PAN AFRICAN VISIONS MARKETING AFRICAN SUCCESS STORIES & MORE MAG 1220 Vol III, DEC. 2020. www.panafricanvisions.com Not All Dark and Gloomy The Year In Africa with Dr Chris Fomunyoh

Africa Defies The Odds In COVID-19 Response

Nigeria: Buffeted On All Sides, The Buhari Administration Gropes For Space

Cameroon: Another year ends with no solution in sight for Anglophone Crisis

Kenya: Towards Palpable Dividends from the Handshake

Ethiopian Airlines Flying The African Flag Even In Crisis PAN-AFRICAN PRO-AFRICAN

www.centurionlg.com Contents PAN AFRICAN VISIONs CONTENTS The Bright Sides of A Dreadful Year ______2 ca-Lawrence Freeman______31

Africa Remains The Land Of Promise For Billions of People-Dr 2020 Presidential elections: The Old Guard stands Firm _____ 36 Christopher Fomunyoh______4 A Tribute to African Men and Women We Lost in 2020 ______37 Buffeted On All Sides, The Buhari Administration Gropes For Cameroon: D&L Foretia Foundation will Continue Catalyzing Afri- Space______8 ca's Economic Transformation______41 COVID-19: Despite grim predictions, Africa leads in response, as Taking on the bottlenecks as AfCFTA takes off______43 the western world dabbles ______11 Flying The African Flag Even In Crisis:______46 African Geniuses Shine As Coronavirus Outbreak Cripples The Ethiopian Airlines And Its Fight Against Coronavirus______46 Globe______13

Rwanda: Israel NSO company boosts Rwanda Intelligence spy net- Africans Who Made Global Headlines in 2020 ______16 work capacity______49 Kenya: More Dividends From Uhuru – Raila Handshake_____ 20 Kenyans stealing babies from each other______50 2020 A Year Malawi's Political And Legal Systems Faced A Huge December: Of Bush Fallers, Broken Relationships, Fake Marriages Test ______22 & Other Scams______52 Another year ends with no solution in sight for Cameroon's Anglo- Africa's top 20 most influential plant breeders of 2020 an- phone Crisis______23 nounced______54 Zimbabwe after Mugabe: New Man in Charge but Challenges Still Q & A with Kingsley Pungong of Rainbow Football______54 the Same ______26

CAF: African football's 'new dawn' turns to dusk in Ahmad's Is Benin Turning Rogue Under Talon?______30 hands______57 Most US Administrations Have Not Had Good Policies On Afri-

Managing Editor Adama Makasuba, Graphic Designer Pan African Visions Ajong Mbapndah L Bah Uzman Unis, Atemnkeng Jerry M, Mohammed M Mupenda, (Young Jerry) 7614 Green Willow Court, Hyattsville, MD Contributors Pierre Afadhali EC designs, Abudhabi - UAE 20785 Wallace Mawire Teslim Olawore +971 52 863 7744 Deng Machol Nevson Mpofu [email protected] Tel: 2404292177, Papisdaff Abdullah Boris Esono Nwenfor email: [email protected], Ajayi Olyinka Amos Fofung Prince Kuripati [email protected] Jean d’Amour Mugabo Hategeka Moses Jessica Ahedor ______Asong Zelifac Samuel Ouma Advertising Primus Tazanu Email: Jorge Joaquim marketing@ Ishmael Sallieu panafricanvisions.com Koroma,

PAV - APR. 2019 - MAG 0419 Vol 3 1 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa The Bright Sides of A Dreadful Year By Ajong Mbapndah L ike most parts of the world, salutary gesture of things changing on term, its President Dr Akinwumi 2019 was a year of reckoning the continent. Adesina has spared no efforts in Lfor Africa on many counts. A Moving forward, now could be the providing a robust response from the year where lofty plans were scurried time for Africa to focus on alternative Bank to help African countries. by the COVID 19 pandemic. Precious or traditional medicine. Beyond At the African Union-AU, with lives were lost, stretched economies COVID, encouraging research on elections coming up, hopefully the became over stretched, businesses local remedies that could help other new leadership will be one that wrecked, tourism stymied, and even ailments could be useful. For all its reflects the aspirations of Africans electoral calendars in some countries importance, health care has never and not those of leaders who have were impacted. While many may see received the desired attention in most visions at odds with those of the 2020 as a year to completely write African countries. For even common people. More often than not, the AU off or forget, a lucid appraisal will ailments, there are many African has been absent in moments when it point to a number of positives for the leaders who will rush to Europe, the is most needed. It is shocking to see continent to build on. US, or Asia for treatment. COVID 19 the AU remain so indifferent to the Ajong Mbapndah L, Managing Editor According to statistics from Africa highlighted the need to rethink and crisis in the English-speaking regions December issue of PAV revisit key Centres for Disease Control and overhaul health care infrastructure of Cameroon. It speaks volumes when issues that defined 2020. Taking Prevention (Africa CDC), Africa in the continent. Thanks to COVID the AU goes mute in the face of leaders a look on the year in retrospect is currently has 2,361,271 confirmed and travel restrictions, the taxpayer doing away with term limits against Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior cases of COVID 19 cases, with Deaths funded incessant travels of African the wishes of their people. When Associate for Africa at the National 55,989 deaths, and 2,004,985 leaders abroad for health reasons, an Institution is quick to castigate a Democratic Institute for International recoveries. Knowing the kind of vacations and other mundane reasons military coup popularly backed by Affairs, NDI . A leading voice in Africa acute health care challenges and the were kept under check. Just the Malians, but indifferent to phony for decades, Dr Fomunyoh sheds light sad state of infrastructure in most savings from such curtailed activities constitutional changes in Guinea on major socio-political and economic countries, it is a miracle that Africa could be enough seed money to start and Cote’Ivoire to do away with term events that defined the year in Africa. has those numbers. At the forefront of a thorough overhaul of health care limits to enable their leaders remain As a global power, elections in the the continental wide response was the systems and infrastructure to better in power, there is a serious problem. USA always generate great excitement Cameroonian born Director of Africa serve people instead for waiting on the In addition to the elections at the and interests, and just as opinions CDC Dr John Nkengasong. From next crisis to start scrambling again. AU, many will actually be looking at were sharply divided in the USA on lockdowns, to travel restrictions, On the political front, while many progress on the African Continental the two candidates, so was the case testing measures, and others, many will think the year was defined by Free Trade Agreement-AfCTA. in Africa. From men of God indulged African countries worked hard to leaders like Alpha Conde of Guinea Touted as having great protentional to in all forms of ridiculous prophecies mitigate the ravages of the pandemic. and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire profoundly transform the continent, on the eventual winner, and offering In a sign of changing times, Africa doing away with constitutional COVID 19 slowed down plans for the answers as to why their prophecies was proactive in seeking its own provisions and imposing themselves launch of its effective implementation, could not come through, to fanatics solutions instead of waiting on the rest on third terms, the most exciting the hope is that things will pick up on who still believe the outcome as it of the world to bring solutions. We development may have come from that front in 2021. stands now will still be overturned, saw this in the efforts of Madagascar Malawi. Presidential elections The year 2020 ends on a dramatic many Africans have been passionate with COVID Organics which was deemed to have been rigged by note for African football with the fall about US politics this year, but are widely touted by President Andry incumbent President Mutharika were of Ahmad Ahmad the President of Africans actually conversant with Rajoelina as a remedy. While many annulled by the courts with an order the African Football Confederation, the US-African policy? Lawrence questioned the scientific validity of a rerun which effectively took place, indicted on charges of corruption. Freeman a political and economic of the Covid Organics, the effort and he was beaten by the opposition While this was not the end many analyst with thirty years of experience deserves credit especially when challenger. This development would have wished for him, it comes working on the continent takes a hard President Rajoelina went the extra represented a huge step forward for as no surprise as the man seemed lost look at the state of US-African ties in mile of making it available to so many democracy and hopefully the example and clueless from the get-go. How he an interview. African countries. Equally salutary can be emulated in other African replaced the venerable Issa Hayatou From the continental response to were the efforts of Archbishop Samuel countries. a man who toiled hard for decades to COVID 19, to the travails of Buhari Kleda of Douala, Cameroon who Building on these positives, there earn global respect for African football in Nigeria, the Anglophone crisis came up with his own herbal therapy should be a reason to hope that defied logic. In less than one term in Cameroon with no end in sight, which was credited by many for their 2021 will be a better year for Africa. of office, the ineptitude of Ahmad Kenya’s quest for a new dawn for its recovery. We saw Ethiopian Airlines In institutions like the African reduced CAF to a laughingstock acrimonious politics, to the heroes transporting supplies donated by the Development Bank-AfDB, the in global football. Few may miss and villains, a tribute to departed Jack Ma Foundation to beef up the continent has a solid and reliable him, but restoring the credibility, icons, the good riddance of Ahmad at African response. Morocco came up development partner. Solidly backed independence and forceful voice that the Confederation of African Football big in its own way with donations by African countries, when external CAF had under Issa Hayatou will take and more, the December issue paints to support the response in some partners threatened to scuttle his hard work. a portrait of Africa in 2020.Happy 15 African countries in yet another reelection to a richly deserved second As is customary we use this reading!! 2 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 3 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa Africa Remains The Land Of Promise For Billions of People-Dr Christopher Fomunyoh By Ajong Mbapndah L

