Eye on Africa

In Mauritania, it's official, the current head of state, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who has been in power since 2019, announced his candidacy for the presidential election on June 29, 2024, in a letter addressed on Wednesday, April 24th. his bid did not come as a surprise to anyone in Nouakchott; the outgoing president and current African Union president is seen as the top contender in the upcoming election. His party won 107 out of 176 seats in the last parliamentary elections.

The national meeting, which began on April 2nd, is set to conclude next Tuesday. The various committees have started submitting their reports to the national dialogue office, which is hosting a closed-door plenary session for this purpose. On Thursday, April 25th, the political committee took its turn. It is challenging to pinpoint the exact recommendations put forth by the commissioners.

In Madagascar, the need for cocoa is so high that farmers in the north-west have seen their pay increase fourfold. Cocoa is now more profitable than vanilla this year. However, Malagasy exporters are concerned: the beans cannot leave the country as the recent storm has blocked access to the port.

In a recent revelation, the Somali government admitted diverting rations intended for the US-trained Danab forces, exposing a breach within its ranks. The Ministry of Defense conducted an investigation, leading to the suspension and detention of officers. Without naming the detained officers, the government decided to take over supplying rations for the Danab forces from the US. This comes after the US stopped food ration assistance to the Danab, citing widespread diversions. Allegations link the diversion to private…

On April 27, 1994, all South Africans were urged to join the first free elections. Nelson Mandela was set to win, marking the end of the apartheid regime. A new Constitution would then be drafted, safeguarding all South Africans and hailed as the most forward-thinking in Africa. This foundational law is upheld by the Constitutional Court, a significant landmark in downtown Johannesburg and in the hearts of its residents.

On the twelfth day of the campaign, activity picks up as candidates compete to win over voters with various strategies, including giving out gifts, flyers, and even food. Targeted meetings and door-to-door visits are the most popular tactics in the capital city.

The 15th edition of the contemporary African art biennial was scheduled to open on May 16th in Dakar. However, the event has been postponed due to insufficient funds, which is disappointing for both the organizers and fans of this globally recognized artistic gathering.

Good evening Here are tonight's highlights: According to Human Rights Watch, soldiers in Burkina Faso executed 223 civilians in a single day. Nairobi in Kenya is experiencing heavy rainfall, causing roads to flood. Ghana has been using a new malaria vaccine for a year now, with over two million doses given to children.

Is this the start of a legal showdown between Apple and the Democratic Republic of Congo? Kinshasa accuses the tech giant of sourcing minerals from its mines, allegedly "illegally exploited." The Congolese government condemns the "numerous human rights violations" that reportedly take place there.

On April 25, 1974, young captains rebelled in Portugal, overthrowing the Salazar dictatorship and paving the way for African colonies independence. However, many are unaware that it was African freedom fighters who wore down the Portuguese colonial army and triggered the April captains' uprising in Lisbon. Mario Cissoko was one of them.