Africa Intel

🇿🇦 Report holds Johannesburg authorities liable for deadly fire A report released following an inquiry into a devastating fire in downtown Johannesburg has found the City of Johannesburg and its entities responsible for the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 76 individuals. Conducted by retired Judge Sisi Khampepe, the inquiry revealed the City's "total disregard" for the building's dire condition, prompting recommendations for disciplinary action against the CEO of the Johannesburg Property Company, responsible for overseeing city buildings. Judge Khampepe further advocated for the demolition of the building and proposed the erection of a memorial plaque in honor of the victims, including children, who lost their lives in one of South Africa's worst disasters. #SouthAfrica @africaintel

🇹🇩 Chad's interim president votes to end military rule Chad's transitional President, Mahamat Deby Itno, cast his ballot in N'djamena on Monday, in a crucial presidential election aimed at ending three years of military rule. With ten candidates, including Prime Minister Succès Masra, and an electorate of 8 million registered voters, the election signifies a vital step towards restoring constitutional governance. Following his father's death in 2021, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno assumed power and has been committed to organizing timely elections to facilitate the return to democratic rule, reaffirming his dedication to the Chadian people and the democratic process. #Chad @africaintel

🇳🇬 Concerns mount over detention of investigative journalist in Nigeria The detention of Daniel Ojukwu, an investigative journalist associated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has sparked widespread concern for press freedom in Nigeria. Ojukwu was apprehended by Nigerian police in Lagos last Wednesday on allegations of violating the nation's cybercrime laws and subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC). The arrest is believed to be linked to an investigative report authored by Ojukwu last November, which scrutinized the actions of a senior government official, according to FIJ. Amid calls for his release from family members, civil society, and media advocacy groups, opposition figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have condemned Ojukwu's detention, highlighting the crucial role journalists play in upholding transparency within the government. #Nigeria @africaintel

🇹🇩 Chad holds historic presidential poll amid Sahel political shifts In a historic moment for Chad, the country gears up for its first presidential election in three decades. Originally slated for October 2022, the election faced postponements, triggering protests that were subdued by security forces. Now, as the nation prepares to cast its votes, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno emerges as a prominent contender, emphasizing promises of bolstering security measures, enhancing law enforcement, and addressing energy needs. With a spirited opposition challenging Déby, the election signifies a crucial turning point in Chad's political trajectory. #Chad @africaintel

🇹🇿 Cyclone Hidaya ravages Tanzania, causing damage and flooding Tanzania faces widespread devastation as Cyclone Hidaya unleashes heavy rains and fierce winds, exacerbating flooding woes. The storm, akin to a Category 1 hurricane, prompted a major blackout and disrupted ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. With over 150 fatalities already from previous flooding, the region braces for intensified rainfall and heightened flooding risks. Roads and small businesses suffer amid the chaos, affecting over 200,000 people across coastal areas. #Tanzania @africaintel

🇨🇩 Concern mounts as DRC prosecutors target Cardinal for judicial inquiry In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there's rising alarm as prosecutors initiate a judicial inquiry against Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa for alleged "seditious comments." Cardinal Ambongo, a key advisor to Pope Francis, faces accusations of "incitement" following his remarks on insecurity in the east during Easter Mass. The move has sparked swift reactions from clergy, human rights groups, and opposition figures, who see it as a troubling precedent against government criticism. The Catholic Church, long a vocal critic of corruption and human rights abuses, views the investigation as sacrilegious and fears it may deepen divisions in a nation already grappling with conflict in the east. #DRC @africaintel

🇹🇬 Togo's ruling party sweeps legislative poll with overwhelming majority The final provisional results of Togo's legislative election last month reveal a resounding victory for the ruling party, securing 108 out of 113 seats in parliament. President Faure Gnassingbe's UNIR party's decisive win follows the approval of contentious constitutional reforms by the outgoing parliament, potentially extending Gnassingbe's 19-year rule. The reforms, adopted in March, also ushered in a shift to a parliamentary system, altering the method of electing the president. Despite hopes from opposition parties to challenge UNIR's dominance, the election outcome underscores a significant political landscape shift. #Togo @africaintel

🇱🇷 Liberian president signs order to establish war crimes court On Thursday, Liberian President Joseph Boakai signed an executive order to create a war crimes court aimed at delivering long-overdue justice to victims of serious atrocities committed during the country's two civil wars. The conflicts, spanning from 1989 to 2003, were marked by widespread violence, including massacres, rape, and the use of child soldiers. Despite previous calls by a Truth and Reconciliation Committee for the establishment of a special court, no concrete steps were taken until Boakai's election last year. The President's proposal to establish the court was subsequently approved by Liberia's lower house and senate. Boakai expressed gratitude to the legislators and emphasized the importance of justice and healing for lasting peace. While the move has been welcomed by activists and civil society groups, some in Liberia have raised concerns that the court could reopen old wounds and potentially conflict with existing amnesty laws. Once operational, the court will adhere to international standards and address economic crimes as well. #Liberia @africaintel

🇳🇪🇷🇺🇺🇸✈️ Russian troops enter Niger Air Base hosting US Forces amid Junta's expulsion order According to an anonymous senior U.S. defense official, Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger, where U.S. troops are stationed. This development comes after Niger's junta ordered the expulsion of U.S. forces from the country. The military rulers of Niger have instructed the U.S. to withdraw its approximately 1,000 military personnel. Russian forces are reportedly utilizing a separate hangar at Airbase 101 in Niamey, Niger's capital, without mingling with the U.S. troops. This situation places U.S. and Russian troops in close proximity amid escalating military and diplomatic tensions over the conflict in Ukraine, prompting concerns about the future of U.S. installations in Niger after the withdrawal. #Niger #Russia #US @africaintel

🇹🇩🇲🇱 Junta governments in Chad and Mali face public backlash amid heatwaves and power outages Scorching temperatures and electricity outages in Chad's N'Djamena and Mali's Bamako are testing public support for junta-led governments, highlighting the struggle to provide basic services during extreme heatwaves in the Sahel region. Frustration mounts as recent outages exacerbate social tensions, particularly as both countries approach critical political junctures. Chad prepares for a presidential vote, seen as consolidating Mahamat Idriss Deby's rule, while Malian junta faces criticism for delayed transition to democracy amid worsening governance. Residents like Sylvie Belrangar and Bintou Traore voice grievances over unfulfilled promises and rising prices, underscoring the impact of inadequate infrastructure on daily life. The failure to address electricity shortages amplifies public discontent, with opposition figures denouncing junta's governance amidst humanitarian crises exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. #Chad #Mali @africaintel