In the midst of all the challenges, it was not all dark and gloomy for Africa, says Dr Fomunyoh

frica remains the land of that defined the year in Africa, Dr (WHO), for the continent’s 1.4 from Africans to be proactive in promise for billions of people Fomunyoh opines that in the midst of billion inhabitants, we have had seeking solutions and instead Aand we owe it to posterity all the challenges, it is not all dark and approximately 1.4 million Coronavirus of waiting for others to bring not to destroy or squander what the gloomy for the continent. cases and approximately 33,400 solutions for them? Lord and nature have graciously put COVID-19 related deaths. That’s far We cannot discount that our in stock for us, says Dr Christopher Thanks for accepting this less than other continents, but it’s still rich flora and the unique species of Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for interview to review the year in regrettable and heartbreaking. We medicinal plants that our continent Africa at the National Democratic Africa with PAV and we would must remain vigilant and respectful possesses can boost immune systems Institute for International Affairs, like to start with COVID 19, of preventive measures such as and contribute to other healing NDI. In an interview to review the what assessment do you make mask wearing, social distancing therapies for coronavirus and other year in Africa, Dr Fomunyoh says of the African response to the and other health measures. We ailments. The difficulties we face Africa must play to its strength. pandemic? must not lower our guard, especially for such a global pandemic are in “We are the youngest continent on To a large extent, Africa has been because the public health, social and being able to scale up and sustain the face of the globe, we have the most luckier than other continents in economic infrastructures of most of production on a national level youthful and resilient population, the sense that our worst fears and our countries are not robust enough and maintain quality control over the most diversity and untapped the cataclysmic projections about to withstand all the shocks of this therapies like the ones you mention. resources and wealth; and if we don’t likely deaths across the continent pandemic. value all of these assets, the rest of have not materialized. Yet we must What impact did the pandemic the world will continue to turn us a acknowledge that, like on every From people like Archbishop have on politics and democratic blind eye. We must respect our own continent, the COVID 19 pandemic Kleda in Cameroon with his progress on Africa which you lives and our own people for no one has had disastrous consequences herbal cure, to President are well versed with? else will do so in our place,” says in loss of lives and disruption of Rajoelina of Madagascar The overall impact of the Fomunyoh. economic and political activity. As touting the merits of COVID Coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic Fielding questions on major socio- of this interview, based on statistics Organics as a cure, may we on African politics has been very economic and political developments from the World Health Organization get your take on these efforts negative, as it has made it extremely 4 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

difficult for citizens to exercise their rights and continue their advocacy for political space and good governance. We saw that in a country such as Burundi, the government pushed through presidential elections in the heat of the crisis, and then the former Head of State who had been campaigning vigorously through that period lost his life from COVID-19 complications. Eswatini (former Swaziland) just lost its prime minister to the pandemic. Ethiopia was forced to postpone its elections because of the pandemic, and the inability to find consensus on the matter then led to a political crisis between the central government and leaders of one of the country’s regions - Tigray - that has now convulged into a full- blown armed conflict with thousands of casualties and lots of refugees and internally displaced persons. In other With the youngest continent on the face of the globe, the most youthful and resilient population, the most diversity countries such as Uganda and Guinea and untapped resources and wealth, if we do not value these assets, the rest of the world would not, says Fomunyoh Conakry, regimes with autocratic multipartism, and various instances have taken two steps forward and judged by history. Africa today tendencies are using the excuse of the during which even the Malawian multiple steps backward, hence giving yearns for leaders that can emulate pandemic to further clamp down on Defense Forces sided with citizens the impression of very fragile or yet the examples of South Africa’s citizens’ rights and various freedoms, for political pluralism and good uncompleted transitions. As many Nelson Mandela, or Liberia’s Ellen hence aggressively shrinking political governance. Lots of lessons to learn, of the Francophone countries are Johnson Sirleaf, Botswana’s Festus space, and that is so shameful! and surely much that the rest of us located in West Africa, the regional Mogae, Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete Africans should be grateful to the body (the Economic Community of and others that made their countries In Malawi, we saw a court Malawians for. West African states - ECOWAS) has and the continent proud when they overturn the results of in the past played an important role handed over power peacefully after Presidential elections won by We also did notice the in upholding democratic norms in the serving their terms in office. an incumbent and ordered for resurgence of the disturbing region, and around 2015 came close to a rerun won by the opposition, trend of leaders especially amending its protocol on governance You were in Ghana for the can you put some context on in French speaking Africa to provide specific protections of 2020 elections where President this and what lessons Africa changing term limits to remain presidential term limits. However, Nana Akufo Addo was could learn from this? in power with Guinea and Cote those efforts deserve to be reinforced proclaimed winner, but the Malawi turned out to be a beautiful d’Ivoire as key examples, what to avoid further backsliding. opposition is crying foul, how story in the midst of otherwise dark accounts for this setback for did the elections go from your clouds. We must thank the justices democracy and what needs to Today, many ask why should perspective? of the Supreme Court of Malawi for be done to avoid this becoming people trust the opposition In fact, although in the past 20 their courage and independence the new normal for African when leaders such as Professor years, Ghana has always experienced in applying the law. We also must countries? Alpha Conde in Guinea who very close and competitive elections, salute the tenacity and peaceful Despite the positive experiences fought for democratic reforms the 2020 polls seem to be the commitment of political parties and of countries such as Senegal and most of his adult life, and even closest both for the presidency and civil society organizations which, on Niger Republic, the alternation Alassane Ouattara in Cote the parliament. Ghana’s two main finding weaknesses in the previous of political power and renewal d’Ivoire, get to power only to parties -- the National Patriotic elections, sought legal redress instead of political leadership remain perpetuate and excel in the Party (NPP), and the National of resorting to violence as we’ve seen constant challenges in Francophone same undemocratic practices Democratic Congress (NDC) -- are in some countries. There’s something Africa. To date, only Benin, Mali they vowed to fight? both quite solid and do start every unique about Malawi as its people and Senegal have seen multiple That’s a very valid concern, and I election with a substantial base of have faced several challenges in the peaceful transitions from one elected believe pro-democracy advocates and support. As per the official results of path of the country’s democratic president to the next at the end of two civil society, as well as development the Electoral Commission, the next transition but have always risen to terms - and Senegal only after former partners should be urging these parliament will be divided right down meet and surpass these obstacles. I President Wade was defeated as he leaders to think about their legacies the middle and will require a lot of remember the 1993 referendum on ran for a third term. Other countries and how they think they will be tact and parliamentary agility and PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 5 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

collaboration to get elected officials on both sides to work together. With regards to the presidential race, the two main candidates and their respective parties set up their own data centers where they collected results from polling stations to track those officially announced by the Electoral Commission. I’m therefore hopeful that once they clean up their numbers, they will come to the same conclusion as the Commission. I’m very confident that both presidential candidates are men of peace and committed democrats who mean well for Ghana and the continent of Africa. They will not allow Ghana to go down the path of other countries that have experienced violence in the post- election period.

What lessons do you think other Dr Fomunyoh with President Issoufou of Niger whose country is cited today as one of the African countries can learn success stories in Francophone Africa in terms of democratic progress from Ghanaians? Many lessons indeed: For example, movement in Nigeria was a thing for their people and the country. the genuine grievances of the afflicted that regular peaceful elections can spontaneous demonstration of populations. be the norm in Africa. By holding how citizen dissatisfaction with In Cameroon, the Anglophone its elections on schedule every four government performance can erupt crisis continues to rage on with Despite the huge toll on years, and also taking steps to engage in unexpected ways. It all started as no end in sight, at this point people in the North West in electoral reforms after every a protest against police brutality, but in time, what do you suggest and South West Regions, the exercise, Ghana is proving that all then other grievances popped up in as a way forward to a lasting international community has that comes out of African elections is ways that the Nigerian government solution? remained so indifferent, why not doom and opacity, and Ghanaians may not have expected. A couple of It is incredibly sad and revolting to is the international community should be commended for that. lessons stand out for me, including the see what began as a citizen’s petition turning a blind eye to the crisis There’s open political space in Ghana fact that police brutality and violence regarding legitimate rights and in Cameroon? that allows civil society and media is unacceptable and must be stopped, grievances morphed into a crisis and Some countries within the to independently monitor the polls and governments must put in place now a full-blown armed conflict with international community have made without any incumbrances, to the mechanisms to listen to citizen its daily dose of killings and atrocities. multiple declarations on the conflict, point where a coalition of civic groups responses to their performance. I am As I have said since 2016, when the but their admonitions have fallen on (CODEO) now conducts parallel vote pleased that commissions are being crisis first broke, a military solution deaf ears. Even the last session of tabulations as a permanent fixture set up in various states across Nigeria is the worst approach to settling the United Nation Security Council in the process since 2008. Ghana to look into matters of social justice grievances that are long embedded meeting on December 9, 2020, also has strong and effective political and policing, and that Nigerian youth in historical facts and missteps. discussed Cameroon; however, by parties that make it easy to gain citizen and civic leaders are having a seat at The only solution is for genuine now, it should be clear to everyone input into the policy formulation the table to make their voices count negotiations among all parties, and that simple declarations and process and to run issue-based and their views heard. with third party facilitation. So much statements alone will not suffice. campaigns. I hope that Ghanaians death, damage and destruction have People are being killed and innocent will share freely of these experiences May we get your take on the befallen the English-speaking people lives lost daily in the North West as they exchange views and compare Building Bridges Initiative in of former Southern Cameroons. With and South West regions. We are in notes with other Africans. Kenya where fierce political now thousands of deaths, over 70,000 the 21st century, and world leaders rivals are trying to chart a new refugees in neighboring Nigeria, should not sit by idly or passively What do you make of the political discourse and path? over 800,000 internally displaced while these atrocities continue with EndSARS in Nigeria, with a That too is getting extremely and over 4.2 million people at risk absolute impunity. myriad of problems across the heated and polarizing, and we can of famine, everything must be done continent, is there something only wish that Kenyans, who have to bring the conflict to an end. The President Biya has been that other African countries gone through similar experiences international community and friends largely absent from the scene, could learn or draw from that? with past constitutional debates and of Cameroon must do more to help us and no one seems to know In my opinion, the ENDSARS reviews, are reminded to do the right bring an end to the war and address exactly who is in charge; how 6 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

important has his absence been as an impediment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict? To many descendants of Southern Cameroons, Paul Biya has become a huge part of the problem, and a lot has been documented about how his government’s mismanagement of the crisis has exacerbated it. When governing a country in conflict or crisis, leaders are known to exert themselves tirelessly in search for peace - in the Cameroon case we don’t see Biya doing that. It’s difficult to say who is giving the orders today, but individuals must know that, ultimately, they will be held accountable for their roles in the massacres and atrocities.

