Wednesday.

But Falana, while reacting to the steps taken by the West African bloc, said apart from suspending Niger from ECOWAS, the leaders of the sub-regional body should refrain from attending international conferences with coup plotters as was recently witnessed during the recently-concluded Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia.

According to a statement by Tayo Soyemi of Falana and Falana Chambers, the human rights lawyer gave the advice in his paper titled, “Unconstitutional Change of Governments: the Role of Bar Associations”, delivered, yesterday, at a two-day conference of the West African Bar Association (WABA) in Accra, Ghana.

The paper reads in part: “Last week, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of the presidential guards’ unit, overthrew the Mohamed Bazoum-led administration and declared himself Niger’s new ruler.

“In a prompt response to the embarrassing development, the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) gave the junta a seven-day ultimatum to step down from power and restore constitutional rule. ECOWAS leaders threatened to ‘take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order’ and that if its demands were not met, ‘such measures may include the use of force.’”

“While the resolve of the ECOWAS leaders to resort to force to restore President Mohamed Bazoum is understandable, the acceptance of the coup by the majority of the Nigerien people must be seriously considered.

“Having not invaded Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali when power-drunk soldiers sacked democratically-elected governments, ECOWAS leaders should not play into the hands of the enemies of Africa by launching a military attack on Niger.

“The government of Niger has collaborated with Nigeria in prosecuting the counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militancy in a region beset by a security crisis. To that extent, the strategic and geopolitical interests of Nigeria must be taken into consideration.

“The ongoing efforts of the Chadian leader, Gen. Mahamat Idriss Déby, to mediate in the face-off between ECOWAS and the junta should be encouraged. Yesterday, the General met President Mohamed Bazoum in custody in Niger’s capital, Niamey.

“He also met the coup leaders. After the meetings, he said that his mediation effort was aimed at finding a ‘peaceful solution to the crisis which is shaking’ Niger, which borders Chad.

“It should be noted that Niger is a state party to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Niger ratified the Charter on October 4, 2011, and deposited its instrument of ratification with the African Union (AU) on November 8, 2011.”

NLC, TUC to Suspend Protests After Meeting with Tinubu – Presidency

By Oluyemi Ogunseyin

02 August 2023 | 10:11 pm

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have resolved to suspend further protests after holding a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Dele Alake revealed this on Wednesday evening following a meeting which the president held with the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and that of TUC, Comrade Festus Usifo at the State House, Abuja.

“Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour Movement, the Labour Leaders resolved to stop further protest,” Alake said.

“They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.”

Alake said that President Tinubu gave his commitment to the Labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023.

That would be after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.

He further said that Tinubu assured the Labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria.

According to Alake, Tinubu also pleaded with the Labour leaders to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.

Present at the meeting with the President alongside the Labour leaders were Alake and NNPCL Group Managing Director, Mr Mele Kyari.

Earlier on Wednesday, major cities in Nigeria were rocked by protests by the NLC and workers all over the country as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.

Protests were also held due to the delay in providing economic cushions to ameliorate the increase in prices of goods and services across the country.

Protest: NASS Pledges to Address Labour Demands in 7-days

By Ibrahim Ramalan

August 2, 2023

The National Assembly, NASS, has pledged to review and address the organised Labour demands within the next one week.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said this when organised labour took its mass protest to the National Assembly Complex where it submitted a list of its demands on Wednesday in Abuja.

The mass protest was organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, over anti-poor and workers’ policies of the Federal Government.

The protesters carried placards with inscription such; “We condemn increase in school fees, “Stop importation of Petrol, Revive the Refineries,” ”Increase in price of fuel responsible for inflation, poverty among others.

Mr Akpabio who was represented by, Ali Ndume, Chief Whip of the Senate assured the protesting workers that NASS was in support of their struggle.

“We have keenly followed what is going on when we realized that there was a breakdown in the discussions between the Presidency and the NLC. I want to assure you that we will find a permanent solution to this.

“Please give us one week and we will make progress and if you are not satisfied with the progress we are making, then you can take further action,” he said.

He also said that a committee had been setup to look the demands of organised labour.

He added that by close of the day or tomorrow, they will call the first meeting with labour to start the discussions and the engagements would continue.

“We will do our best as your representatives to come out with solutions acceptable to you and realistic enough,” he said.

Mr Ndume also assured that the letter which contained their demands and terms of reference would be handed over to the leadership of the senate.

Earlier, NLC President, Joe Ajaero said the nationwide mass protest was to expressed workers’ frustrations and grievances of the anti-poor policies that had brought hardship on Nigerians.

He added, ”for almost two months now, we have been engaged in discussions without fruitful motion. We got frustrated.”

He however, said that the demands of the labour include the immediate implementation of the resolutions jointly signed with organised labour and government.

Mr Ajaero also called for the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of government including the recent hike in PMS price, school fees and VAT.

He also urged the Federal Government to fix the country’s’ local refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.

According to him, release the eight months withheld salaries of the university lectures and workers.

“Accord appropriate recognition and support to the Presidential Steering Committee and the work of its Subcommittees.

“Also put a stop to in human actions and policies of government,” he added.

Also speaking, Festus Osifo, TUC President called for the reduction in the cost of governance.

Mr Osifo said that the governments was “insensitive to the plight of the masses.”

“The Nigerian masses have been battered. They have gone through excruciating pains but in all of this, we have not heard what the President has to say about the cost of governance.

“We want you in the National Assembly to show sacrifice. We want you to cut down your budget.

“We want you to buy Nigerian made cars and not imported vehicles because you are creating jobs over there and importing poverty here.

“We want you to show leadership because we elected you to work for us,” he said.

NAN

Ibrahim Ramalan is a graduate of Mass Communications from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. With nearly a decade-long, active journalism practice, Mr Ramalan has been able to rise from a cub reporter to the exalted position of an editor; first as Arts Editor with the Blueprint Newspapers before resigning in 2019; second and presently as an Associate Editor of the Daily Nigerian online newspaper. He can be reached via ibroramalan@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/ibrahim.ramalana, or @McRamalan on Twitter.

Labour Leaders: What Tinubu Told Us At Aso Rock

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has spoken about the outcome of the meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Daily Trust had reported how…

By Idowu Isamotu

Wed, 2 Aug 2023 20:44:55 WAT

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has spoken about the outcome of the meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Daily Trust had reported how Tinubu met with the organisers of Wednesday’s nationwide protest.

Giving an insight on what transpired at the meeting, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government would ensure that one of the moribund refineries in the country begins operation by December.

He said the president also pledged to ensure that agreement is reached on the wage award for Nigerian workers immediately.

According to him, Tinubu similarly promised to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week.

He said they would return to a round table discussion after the protest across 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Ajaero said, “It is pertinent to inform Nigerians that the extent of the success of the protest is underlined by the request of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu to meet with the leadership of the NLC and TUC in a closed-door session.

“The engagement was fruitful that immense mileage was gotten with regards to the issues that bogged down the work of the Presidential Committee on Subsidy removal and necessitated the protest viz:

“He committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the Labour leaders. He let out a certainty that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year. He pledged to ensure that Agreement is reached on the Wage Award for Nigerian workers immediately.

“He promised to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week. On the strength of the President’s pledge and commitment, we have decided for a return to a new and reinvigorated dialogue process to allow for full implementation.

