MEDIA REVIEW AND MONITORING
30 September 2025
1. What Africa needs to do to attract investment in large, impactful
projects
Africa needs to improve how it identifies, frames and prepares big projects to
attract investment—this means ensuring transparency, accountability, and public
value from the start. Key steps include making it easier for investors to
understand risk, revenue models, permits and regulatory frameworks; using
development finance institutions to support early-stage feasibility and “front-load”
technical assistance; building better investment vehicles for domestic funds (e.g.
pensions) to steer capital into infrastructure; embedding Environmental, Social
and Governance (ESG) and sustainable finance standards; coordinating across
government agencies to speed approvals and enforce policies; and ensuring that
large anchor projects are linked with smaller ones in the value chain so benefits
are spread widely.
2. Hwange Colliery invests US$600m in underground mine
Hwange Colliery Company Limited, in partnership with Zhongjin Investments, has
invested about US$60 million into an underground coal mining project aimed at
driving its turnaround and resuscitating its coke oven battery, expected to
produce 18,000 tonnes of coke annually. Once on the brink of collapse, HCCL
has rebounded under administration, now producing over four million tonnes of
coal yearly, crucial for Zimbabwe’s energy security, industrial growth, and
exports. The new underground mine, already producing 600,000 tonnes per year,
is set to scale up to 3 million tonnes annually within two years, supported by
high-tech equipment, conveyor systems, and coal washing facilities. The project
also includes plans to build coke ovens and a power station with a combined
capacity of 420 MW, making it Zimbabwe’s largest underground mine and a
cornerstone of the country’s Vision 2030 industrial ambitions.
3. DRC Warplanes Bomb Strategic Bridge as Battle for Uvira Escalates
Congolese warplanes, backed by coalition forces including Burundian troops and
local militias, bombed the Mpéti bridge in North Kivu to block Rwanda-backed
M23 rebels from advancing on Uvira, a strategic city on Lake Tanganyika near
the Burundi border. While Kinshasa framed the strike as a defensive move, M23
condemned it as a deliberate act of sabotage violating the Doha peace process,
accusing the government of targeting civilians and cutting off vital supplies. The
battle for Uvira underscores the city’s importance as a commercial and military
hub linking eastern DRC with regional trade corridors, and its control could allow
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
M23 to expand operations into South Kivu, heightening both the humanitarian
crisis and the regional dimensions of the conflict.
4. Côte d’Ivoire: EU Commits €359.4 Million for Electricity Transmission
Line Project
The European Union has committed €359.4 million to finance the Dorsale Est
400 kV electricity transmission line in Côte d’Ivoire, spanning approximately 430
km from Anyama (near Abidjan) to Ferkessédougou, including substations and
transformers. This investment, under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, is
expected to boost the country’s high-voltage transmission capacity by nearly 38
percent, reduce power losses within the West African Power Pool, and enable
electricity exports to Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The project forms a
core element of Côte d’Ivoire’s national energy strategy (Pacte National Énergie
2025–2030), which envisions universal electrification by 2025 and increasing
renewable energy integration.
5. DR Congo Plans $1 Billion Push to Build a Regional Digital Hub by
2030
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is planning a roughly US$1 billion
investment drive aiming to develop a regional digital hub by 2030, to accelerate
its digital transformation and unlock economic growth. Key components include
boosting infrastructure (broadband, data centres, connectivity), enabling policy
reforms, strengthening digital skills and innovation, and leveraging private capital.
The plan is part of a broader strategy which could add an estimated US$4.1
billion to the economy, create about 2.5 million jobs, and generate substantial
tax revenue by 2029—though challenges remain, especially around internet
access, energy supply, and regulatory constraints.
6. Africa’s trade realignments shift toward Asian partners
In 2025, U.S. tariffs on African goods—ranging from 15% to 50%—have
accelerated Africa’s shift away from reliance on U.S. markets toward stronger
trade partnerships with China, India, and Russia under the BRICS framework.