As the succession battle plays On Cameroon, Dr Fomunyoh says the only solution is for genuine negotiations among all out behind the scenes in parties, and with third party facilitation. Cameroon, there are some who have suggested that a President distress and hopelessness in which self-made man whose leadership in the continent worked so hard to from the English-speaking they find themselves. The situation music and culture were unrivaled. dismantle in the early 1990s, but that regions of the country could be is heartbreaking and depressing, He too was an African legend and seems to be resurfacing in a number one of the confidence building it is extremely difficult to project an ambassador for the continent. of countries. In that endeavor, we measures, do you agree? into the future while surrounded It’s still very difficult to imagine take comfort in knowing that of the That was the spirit of the Federation by the current dark clouds that risk that ‘Grand Manu’ is gone to his continent’s population of 1.4 billion that existed at reunification from annihilating a whole generation of final resting place. May the souls of people, more than 75 percent are 1961 - 1972. At the time, there was an our people. these departed African leaders rest youth 35 years or younger, a vast understanding as two equal entities The year in Africa also saw the in perfect peace and their memories majority of whom aspire to have a the positions of president and vice passing of big personalities from remain a blessing. strong say in the politics and public president could alternate between former Ghanaian President As we move into 2021, what will policy of their respective countries, leaders from the two cultural and Jerry Rawlings, to President the agenda for the NDI look like and to be governed justly and linguistic entities that formed the Nkurunziza of Burundi, South with regards to its engagement with democratically. Federal Republic of Cameroon. African iconic Lawyer George Africa? We end the interview with your Unfortunately, that too was abrogated Bizos, Manu Dibango and NDI and its various partner wish for Africa in 2021, what will you by Francophone leaders who began any word from you for these organizations are committed to like to see for the continent? a process of over centralization of departed Africans? working to reverse some of the The new year wish for Africa 2021, power and attempted assimilation Indeed, 2020 has been a very backsliding that we discussed is that we give our young men and of the Anglophones. At the fast rate difficult year at multiple levels. I earlier. For example, we are looking women the opportunities to lead. Our of today’s deterioration, I am fearful knew President Jerry J. Rawlings at providing multiple platforms for continent must play to its strength -- that if the conflict is not brought to personally, and had the pleasure on Africans to foster discussions on we are the youngest continent on the an end swiftly, it’ll go past the point many occasions to visit with him in how to safeguard and consolidate face of the globe, we have the most where simple elite bargains will be Accra, and to work closely with him the progress that has been made in youthful and resilient population, sufficient or credible enough to bring on the African Statemen’s Initiative some countries while drawing lessons the most diversity and untapped peace and harmony. which was a gathering of former from those successes to address resources and wealth; and if we don’t And a word on your own political African Heads of State that were very shortcomings in other countries. value all of these assets, the rest of the ambitions, if you are called upon by active in humanitarian and other For example, we are gladly joining world will continue to turn us a blind Cameroonians to answer the call for good causes across the continent. various African experts, advocacy eye. We must respect our own lives a new leadership in the country, is His sheer presence and personality, groups and civil society organizations and our own people for no one else that something you are willing to his positive energy and big vision for in what we hope will be a continent- will do so in our place. The continent consider? Africa are unmatchable. We will all wide conversation on constitutional still remains the land of promise for The challenges at hand demand miss him, just as his fellow country term limits and the rule of law as billions of people, and we owe it to that we all shelf our personal men and women of Ghana would. tenets of democratic governance. It posterity not to destroy or squander ambitions until we can get our people Manu Dibango was also a class act is important to curb the resurgence what the Lord and nature have out of the total mess and sense of of a legend - the world-renowned of ‘life presidents’, something that graciously put in stock for us. PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 7 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa Buffeted On All Sides, The Buhari Administration Gropes For Space By Richard Mammah hough they had spent quite had not sought permission from the a lot of their political capital military to harvest produce merely Tattempting to give a good expose the misleading claims that our face to the Muhammadu Buhari military had secured vast territories administration, it is looking quite from the insurgency. obvious now that for many of the ‘These killings and the reality they Northern political elite, the parlous expose will make relocation of citizens security situation in the region has and resumption of economic activities indeed taken its toll on their faith a lot more difficult to achieve even for in the government and they may a leadership that attaches priority to presently have reached ‘the tipping them, and this administration does point’ in terms of their frustration not. over the seeming inability of the ‘Elsewhere in many parts of the President Buhari is asailed by criticisms from all angles in government to address it. North, many farming communities Nigeria. In the past few days and weeks, have not been allowed by bandits the din of criticism coming from public servants, serving and retired, attention to the lack of a political will and kidnappers to plant crops. Those the region on the failings of the NEF in its latest assessment of the to fight the Boko Haram insurgency who did are being prevented from administration on most notably the administration could almost not find and other threats such as banditry, harvesting by these same criminals. security turf have been getting louder. anything to salvage! rustling and kidnapping. ‘The prospects for famine are real From the Sultan of Sokoto to the In a statement signed by NEF ‘We had offered suggestions on in the face of limited production of Northern Elders Forum and on to Director, Publicity and Advocacy, how the security infrastructure could food in many of our communities. members of the National Assembly Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the group be improved and the leadership of the ‘Under this administration, life from the region - many of whom lamented the recent beheading of 43 military could be made more effective. has lost its value, and more and belong to the ruling All Progressives farmers in Borno State and expressed ‘Obviously, along with advice and more citizens are coming under the Congress alongside the president - its shock over the remarks reportedly concerns from many other Nigerians, influence of criminals. the dam has literally been opened and made by the Senior Special Assistant these have made no impression on ‘We do not see any evidence of a the torrent of criticism is now almost to President Muhammadu Buhari on President Muhammadu Buhari. willingness on the part of President unstoppable. Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, ‘These particular killings have Buhari to honour his oath to provide Very dramatically, the spate of that the slaughtered farmers did been greeted by the most insensitive security over Nigerians. criticism has since percolated over not receive clearance from security response by spokespersons of the ‘In civilized nations, leaders who unto the National Assembly which personnel to go to their farms! President. fail so spectacularly to provide the incumbent administration had ‘We have consistently drawn ‘The lame excuse that farmers security will do the honourable thing reportedly taken a more and resign,’ the statement than casual interest at its very tersely expressed. emergence in ensuring that Other long-term and it would not have leaders newly emergent critics of the who would rock the boat. administration are not left But faced with the reality out. The main opposition of body bags everywhere, political formation, the the lawmakers are also now Peoples Democratic Party, being compelled to be more PDP is enraged and scores than yes-men and women of civil society activists have to the Presidency. They are also risen up in arms to call asking tough questions, the administration to order. demanding tougher action Indeed in some extreme and also now summoning the cases, the calls go beyond President! faulting the administration’s Perhaps the most trenchant tepid approach to security of the administration’s sector management and go critics is the Northern on to asking the President to Elders Forum, NEF. A resign and quit the nation’s body that is composed of The Northern Elders Forum has slammed President Buhari for not doing top-rank political stage. academics, technocrats and enough to curb rising insecurity.Photo courtesy Predictably, spokespersons 8 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

for the administration have lampooned these calls.

A tough year Indeed The distressing security crisis in most notably, the Northern part of Nigeria is not the only point of concern in the country today. Indeed, Nigeria has had a year like not many before it in recent times in terms of the toll that a lot of the untoward developments that have been recorded this far in the year have taken on citizens and residents of the country. It has been the year of the #EndSARS protests by young people who are demanding an end to police brutality in the country. It has also been the year when Nigeria slipped into its second bout of economic recession in the The Endsars protests have rattled Nigeria for the last couple of months . Photo AP,Sunday Alamba five years that General Muhammadu Buhari has held sway in the country. for the introduction of a six-zone with the tepid management of the stop borrowing to pay senators and It has also been the year of the most structure, the implementation of #EndSARS protests and the police funding their expensive lifestyles. debilitating COVID-19 pandemic and a regime of fiscal federalism that now formally moving to not only With what we saw in 2020, it’s the associated season of lockdown incorporates the principle of resource delegitimise protests but to get the obvious that the older generation that followed. control, and the reorganization courts to quash the ongoing work has not gotten what it take to move Going further, it has also been the of the policing framework of the of the judicial panels of inquiry that the country forward. We now need year of the closure of Nigeria’s land country to now formally allow for had been put up this far. While the more young people in government; borders with its West and Central the introduction of state and regional Inspector General of Police, IGP they understand more how the 21st African neighbours and in the midst police formations that would more has since disassociated the force century works. of this also, the time of Nigeria’s frontally assist the Nigeria Police from the suit and now taken steps eventually commencing the process Force in the countrywide resolution to discontinue it, the claim by Police The journalist and commentator of ratifying the landmark African of security threats and incidents. Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba that adds a caveat: Continental Free Trade Agreement, the Force Legal Officer whose office ‘Not young people from the class AfCFTA. The departing year has What does Buhari want? reportedly initiated the process has of the sons and daughters of our indeed been a mixed bag, a challenging In the midst of all the hoopla been queried over his role in the politicians but young people who have season whose tough demands for going on in the country currently, entire saga raises further questions groomed themselves through reading discipline and adjustments can now commentators say that the entire as to how decisions of such a weighty and proper learning, as without this no longer be faulted. Without putting season of discontent is being further nature could have been taken in we don’t expect to see any real change. it in very many words, it is a year fuelled by the fact that President the first place and effected without It will keep taking us back if we have that many in Nigeria would not very Muhammadu Buhari may not be due clearance by the IGP or even by someone like Buhari as president in quickly forget in a hurry. responding as vibrantly as the people the President himself. So who is in the future again. Nothing will change’ would want him to. charge? More than casual solutions For many of his critics, the It may very well be some of these For Maurice Okoro, an educationist, As the Nigerian crisis continues to administration’s continuing to keep acts of chicanery that continue to public affairs commentator and fester and produce quite convoluted the embattled service chiefs in office upset many of the young people reading promoter, some of the expressions, discussions are going and its failure to respond to cries of of Nigeria who have now begun to required adjustments he would want on everywhere as to how best the business players and residents of mobilise on twitter once again for a to see at the moment would include challenges are to be addressed. In all closed border communities continue resumption of the shelved #EndSARS the immediate opening of the nation’s of the brainstorming, one idea that is to sustain a negative image for it. This protests. land borders, the sacking of the current gaining massive traction is the call for has equally not been helped by the Across the country also, polity service chiefs, the restructuring of a comprehensive restructuring of the clearly not very empathetic tone used watchers are raising questions as to the country, undertaking a probe of country. by senior administration officials what should be done at this time to the Buhari administration and the While there is no consensus yet when they come out to the public address the many political, economic resignation of the President and the on the exact shape that the exercise domain to clarify actions taken by the and security challenges in the land Federal Executive Council. Clearly, should take, some of the component administration. going forward. Nigerians are simply in no mood to elements that have been raised this far There is the equally perplexing Says Izuchukwu Ahuchaogu: take hostages! in the discussions include suggestions turn of events which came to the fore ‘I think the Government should PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 9 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