“Once again, we thank Nigerians while we wait for the government to fulfill its own part of the understanding as agreed with His Excellency; the President.”

Nigerian Labor Unions Stage Massive Protests over Economic Crisis

By Xinhua 

August 2, 2023

by Olatunji Saliu

Defying all entreaties by the country’s leadership, labor unions in Nigeria on Wednesday took to the streets across the nation to express their dissatisfaction with recent economic policies implemented by the government.

Workers from various sectors marched together in solidarity, demanding robust welfare packages in response to the hardships faced by the people due to the removal of the long-existing subsidies on petrol, which resulted in rising inflation and a high cost of living. The demands of the labor unions also include the government’s reversal of increases in school fees across the country’s higher institutions, as well as taxes and utility tariffs.

Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC), and Festus Osifo, the president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), led the protest in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. Mass protests have also been reportedly held in other parts of the country, including Lagos, the economic hub.

Ahead of the protests, Ajaero told reporters in Abuja on Tuesday that the organized labor had no plan to back-pedal on their demands as several meetings with government representatives on the matter ended in stalemate.

“We have no reason to call off the planned protests … I can tell you that the mobilization is very high,” the labor leader said.

In an address to the nation on Monday, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu called for calm and unity in response to the implementation of policies aimed at stabilizing the country’s economy.

Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties that the citizens were facing due to the government’s economic reforms but emphasized the necessity of the measures to steer the most populous African country toward sustainable growth.

“Our economy is going through a tough patch, and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain,” the Nigerian president said. “I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help, not hurt the people and nation that I love so dearly.”

In response to the challenges, the Nigerian government recently launched a set of ambitious economic reforms designed to slow down inflation, unify foreign exchange rates to tackle the fluctuation of the national currency against major international currencies, remove the long-existing subsidies on fuel, tackle fiscal deficits, and improve revenue generation.

The measures by the government also include reforms in taxation, investment incentives to stimulate domestic industries and attract foreign direct investment, and revitalizing the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which have the potential to create jobs and promote sustainable economic growth.

The removal of fuel subsidies has been a major point of contention. While the government argues that the move was necessary to stabilize the economy and attract much-needed investments, labor unions argue that it places an unbearable burden on the already struggling populace, leading to skyrocketing fuel prices and increasing transportation costs.

Many workers claim that they are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs and support their families. Organized labor has insisted that the government’s offers do not adequately address the economic challenges faced by the citizens.

Osifo described the government’s palliatives as “grossly insufficient and inadequate,” saying the labor unions had already made more demands which include the adoption of a minimum wage or wage awards to match the economic realities of post-petrol subsidy.

The nationwide protests have witnessed a high turnout, with workers from different sectors uniting to amplify their voices. Major cities have experienced significant disruptions as workers march through the streets, chanting slogans demanding “a fairer and more just economic system.”

In response to the protests, the government has promised to engage in further dialogue with the labor unions to find a resolution. However, union leaders have stated that they are committed to continuing the protests until concrete and satisfactory solutions are provided.

World Bank Launches 7th Ghana Economic Update on Price Surge, Food Security

By News Desk 

August 1, 2023

The World Bank Group’s Country Director, Pierre Laporte, led the launch of the 7th Ghana Economic Update titled ‘Price Surge: Unraveling Inflation’s Toll on Poverty and Food Security’ on July 19th, 2023, in Accra.

The report delves into recent developments and the economic outlook for Ghana while highlighting the challenges posed by inflation and its impact on food security.

In his address to an esteemed audience, which included the Honorable Minister of Finance, representatives from government agencies, development partners, members of the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media, Mr. Laporte expressed his pleasure at being part of the launch event.

The past year has presented numerous difficulties for Ghana’s economy, as it faced the repercussions of both the global pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

These challenges, coupled with pre-existing fiscal vulnerabilities, took a toll on the nation’s financial stability.

In 2022, Ghana’s debt sustainability concerns intensified, leading to its exclusion from the Eurobond market. Capital outflows and tightening monetary policies in advanced economies exerted significant pressure on the exchange rate, causing a feedback loop with inflation and hindering the post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

The World Bank’s report highlights the burden of these challenges, particularly on vulnerable segments of the population. Poverty rates surged in 2022, with over 800,000 Ghanaians estimated to have fallen below the poverty line due to inflation. The poorest members of society were the hardest hit, exacerbating food insecurity during peak inflation.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Laporte emphasized that macroeconomic crises, especially inflation, disproportionately affect the poor. He underscored the importance of building buffers during favorable economic conditions and making swift adjustments during challenging times.

To restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, the Ghanaian government secured an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and initiated a comprehensive debt restructuring program. Moreover, the government is implementing revenue-enhancing and expenditure consolidation measures, and the World Bank is working closely with the government on a series of Development Policy Financing to support these reforms.

Regarding future economic prospects, the report warns that risks related to inflation are still elevated, primarily influenced by global petroleum prices and exchange rate dynamics. Consequently, private consumption and investment growth are expected to remain subdued in the short term, with a potential recovery to its full potential by 2025 as fiscal consolidation eases and reforms bear fruit.

Mr. Laporte stressed the necessity for Ghana to strengthen debt sustainability, reduce fiscal deficits, improve domestic revenue mobilization, and optimize public expenditure to rebuild fiscal and external buffers. He highlighted the importance of structural reforms to foster long-term growth and economic resilience, focusing on investments in agriculture, human capital development, technology, and food supply chain diversification.

In conclusion, Mr. Laporte acknowledged the critical challenges ahead for Ghana in reviving its economy while protecting vulnerable populations. He commended the government’s efforts in doubling the benefits of the LEAP transfers to alleviate poverty and encouraged evidence-based policies to enhance food security through improved agricultural productivity and market access for farmers.

The World Bank, as a longstanding partner of Ghana, pledged its continued support to the nation’s agenda of restoring macroeconomic stability while safeguarding the vulnerable sections of society. The launch event concluded with the anticipation of fruitful discussions to collectively steer Ghana towards a prosperous future.

Ghana Government Lowers Economic Growth Projections in Mid-year Budget

By GNA 

July 31, 2023

Government is making key downward revisions to the macro-fiscal targets and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projections for the year 2023 to reflect a slowdown in the economy.

The slowdown is attributable to difficult global conditions and the implementation of fiscal consolidation plan aligning with International Monetary Fund (IMF) supported Post COVID-19 Programme of Economic Growth (PC-PEG).

Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, made this known when he presented to parliament, the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.

He announced revised GDP projections to include downward overall Real GDP growth rate of 1.5 per cent from 2.8 per cent; Non-Oil Real GDP Growth rate of 1.5 per cent from 3.0 per cent and end-period headline inflation target of 31.3 per cent, from 18.9 per cent.

“Overall GDP Growth is, however, projected to rebound to 2.8 percent, 4.7 percent, and 4.9 percent in 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively. This is a result of implementation of growth-oriented and structural transformation strategies,” he said.

The minister also projected a deficit of 0.5 per cent of GDP compared to a surplus of 0.7 per cent of GDP on primary balance on commitment basis, aligning with IMF-supported PC-PEG target Primary balance.

He also projected a Gross International Reserves sufficient to cover at least 0.8 months of imports of goods and services by 2023.