Lesotho, once dependent on U.S. duty-free access, exemplifies the economic
fallout as its manufacturing sector collapsed under new tariffs. China and India
are filling the gap: China is expanding investments and pushing tariff-free access
for African goods, while India, already Africa’s third-largest trading partner and
second-largest lender, is deepening trade and investment ties with ambitions to
reach US$150 billion by 2030. Russia, though constrained by Western
sanctions, is focusing on African energy and gold sectors, often through opaque
deals. Alongside these shifts, African leaders see strengthening intra-African
trade as essential to reduce vulnerability to external shocks and reinforce long-
term economic resilience.
7. Africa’s regional ambitions and global trade realities
The Economist’s “Trade in Transition 2025: Africa Regional Insights” reports that
while Africa’s ambition to deepen regional integration via the African Continental
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds major promise—potentially adding US$450
billion to GDP by 2035 and boosting intra-African trade (which is currently only
~18% of total trade)—actual implementation remains sluggish. Key obstacles
include political instability, weak infrastructure, limited local capacity (especially in
producing inputs and packaging), and regulatory/logistical barriers that make
intra-regional trade costly. Meanwhile, many African firms are opting for global
diversification over regional supply-chains, seeking multiple trading partners
outside the continent. Success, the report argues, depends on improved
infrastructure, stronger state capacity, better data and regulatory systems, plus
leveraging export-friendly policies to build value beyond commodity exports.
8. Africa’s Geographic Advantage: Turning Location into Leverage
Africa's strategic geographic position—bridging the Atlantic and Indian Oceans,
and linking the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal—has historically
influenced global trade and geopolitics. Today, this centrality offers Africa a
unique opportunity to transform its location into economic leverage. Key
advantages include control over vital maritime chokepoints like the Bab el-
Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Gibraltar, making it a critical node in global trade
routes. The continent's proximity to Europe positions North Africa as a natural
partner for renewable energy exports, while its offshore oil and gas reserves,
particularly along the Gulf of Guinea and Mozambique’s coastline, connect Africa
directly to energy-hungry regions in Asia and beyond. Additionally, Africa's
diverse climates enable year-round agricultural exports, and its central location
enhances its role in aviation and logistics, with hubs like Addis Ababa facilitating
global connectivity. However, to fully capitalize on these geographic advantages,
Africa must address infrastructure gaps, fragmented regulations, and political
instability. Regional integration through initiatives like the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is essential, as it reduces internal barriers and
enables the continent to negotiate as a unified bloc.
9. Abiy goes nuclear
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has initiated a significant energy
partnership with Russia by signing an agreement to develop a nuclear power
plant in Ethiopia. This move, formalized during a nuclear forum hosted by
Russia's Rosatom on September 25, 2025, includes plans for reactor
construction and staff training. The agreement also encompasses expanded
cooperation in agriculture and healthcare. While Ethiopia has committed to green
energy through projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the nuclear
initiative marks a strategic shift towards diversified energy sources. This
development enhances Ethiopia's ties with Russia, a key player in Africa's
nuclear energy ambitions, as evidenced by similar agreements with Niger, Mali,
and Burkina Faso. However, this alignment may complicate Ethiopia's
relationships with Western partners, particularly the European Union, which has
expressed reluctance to engage with nations closely aligned with Russia
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
10. Ghana’s public finance transformation: The journey, lessons, and
future of IPSAS adoption
Ghana's adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)
has been a transformative journey aimed at enhancing transparency and
accountability in public financial management. The process has involved
significant reforms, including capacity building, system upgrades, and policy
changes. Key lessons learned include the importance of strong institutional
frameworks, continuous training, and stakeholder engagement. Looking forward,
Ghana aims to achieve full accrual-based IPSAS compliance, which will further
improve financial reporting and decision-making, aligning with global best
practices in public finance management.