10 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs COVID-19: Despite grim predictions, Africa leads in response, as the western world dabbles By Andrew Nsoseka hen COVID-19 was declared a health Wpandemic by the World Health Organisation, many experts expressed predictions and fears that the virus will turn Africa into a graveyard, especially as it was overwhelming health systems throughout the developed world. Relying on the fact that the continent is mostly covered by fragile health systems, many said such health systems doted over the continent will crumble, when the virus gets into Africa. Also, many, judging from the fact that poverty still remains a stumbling block in the continent, said Africans wouldn’t be able to follow the prescribed measures because most live under the poverty line, and as such, cannot afford to stop work and isolate. Egypt reported Africa’s first case of COVID-19, when a Chinese national A traveller has his temperature taken at Kotoka Airport in Accra,Ghana.Photo Francis Kokoroko,Reuters. flew into Cairo, and tested positive for the virus. In Sub-Saharan Africa, travel restrictions to limit the number to have on Africa. Given the fragile over two million covid-19 cases out the first case was reported in Nigeria of those who get into and out of the health systems and lack of structures of the world’s 62.8 million, and over on February 28. When first cases of country, to ensure that they were not and trained experts, coupled with 51 thousand out of the world’s 1.46 the virus were reported in the African helping to spread the virus. In some poverty that was expected to worsen million registered deaths. Theories continent, fear was rife, because countries like Cameroon, fines were the COVID-19 fight in Africa, the have been propounded by experts judging from expert predictions and instituted for those who broke some world feared for the continent. and observers to explain why Africa with reports of how the virus was COVID-19 prescriptions, like moving However, Africa shocked the is outperforming the rest of the world. devastating Europe and the rest of the around without putting on a mask. world, as it has continually proven In an interview with Financial western world, whose superior health Africa quickly erected and to be the least affected continent in Times, the Director of Africa CDC, systems were overwhelmed, most implemented strict lockdown and respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nkengasong said when the virus people, including Africans knew that barrier measures, some of which In the midst of the widespread and reached Africa, he convened an the continent had no fighting chance. were prescribed by the World Health corresponding deaths, many began emergency two-day meeting of health “We watched with total fright and Organisation. Such measures, to question why the African continent ministers in Addis Ababa. “I have awe what was happening in Europe. including those of the government was seemingly doing well compared never been this serious in my life,” We knew we had no chance if that were forcible implemented and in to the rest of the world. Explanations he told FT. The meeting of Africa’s happened here on that scale.” John some cases, corporal punishment like the absence of widespread testing health ministers was quickly followed Nkengasong, the Director of Africa meted out on defaulters in some in Africa did not hold water. This was by that of the African Union leaders, Centres for Disease Control and states throughout the African nation. because even if the continent had who held weekly conferences to share Prevention, Africa CDC told The Several weeks after the virus massive undiagnosed cases, deaths notes “I don’t know any continent that Financial Times. touched down on Africa, the many throughout the peak period were rallied that quickly,” Nkengasong told After the virus was reported in predictions from scientists and judged by experts to be relatively FT. Africa, many expected a speedy commentators were not coming benign. Some of these moves, equally spread, and a corresponding number to pass. The continent recorded helped a great length in the of deaths. Faced with this, many thousands of cases, and also deaths, Theories to explain COVID-19’s continents handling of the pandemic. African states quickly introduced the magnitude of which was nothing benign effect on Africa However, many other reasons have lockdowns to slow the spread of the near the grim predictions made about At the end of November 2020, been provided to explain why Africa virus. Many equally put in place the impact the virus was expected Africa had registered just slightly seemingly tamed the virus, when the PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 11 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

rest of the world is dabbling in and out of lockdowns and outbreaks that are fast determining their everyday way of life, when most of Africa is gradually returning to life as normal, except for other life huddles that predate the coronavirus. Atanga Anye Louis, a Public Health Specialist working in Buea, regional capital of Cameroon’s Southwest region told Pan African Visions that the season and climate factor may be one of the reason for the huge number of cases in most of the developed world, and for relatively fewer cases and deaths in Africa. On another reason, he stated “I also think there is the aspect of immunity, because flu or influenza has always been a problem in the developed Dr John Nkengasong of Africa CDC is credited for initiating the robust response that came from African countries.Photo Reuters world, meanwhile flu has never been an issue in Africa, we do sometimes Africa with a vast youthful population disease outbreaks. Some theories Apart from very few cities in Africa, have cases of flu, but it is difficult cannot face the same predicament as hold that as the centre of the world the continent is largely judged to have to find severe cases of flu. I want to the rest of the world. The Mo Ibrahim in issues of health crises, Africa a lower population density than the think that because of our genetic Foundation states that almost 60 per has learned enough and managed rest of the world, which slows down build, maybe we do have some degree cent of Africa›s population in 2019 was considerable outbreaks, and unlike the spread of the virus. of immunity or resistance, and that is under the age of 25, making Africa the the rest of the world, it managed the Other experts have also claimed why the impact of the virus is not as world›s youngest continent. The UN’s coronavirus much better. that in Africa, the population travels severe in Africa, as it is in the rest of demographic projections points that The fact the African continent has less compared to other continents. the world.” Mr Atanga said. Africa’s 2020 median age is 19.8. a spaced population has also been Since the virus is moved by humans Some theories hold that since the Africa in the eye of the rest of the theorised to be one of the reasons the through travel, experts have claimed virus is more deadly amongst the old, world, has been the epicentre of continent is doing better than others. that the fact that the continent travels less, has helped it immensely especially with the introduction of travel restrictions. South African Comedian, and Host of the Daily Show, Trevor Noah joked that the rest of the world only expects Africa to win contests like carrying baskets on the head, but that the continent shocked the world as it emerged as the best responder to the coronavirus pandemic. “Because Africans know first-hand what a disease can do to people, they didn’t take any chances with covid-19”. Trevor Noah said. Though only research will prove what Africa did, or has that the western world failed to do, or lacked, the continent is leading the world, when it comes to handling the coronavirus. Africa’s handling of the pandemic has perplexed experts and scientists who predicted doom for Africa. Story 3 Pic 3.Residents with face masks at a bus stop in Cape Town,South Africa.Photo Dwayne Senior, Bloomberg.jpg 12 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs African Geniuses Shine As Coronavirus Outbreak Cripples The Globe By Amos Fofung a herbal tonic “Covid-Organics. The remedy contains Artemisia annua, (Sweet wormwood) a plant often used to treat malaria. Over the year, the remedy continued to gain momentum across the continent and was ordered by Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Congo- Brazzaville. Reports indicate that it will has been distributed to at least 14 other countries in Africa. At the time of this report, Madagascar had 17,341 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 251 deaths. This places the island nation among the least affected countries in Africa and the world. Due to mounting pressure, Archbishop Samuel Kleda said his COVID-19 herbal remedy called Essential Oils has treated Madagascar agreed to have its herbal thousands in the Central African sub region tonic developed by the Malagasy s the sun sets on 2020, relaxing its coronavirus guidelines COVID-19 in Cameroon,» said bishop Institute of Applied Research tested many countries are while the US, with a sophisticated Kleda who has over 30 years of by another country. Aexperiencing second and healthcare system as its other medicinal plant research experience, South Africa expressed willingness third waves of coronavirus disease Western counterparts, is on its way to especially on herbal treatment. to assist Madagascar to undertake 2019 (COVID-19), bringing a fresh its third peak, and has reported more Cameroon currently has 24,022 scientific analysis of COVID Organics. wave of lockdowns in countries like than 14.3 Million cases with over two confirmed cases, with just 437 ‹›We received a call from the France, the United States, and United hundred and sixty-seven thousand deaths, and had long relaxed its anti- government of Madagascar, which Kingdom or restrictions to daily life deaths. coronavirus guidelines. asked for help with scientific with hospitals systems being pushed Away from Cameroon, traditional research,›› Health Minister Zweli to the brink. The rise of Africa Geniuses remedies against covid-19 are Mkhize, said in a Twitter post. As of November 25, the global At the Douala Metropolitan also been promoted in Nigeria, ‹›Our scientists would be able to death toll had reached 1,412,223, with Archdiocese, in Cameroon’s most Madagascar, South Africa, and assist in the research. We will only get 18% (259,976) from the United States populous city, His Grace Samuel many other African states who involved in a scientific analysis of the alone. The number of confirmed Kleda, Archbishop of the diocese had insist their traditional plants when herb,›› he added. global cases stood at 59,905,468. some months ago began concocting a concocted mitigate and even kills the However, even though no vaccine herbal remedy against coronavirus. coronavirus in humans without side Africa CDC’s Timely Actions has been made publicly available, He initially administered it to effects. Since its outbreak in 2019, in the the African seems to have found a 500 people including patients A Nigerian biotechnologist and Chinese city of Wuhan, the Africa better way of handling the pandemic and doctors who after taking the professor at the University of Jos, Center for Disease Control (CDC), thereby reducing its mortality rate on medicine recovered from the virus. Innocent Ogbonna, claims he has an under the leadership of its director the continent. The government of Cameroon had herbal treatment for COVID-19 that Dr. John Nkengasong has been According to the BBC tracker, the since sent health officials to work is “more potent” than a popular tonic instrumental in tackling the spread of total confirms cases in Africa stands and collaborate with the priest on made in Madagascar thus fueling the coronavirus across Africa. at 2,070,981 with only 276,227 active how to test its effectiveness and hopes in the plant-based treatment. Dr. Nkengasong attributes the low cases and 49,732 deaths. make available the remedy to the This has led countries like Tanzania mortality of coronavirus to a «joint Epidemiologists had expected weak population of over 23 million. and Liberia to import the brew and to continental effort», which focused on health systems in Africa to crumble Archbishop Samuel Kleda claims also develop their own. «scaling up testing and following up under the weight of Covid-19. But the herbal potion he concocted several The most popular herbal treatments contact tracing and very importantly eight months into the pandemic, months ago has healed people in the making news from Africa is from the masking», or the wearing of face Africa with a population of 1.3 billion, central African country and beyond island nation of Madagascar where masks. is waxing strong with most states of coronavirus. «We have defeated President Andry Rajoelina promoted «In many countries, including PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 13 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa Ethiopia where I live, if you go to the streets of Addis Ababa you will see there is almost 100% masking,» he added saying Africa›s relatively young population also contributed to the low number of cases. Furthermore, the emphasis on community-driven initiatives, and experience in contact-tracing from fighting diseases like Ebola, had helped countries to tackle the virus, he said. The Africa CDC boss had held several webinars to analyze responses from the continent since the first case was reported in Egypt on February 14, 2020. His prompt response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the continent has greatly reduced the impact of the outbreak in the continent as opposed to elsewhere in the world. Tanzanian Foriegn Minister Palamagamba Kabudi speaks in Dar es Salaam after receiving a donation of Covid Organics from Madagascar. Photo Xinhua. One of the health webinars which sought to assets coronavirus com, Harvard University, foreign Presenting quantitative data on the “must be won”. impact on the African and how investment network and the US impact in Africa, the least hit habited On measures taken by African the diaspora can effectively assist Chair of congressional black Caucus continent, Dr. Nkengasong did not CDC, Dr. Nkengasong said, “once we the continent was attended among who doubles as chair of the house mince word when he stated that knew that we were at risk, we trained others by representatives from the of representatives subcommittee on “globally we are at war with covid-19”. technics to conduct surveillance and Constituency for Africa, allafrica. Africa Global Health among others. A war he went ahead to emphasized airport training, trained countries on risk communication, clinical care, and management, used 3 weeks to train and armed health experts on surveillance and how to test patients and medical response among others.” Thanks to efforts from Dr. Nkengasong, Africa CDC rallied the World Health Organization to launch an expert advisory committee/panel to provide independent scientific advice and support to countries on the safety, efficacy, and quality of traditional medicine therapies. The 25-member Regional Expert Committee on Traditional Medicine for COVID-19 will support countries in collaborative efforts to conduct clinical trials of traditional medicines in compliance with international standards.