“We have, however, been charged in the PC-PEG to develop an enhanced Growth Strategy supported by crowding in of private domestic and foreign investments to further boost growth.

We are confident of a private sector outlook to boost growth and jobs,” he said.

Mr.gn Ofori Atta explained that the drivers of the 2023 Fiscal Framework included the need to align 2023 Mid-Year Review to the approved IMF-supported PC-PEG, shortfalls in revenues and lower spending for the first half of the year and the increase in base pay on Single Spine Salary Structure of 30 per cent compared to the assumed 20 per cent for the 2023 budget.

He also mentioned, “partial restoration of capped transfers to the NHIS and GETFund; the impact of the completed Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) on debt service cost as well as on revenue mobilisation and the IMF ECF Programme disbursements for 2023 of US$1.2 billion,” he said.

He also indicated that the average crude oil price has been revised to US$74.0 per barrel down from the price of US$88.55 per barrel used in the 2023 Budget.

Accordingly, Mr. Ofori-Atta said the total petroleum receipts have been revised downwards from US$1.54 billion to about US$1 billion, representing a 32 percent decline.

Namibia’s Trade Deficit Smaller in June

By Xinhua 

August 2, 2023

New Container Terminal Namport Min

Namibian Ports Authority (Namport)

Namibia’s trade gap shrank to 1.4 billion Namibian dollars (about 94 million U.S. dollars) in June 2023, down from 2.8 billion Namibian dollars the previous month, according to the latest figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Tuesday.

Between June 2022 and June 2023, Namibia recorded no trade surplus whereas trade deficits averaged at 2.1 billion Namibian dollars, according to the NSA.

“Namibia’s export earnings decreased by 5.9 percent while the import bill for the month under review decreased by 15.9 percent when compared to 12 billion Namibian dollars recorded during the earlier month,” NSA Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni said.

According to Shimuafeni, Namibia’s trade composition by partner showed that South Africa emerged as the largest market for both exports and imports.

“South Africa took first position as Namibia’s main export destination accounting for 20.5 percent of exports, Botswana came second with a share of 18.3 percent, and Zambia in third position with a share of 9.6 percent. China and the United Arab Emirates with shares of 7.8 percent and 7.3 percent occupied fourth and fifth positions, respectively,” he said.

The composition of the export basket for June 2023 mainly consisted of minerals such as precious stones (diamonds), non-monetary gold, uranium, and copper and articles of copper while fish remained the only non-mineral product within the top five products exported.

In terms of imports, the basket mainly consisted of petroleum oils, precious stones (diamonds), motor vehicles for the transport of goods, thermionic cathode valves and tubes, and civil engineering and contractors’ equipment.

For the month under review, reexports meanwhile increased 20.9 percent month on month and 3.7 percent year on year.

Kenya Suspends Worldcoin Data Collection Program Amid Safety Concerns

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 02 2023

People parade long queues at KICC in Nairobi, Kenya, to be registered as members of the new Worldcoin cryptocurrency on August 1, 2023. PHOTO | WILFRED NYANGARESI | NMG

NMG logo (6)By NATION AFRICA

The Kenyan government has suspended the ongoing collection of personal data from its citizens by Worldcoin until all security concerns are addressed.

Announcing the suspension on Wednesday morning, Interior and Administration of National Government Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof Kithure Kindiki said the public safety and integrity of financial transactions involving such a large number of citizens must be satisfactorily assured in advance.

"The government has suspended forthwith, activities of ‘WORLD COIN’ and any other entity that may be similarly engaging the people of Kenya until relevant state agencies certify the absence of any risks to the general public whatsoever," part of the statement reads.

“The Government is concerned by the ongoing activities of an organisation calling itself ‘WORLD COIN’ which is involved in the registration of citizens through collection of eyeball/iris data.”

This comes a day after thousands of Kenyans turned up at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to be registered in the world's AI cryptocurrency.

Prof Kindiki said that appropriate action would be taken against anyone who ignores the suspension.

The CS added that the collection of data by orb systems, which scan a person's iris to determine if they are human, could put the data at risk.

"Relevant security, financial services and data protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities."

On Tuesday, police officers were forced to suspend the Worldcoin registration process at the KICC, citing security concerns.

Upon registration, a new member is rewarded with a token, which is equivalent to Ksh7,000 ($49) but in terms of coins, deposited in the Worldcoin wallet.

BURKINA FASO AND MALI WARN AGAINST MILITARY INTERVENTION IN NIGER

The warning from Niger's military-ruled neighbours came a day after West African leaders, supported by their Western partners, threatened to use 'force' to reinstate the democratically elected Bazoum and slapped financial sanctions on the putschists.

FILE: Landlocked Niger became the third Sahel country in less than three years, following neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, to be shaken by a military coup.

AFP | 01 August 2023 06:22

NIAMEY, Niger - Junta-led Burkina Faso and Mali warned Monday that any military intervention in Niger to restore deposed President Mohamed Bazoum would be considered a "declaration of war against their two countries.

The warning from Niger's military-ruled neighbours came a day after West African leaders, supported by their Western partners, threatened to use "force" to reinstate the democratically elected Bazoum and slapped financial sanctions on the putschists.

In a joint statement, the governments of Burkina Faso and Mali warned that "any military intervention against Niger would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali".

They said the "disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger... could destabilise the entire region".

The two also said they "refuse to apply" the "illegal, illegitimate and inhumane sanctions against the people and authorities of Niger".

At an emergency summit on Sunday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) demanded that Bazoum be reinstated within a week, failing which it would take "all measures" to restore constitutional order.

"Such measures may include the use of force for this effect," it said in a statement.

The bloc also slapped financial sanctions on the junta leaders and the country, freezing "all commercial and financial transactions" between member states and Niger, one of the world's poorest nations, which often ranks last on the UN's Human Development Index.

Pressure to push the perpetrators of the 26 July coup to quickly restore constitutional order is building from Western and African partners in Niger, a country considered essential in the fight against jihadist groups that have ravaged parts of the Sahel region for years.

Former colonial power France and the United States have between them deployed 2,600 soldiers in Niger to help battle the jihadists.

'EXTREMELY DANGEROUS'

Niger's junta on Monday accused France of seeking to "intervene militarily" to reinstate Bazoum, which French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna denied.

"It's wrong," Colonna told France's BFM news channel of the allegation, adding it was still "possible" to return the president to power.

"And it's necessary, because destabilisation is perilous for Niger and its neighbours," she said Monday evening.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday vowed "immediate and uncompromising" action if French citizens or interests were attacked, after thousands rallied outside the French embassy in Niamey. Some tried to enter the compound but were dispersed by tear gas.

Colonna said the demonstration had been "organised, not spontaneous, violent, extremely dangerous, with Molotov cocktails, Russian flags appeared, anti-French slogans [that were] an exact copy of what you can hear elsewhere".

Russia has called for the swift return of "the rule of law" and "restraint from all parties" in Niger.

Macron has spoken to Bazoum several times as well as to regional leaders, the presidential palace in Paris said.

Bazoum, a Western ally whose election just over two years ago marked Niger's first peaceful transition of power since independence from France in 1960, was toppled on July 26 by the elite Presidential Guard.

Guards chief General Abdourahamane Tiani declared himself leader, but his claim has been rejected internationally and ECOWAS has given him a week to hand back power.