11. Africa50 in Maputo: driving Africa’s infrastructure revolution
In August 2025, Maputo, Mozambique, hosted the Africa50 General
Shareholders Meeting under the theme “Scaling Infrastructure for a New
Economic Era,” bringing together leaders to address Africa’s infrastructure
challenges. Africa50, an investment platform established by African governments
and the African Development Bank, has invested over $9 billion in 33 projects
across 31 countries in nearly nine years, aiming to bridge the continent's $170
billion annual infrastructure financing gap. The 2025 meeting highlighted strategic
achievements, including the mobilization of $275 million for the Africa50
Infrastructure Acceleration Fund from 22 institutional investors, 20 of which are
African. Mozambique emphasized its commitment to infrastructure development,
leveraging its natural resources and strategic location to enhance regional
integration. Discussions focused on energy, trade, logistics, and digital
infrastructure, with agreements to develop high-voltage transmission lines,
modernize transport corridors, and expand digital connectivity. The meeting
underscored the importance of African-led solutions and partnerships in driving
sustainable development across the continent.
12. Africa is ripe for UN Security Council seats
Nigeria has renewed its call for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security
Council, emphasizing the need for the UN to reflect contemporary global realities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th
UN General Assembly, highlighted Nigeria's significant contributions to global
peace, including its early involvement in peacekeeping missions and its
leadership in resolving conflicts across Africa. Shettima argued that granting
Nigeria a permanent seat would enhance Africa's representation and influence in
international decision-making processes. However, challenges such as Nigeria's
internal issues, including insecurity and economic concerns, may impact the
credibility of its bid. The editorial underscores the importance of African unity in
determining which nation should represent the continent on the Security Council.
13. Nigerian billionaire to invest $800 million in four offshore oil blocks
in Liberia
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
Nigerian billionaire Arthur Eze, through his company Atlas Oranto Petroleum, has
secured four offshore oil exploration blocks in Liberia, marking a significant
development in the nation's energy sector. The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory
Authority (LPRA) and Atlas Oranto signed Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs)
in Paris, covering Blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, and LB-24 in the Liberian Basin.
The agreements include a $12 million signature bonus and planned investments
exceeding $200 million per block. Once ratified by Liberia's National Legislature
and approved by President Joseph N. Boakai, these contracts are expected to
revitalize Liberia's oil industry, which has faced stagnation due to political
instability and global oil market fluctuations. LPRA Director General Marilyn T.
Logan described the deal as a "turning point," emphasizing its potential to
generate employment, build technical capacity, and enhance economic growth
through increased foreign direct investment.
14. EU commits $638 million to scale up renewables in nine African
countries
The European Union has announced a €545 million ($638 million) initiative to
accelerate renewable energy investment across Africa, aiming to expand
electrification, modernize power grids, and improve access to clean energy. The
program targets nine countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of
Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Somalia.
Côte d'Ivoire will receive the largest allocation of €359.4 million for a high-voltage
power project to boost regional energy distribution. Other allocations include
€59.1 million for rural electrification in Cameroon, €45.5 million for affordable
renewable energy access in Somalia, and €25.9 million for Lesotho's
"Renewable Lesotho" program to unlock wind and hydro resources. The initiative
is expected to create up to 38 million green jobs by 2030, addressing the energy
needs of nearly 600 million Africans who currently lack electricity.
15. Slim pickings for Somalia security fund
African leaders have warned that Somalia's security situation could deteriorate
unless international partners address a $180 million funding shortfall for the
African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM). At a UN General
Assembly summit on 25 September 2025, Somali President Hassan Sheikh
Mohamud and African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
emphasized the urgency of financial support. While the UK pledged $30 million
and the AU doubled its Peace Fund contribution to $20 million, the majority of
funding responsibility is expected to fall on the EU and the United States. A
significant obstacle is the impasse caused by the Trump administration's veto of
UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which would have allowed the UN to cover
up to 75% of AU-led peacekeeping costs. The AU has also sought funding from
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, but has yet to secure contributions.
16. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Opens Parliament Amid Political
Tensions
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud inaugurated the 7th session of the
Federal Parliament in Mogadishu, delivering a constitutional address amid
escalating political tensions and security challenges. In his speech, he
emphasized three central themes: the government's ongoing campaign against
Al-Shabaab insurgents, fiscal and institutional reforms, and strengthening
international partnerships. However, the political climate remains fraught, with
opposition lawmakers accusing the administration of consolidating power and
sidelining rivals, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the session.
The parliament faces a heavy agenda, including constitutional review, security
sector oversight, and broader governance reforms, which could test the fragile
unity of both Houses. While the government points to military gains and
strengthened international ties as evidence of progress, critics argue that these
achievements are overshadowed by persistent governance failures and
exclusionary politics. The launch of this parliamentary session is seen as a
pivotal moment for Somalia's political trajectory, with the potential to unlock long-
awaited reforms or deepen existing divisions.
17. Kenyan probe into Russian-linked human trafficking deepens as
embassy issues denial
Kenya is intensifying its investigation into alleged human trafficking networks
linked to the Russia-Ukraine war, following reports that young Kenyans were
recruited under false pretenses for military service in Russia. The case of Kenyan
athlete Evans Kibet, who was deceived into joining the Russian military and is
now a prisoner of war in Ukraine, has highlighted the exploitation of vulnerable
individuals. Additionally, a raid at the Great Wall Apartments in Athi River
uncovered 21 Kenyans being processed for travel to Russia. Russian
businessman Mikhail Lyapin, named in local media as a key suspect, was
questioned by Kenyan authorities but left the country as planned, with the
Russian Embassy denying any involvement in trafficking activities. The embassy
emphasized that Lyapin had no ties to Russian government institutions or the
embassy, and his legal rights were respected during questioning. Despite the
embassy's denial, Kenyan officials continue to investigate the extent of the
trafficking networks and their potential links to state actors.
18. Siege of Sudan's El-Fasher Escalates with Near-Total Encirclement,
Yale Report Finds
The siege of El-Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region has severely escalated, with
paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nearly completing a total encirclement
of the city with defensive walls, according to a new report from Yale University
researchers. A network of earthen walls, or berms, built by the RSF now
stretches for over 68 kilometres around El-Fasher, leaving only a 3-4 kilometre
gap before the city is fully enclosed, the report published on Friday said.
Construction appeared to be ongoing, as evidenced by satellite imagery from
September 26, which showed excavators present near the city’s airfield. The
RSF is also hardening its control over routes out of the city, the report found. A
new pile of raised earth, likely a checkpoint, was identified at an exit point on the
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
road to Kutum. At another exit, Mellit Gate, two light technical vehicles were
visible in satellite imagery. The report noted that the RSF has previously been
accused of committing “gross human rights abuses” against civilians attempting
to flee through such exit points. The report documented extensive damage inside
the city from what it described as a multidirectional RSF attack supported by
heavy weapons. Analysts found damage consistent with arson in the Abu Shouk
camp for displaced people and evidence of bombardment in the Daraja Oula
neighbourhood. Over 50 munition impacts were recorded near the Sudanese
Armed Forces (SAF) headquarters and a school. The human cost was evident in
the appearance of over 70 new burial mounds within about one week. Sudan
Tribune
19. New Antiaircraft Weapons Propel Sudan’s War, Imperil Global
Security
Advanced weapons are pouring into Sudan, fueling a ruinous civil war and
endangering security across the region, according to an analysis of recently
seized arms caches viewed by Washington Post reporters, interviews with
officials and a confidential report from independent experts that was shared by
Sudan’s intelligence agency. Paramilitary fighters now possess antiaircraft
weapons that could threaten civilian air traffic, drones strikingly similar to those
used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and what appears to be a sophisticated Chinese
surface-to-air missile system — altering the dynamics of the battlefield, analysts
say, and prolonging a conflict that is likely to have claimed hundreds of
thousands of lives. On a recent trip to Sudan, a Post reporter saw piles of
weaponry that the military said was abandoned by the Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) paramilitary during their retreat from the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.