Dr. Nkengasong attributes the low mortality from coronavirus to a joint continental effort

14 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Africans Who Made Global Headlines in 2020 By Prince Kurupati he year 2020 is fast cure. At one point, he stated coming to an end. For that the skepticism shown Tmost people, the year by some emanates from the 2020 is one to be forgotten as fact that Covid-Organics the world had to fight (and is was found by an African still) a deadly pandemic known country, if it had been any as COVID-19. However, other American or European despite the challenges that country, the reception would 2020 brought about, there be different. are some individuals who “What is the problem with managed to achieve some Covid-Organics, really? Could incredible feats. Some of the it be that this product comes feats relate to humanitarian from Africa? Could it be that matters, politics, economics, it’s not OK for a country like and science while others Madagascar, which is the 63rd made significant strides in poorest country in the world… finding long lasting cures and to have come up with (this vaccines for COVID-19. In President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar drinks a sample of Covid concoction) that can help save Organics at the launch of the remedy on April 20,2020.Photo AFP this article, we are going to the world?” Rajoelina asked. take time in sharing with all readers Realizing the popularity of was safe and effective. Africans who made global headlines Archbishop Kleda’s herbal cure, As soon as Covid-Organics was Dr John Nkengasong in 2020. the Cameroonian government had released, Madagascar began to (Cameroon) to intervene sending a team of witness a reduction in the number Dr John Nkengasong is a virologist Archbishop Samuel Kleda of researchers and doctors to determine of infected cases. At one point, the who is the director of Africa Centres Douala (Cameroon) the validity of Kleda’s claimed cure. country had to go for several weeks for Disease Control and Prevention As the world is currently battling Once the outcome of the investigation without recording any new cases. For (Africa CDC). Africa CDC was the corona virus pandemic, we saw is proved to be true, the government many, including the skeptical, they established by the African Union to it befitting to start off with one man has promised to make the herbal cure started to view this as testament that support member states’ public health who announced that he has found more widely available. Covid-Organics was indeed a safe and initiatives and strengthen public a cure for COVID-19. Early on in In the meantime as the government effective cure and thus they started to health institutions’ capacity to detect, May when the corona virus was just researchers and scientists continue embrace it. Many African countries prevent, control and respond to starting to show off its devastating doing their work, Archbishop Kleda approached the Madagascar disease threats and outbreaks quickly side, one cleric in Cameroon by the said he would continue administering government looking to get their own and effectively. When the COVID-19 name Archbishop Samuel Kleda the treatment to patients who sought share of the miracle cure and found pandemic started to take its toll, Dr made some bold remarks stating that help from him. He said his goal as a the Madagascar government readily John Nkengasong was appointed as he had found a cure for COVID-19. servant of God was to help poor and willing to help its African sisters. the WHO Special Envoy for Africa. Archbishop Kleda’s cure is a herbal suffering people hence the reason Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, In this role, Dr John Nkengasong has remedy which he concocted himself. he will continue administering the Nigeria, Liberia, Senegal, DRC and worked tirelessly in coordinating the In an interview with state media treatment free of charge to all people. Tanzania are some of the countries African response to COVID-19. CRTV, Archbishop Kleda said that he that received their own batches of In an interview of ReliefWeb, Dr had over 30 years of medicinal plant Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar) Covid-Organics. John Nkengasong said his work research experience and it is this Earlier in the year when COVID-19 In as much as the Madagascar was made easier by the fact that experience which helped him to come was starting to show its ugly face, people and other African countries COVID-19 didn’t start in Africa. up with the COVID-19 cure which he the President of Madagascar, Andry embraced Covid-Organics, the World This gave him time to quickly calls Essential Oils. Rajoelina made some bold remarks Health Organization (WHO) and strategize on how Africa could best Soon after his remarks, many stating that his country had found a the African Union including other prepare for the pandemic. As the people in Cameroon flocked to the cure for COVID-19. The said cure is a scientific bodies remained skeptical pandemic was starting to cause Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Doua herbal concoction made from locally saying they would only approve of havoc in other continents, Dr John la in search of the precious available plants in Madagascar. Covid-Organics’ safety and efficacy if Nkengasong realized that Africa by COVID-19 herbal cure. Amongst When the Madagascar president clinical trials are done first. the second week of February only those who received the herbal cure, made the remarks, he stated that Despite the skepticism shown by had two countries (Senegal and many of them who were interviewed his government had already done scientific bodies, the AU and WHO, South Africa) that could diagnose by different media houses testified some tests (albeit with a rather small President Rajoelina remained defiant COVID-19. To address this challenge, that the cure was of great help as it population) and had proven that the stating that Covid-Organics is safe Dr John Nkengasong together with managed to heal them. herbal cure known as Covid-Organics and effective for use as a COVID-19 his team quickly brought together PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 15 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa representatives of laboratories from When most African 16 African countries, trained them countries were struggling and gave them diagnostic equipment. to raise adequate funds to They repeated the exercise in cohorts purchase personal protective with representatives from other equipment and other African countries to ensure that necessary tools required in every country on the continent could the fight against COVID-19, diagnose COVID-19 on its own. Chinese business magnate After this, Dr John Nkengasong’s Jack Ma announced that focus turned towards infection he through his Jack Ma prevention and control. Recognizing Foundation would be helping that it would be devastating if health the African continent to personnel in African countries would better fight the pandemic be infected in large numbers (as by availing COVID-19 this would derail the fight against donations. The donations COVID-19), Dr John Nkengasong came in three rounds with all together with his team brought African countries benefitting. representatives of 35 countries in On each round, Africa Nigeria and trained them on infection received masks, swabs and prevention and control. Another test kits, ventilators, sets training was done in Kenya which of protective clothing, face brought about representatives of shields, temperature guns, more than 30 countries for training body temperature scanners in enhanced airport, airline and and pairs of gloves. Dr Akinwumi Adesina earned a second term and has placed the port-of-entry screening. The next Speaking after receiving AfDB as one of the most credible partners in helping Africa bounce task was to train health personnel on donations for the third back from COVID 19 communicating risk to the general round, the director of Africa CDC year, Malawi’s Constitutional Court votes and Lazarus Chakwera was duly public and this was done in Tunisia. Dr John Nkengasong said, “Getting judge Healey Potani said, “In every declared the winner of the fresh polls As a last step in coordinating an diagnostics and medical equipment election there are irregularities. with 58.57 per cent of the vote. An African response to COVID-19, Dr for COVID-19 response is a global However, in the present case, the elated Chakwera speaking after the John Nkengasong working with the challenge. Africa is in a fierce irregularities were widespread and election re-run said, “This is a win for African Union convened a meeting competition with the developed world systematic and affected the result… Malawians, it is a win for democracy, of all health ministers where it with respect to the availability of We order the nullification of the a win for justice… It is a win that will was agreed that there need to be a commodities. These donations from election… We further order that a enable this nation to really reset and coordinated continental strategy that the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba fresh election be held in accordance begin to build a new kind of Malawi hinges on cooperation, collaboration, Foundation have been an incredible with the law and pursuant to in which all of us together will be coordination and communication. initiative helping to feed the need directions we will make soon. We also involved.” This led to the establishment of the for medical supplies by African order that elections should be held Africa Task Force for Coronavirus countries.” within 150 days.” Akinwumi Adesina (Nigeria) Preparedness and Response. The landmark ruling was warmly 2020 saw Akinwumi Adesina Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi) greeted by many both within the being reelected to run for a second Jack Ma (China) *Not African In a historic development borders of Malawi and beyond as term as the president of the African but included owing to his certainly on the African continent, it demonstrated the independent Development Bank (AFDB). However, generosity in helping in Africa’s a constitutional court managed to nature of Malawi’s Judiciary. The Adesina’s path to his second term in fight against COVID-19 annul the results of a presidential plaintiffs were then losing opposition office was by no means smooth sailing This article seeks to expose Africans election and ordered fresh polls! candidates Lazarus Chakwera and as he faced numerous challenges who made global headlines in 2020. Africa for so long has been marred Saulos Chilima. The two challenged that threatened to derail not only his The first part of the article focused by allegations of electoral fraud the result, alleging that the tally reelection but also taint his career. on Africans who have achieved and violence. However, despite the sheets were tampered with and that According to the Business Day great feats when it comes to fighting numerous reports of electoral fraud some polling stations used correction Nigeria, Adesina’s re-election can COVID-19. When it comes to Africa’s and violence, only once (Kenya in fluid to alter the results. be likened ‘to a warrior who won an response to fighting COVID-19, it 2017) had an election been annulled Soon after the Constitutional almost impossible battle as he was would be a miscarriage of justice to based on the reports. That changed Court ordered fresh polls, Lazarus faced with a lot of issues which would exclude one man (albeit non-African) in 2020 as Malawi’s Constitutional Chakwera and Saulos Chilima have posed as threats for a second that is, Jack Ma whose generosity with Court annulled the country’s 2019 joined forces as they entered into an tenure’. Three months before he was COVID-19 donations greatly helped presidential results ordering fresh alliance. The objective – to force then expected to be re-elected, the former many African countries to better fight polls. incumbent Peter Mutharika out of Nigerian minister of Agriculture was the novel corona virus pandemic. Reading his ruling earlier on this office. 6.8 million Voters cast their questioned after a string of corruption