Bazoum is one of a dwindling group of elected presidents and pro-Western leaders in the Sahel, where since 2020 a jihadist insurgency has also triggered coups in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Bazoum's PNDS party on Monday warned Niger risked becoming a "dictatorial and totalitarian regime" after a series of arrests.

The country's oil minister and mining minister were arrested that morning, according to the party. The head of the PNDS's national executive committee was also arrested.

The PNDS said the junta had previously arrested the interior and transport ministers along with a former defence minister.

The European Union condemned the arrest of ministers from the ousted government and demanded they be freed immediately.

COUPS AND JIHADISTS

Landlocked Niger became the third Sahel country in less than three years, following neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, to be shaken by a military coup.

In all three nations, a jihadist insurgency strained fragile governments, stoked anger in the military and rained economic blows on some of the world's poorest countries.

The overthrow of elected presidents has been accompanied by anti-French, pro-Russian demonstrations.

Protesters supporting the junta say France, the country's traditional ally, has failed to shield them from the jihadists, whereas Russia would be a stronger ally.

In Mali, a 2020 putsch led to a bust-up with France, which last year withdrew its troops as the junta brought in Russian paramilitaries.

France also quit Burkina Faso after two coups last year brought in a junta that adopted a nationalist line.

The withdrawals prompted France to reconfigure its decade-long anti-jihadist strategy in the Sahel, concentrating on Niger, where it fields 1,500 troops with a major air base near Niamey.

The latest coup, according to the putschists, was a response to "the degradation of the security situation" linked to the jihadist conflict, as well as corruption and economic woes.

International critics have ratcheted up pressure, targeting trade and development aid.

ECOWAS has suspended all commercial and financial transactions, while France, the European Union and the United States have either cut off support or threatened to do so. UN humanitarian operations have also been put on hold.

Niger has seen four coups since independence and numerous other attempts, including two previously against the 63-year-old Bazoum.

Niger Crisis Deepens as European Nations Evacuate and Coup Leaders Get Support from Other Military Regimes

A French military transport plane carrying Europeans has departed Niger in the first such evacuation flight since mutinous soldiers ousted the country’s democratically elected president nearly a week ago and shut its borders.

BY SAM MEDNICK

11:30 PM EDT, August 1, 2023

NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — A French military transport plane carrying Europeans from Niger arrived in Paris Wednesday, in the first such evacuation flight since mutinous soldiers ousted the country’s democratically elected president nearly a week ago and shut its borders.

France, Italy and Spain all announced evacuations from Niger for their citizens and other European nationals, concerned that they risked becoming trapped by the coup that won backing Tuesday from three other West African nations also ruled by mutinous soldiers.

About 600 French nationals want to leave, along with 400 people of other nationalities from Belgians to Danish, French officials said. The first flight carried mostly French nationals, and officials hope to finish the evacuation flights by Wednesday.

With Niger’s air space closed, France coordinated the evacuations with the regime that ousted the nation’s leader, but without withdrawing its support for democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, diplomatic officials said.

The ministry cited recent violence that targeted its embassy in Niamey, the capital, as one of the reasons for its decision to offer evacuation flights to its citizens and other Europeans. Spain’s Defense Ministry announced preparations to evacuate more than 70 nationals, and Italy also said it was arranging a flight.

The evacuations come during a deepening crisis sparked by the coup last week against Bazoum. His apparent overthrow is a blow for Western nations that were working with Niger against West African extremists.

In Niamey hotels, Europeans and other nationalities, including some Americans, packed bags. At the airport, hundreds of people lined up for hours waiting to leave on French evacuation flights.

A former French military official who had been training the Nigerien army as a civilian told The Associated Press that he was departing even though his “job is not finished.” Speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, he said the military takeover took many people by surprise.

The West African regional body known as ECOWAS announced travel and economic sanctions against Niger on Sunday and said it could use force if coup leaders don’t reinstate Bazoum within one week.

The U,N, special envoy for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, held out hope that bloodshed could be avoided.

He said during a virtual news conference Tuesday he expects ECOWAS to go ahead with the deployment of troops to Niger if Bazoum isn’t restored to power. But “I believe that other efforts are underway, so I hope the use of force will not be necessary,” if “everybody talks in good faith (and) wants to avoid bloodshed.”

The new junta got backing from the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.

Mali and Burkina Faso said in a joint statement that “any military intervention against Niger will be considered a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.” The two countries also denounced ECOWAS’ economic sanctions as “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane” and refused to apply them.

ECOWAS suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger, as well as freezing Nigerien assets held in regional central banks. Niger relies heavily on foreign aid, and sanctions could further impoverish its more than 25 million people.

Mali and Burkina Faso have each undergone two coups since 2020, as soldiers overthrew governments claiming they could do a better job fighting increasing jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. ECOWAS has suspended them from the bloc, but never threatened to use force.

Guinea, another country under military rule since 2021, also issued a statement in support of Niger’s junta and urged ECOWAS to “come to its senses.”

The evacuations followed violence Sunday that targeted the French Embassy, with protesters burning down a door and smashing windows before the Nigerien army dispersed them. Thousands of pro-junta supporters took to Niamey’s streets. Some waved Russian flags along with signs reading “Down with France” and supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin and telling the international community to stay away.

There has been no clear explanation of the references to Russia, but some demonstrators regard it as a symbol of anti-Western feelings. Some may also reflect support for the Russian mercenary group Wagner’s reputation for ruthlessly suppressing militants.

Niger could be following in the same footsteps as Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which saw protesters waving Russian flags after their coups, analysts say.

Niger’s coup could also embolden jihadi violence, some say.

Boubacar Moussa, a former member of an al-Qaida linked group known as JNIM, said the military overthrow is exactly what the jihadis want because it will distract and weaken the army. “Jihadis are very supportive of this coup that happened in Niger, because it will allow them to become very strong,” he said.

Moussa, who spoke to AP in Niamey, is part of a nationwide program to bring back jihadis, reintegrate them into society and use their help in counterterrorism efforts. It was spearheaded by Bazoum when he was minister of interior and is intended as an alternative to a military solution to stem violence across the country. The AP cannot verify that Moussa actively fought for JNIM.

If ECOWAS uses force, it could also trigger violence between civilians supporting the coup and those against it, Niger analysts say.

Niger’s prime minister, who was appointed by Bazoum and was out of the country when the coup took place, urged the international community to help roll back the coup in order to defend democracy in West Africa.

“For the ECOWAS countries, it’s a question of survival. For the international community too, it’s a question of credibility. Niger must remain a democratic state,” Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou said in an interview with The Associated Press in France.

“Niger is a key country in terms of security for the rest of Africa, but also for the rest of the world,” he said.

Observers believe Bazoum is being held at his house in Niamey. The first photos of him since the coup appeared Sunday evening, sitting on a couch smiling beside Chad President Mahamat Deby, who had flown in to try to mediate.

Both the United States and France have sent troops and hundreds of millions of dollars of military and humanitarian aid in recent years to Niger, which was a French colony until 1960. In the capital, many people live in makeshift shelters and scramble daily to make enough money to feed their children. Niger was seen as the last partner working with the West against extremism in a Francophone region where anti-French sentiment opened the way for the Russian private military group Wagner.