There were SA-7s — a type of Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) —
drones, jamming equipment, guided anti-tank missiles, 120mm mortars, and
truckloads of ammunition and 40mm phosphorus rounds, many still in their
original packaging. The RSF — accused by the United States and United Nations
of war crimes and crimes against humanity — also appear to have acquired a
truck-mounted antiaircraft system manufactured in China, Sudanese security
officials said, and drones that bear the hallmarks of those produced by the
Houthis, according to the confidential report. The report was prepared for
Sudan’s General Intelligence Service by Conflict Armament Research (CAR), a
British company whose work tracking the flow of illicit weapons is often cited in
international sanctions decisions. The Washington Post
20. Guinea Announces First Post-coup Presidential Vote on December
28
Guinea will on December 28 hold its first presidential election since a coup in
2021, according to a decree read on state television. The announcement was
made on Saturday, a day after the Supreme Court validated the results of a
referendum approving a new constitution that could allow coup leader Mamady
Doumbouya to run. Doumbouya has not said whether he plans to. The coup in
Guinea was one of eight that swept West and Central Africa between 2020 and
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
2023. Guinea is of international financial significance as the home to the world's
largest reserves of bauxite. It also has the world's richest untapped iron ore
deposit at Simandou. ... Doumbouya's government proposed a two-year
transition to elections in 2022 after negotiating with regional bloc ECOWAS, but it
missed that deadline. The new constitution replaces the transitional framework
that had barred members of the junta from contesting elections, opening the door
for Doumbouya's candidacy. It also introduces institutional changes, such as
longer presidential terms, from five years to seven, renewable once, and a new
Senate. Reuters
21. Memory and Mourning as Guinea Marks 2009 Conakry Stadium
Massacre
Sixteen years after the Conakry stadium massacre, Guineans are reminded of
one of the darkest chapters in their recent history. On 28 September 2009,
security forces stormed a peaceful opposition rally at the capital’s main stadium.
By the time the violence subsided, at least 156 people had been killed and more
than a hundred women had been subjected to brutal sexual violence, according
to a UN investigation. For the survivors, the long road to justice has finally begun
to show some results. This year’s anniversary comes just months after the
Guinean government opened the first phase of reparations for victims. At a
ceremony in May inside the Court of Appeal in Conakry – where the long-awaited
trial unfolded – survivors wept as they were handed cheques in compensation
from the state. ... Since the ruling, more than 300 victims are to receive
reparations, with funds drawn directly from the national budget after the
convicted perpetrators were deemed unable to cover the damages
themselves. ... On Thursday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk ... called on
Conakry’s rulers to free political detainees, end arbitrary arrests and lift
restrictions on opposition parties and the press. “The Guinean authorities must,
above all, lift the unacceptable bans targeting political parties and the media,”
Türk insisted. That appeal resonates strongly in the current climate. [Last] week,
Guinea’s opposition denounced as a “masquerade” the 21 September
referendum that paved the way for Colonel Doumbouya’s potential candidacy in
upcoming presidential elections. RFI
22. Seychelles to Hold Presidential Election Run-Off
Seychelles will hold a run-off between the top two presidential candidates after
neither won a clear majority in election results on Sunday. Opposition leader
Patrick Herminie narrowly won the vote against President Wavel Ramkalawan by
48.8 percent to 46.4 percent, the electoral commission announced. But
candidates must have more than 50 percent to secure victory. The commission
said fresh elections would be held from October 9 to 11. Seychelles has the
highest wealth per capita in Africa -- around $18,000 according to the World
Bank. But it lies on a key drug smuggling route between Afghanistan and East
Africa that has fuelled one of the highest rates of heroin addiction in the world.