16 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

and abuse of office allegations from his own staff. The staff calling themselves ‘Group of Concerned Staff Members of the AFDB’ claimed that Adesina was using the bank’s resources for self- promotion and personal gain while also paying out huge but underserved severance packages to staff who resigned mysteriously, and favouring his fellow Nigerians. AFDB using its own internal investigation unit opened an investigation to look into the allegations but found no evidence to prove any wrongdoing on the part of Adesina. The outcome however wasn’t accepted by the US Treasury Department which immediately called for an ‘independent’ investigation. US Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said, “We have deep Samantha Murozoki provided food for hundreds of people in Chitungwiza, Harare, when Zimbabwe was on lockdown. Photo Jekesai Njikizana, AFP. reservations about the integrity of the committee’s process. Instead, development from infrastructure to the shrinking of incomes for many we urge you to initiate an in-depth Paul Kagame (Rwanda) service sector investments. families hence hunger. With the little investigation of the allegations Rwanda has become an emblem she had, she decided to offer children using the services of an independent of economic development on the Samantha Muzoroki something to eat every morning. outside investigator of high African continent and beyond. This (Zimbabwe) Unbeknown to her however, professional standing.” Soon after, a has largely been necessitated by the They say heroes and heroines her work inspired many and soon, tribunal was set up chaired by former country’s president, Paul Kagame emerge during troubling times. individuals and cooporates began to Irish President, Mary Robinson. The who has been at the forefront in During the troubling COVID-19 donate food and money to help her tribunal just like the ethics committee pushing a development oriented pandemic, one heroine has emerged continue her excellent humanitarian before it exonerated Adesina. agenda. The year 2020 was no in Zimbabwe by the name Samantha work. Nowadays thanks to the The tribunal’s findings paved the different with other recent years as Muzoroki. Samantha Muzoroki is an donations she receives from way for Adesina to compete for a Rwanda continued its developmental immigration lawyer by profession but various individuals and cooporates, second term and he was unanimously trajectory. However, what makes she found a new ‘profession’ during Samantha is able to provide two meals reelected by the Board of Governors 2020 particularly special to Rwanda the national lockdown in Zimbabwe per day (breakfast and supper) to with a 100 per cent vote at the end of is the fact that 2020 is the year that that of, feeding children, the poor and children, the poor and the vulnerable. the Bank’s 2020 Annual Meeting on Rwanda set as the year it would vulnerable in society. Her work has also inspired other 27 August. After his win, President achieve its economic deliverables as Samantha Muzoroki runs a relief individuals in different parts of the Adesina had this to say, “I am deeply outlined in Vision 2020. Suffice to kitchen in Chitungwiza, one of the country to establish their own relief grateful for the collective trust, say, there is much to celebrate as the most populated towns in Zimbabwe kitchen initiatives with the intention strong confidence and support of country managed to achieve a lot of which is a few kilometers away from of helping the less fortunate in society our shareholders for electing me for its economic deliverables. the capital Harare. Her relief kitchen during these troubling times. In the a second term as President. It is yet Rwanda’s accomplishment of the offers free food to children, the poor tourist town of Zimbabwe, officers another call for selfless service to objectives laid out in Vision 2020 is and the vulnerable. Samantha says from the Ministry of Health and Child Africa and the African Development part of the reason for its high growth. she realized that many children were Welfare in partnership with local Bank, to which I will passionately The country’s government created going the whole day without anything municipality officers and members devote myself… The future beckons Vision 2020 intending to become a to eat as the national lockdown from the business community us for a more developed Africa and a middle-income country by 2020 – implemented by the government joined hands to launch the Victoria much stronger and resilient African this was later on postponed to 2035 to combat the spread of the novel Falls Children’s Feeding Scheme. Development Bank Group. We will but there is sufficient evidence on the corona virus pandemic was having an The Scheme has one aim which is build on the strong foundations of ground that the country is on the right economic toll on families that survived to provide every child with a hot success in the past five years, while path to achieving the goal way before on doing menial jobs in and around nutritious meal 5 days a week. further strengthening the institution, the targeted year that is, 2035. This the town – restrictions of movement for greater effectiveness and impacts.” largely necessitated by widespread which is part of the lockdown meant

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of Africa, Ethiopian offers the most convenient schedules to more cities in Africa than any other cwarrwier w. .ethiopianairlines.com www.ethiopianairlines.com 18 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Kenya: More Dividends From Uhuru – Raila Handshake By Samuel Ouma f there had been no handshake, this country «Iwould have been brought to its knees by perilous forces—the reckless aggressiveness of some and the triumphant chest-thumping and stone-walling by others,» said President Uhuru Kenyatta while reflecting on the ungovernable state of the country after the 2017 presidential polls. Kenyans turned against each other following the disputed polls that pitted President Uhuru Kenyatta against his former political nemesis Raila Odinga. Their supporters engaged each other in battle as well as name callings splitting the nation down the middle. As a result of the disputes, innocent lives were lost, the property of untold value devastated, and the economy declined as businesses Deputy President William Ruto, President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga at remained closed and investors were the launch of the Building Bridges Initiative report on October 26.Photo PSCU. shutting down their operations in the East African nation. administration has made some «It will enforce security, safety, freezing and returning stolen assets, To save the country from plunging significant progress thanks to unity and protection of Kenya›s maritime and we need partners like Kenya in further into chaos, Kenyatta and and peace the East African nation resources,» he said, noting that apart all those two duties. It is also through Odinga reached a consensus famously has enjoyed since 2018. Some of the from illegal fishing, Kenya faces a partnership that an agreement can known as a handshake to work achievements are: other security concerns such as drug be reached on how to return assets in together. Their main objective was and human trafficking and trans- a way that benefits the people of the to build a nation responsive to the Launching the Kenya Coast shipment of illicit arms which come country concerned,» he said. urgent need for prosperity, fairness, Guard Service through the sea because of lack of and dignity for all Kenyans. In November 2018, President proper surveillance mechanisms,» Deal with the US “That is why we saw it fit towards Kenyatta signed into law the Coast said Kenyatta during the launch. Kenyatta entered into a deal the end of 2017 and the beginning Guard Service Bill to allow Kenya›s with the US government that saw of 2018, after seeing what was coastline to be guarded by a special Anti-graft fight two companies invest $23 million happening in various parts of the force. The Kenya Coast Guard Service The government has stepped up in Kenya. The Overseas Private country—Kenyans fighting among has been tasked to enforce maritime its effort to fight against corruption. Investment Corporation (OPIC) themselves. We decided, together security and safety, pollution control So far, several former and current and Kipeto Wind Energy agreed to with Raila, that we need, as leaders, and sanitation measures, and leaders have been arraigned in court construct and operate a 100-megawatt not to sit back and watch as Kenyans prosecuting offenders. Reports state and charged with corruption-related grid-connected wind power plant in shed blood because of us and because that Kenya loses about $100 million offenses. Some like Governors Mike Kenya›s capital. of politics,” reiterated the Head of the annually to scrupulous traders Sonko and his colleague Okoth Obado State. engaging in illegal commercial have been denied access to their China Trade Deal After the handshake, stability was activities. offices until their cases are heard and Kenya and China had also reached achieved, normalcy resumed, and the «For too long, we have experienced determined. an agreement to allow Kenya›s fresh economy started to pick up well until multiple problems with marine President Kenyatta had signed produce such as avocado, mangoes, early this year when the coronavirus security including illegal, unreported, deals with Switzerland and the UK›s and cashew nuts to be exported to the pandemic led to an economic and unregulated fishing by foreign governments to help Kenya recover Chinese market. downturn though it is a global trawlers, smuggling of contraband stolen funds stashed in Swiss and The handshake gave birth to challenge. The handshake provided goods, degradation of marine UK banks. During the signing of the Building Bridges Initiatives (BBI), the President with a conducive ecosystems through discharge of agreement, Swiss President Alain an initiative to unite Kenya through environment to deliver his promises oil, toxic waste dumping, and the Berset promised to return assets to inclusivity. The document has to the electorates during his second destruction of coral reefs and coastal Kenya. proposed numerous changes in and final term in office. Kenyatta›s forests.» «We have a history and a policy of the political arena and other areas PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 19 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

to achieve a united nation. On rampant corruption, November 25, 2020, Kenyatta and devolution, and negative his handshake brother unveiled the politics. It will also ensure collection of at least one million Kenyans› human and signatures to back the Constitution›s civil rights are respected, amendment. and those affected by The BBI secretariat noted that human-made and natural they intend to collect the signatures disasters are secure. within seven days. Those supporting Once the IEBC verifies the document would be required to signatures, the document state their name, ID number, county, would be tabled in all of constituency, county assembly ward, the 47 county assemblies, polling station, phone number, and and 24 county assemblies email addresses. The signatures will are required to endorse the be subjected to a verification process document to move to the by the electoral commission to next stage, the National ascertain their validity. Assembly and the Senate. “To enable the voter verification When the document process and to ensure completeness sails through in both the President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga of the supporters’ records, all the houses, it would be taken signing the BBI report on November 22, 2020. Photo Courtesy fields in the said approved format/ to people to decide. draft proposes the nomination and go back there,» the DP asserted. template should be duly filled,” However, the document is appointment of the ombudsman for Ruto and his allies are also against said the Independent Electoral and expected to face stiff opposition a five-year term by the President with increasing the number of lawmakers Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair from a political faction led by the National Assembly›s approval. and the executive›s expansion as Wafula Chebukati. Deputy President William Ruto. Ruto termed the proposal a derogation proposed by the draft. Some have The document is expected to The group has been calling for of Judiciary independence, a claim described the report as the real address the gender disparity which the review of the report so that that has been rubbished by Odinga. tower of Babel, while others call on the country has struggled with everyone›s view is accommodated. «We must be careful about the President to deal with urgent matters for decades and do away with the The second in command wants the independence of institutions. We are such as the Covid-19 pandemic, ‹winner takes it all› policy that has proposal to create the position of a coming from a history where judges insecurity, loss of jobs, evictions, and promoted political animosity since judiciary Ombudsman appointed received phone calls after meetings failed Universal Health Care (UHC), independence. BBI will also address by the President amended. The were held at night. We do not want to graft impunity, and political thuggery. «Since greed, the myopia of BBI fraud overrides common sense and logic; since #BBI is a desperate do- or-die conspiracy for 2022 Cartel that›s ignoring all the cries and all advisories for a reason, let them bring it, they›ll know majority Kenyans are fed-up. BBI deception must fall,» said ex-MP Kabando wa Kabando. The electoral commission will have 30 days from December 2 to verify the signatures before submitting the bill to county assemblies between January 11-18. The Assemblies will deliberate on it from January 19 to February 19. Parliament will have to discuss the bill between February 20 and April 5 before taking back to IEBC to prepare for a referendum set to be held latest June 6, 2021.

Deputy President William Ruto has expressed reservations on some of the developments taking place.