The U.S. will consider cutting aid if the coup is successful, the State Department said Monday. Aid is “very much in the balance depending on the outcome of the actions in the country,” said department spokesman Matt Miller. “U.S. assistance hinges on continued democratic governance in Niger.”

___

AP journalists John Leicester in Paris, Ciaran Giles in Madrid, Cara Anna in Nairobi and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin contributed.

___

This story corrects the name order and affiliation of jihadi member to Boubacar Moussa, a former member of an al-Qaida linked group known as JNIM.

SLM Faction Joins Sudanese Army Against RSF in Darfur

Mustafa Tambour

July 31, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Mustafa Tambour, the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-Tambour), announced on Monday the movement’s active involvement in the conflict alongside the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.

Tambour told the Sudan Tribune that during the recent battles in Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur State, his forces had inflicted casualties on the paramilitary forces.

He stated, “68 members of the Rapid Support Forces were killed or wounded.”

Since the conflict erupted between the army and the RSF in mid-April, the SLM-Tambour has pledged its support to the armed forces in their efforts against the RSF. This stance sets the movement apart from other groups in Darfur, some of which have signed peace agreements, while others remain neutral.

On July 17, the RSF assassinated one of Mustafa Tambour’s brothers on the Nyala-Zalingi road due to his involvement with the army against him.

During the battles in Zalingei that have intensified since the beginning of July, Tambour’s group inflicted heavy casualties on the RSF, with 68 members killed or wounded during the pasttwo days.

“Our forces participated with the army in the battles during the past two days in Zalingei, which led to the killing of 27, the wounding of 41, and the capture of 14 members of the Rapid Support militia,” he said.

He further added that fierce confrontations took place at Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq School in the Hasahsa neighbourhood, a base used by the militia to threaten citizens, resulting in significant losses and the destruction of seven four-wheel-drive vehicles.

He said that the RSF fled after a major defeat, and he further emphasized, “Our forces are still aligned with the army.”

“Our forces will not withdraw until the end of this brutal rebellion that wanted to hijack the state had it not been for the vigilance of our national army,” he asserted.

It’s worth noting that the SLM-Tambour joined the Juba Peace Agreement with the Sudanese government, signed in Juba on March 25, 2021. The movement split from the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdel Wahid Nur (SLM-AW), in 2018.

Contrary to the SLM Tambour’s involvement in the conflict, the Darfur armed groups signatories to the peace agreement have declared their neutrality and refused to take sides in the ongoing war. Instead, they have established a joint force responsible for ensuring security in Darfur, protecting commercial convoys between the five states of Darfur, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

Meanwhile, the SLM-AW, a non-signatory group whose fighters control some areas in the state, remains neutral in the current conflict between the government forces and the RSF, which recently gained control of parts of Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state.

(ST)

African Union Transition Mission in Somalia Continues Troop Drawdown in Somalia Amid Al Shabaab Threats

TUESDAY AUGUST 01 2023

A meeting of delegates and military officers from the African Union Military Staff Committee of the Peace and Security Council at the Atmis Mission Headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia on 7 June 2023. PHOTO | COURTESY

By FRED OLUOCH

Military chiefs of troop contributing countries for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) say they are on course to continue their gradual withdrawal of forces, signalling a handover of security duties to Mogadishu as planned.

After a four-day meeting in Mogadishu, the leaders of troop contributing countries said on Sunday they will go ahead to pull out 3,000 more soldiers by September.

Yet Somalia, and Kenya, have been receiving a heavier blow of attacks from Al Shabaab.

Atmis had by mid-July handed over six forward operating bases (FOBs) to the Somalia security agencies. This coincided with increased attacks on Kenya with the Governor of the frontier county of Mandera, Mohammed Adan Khalif, admitting that as much as 60 percent of the expansive region is now under the control of Al Shabaab.

Will the draw-down hurt the policing of these regions? Atmis Force Commander, Gen Sam Okiding said in Mogadishu that the peacekeepers have covered a wide range of issues, including security, after evaluating the threats posed by Al Shabaab.

“We’ve enacted the resolutions that you are going to implement in your respective sectors. We have also covered transition in detail from phase one drawdown to the impact after the drawdown as well as our capacity and capability for subsequent operations.,” he said on Sunday.

Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti—three of the five troop-producing countries (Burundi and Uganda are the other two) that are directly affected by the activities of Al Shabaab—have offered to retain a certain number of troops in Somalia even if Atmis entirely withdraws by the end of 2024.

In February this year, the three agreed with Somalia to continue an arrangement meant to smoke shabaabs from every corner of the Horn under a ‘Frontier countries’ agreement.

Governor Khalif expressed concerns during a forum by four countries; Mandera, Wajir; Garissa, and Lamu that have been attacked by Al Shabaab in recent times. The attacks mainly occurred in June when Kenya’s national police force said that some 20 people were killed in Lamu within one week. 

In June, Al Shabaab heightened its activities in the Kenyan regions of northeastern and in the coastal region of Lamu, where five civilians were killed, some ‘beheaded’, in the villages of Juhudi and Salama in Lamu County. The attacks came just as Somalia and Kenya entered into an agreement to reopen the border points closed since 2011.

The attack by Al Shabab occurred in villages that border Somalia, an area where the group often carries out raids. The attackers also burnt houses and destroyed property.  A number of residents of Juhudi and Salama villages have fled their homes. At least 30 armed men dressed in military uniforms and sarongs stormed the two villages in Lamu County at night.

On June 13, eight Kenyan police officers were killed in Garissa, an eastern county along the border with Somalia, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. On June 24, five civilians had their throats cut in an attack in Lamu, another county on the border. Some were beheaded.

Gen Peter Kimani Muteti, the Atmis Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics, said that the peacekeepers have fulfilled their key components of the mandate including degrading Al Shabaab, protecting civilians, ensuring that we are giving access to and escorts to humanitarian assistance, mentoring Somali Security Forces (SSF), and not forgetting issues of supporting stabilisation.

“We must consistently ensure that, whether jointly or individually as Atmis, we continue to deliver the mandate in the manner in which it is provided,” said Gen Muteti. Atmis withdrew 2000 soldiers from Somalia at the end of June and handed over six FOBs to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628, 2670, and 2687.

Gen Okiding says that the four-day meeting discussed the transition in detail, mainly phase one drawdown and its impact as well as our capacity and capabilities for subsequent operations. Experts say that Atmis and Somali forces at remote bases will be more vulnerable to Al Shabaab attacks during the transition.

One Killed, 6 Injured in Suspected Kenya Al Shabaab Attack

TUESDAY AUGUST 01 2023

Security officers escort public service vehicles along the volatile Gamba-Witu road in Lamu County, Kenya on January 6, 2021. PHOTOS | WACHIRA MWANGI | NMG

One person was killed and six injured, including Hindi Member of County Assembly (MCA) James Njaaga and his wife, after suspected Al Shabaab militants ambushed them in Mwembeni area on the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road on Tuesday.

Lamu West Deputy Commissioner Gabriel Kioni said the attack took place at around 7.30am.

According to preliminary investigations, the militants organised themselves into groups before hiding in the bush on both sides of the road.

They then began firing indiscriminately at vehicles passing along the road.

One of the first vehicles to be attacked was the Hindi GK prison vehicle travelling from Lamu to Mombasa.

