Here are the top stories from Africa: Nigeria’s President Tinubu has appointed seven new ministers while dismissing five, as he reshapes his administration.
In Mozambique, Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo emerged victorious in a contentious presidential election, facing allegations of fraud from the opposition. Meanwhile, Deputy President Gachagua is contesting his impeachment, seeking to overturn the decision. In Ghana, drivers are threatening a 20% increase in transport fees amid rising costs.
Lastly, a significant public health achievement sees 6.5 million children vaccinated against polio in Kenya and Uganda, bolstering efforts to eradicate the disease in the region.
Check out all the top stories below:
NIGERIA’S TINUBU APPOINTS SEVEN NEW MINISTERS AND DISMISSES FIVE
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet on Wednesday (23 Oct.), introducing seven new ministers while replacing five and swapping the responsibilities of 10 others in a major shakeup of the 45-member team.;
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate implementation of eight far-reaching actions to reinvigorate the administration’s capacity for optimal efficiency, pursuant to his commitment to deliver on his promises to Nigerians,” the statement read.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while Jumoke Oduwole replaced Doris Uzoka-Anite as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, with Uzoka-Anite reassigned as the Minister of State Finance.
The President also nominated Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, Idi Maiha to lead the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, and Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. Suwaiba Ahmad was appointed Minister of State for Education, while Dr. Nentawe Yilwada replaced Betta Edu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
FRELIMO’S DANIEL CHAPO WINS DISPUTED PRESIDENTIAL POLL
Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, has successfully maintained its hold on power following the recent national elections, marking over 50 years of governance in the Southern African nation.
Daniel Chapo, the party’s candidate, secured more than 70% of the vote, according to the electoral commission.
He will take office as Mozambique’s fifth president, succeeding Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after serving two consecutive terms.
Chapo’s victory was not without contention. The opposition, led by Venancio Mondlane from the Podemos party, which garnered about 20% of the votes, has raised allegations of electoral fraud.
As Chapo prepares to assume the presidency, the political landscape remains charged, with the opposition vowing to contest the election results.
IMPEACHED DEPUTY PRESIDENT GACHAGUA CHALLENGE HIS REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Following the last report where Kenya’s Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, facing impeachment, pleaded not guilty during his trial and fell ill on the second day, the High Court resumed hearings to review his case.
Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was removed from his role after being impeached in a significant Senate vote that took place on Thursday (18 Oct.) night.
However, the High Court has issued a temporary order preventing the replacement of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President until October 24, when the case will be heard by a bench appointed by Chief Justice Koome.
DRIVERS THREATEN 20% INCREASE IN TRANSPORT FEES
Drivers in the Greater Accra Region have issued a warning of a 20% transport fare hike unless leadership addresses the current rates.
Drivers expressed concerns over the recent hike in fuel and spare parts prices, demanding a raise in transport fares.
‘’Due to the high cost of oil, diesel and spare parts, most drivers have parked their cars because they are unable to buy these, hence our call to our national executives to increase the transportation fares’’.
The association expressed concern over high spare parts costs, adding,
‘’The high cost of these parts are the reasons most cars are parked and the sad aspect is that, we are not given loans because we are drivers’’.
‘’Just few weeks ago, the government increased the cost of water, electricity and petroleum products, yet we are still stuck with the old fare, which is unfair’’.
They requested GPRTU to seek a fare adjustment.
UGANDA REPORTS FIRST MPOX DEATH AS CASES HIT 164
Uganda confirmed its first mpox-related death on Wednesday as the total number of confirmed infections reached 164 across the country.
On Wednesday, Henry Kyobe Bosa from Uganda’s Health Ministry revealed to Xinhua that the death was recorded in Masindi, a district in the mid-western region.
“The patient died in Masindi but was a resident of Hoima. We warned the public about the possibility of deaths occurring. We need to adhere to precautions,” the incident commander said.
Monday’s report highlighted 11 new cases in Kampala within the past 24 hours, bringing the total recoveries to at least 84.
KANO STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS SET FOR NOVEMBER 30TH
The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission has announced that local government elections will take place on November 30, 2024, according to Chairman Sani Malumfashi at a news conference in Kano on Wednesday(23 Oct.).
The election notice is set to be published on November 15, while nomination forms can be obtained from October 1 to October 11, and submissions are due by October 18, 2024.
Malumfashi stated that candidate screening will occur from October 18 to October 20, with the list of qualified candidates published on October 24, followed by the elections.
He added:
“We plan to release the results of the winners by December 10, 2024. This announcement is made under Section 103, Subsections 3 and 1 of the Electoral Act and the powers conferred on the Commission under Paragraph 3(4) of Part II, Third Schedule, Section 3(1) of the Kano Local Government Law 2004.”
He concluded by stating stated that the elections are being held in line with a Supreme Court ruling that gives local governments financial independence, ensuring the process follows the law.
94% TANZANIAN VOTERS REGISTER FOR NOVEMBER CIVIC ELECTIONS
In Tanzania, 31,282,331 eligible voters, representing 94.83%, have registered for the civic elections scheduled for November 27.
Mohamed Mchengerwa, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, reported on Wednesday (23 Oct.) that voters were registered in a span of 10 days, from October 11 to October 20.
“This is a big turnout of registered voters and the target was to enrol over 32.988 million voters,” he said.
Among the 31.282 million registered voters, 15.237 million are men and 16.046 million are women, with all 26 regions in Tanzania Mainland successfully registering voters.
RAMAPHOSA AFFIRMS RUSSIA’S ROLE AS A VALUED ALLY OF SOUTH AFRICA
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has emphasized Russia’s status as a “valued ally” and friend, acknowledging Moscow’s enduring support throughout the apartheid era.