Pan African Visions MAGAZINE, 7614 Green Willow Court, Hyattsville,MD 20785 Tel:2404292177, email: [email protected], [email protected] 20 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs 2020 A Year Malawi's Political And Legal Systems Faced A Huge Test By Joseph Dumbula alawi’s democracy faced a stern test in 2020 Mwith a landmark fresh presidential election that followed as heated legal contention of the election of Peter Mutharika in 2019. As of January, the Constitutional Court was yet to make a ruling in a case in which Lazarus Chakwera, who now won the fresh presidential poll and Saulos Chilima (Now vice President) challenged irregularities that were in the previous election. Chakwera petitioned the court seeking nullification of the May 21 polls results- in which Peter Mutharika was declared a winner arguing that the whole results management was marred by irregularities. A five panel member of judges A rare political feat in Africa as fresh elections ordered by the court saw President sitting as the Constitutional Court Mutharika floored by his opposition challenger.Photo Thoko Chilondi,AP. went ahead to nullify the poll, sparking a heavy contention from attempts to bribe the judges. His case the decision saw the civil society with Saulos Chilima whose defunct Mutharika who described it as a plot remains in court now. reacting angrily and an injunction UTM from Mutharika’s DPP, has also against his regime. Currently, all judges have testified against the order was successfully been growing. This led to massive protests by against him stating that they felt sought. Analyst Wonderful Mkutche the judiciary and the legal fraternity Mpinganjira wanted them to favor This meant two things; the image describes the year as one in which who also stood against a decision Mutharika and the Malawi Electoral of coronavirus was painted with political and legal systems were by Mutharika to send Chief Justice Commission, who were defendants in negatives and that Mutharika’s reign ultimately tested. Andrew Nyirenda on forced leave. the case. was facing heavy criticism. So far, some top DPP politburo At the same time, there was a huge Around April, as Coivid19 cases By June 27th 2020, the Malawi have been jailed for various corrupt case in court as business mogul, Thom started being recorded, Mutharika Electoral Commission had declared acts. For example, DPP leader for the Mpinganjira was alleged to have made ordered a 21 day lockdown. However, Chakwera winner. He had partnered South and ex minister of Homeland Security Uladi Mussa has been jailed for five years while DPP Governor Mzomera Ngwira is also in jail for five years. The DPP has however, described the arrests as merely political. In his first ever public appearance after losing the presidency, Mutharika said he felt that the nation needs to move on. He however declined to comment on whether he has met Chakwera or not. Malawian judges also earned the Chatham House awards through the case that led to the nullification of the polls. Currently, Chakwera’s immediate tasks remain to halt corruption and highly reported cases of gender based President Chakwera is resolute on profoundly transforming Malawi ,Photo credit Thoko violence. Chikondi,AP PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 21 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa Another year ends with no solution in sight for Cameroon's Anglophone Crisis By Andrew Nsoseka nother year is fading out, yet the crisis in Cameroon’s AAnglophone regions remains in a stalemate, with no feasible solution in sight, while young people in their numbers continue to have their dreams, and in the worst-case scenario, their lives snuffed out. The crisis that has dragged on for four years running, is showing no signs of taking a logical end much- desired by those trapped in the conflict. The stalemate has left many confused and frustrated as they live not knowing what could happen in the next minute or day. The year 2020 in Cameroon, has largely been preoccupied with the supposed implementation of a 24-year-old constitutional Funeral of school children killed by armed men in the town of Kumba, little progress has been provision of decentralisation, largely made towards a lasting solution to the crisis. described as a sham by many. There has also been much talked The elections were greatly mired in The issue of elections has dragged zone where hope has been sapped about implementing the Special malpractices amidst a historic low on, with the governing CPDM party away by the four-year and running Status granted the Northwest and voter turnout. The ruling CPDM making complete and total gains conflict. Southwest regions where separatist largely ‘won’ the elections, even in from it. In the regional elections, The sigh of relief was rather short- campaigns have been going on for some hotspots like in the Anglophone the CPDM is running unopposed in lived when the hard-line faction over four years. The Special status zones, where their militants mostly several regions, as those to vote, are of the Cameroon government rose for the two English speaking regions tiptoed in, using armoured cars, and councillors and traditional rulers against holding peace talks with the has generally been very unpopular, then dashed out in like manner. Some who in their overwhelming numbers, separatists. Following the meeting, especially as it was a result of 2019’s of the supposedly elected officials are are CPDM militants or flunkeys. information filtered out that the first Major National Dialogue mostly operating in regional headquarters With the exhibited mistrust for the talks have been held with the separatist attended by the ruling CPDM’s and abhor the idea of staying within electoral process in Cameroon, and leaders serving life sentences. The bigwigs and a few opposition leaders. their constituencies to serve those corresponding voter apathy, the information would later be confirmed Separatist fighters and activists who who supposedly elected them. ruling CPDM has in its scramble, by Separatists’ leader, Julius Ayuk were expected to be the main party Most of those who turned out to secured a sickening obese number Tabe, who affirmed that talks were dialoguing with the government vote massively, were security and of seats in councils, and well as held, to discuss a possible ceasefire. bench, and reaching a compromise defence forces, who in some cases parliament, that are not a sign of He also told his followers and were absent, thus making the much- were accused of moving around and any healthy democratic society. They believers in the Ambazonia dream trumpeted national dialogue seem voting severally, especially as their are expected to control all regional that they are resolute and will not like a monologue among flunkeys. In names did not feature on the electoral councils too. The country now rather settle for anything short of complete the end, it was just a constitutional registers. Most of them were from looks like the days of the one-party independence for the two regions. clause from the country’s constitution different regions, but were allowed system. Shortly after, the hardliners in the that was reactivated to confer on the to vote local representatives and A government of hardliners and Biya regime who were seemingly crisis regions, a special status, whose councillors for communities they side-lined pacifists blindsided on the underground talks substance many still largely describe do not belong to. Court cases filed In mid-2020, some government came up strongly against the move. as inadequate for a people who are regarding the issue were simply representatives met with leaders of The disagreement was publicly seeking greater autonomy and a say thrown out in their multitudes on the the separatist movement for the first manifested when the Minister of in matters that concern them. guise that the servicemen had a right time, to discuss the possibility of a Communication, Mr Emmanuel Rene In 2020, the Cameroon government to vote, even when they do not know ceasefire. The meeting which held Sadi was asked to produce a public rather focused its attention on the candidates and did not belong to outside the prison premises was the note, disclaiming the meeting with organising local elections, for the community whose leaders they first of its kind, and thus gave a feeling separatist leaders. In his statement, municipal and parliamentary seats. voted. hope especially in the Anglophone the Minister craftily stated that news 22 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs of the talks, was not consistent with has equally been placed on the reality. The Minister, however, house arrest since then. did not categorically state that the Some women who protested meeting did not hold. half-naked demanding the It is alleged that the government, release of Prof. Kamto were is operating in two camps, with one also arrested, before later faction, extremely invested in the released. military option, while the other with Towards the end of the people like Prime Minister Joseph year, lawyers too got into Dion Ngute, favours talks with the another fracas with the separatists as the best option to a government, when an issue lasting peace deal. The disagreement in court deteriorated and the within the government bench in police used teargas, and also Cameroon lead to the crumbling of brutally subdued lawyers. the glimmer of hope people had, The issue also degenerated when news broke out that talks were as lawyers were arrested, ongoing between the government and before later been slammed separatist leaders. suspended sentences and The year 2020 will again, like fines. Due to the treatment other years, end in a deadlock for meted out on lawyers, they the Anglophone crisis, which is announced a nationwide steadily and gradually taking new protest from November 30, Even with the myriad of crisis plaguing the country, President Biya dangerous twists. In 2020, several to December 4. continues to be heard and seen sparingly. reports of explosives going off in the characteristic manner, the president the CRM leader threatened that if regions, as well as the economic and President Biya- the ever missing who is seemingly unaccountable to President Biya does not show a sign political capitals of the country have leader anyone, and whose schedule is an that he was alive, then he, Kamto, become too frequent. Such explosive Meanwhile as the country is issue of privacy is rarely seen or even was going to assume duty as the attacks have largely been blamed or chocked in a stalemate in its most heard from. As such Cameroonians President of the republic. The outing attributed to separatist activities. serious conflict that threatens only hear through rumours, or by Kamto did not go well with CPDM In 2020, the country too has Cameroon’s territorial integrity as gossip what their president is up Members. Kamto also expressed been dragged down by several other the world knows it, the President, to. On rare occasions, the president fears that there was an underground conflicts, especially protests from one Mr Paul Biya has played the absentee is only spotted on photographs ploy for Biya to be succeeded by his of Cameroon’s political parties, the landlord. With Several things going granting audiences or receiving a son, Frank Biya. The rumours went Cameroon Renaissance Movement, on, the president has used his few diplomats at the Unity Palace in wild, for quite a long time, then the CRM, of Prof. Maurice Kamto. A traditional silent tactic to rule from Etoudi, Yaounde. President appeared receiving the protest to oust the Biya regime the shadows. Even Cameroon’ opposition French Ambassador to Cameroon, organised on September 22 led to Throughout 2020, there have Maurice Kamto, sometime seemed Christophe Guilhou. the brutal crackdown and arrest of been widespread rumours that to have believed that the President While Biya remains as President, he protesters. The leader of the CRM the President has died. In his was truly dead. In one of his outings, is generally judged as been tired after almost four decades in office, as the President. The President who cannot keep up with the daily activities of the state as its president, had earlier delegated his signature to Ferdinand Ngo Ngo, a loyalist who is also much liked by the First Lady, Chantal Biya. President Biya’s constitutional successor, is the President of the Senate, Marcel Niat Njifenji. Niat himself is aged out, and has spent much time abroad, where he receives medical attention. Many have also joked about the idea of Niat taking over the management of state affairs when he too appears to be more sapped of energy and strength like President Biya. A year after the Grand National Dialogue chaired by Prime Minister Dion Ngute at the behest of President Biya, the recommendations geared at resolving the Anglophone crisis remain fallow. PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 23 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