It was attacked from behind, but the driver managed to speed away from the scene.

The second vehicle attacked was that of the MCA, who was travelling to Mombasa with his family.

They were travelling behind the Hindi GK Prison vehicle.

The MCA's vehicle was sprayed with bullets.

Mr Njaaga was shot in the leg while his wife was seriously injured in the head.

Other members of the family, including a child who was in the vehicle, escaped unhurt.

The terrorists used a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) to unsuccessfully target a Nyongoro Special Operations Group (Sog) armoured personnel vehicle whose occupants were responding to the initial attacks.

Several vehicles, including a Fisheries Department vehicle and a Nissan, were also attacked in the morning, but all were rescued by the special forces, who engaged the terrorists before they were overpowered and fled into the nearby forest.

"The Nyongoro Special Forces and other security agencies are already on the ground fighting the enemy. I have only received reports of an unspecified number of casualties. I will give more details later," said Mr Kioni.

The MCA and his wife were rushed to a health centre for first aid treatment.

Witu Ward MCA Suleiman Farah, who spoke to the Nation by telephone, said his colleague was in a stable condition.

The couple have been taken to Mombasa for further treatment.

The attack comes just six days after President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki toured Lamu and assured citizens of their safety.

President Ruto was in the area to open the Lamu County Commissioner's administrative block in Mokowe, Lamu West, and to present cheques to the fishing community in the area.

During the event, Prof Kindiki vowed that the government would do everything possible to fully restore security in Lamu County.

"Although I have witnessed incidents of insecurity in this place, I still see light at the end of the tunnel. Lamu is good in terms of tourism, fishing and agriculture among other economic activities, and we want to ensure that citizens here enjoy peace to pave way for development. The government is working hard to address all the historical injustices in Lamu so that these incidents of insecurity can be completely eradicated," said Prof Kindiki.

Tuesday's attack also comes just three weeks after a farm caretaker was set ablaze in his home by armed assailants suspected to be Al Shabaab militants in Salama Block 17, Lamu West.

On the night of June 24, 2023, heavily armed assailants believed to be Al Shabaab militants raided Salama and Juhudi villages between 7.30pm and 10pm, where they dragged people, all men, from their homes, tied their hands and legs with ropes behind their backs, and beheaded them.

Five people, including a Form Three student of Bakanja Secondary School identified as Barrack Hussein, 19, who had just returned home for half term that evening, were killed, while six houses were torched.

BRICS ‘Expansion’ Jolts Nato to Pivot Towards Africa

MONDAY JULY 31 2023

By CHRIS ERASMUS

This week, a diplomat at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), the collective defence alliance between Europe and North America, hinted the organisation will raise its engagement with Africa, ostensibly to ward off the growing influence on the continent of China and Russia.

Russia through the controversial paramilitary company Wagner Group — is now operating in various African states.

The idea is to foster improved bilateral relations on security, anti-terrorism efforts and in other fields of cooperation, all in a “pivot to Africa.”

On Wednesday, Julianne Smith, US Permanent Representative to Nato, told an African media briefing that the defence alliance already had “over 40 countries” outside that mutual defence treaty — across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia — with which it has “special partnerships”.

Further, Nato was intent on “looking for ways to strengthen and deepen those partnerships with many of those countries,” and to include more.

“The idea here is to find opportunities to share best practices, to consult on shared security challenges, build defence capacity, develop and improve interoperability, and obviously manage crises as well,” said Smith to a select group of African journalists.

Although avoiding many specifics as to where and what precise role Nato could play with willing African partners, the timing of the special briefing — a highly unusual event — was significant. It came as some African heads of state and government landed in St Petersburg, Russia, for the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit being held there from Thursday.

That summit was called by Russia President Vladimir Putin in hopes of solidifying what African support Russia still has, following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and perhaps to draw more African states into Russia’s sphere of influence.

But that drive has been heavily undermined by Russia’s withdrawal from the Turkey-UN-brokered deal, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed shipment of much-needed cereal produced in Ukraine to poor countries including in Africa.

Russia invited more than 50 African heads of state, just under a third of them attended in person, signalling partial support for Russia from African states. Since the war, just a number of African countries have often taken stands on the war. Most have often abstained.

Eritrea has been consisted for voting No in defence of Russia, at the UN. Its leader Isaias Afwerki was among those in attendance, and so was Mali’s junta leader Assimi Goïta. His country has profited immensely from Wagner’s controversial operations, including violence, earning his associates sanctions from Washington.

But Russia is also playing in Brics, which will meet in Johannesburg for a summit later in August, where the accession of up to 40 more states, many from Africa, will be considered.

The expansion of Brics has become a top priority for both Moscow and Beijing, and specifically the inclusion of more resource-rich African states is planned as part of a wider effort to establish a counterpoint to the global dominance of Western countries.

The expanded Brics alignment is also intended to be a bulwark against further expansion of Nato, and to provide a core-grouping of nations determined to replace the dollar as the international currency denominating trade in oil, precious metals, plus mineral and other commodities, and affecting almost all international finance and trade.

The Chinese want the yuan to replace the dollar, while Russia and others want their currencies also included in a basket of alternatives to the dollar, which enjoys hegemony of use as the global reserve currency that ensures America’s position as the world leader in finance, trade, and industry, and in effect controlling the lion’s share of the world’s commercial exchanges. There was also talk of having a Brics currency which could yet challenge the dollar if it is pursued.

The reality, however, is that underlying elements make it harder now to pursue alternative currency. Russia is currently heavily sanctioned by the West, since the invasion, which could weigh on its currency, the rouble.

China, through delegated powers to local government structures to incur debts for development purposes, has racked up a huge amount of ‘internal debt’, amounts to the same as sovereign debt.

As of 2020, China's total government debt stood at $47 trillion, equivalent to about 45 percent of its GDP, then. Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings said at the time that Chinese local governments “may” have an additional $5.8 trillion in “off-balance sheet” debt, likely a very conservative estimate by latest assessments.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, and the very severe lockdowns that China imposed for more than two years in a bid to curtail the outbreak there, the Chinese economy has slowed dramatically to just over 6 percent growth, for the second quarter of 2023.

In effect the Chinese economy is at nearly zero real growth. The yuan as an alternative to the dollar therefore remains a non-starter, especially while the US economy, still growing, remains dominant globally.

In the Brics, China’s $19 trillion GDP (21 percent of the world economy), India’s $3.4 trillion (3.8 percent) Russia’s $2.2 trillion (2.6 percent), South Africa’s $807 billion (just under 1 percent) and Brazil’s $1.9 trillion (just over 2 percent) together contributed just over 30 percent of the world’s total productive output last year, by value.

The EU, on the other hand, has ($17.5 trillion, or 15 percent), US $26 trillion, or 30 percent, Canada $2.1 trillion, or 2.5 percent, and Australia, with a similar GDP to Canada’s, contributed over 55 percent of global production, according to latest figures from 2022.

Even if all of Africa’s nearly $3 trillion GDP in 2022 was included in an expanded Brics, that much-enlarged grouping would still only account for less than a third of global value produced.

On the political front, a much-expanded Brics is supposed to offset EU, American and other Western countries’ collective power.