During the BRICS summit (22-24 Oct.) in Kazan (Russia), Ramaphosa spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who replied that the bond between their nations is grounded in strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect.
Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with African nations like South Africa at the summit, which features over two dozen leaders and reflects his strategy to create alliances that counter Western authority.
While South Africa has remained neutral regarding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and abstained from UN votes against the invasion, it has pushed for conflict de-escalation by initiating an African peace mission to both Ukraine and Russia last year.
ELECTION OBSERVERS ARRIVE IN BOTSWANA AHEAD OF OCTOBER 30TH ELECTIONS
With the general elections approaching on October 30, Botswana is set to elect representatives for the 13th Parliament and local councils nationwide.
Ahead of that, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has initiated its observer mission in Botswana in preparation for the general election on October 30.
At the launch, the observers, headed by former Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, urged for peaceful and democratic elections in Botswana.
Observers from the Commonwealth and the African Union are also on the ground, having arrived last week to oversee Saturday’s advance poll for election workers, soldiers, and police. Meanwhile, although the SADC aims to uphold democratic values, it has faced criticism for ignoring irregularities in recent elections in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
In response to skepticism about its effectiveness, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi explained that the organization can only suggest changes to member states, not implement them.
Even with these issues, Botswana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lemogang Kwape guaranteed that observers will have complete access to monitor the elections.
KENYA TO SUSPEND AVOCADO, MACADAMIA NUTS EXPORTS
Kenya will halt the export of avocados and macadamia nuts to ensure only quality products enter the market, authorities stated on Tuesday (22 Oct.).
In a statement from Nairobi, Andrew Karanja, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, declared that the suspension of macadamia nut exports and harvesting will begin on November 2, 2024, and last until March 1, 2025.
“Dealers must submit their current stock for inspection, verification, and clearance by Nov. 15,” Karanja said.
He explained that harvesting and exporting immature macadamia nuts negatively impacts Kenya’s performance in the global market. To protect farmers during this period, Karanja announced that the government would establish a minimum price guarantee for locally sold produce.
According to Bruno Linyiru, director general of the AFA, the suspension of avocado exports starting October 25 aims to strengthen Kenya’s global market and reduce disruptions from harvesting unripe fruits.
Although air shipments of limited quantities will be allowed, sea transport is prohibited, and the AFA plans to reevaluate the situation in the first week of December.
NIGERIA TANKER EXPLOSION: DEATH TOLL RISES TO 181
The latest update on the Nigeria fuel tanker explosion incident indicates that the death toll has risen to 181, with over 70 individuals currently receiving intensive medical care.
Many individuals lost their lives at the scene, while others died en route to the hospital. Currently, over 70 people are injured and receiving treatment in medical facilities.
This comes after a fuel tanker caught fire and exploded in Majia, Jigawa state, following an accident while the driver swerved to avoid another vehicle, resulting in numerous casualties as people gathered to collect spilled fuel.
KEBBI STATE SETS NEW MINIMUM WAGE AT N75,000 FOR PUBLIC WORKERS
The Kebbi State Government has approved a minimum wage of N75,000 for civil servants, which was announced during the Governor’s presentation of the Minimum Wage Committee report.
Workers in Kebbi State eagerly anticipated a salary increase after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) reached an agreement with the Federal Government for a N72,000 minimum wage, which is slightly above the amount approved by the Nigerian Government.
Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala, revealed that the agreement followed extensive talks between state leaders and the labour union, headed by NLC President Joe Ajaero.
Both parties agreed to the N75,000 minimum wage, which Governor Nasir Idris confirmed would take effect from October salaries, with payment due within 72 hours.
6.5 MILLION CHILDREN VACCINATED AGAINST POLIO IN KENYA AND UGANDA
Over 6.5 million children were vaccinated in a cross-border polio campaign between Kenya and Uganda, launched in Bungoma District and Mbale District between October 3 and 6, 2024.
This coordinated effort follows the detection of six polioviruses in Kenya and one in Uganda in 2024, underscoring the importance of protecting every child, regardless of their proximity to an international border.
“Our health workers will vaccinate every child against polio door-to-door. Vaccination has eradicated many diseases in Uganda. We thank all our partners for their support in ensuring a polio-free future. Protect your children from paralysis & vaccinate today”. Said Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health of Uganda.
Health officials have implemented joint strategies at both national and regional levels, focusing on the ten districts along the 772-kilometer border between Kenya and Uganda.
“The Current Polio outbreak in Eastern Africa is fueled by heavy movement of high-risk populations between countries. The decision by the Governments of Kenya and Uganda to conduct two synchronized in October 2-6 and November 6-10 is a laudable effort support by the GPEI partnership”. – confirmed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Coordinator in Kenya, Charles Korir.
PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO TO LAUNCH $450M MANGANESE PLANT
President Akufo-Addo is expected to break ground for a $450 million manganese plant in Nsuta on November 25, 2024.
Minister Samuel A. Jinapor confirmed that preparations are almost complete and work could start before year-end.
During his October 23, 2024, visit to the Ghana Manganese Company, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor praised the company’s management for their dedication and revealed that its economic contributions will rise with the construction of a refinery plant, part of President Akufo-Addo’s natural resource vision.
Hon. Jinapor stressed that the project is about to begin, marking a major milestone for the government, as it shifts from raw exports to value addition, creating jobs and boosting revenue in the manganese sector.
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The post Top Stories in AFRICA this week: FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo, Tinibu new cabinet, Nigeria tanker explosion & more appeared first on YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE.