Another key issue in the election has been concern over a Qatari hotel complex
being built near the world-renowned Aldabra Atoll marine reserve. Herminie's
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
party, United Seychelles, secured victory in parliament elections that were held at
the same time, taking 15 of 26 seats. AFP
23. Gabon Awaits Results of First Legislative and Local Elections since
2023 Coup
Gabon is awaiting election results on Monday that could prove crucial for the
leadership of General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. More than 900,000
Gabonese were called to the polls on Saturday, in the country’s first legislative
and local elections since a 2023 military coup toppled the Bongo dynasty. Voters
were asked to elect 145 parliament members as well as local councillors, who
will in turn indirectly elect senators, mayors and president of regional assemblies.
Polls closed on Saturday evening, with vote counting beginning immediately
after. Observers were allowed to watch the operations. Initial results were still
pending in the early hours of Monday morning. ... The main parties in the running
are the Gabonese Democratic Party — the former ruling party that won every
political election since it was founded in 1968, until it was overthrown in 2023 —
and the Democratic Union of Builders (UDB), which was founded only three
months ago by Oligui Nguema. Several small, underfunded parties have also
nominated candidates. A second round of the election is scheduled for 11
October in constituencies where no candidate has obtained an absolute majority
in the first round. Africanews with AP
24. South Sudan: Insecurity, Funding Shortfall Threaten Constitution
Process – Dr Riang
The body tasked with drafting South Sudan’s permanent constitution is facing
major delays due to a severe lack of government funding and worsening
insecurity, its chairperson said Sunday, raising doubts about a key pillar of the
country’s fragile peace process. In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Riang
Yer Zuor, chairperson of the National Constitutional Review Commission
(NCRC), said the government has not provided any of the budget it requested for
the current financial year, forcing it to rely on international partners to conduct
essential public consultations. The commission is operating on an 18-month
timeline aiming to produce a constitution before December 2026, a document
seen as crucial for facilitating long-delayed national elections. While Dr. Riang
said the deadline is still “doable,” the funding shortfall and spreading violence
pose significant threats. ... ["When we go for civic education and public
consultations, we go to the states, and that does not mean just the state capital.
We also go to the counties. When insecurity is there in some counties, we will not
be able to send our members to those insecure areas because the safety of our
members is very important. So, definitely, if nothing is done, it will affect our
activities," he said.] Radio Tamazuj
25. 'Dozens' of Civilians Killed in Niger Airstrikes: Witnesses
Dozens of civilians were killed [last] week after Nigerien airstrikes against
jihadists near the country's western border with Mali, witnesses told AFP on
Friday. Niger has faced frequent attacks from Islamist militant fighters, with the
Disclaimer: Any opinions or articles presented in this review are solely those
of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
military junta in power struggling to quell the violence. [Last] Monday, "army
strikes targeted terrorists travelling on motorbikes and there were dozens of
civilian deaths in Injar," one local resident told AFP. Another local corroborated
the account. Injar is located some 200 kilometres (124 miles) northeast of the
capital Niamey. It's in the vast Tillaberi region bordering Burkina Faso and Mali,
where jihadist groups are active. Locals have regularly reported deadly attacks
by militants on motorbikes, who also demand money and steal livestock. AFP
26. International Court Blocks Niger Uranium Sale amid Orano Dispute
An international court of arbitration has temporarily blocked the sale of uranium
stockpiles over a dispute between the Niger government and French mining
group Orano. The court in Washington, DC, on Friday ordered Niamey to halt the
sale of the uranium which Orano claims has been stolen from it. The court also
ordered the release of Orano’s representative who has been held in custody
since May. In December last year, Niger’s military junta took control of Orano’s
operation, as part of a wider push to regulate the mining of raw materials by
foreign entities. Orano’s license was suspended months later and the company
suspended production. Since coming to power in 2023, Niger’s military rulers,
who Paris refuses to recognize, have expelled French troops and forged closer
ties with Russia and Turkey. Orano claims that more than 1,000 tonnes of
uranium concentrate worth more than 200 million dollars haven’t been exported.