A super Brics may have substantially more impact in terms of geopolitics, but that is only if it can maintain a united front. Even before more members join it, with what are likely to be some competing long-term national agendas, China and Russia are already at fundamental odds over their respective plans in Africa.

Given what took place earlier this year in the Central African Republic, where several Chinese expat workers were slain by Wagner operatives or their local agents – due to competition over goldmining rights – there is the likelihood that Russia and China will increasingly be competing for extractive resource rights on African soil.

Asked about what Nato intended to do about the Wagner’s planned expansion into Africa, after its pull-out of the Ukraine war, Smith said, “I think you’ve heard US Secretary of State Secretary Antony Blinken talk about the fact that essentially wherever the Wagner Group shows up, death and destruction often follow."

“This is a destabilising force. It has tried to intervene in the internal affairs of multiple countries in Africa."

“And so, the United States is quite concerned, as you might imagine, as are I know many nations around the world, about the presence of Wagner forces (in Africa),” she added.

Implementing sanctions against the group would be supported by bilateral approaches to African states, among others, on “global security challenges including cyber security, hybrid threats, counterterrorism, and climate security”.

Regions specifically mentioned by the Ambassador were the Horn of Africa and Somalia, as well, historically, Sudan, but also in question are West African states where unstable governments, local rebellions, Islamic fundamentalist insurgents and in some cases Wagner, or similar operations, are all vying for control.

Children Caught Up in War Suffer, Tagged ‘Collateral Damage,’ UN Says

MONDAY JULY 31 2023

Women and children gather in a building at a camp for the internally displaced in al-Suwar, about 15 kilometres north of Wad Madani, Sudan on June 22, 2023. PHOTO | AFP

By PAULINE KAIRU

At least 435 children have been killed and more than 2,000 injured, as the fighting in Sudan spiralled on more than 100 days, the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) reported Monday.

Unicef said the situation was dire as there have been over “2,500 severe violations of children's rights” amounting to an average of more than one violation per hour, in a country where approximately “14 million youngsters need aid relief.”

Unicef spokesperson, Joe English, warned that the conflict has had devastating consequences on children and families. And their future could as well be wiped out if war goes on.

The problem is complex: Children have either been killed, wounded, separated from families or now face a possibility of living as orphans. In fact, curtailed humanitarian supplies now mean their needed nutrition is in jeopardy.

“As we reach more than 100 days since the conflict in Sudan escalated, we know that it is taking an absolutely horrific toll on children and on families,” underscoring the urgent need for immediate action. In addition to the escalating violence, health concerns are exacerbating an already dire situation.

The UN refugee agency reported that 300 displaced children have succumbed to measles and malnutrition in White Nile State alone.

Filippo Grandi, the High Commissioner for Refugees, pleaded with all parties involved in the war to bring it to an end promptly. His plea comes amidst mounting apprehension for over “740,000 refugees” who have fled Sudan seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.

Conditions facing those seeking shelter in neighbouring nations are described as “harrowing”. Displacement camps are overcrowded while relocation efforts and aid deliveries become even more challenging due to the current heavy rainfall.

Distressingly, many children arrive at their destinations without their parents accompanying them — a concerning trend observed primarily among those arriving in Egypt according to UNHCR reports.

“For every child killed or injured we know that many more have been displaced from their homes, lacking access to essential services,” Unicef said in a statement, which underscored the need for safe, unimpeded access to children and families so that they can receive the support they need.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by various organizations and entities such as the African Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), the League of Arab States, and the UN, clashes between Sudanese Armed Forces (Saf) and rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia persist across multiple fronts.

According to the World Health Organisation collapse of healthcare services within Sudan has reached a “gravely serious” level, with 67 percent of hospitals now out of service due to increasing reports of attacks on medical facilities and personnel.

There have been 51 verified attacks on healthcare resulting in ten dead and 24 injured.

“As the rainy season begins in Sudan, outbreaks are likely to claim more lives unless urgent action is taken to reinstate essential public health measures,” warns the WHO.

Kenya, Uganda Revive Bid to Complete SGR Project

SATURDAY JULY 29 2023

Kenyan Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen (L) and Uganda’s Katumba Wamala speak to media in Mombasa, Kenya on July 28, 2023. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NMG

Summary

In January, Uganda signed an MoU with Turkish firm to pave way for the construction of SGR from Malaba to Kampala.

Kenya has been enticing neighbours to use of the Naivasha facility for storage of cargo, with initial free storage, to relieve the Mombasa Port of congestion.

The rise in global food and energy prices in 2022 can be largely attributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

By ANTHONY KITIMO

Kenya and Uganda have revived the near-dead project to build the standard gauge railway between them, signalling renewed efforts to upgrade infrastructure on the Northern Corridor for better trade. But the joint declaration issued on Friday by the two governments is highly dependent on how soon a financier comes on board. It is lack of money that killed the earlier plans, rendering the SGR the “railway to nowhere.”

This time, ministers in charge of transport said they had renewed a joint search for the money, which could include loans or an arrangement for the public-private partnerships. If all goes to plan, the contractor should be on site from December to build the SGR extension from Naivasha to Kampala, in the immediate term, before extending to Uganda’s frontier towns with Rwanda and South Sudan.

The two governments signed the deal to finalise joint resource mobilisation in the next four months to fund the line from Naivasha to Malaba to Kampala and from Kampala to Kasese-Mpondwe with a branch line from Bihanga to Mirama hills.

Once the project is completed, goods from Mombasa to Uganda border with Rwanda and South Sudan will be ferried by SGR.

The deal signed by Ugandam Minister of Works and Transport Katumba Wamala and his Kenyan counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen will see increased use of rail to haul Uganda-bound cargo using the SGR and the meter gauge rail from Naivasha to Malaba border in the coming months.

“The commercial contracts for Naivasha-Kisumu and Kisumu-Malaba SGR section in Kenya have been signed while the commercial contract for Malaba-Kampala SGR section in Uganda will be signed soon and the two government are in the process of mobilising the financing for construction.

“The two governments acknowledge the importance of synchronisation of the construction of the SGR section to achieve viability,” read the joint communique issued at Mombasa SGR terminal after signing the agreement.

Mr Murkomen said they have already placed their offers to different financiers from Europe and in Middle East who have shown interest in investing. This kind of project was in fact envisaged 8 years ago but fell through as Uganda and Kenya failed to raise financing from China.

In January, Uganda signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi to pave way for the construction of SGR from Malaba to Kampala.

That was after eight years of non-execution despite talks with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to build the country’s first phase of a 273km SGR line from Malaba to Kampala.

Gen Wamala said Uganda is working with a Turkish Company on a feasibility study from Malaba to Kampala and to Kasese and Tororo.

“We are in the final stage of getting financier and we are weighing which will give us best deal and the two government hope to start this before the end of this year through joint funding,” said Mr Murkomen.

The line, starting from the Malaba border post between Uganda and Kenya, was expected to cost $2.2 billion, but the Chinese financiers did not fund the project after casting doubt on Kenya’s SGR reaching the border to link with Uganda’s and making the project viable. Funding had been conditioned on a joint bid, which both countries couldn’t mount.

In 2019, then Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on his fourth trip to China failed to secure $3.68 billion to fund the third phase of his signature SGR project to extend to Kisumu, then on to Malaba.

Instead, Kenya bagged some $400 million to be used to upgrade its 120-years old metre-gauge-railway to Malaba on the border with Uganda. Beijing’s assessment indicated at the time that without Uganda, whose participation is key to connecting South Sudan and Rwanda to the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa, the SGR’s viability would be undermined.

Now Kenya and Uganda say the SGR will improve in efficiency and reduction of transportation costs. The project is to be undertaken as the Northern Corridor Integration Projects Initiative, which will include Rwanda and South Sudan in future, and Burundi and even Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The two governments recognise the importance of addressing challenges that would impact negatively on attracting financing for the sections and which would as well disadvantage Uganda and Kenya in terms of reaching Rwanda, South Sudan, DR Congo and Burundi,” said the two governments in a communique.

“As we wait for the construction of the SGR, we have agreed on how to support existing infrastructure where we have to use SGR to Naivasha to transport cargo from Mombasa port and forward cargo to Uganda using MGR from Naivasha to Malaba for ease transfer of cargo,” said Gen Wamala.

According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) data, Naivasha Inland Container Depot (NICD) has continued to receive increased cargo, both containerised and conventional cargo, for the last three months despite President William Ruto’s government reversing an earlier policy that had forced importer to clear goods in Naivasha, rather than the Port of Mombasa.

The NICD recorded 1,670 tonnes of conventional cargo which included wheat, maize, and fertilizer in March. Its throughput reached 3,662 tonnes. In May, cargo handled at Naivasha increased to 4,530 tonnes.

Kenya has been enticing neighbours to use of the Naivasha facility for storage of cargo, with initial free storage, to relieve the Mombasa Port of congestion. The facility has capacity to hold two million tonnes of cargo annually.

“The high average inflation rate in East Africa in 2022 was largely due to the hyperinflation in Sudan (139.0 percent), galloping inflation in South Sudan (43.5 percent), and high inflation in Ethiopia (26.6 percent),” the report says.

“The current conflict between Sudan’s military and the country’s main paramilitary force is a threat to regional stability and is likely to lower these projected growth rates, ” says the report.

It also mentions the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray area as a threat to economic growth in the region.

“In Ethiopia, the high inflation rate in 2022 was primarily driven by high global food and oil prices and the Tigray War which threw the country into turmoil.,” says the report.

“The domestic conflict in Tigray exerted pressure on the central government finances, widened the current account deficit, and exacerbated capital flight from foreign investors, and thereby dwindled foreign exchange reserves.”

The conflict has been going on since November 2020, resulting in many casualties and leaving millions of internally displaced people.

The rise in global food and energy prices in 2022 can be largely attributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“These shocks have had profound effects on our economies, increased the cost of living and constrained the fiscal space in the region, like elsewhere on the continent,” said Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning.

“What appeared to be a promising post Covid-19 economic recovery is now overshadowed by new shocks and vulnerabilities.”

The external risks include a global economic slowdown, rising commodity prices, persistence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, international trade policies, tightening of global financial conditions, exchange rate depreciation, and a resurgence of Covid-19.

The domestic risks include gaps in infrastructure, domestic conflicts and political instability, macroeconomic imbalances, and adverse impacts of climate change.

World Bank Grants Somalia $75m in Debt Relief

TUESDAY AUGUST 01 2023

People walking in the Hamarweyne market of Mogadishu, Somalia. PHOTO | JP LOPEZ | AFP

By XINHUA

The World Bank said Monday it had provided a 75-million-US-dollar grant to Somalia to help bring the country closer to debt relief.

The global lender said the grant is the second in a series of two grants that are helping the country make progress on its path to qualify for full and irrevocable debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.

It said the government is implementing an ambitious reform program to build institutions, attract investments, and achieve inclusive economic growth and job creation, aligned with the ninth National Development Plan which outlines numerous priority areas for moving the country forward, several of which are supported by this Development Policy Financing (DPF).

Kristina Svensson, World Bank country manager for Somalia, said in a statement that the DPF supports the government's aspirations to build the foundations of a modern economy with strengthened institutions. "It also signals the significant progress Somalia has made in terms of institution-building and economic development, paving the way for a more stable and sustainable future," Svensson added.

The World Bank said Somalia has approved new laws that establish the institutional environment in key sectors such as fisheries and electricity to develop high-potential sectors for economic growth.

It said a new investment and investor protection law was enacted to mobilize much-needed private capital to develop these sectors. "Despite multiple shocks, Somalia is maintaining macroeconomic stability. These institution-building reforms take Somalia closer toward the goal of attaining debt relief, which will wipe away the legacy of loans contracted during the pre-civil war era, thereby turning a new page in the country's development trajectory."

Also, a digital identification law was approved, which can support better know-your-customer protocols, alongside a data protection law to provide safeguards on the use of personal data to help increase access to finance, said the World Bank.

According to the World Bank, the DPF supports the building blocks of harmonized customs regimes across Somalia, which can encourage cooperation, increase trade, raise revenues, and simplify procedures for the private sector. "Alongside efforts to implement institutional reforms, Somalia has signed debt relief agreements with major creditors and is holding discussions with some remaining bilateral and multilateral creditors," it said. 

JOINT COMMUNIQUE N°001 OF BURKINA FASO AND THE REPUBLIC OF MALI

Warns ECOWAS that any military intervention against Niger🇳🇪 Republic would amount to a declaration of wàr against Burkina Faso and Mali

As received by African Report files and transtlated:

The Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali learned through the press of the conclusions of the extraordinary summits of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union ( UEMOA) held on July 30, 2023 in Abuja on the political situation in Niger. 

The Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali: 

1. Express their fraternal solidarity and that of the peoples of Burkina Faso and Mali with the brotherly people of NIGER who have decided in full responsibility to take their destiny into their own hands and to assume before history the fullness of their sovereignty; 

2. Denounce the persistence of these regional organizations in imposing sanctions aggravating the suffering of the populations and jeopardizing the spirit of Pan-Africanism; 3. Refuse to apply these illegal, illegitimate and inhuman sanctions against the people and authorities of Niger;

 4. Warn that any military intervention against Niger would amount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali;

5. Warn that any military intervention against Niger would result in the withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Mali from ECOWAS, as well as the adoption of self-defense measures in support of the armed forces and the people of Niger; 

6. Warn against the disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger which could destabilize the entire region as was the unilateral NATO intervention in Libya which was at the origin of the expansion of terrorism in the Sahel and West AFRICA. The Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali are deeply indignant and surprised by the imbalance observed between, on the one hand, the celerity and the adventurous attitude of certain political leaders in West Africa wishing to use force armed forces to restore constitutional order in a sovereign country, and on the other hand, the inaction, indifference and passive complicity of these organizations and political leaders in helping States and peoples who have been victims of terrorism for a decade and left to their fate.

In any case, the Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali invite the living forces to be ready and mobilized, in order to lend a hand to the people of Niger, in these dark hours of Pan-Africanism. May God bless Africa and Preserve the Africans! 

Done in Ouagadougou and Bamako, July 31, 2023. For Burkina Faso, The Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Government Spokesperson, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO Knight of the Order of Merit, Arts, letters and communication For Mali, The Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Government Spokesperson, Colonel Abdoulaye MAIGA Knight of the National Order.

Translated by: AFRICAN REPORT FILES MEDIA TEAM.