If Niamey violates Friday’s court ruling, Orano would be entitled to seize assets
or royalties owed to Niger abroad. The court may not issue its final decision for
months or even years. Africanews
27. Madagascar Protesters Gather Once More, Days after Unrest Began
Hundreds of mostly young protesters faced off against security forces in
Madagascar's capital on Saturday, September 27, days after an anti-government
demonstration erupted into clashes and looting. Police used rubber bullets and
teargas to disperse crowds at Thursday's protest, which was called to condemn
persistent water and power cuts in the impoverished nation but descended into
violence as stores were looted and buildings and cars set alight. Demonstrators
including university students gathered again in Antananarivo Saturday, holding
placards with slogans that included, "We are poor, angry and unhappy" and
"Madagascar is ours." ... In a video address late Friday, President Andry
Rajoelina said that in response to the protest he had sacked his energy minister
"for not doing his job." He also condemned the violence as "acts of
destabilisation." The Southern African Development Community (SADC)
grouping said Saturday it was concerned about "an unconfirmed number of
fatalities, injuries, and extensive damage to both public and private property." The
16-nation SADC, of which Rajoelina is the current chairperson, commended in its
statement "the government's steadfast commitment to restoring peace and
stability." The African Union called for restraint, calm and dialogue. Le Monde
with AFP
28. Libya’s Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty ‘Are Non-negotiable’
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
The President of Libya’s Presidential Council upheld the principle of national
sovereignty, unity and stability in his speech to the UN General Assembly on
Thursday. ... Last month, the UN proposed a roadmap that would last from 12-18
months leading to general elections and a new unified Government. “I stand
before you today representing the will of a people that is still holding on to hope,
still believing in its ability to build a stable and prosperous future,” said Mohamed
Younis Al-Menfi of the internationally recognized Government of National Unity
(GNU). ... He stressed that “at this critical juncture, we look to the United Nations
to play an effective and complementary role as it supports us to overcome this
crisis towards stability and democracy. ... He warned that “any solution that does
not restore the national ownership of the political track, any solution that is not
derived from the free will of the Libyan people, would be destined to fail, as we've
seen in the past.” In this regard, Mr. Al-Menfi presented what he called “a clear
political vision based on four pillars.” The first calls for “fully restoring national
sovereignty and rejecting all forms of foreign interference, no matter what form it
might take and no matter the justifications.” Libya’s sovereign institutions –
particularly its security, defense and financial institutions – must be united
“according to professional mechanisms, without polarization and without setting
quotas.” The final pillar concerns ending the current transitional period based on
a new constitution, “through free and fair elections, allowing Libyans to freely
choose who would rule them, without tutelage, without any position from external
actors.” UN News
29. Botswana Launches Citizenship Program to Boost Economy beyond
Diamonds
Botswana President Duma Boko said on Friday his country will establish a
citizenship-by-investment program, as the southern African country looks to
diversify its economy away from its largest export, diamonds. Botswana's budget
has been constrained this year due to a prolonged downturn in the global
diamond market. It is the world's leading producer of diamonds by value. “This
program will enable us to continue to secure the long-term financial future of
Botswana," Boko said in a statement. The new program will raise funds to
address priority needs including the housing market as well as the country’s
tourism industry, renewable energy, mining and financial services sectors,
according to the statement. The investment amount required for citizenship has
yet to be established. Botswana's economy contracted 3% last year, and the
government forecasts another contraction in 2025 because of the diamond
downturn. Boko declared a public health emergency in August after the nation's
medical supply chain failed. In September, the southern African country set up a
new sovereign wealth fund to drive economic diversification, create jobs and
manage state companies. Botswana has retained investment migration
consultancy, Arton Capital, under a memorandum of understanding to establish
the citizenship program. Reuters
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of the media source and do not represent those of the African Union.