24 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Zimbabwe after Mugabe: New Man in Charge but Challenges Still the Same By Prince Kurupati t one point, ‘Zimbabwe’ and ‘Mugabe’ became Asynonymous. Whenever one name was said, the other quickly came to mind. This really was not surprising considering that Mugabe had become the face of Zimbabwe as he had been involved in the country’s politics for far too long starting off as the leader of the opposition during the last days of the colonial era and later on Prime Minister of the newly independent Zimbabwe before becoming the executive President in 1987, a position he held till the time he was forced out of office in November 2017. The exit of Mugabe from the political scene in November 2017 saw the entrance of another man in the mould of Emmerson Mnangagwa taking the supreme position of the President of Zimbabwe. Since the President Mnangagwa has been faced with enormous challenges since he took office.Photo time Emmerson Mnangagwa was Credit NewZimbabwe.com. chosen to lead Zimbabwe after the fall of Mugabe, he has gone on to win an Government of National Unity with Zimbabwe Stock Exchange as for many social problems as protests, election which will see him lead the two leading opposition candidates stocks began to drastically drop. In demonstrations, and stay always southern African country for a 5-year (Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur an effort to save the situation, the became the order of the day. term which will end in 2023. Mutambara) to save the country from Mnangagwa administration began to After realizing that the country The Zimbabwean Constitution falling further into the hopelessness target some traders accusing them of was heading towards a disastrous allows a maximum of two terms for abyss. At the advent of the unity sabotaging the economy and this did outcome, Mnangagwa decided to anyone aspiring to be a president. government, Zimbabwe adopted a not help matters as it alienated the solve the problem by reverting back to This essentially meaning Mnangagwa multi-currency system. The system government and the private sector. the decision taken at the advent of the can be the Zimbabwean president till immediately brought some sanity on On the black market, which since government of national unity that is, 2028 if he happens to win the 2023 the economic front but didn’t help Zimbabwe’s hyperinflationary days adopt a multi-currency system. The presidential race. While there is a new much in overturning the country’s (late 200s) had started operating hope here being that people could face in the presidium in Zimbabwe, a economic fortunes. That situation parallel to the formal economy, the freely use whatever currency they so face which may be around till 2028, prevailed till Mugabe was ousted lack of confidence in Mnangagwa’ wish to conduct any transaction they nothing has really changed in the from office and Mnangagwa inherited economic trajectory showed as the so wish. While this problem certainly country both on the political and a country that was economically country’s local currency (at the time eased the liquidity problem as well economic front. Despite there being struggling. known as the Bond Note) rapidly as allowing citizens to conduct their a new man in charge of the country’s The confidence that engulfed the began to lose value against the business more freely without checking affairs, Zimbabwe still finds itself in nation as well as the international greenback. The Bond Note’s rapid their shoulders for law enforcement deep socio-economic turmoil and community soon after the disposal loss of value made the salaries of officers, it created another problem. political crisis. of Mugabe briefly brought some workers worthless. The government Commercial outlets started to favour economic joy to the country. itself felt the effects of the Bond transacting in foreign currency over Socio-economic turmoil However, that was all too short-lived Notes’ loss of value leading several the local currency citing high volatility Zimbabwe became the first nation as many in a matter of months began government departments to increase on the part of the local currency. in the world to record inflation figures to realize that Mnangagwa just like his the prices of their services and Customers thus were now expected to running into millions in 2008. This predecessor was following the same products. Surprising, the government use foreign currency - herein however on its own proves just how dire the disastrous economic pathway. The did not see it fit nor prudent to lays the challenge, the government economic situation was during that lack of confidence in Mnangagwa’s adjust the salaries upwards to and other private sector workers time. A year later, then leader Robert economic trajectory soon showed commensurate with the rising prices were still paying their workers in Mugabe was forced to enter into a on the country’s local bourse, the of commodities. This paved the way the local currency. To get the foreign PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 25 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa currency required to purchase goods and commodities in commercial outlets, they had to exchange the local currency for the foreign currency on the black market which was charging exorbitant rates. In trying to solve one challenge, Mnangagwa therefore created another. Some challenges that Mnangagwa is currently facing most notably social problems talk of extreme government criticism and demonstrations have been ushered in by the lackadaisical approach that Mnangagwa has been taking in addressing graft cases. When Mnangagwa assumed office, he stated that there were some ‘criminal elements’ surrounding then President Robert Mugabe. He thus promised to flush out these criminal elements so as to allow the country to function more efficiently and effectively. With many people pinning their hopes on Mnangagwa to arrest some top Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has been fighting hard to get it right on the economy government officials who for so long $17! Several other PPEs were also silencing journalists while at the same others even suspended or fired from had been accused of corruption, the purchased at overly inflated prices time instilling fear in others that if the party. From within his party, so-called ‘criminal elements’ were from a company which had just they dare to expose corruption linking Mnangagwa therefore faces a stern only arrested, detained and after a been registered whose proprietor the First Family and top government task of retaining power at all costs few days in remand prison released had close links to the First Family. officials, they too will find themselves otherwise his dreams of running for on bail. Their court cases would drag The report stated that over a million in jail. To gain public confidence, it’s a second term come 2023 may not on and on and some are still going dollars had been systematically imperative for the President to ensure come to fruition. to this day. No convictions on any stolen by purchasing the equipment that such issues of grand corruption On the national front, the top government officials have been at overly inflated prices. Soon are dealt with ruthlessly without fear, country’s political situation has effected. This has frustrated many after the release of the reports, the favour or bias. been deteriorating day by day as the who now claim that Mnangagwa’s public started to make calls to the political space is slowly being closed. declaration to arrest all those President and the Zimbabwe Anti- Political Crisis Soon after the 2018 presidential implicated in corruption cases is just Corruption Commission (ZACC) to President Mnangagwa is facing race, there were protests in country a façade and the few arrests made look into the reported corrupt deal. a political crisis both at home and largely in the capital Harare where (albeit with no convictions) is just a Both the President and ZACC took abroad. It’s no doubt that Mnangagwa opposition supporters clashed with ploy to hoodwink the masses. time to deal with the issue. Only ascension to power in 2017 heralded a security forces. Estimates say that at Without looking at the criminal after several weeks did the President win for one ZANU (PF) faction over least 7 people lost their lives during elements who were supposed to be fire the Minister of Health on abuse the other. Mnangagwa was regarded the protests as the security forces flushed out soon after the ousting of of office charges. From the whole as the kingpin of the Lacoste faction opened fire on unarmed civilians. Mugabe, several graft cases have been ‘stinking’ deal, that was the only real which was fighting against the G40 To clear his name, Mnangagwa set exposed by investigative journalists consequence faced by anyone of the faction led by the wife of Robert up a commission of inquiry led by in the country. One such case is the officials implicated as no arrests were Mugabe, Grace Mugabe and younger former South African president CovidGate scandal which implicates made. The handling of the CovidGate ZANU (PF) officials Jonathan Moyo, Hlalema Mothlathe. The commission members of the First Family, then Scandal not surprising angered Patrick Zhuwawo and Saviour of inquiry at the end found out that Minister of Health, and officials from many hence the reason many people Kasukuwere. From the onset, this security forces did have a case to the Ministry of Finance. Reports by believe that the First Family links to meant that Mnangagwa had to answer and those responsible were investigative journalists exposed the proprietor of the company that outsmart the opponent at all times supposed to be exposed and tried that the government had purchased supplied the PPE at inflated prices is during his tenure if he is to finish it. for their offenses. However, to this COVID-19 personal protective real. Not to help matters is the arrests At this point, he indeed is doing just day, no officer has been tried or even equipment at highly inflated prices. of investigative journalists on flimsy that but day by day, the divisions that named for being responsible for the Face masks which were readily charges as is the case with Hopewell exist in the party continue to emerge. August 1 atrocities. available in the country and in Chin’ono as this paints the presidency Several top government officials who Political space has also been neighbouring South Africa for around in a bad way as from a distance are also ZANU (PF) members have shrinking day by day as government US$3 were purchased at a whooping it looks like the arrest is a way of lost their government positions and critics from journalists, members of 26 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

the civil society, opposition leaders, envoys from the UK and student leaders and outspoken other countries visited clerics have all been arrested on Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa flimsy charges including that of himself had quite a undermining the authority of the cordial relation with president. Even more worrisome is then UK Ambassador that the Mnangagwa administration to Zimbabwe Catriona has used COVID-19 national Laing. However, as lockdown to implement measures months passed and many which hinder political expression. began to realize that Under the current COVID-19 national things were just the same lockdown regulations, all elections as before with the Mugabe are banned. However, this is despite era, the goodwill that that almost every other public sphere Mnangagwa had enjoyed has been opened. with the international On the international front, community dissipated President Mnangagwa has found . The coming in of the his reengagement drive under corona virus pandemic Health Minister Obediah Moyo was fired by President Mnangagwa threat. When Mnangagwa assumed did not help matters as it for corruption. office, he promised that he would meant that Zimbabwe’s ditch Mugabe’s isolation policy. reengagement jaunts to the West which included Joe Biden and Hillary therefore need to convince the people Mnangagwa promised that the only abruptly stopped. In America, the Clinton that penned the Zimbabwe who applied sanctions on them that way forward for the country is if coming in of the Biden administration Democracy and Economic Recovery they have reformed and there is it works in partnership with other presents another chance for the Act (ZDERA), a policy document that need for the sanctions to be removed global countries and as such, he Mnangagwa administration to effectively ushered targeted sanctions – something which basing on the would be launching Zimbabwe’s charm America to resume ties with towards top government officials, current situation on the ground is reengagement drive to the West. Zimbabwe. This however won’t be an business people and businesses difficult to sell. At first, things looked like they easy feat at all as it is the Democratic aligned to ZANU (PF). Mnangagwa were going in the right direction as administration of the early 2000s and his ZANU (PF) party will

PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 27 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa Is Benin Turning Rogue Under Talon? By Ambassador Omar Arouna, MBA*

he African Court of Justice and Beninese citizens are thus deprived Human Rights (ACJHR) is of seeking justice in other’s African Tan international and regional Judicial processing’s. court in Africa. It was founded in Considering that the Constitution 2004 by a merger of the African Court of the Republique of Benin in its on Human and Peoples› Rights and preamble, Reaffirm its “attachment the Court of Justice of the African to the principles of democracy and Union. It is the primary judicial human rights as they have been agency of the African Union. defined by the Charter of the United The court is based in the Nations of 1945 and the Universal city of Arusha, Tanzania, as is Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, the International Criminal Tribunal by the African Charter on Human for Rwanda and as was its predecessor and Peoples› Rights adopted in 1981 the Court of Justice of the African by the Organization of African Unity Union. and ratified by Bénin on January 20, The court has two chambers, one 1986 and whose provisions make for general legal matters and one up an integral part of this present for rulings on the human rights Constitution and of Béninese law and treaties. Within this the court have a value superior to the internal has both an advisory opinion role law”; and adjudicative role. The court Considering that the people of Omar Arouna is a former Ambassador of Benin to the USA. is competent to interpret its own Benin and the entities in whose judgments in an appellate chamber. of the rights to life and not to be election in April 2021 and when the favor the judgment was rendered are On November 27th and December subjected to torture were perpetrated Beninese regime has put in place an determined to execute said judgment 4th , 2020, The African Court on in the context of the post-electoral institutional system which de facto by any available means necessary; Human and Peoples› Rights issued crisis of the legislative elections of excludes the presence of opposition Considering the constant tendency several orders and judgments against 2019 where several demonstrators and independent candidates from the of the Government of the Republic the Republic of Benin. were shot and killed by the military. presidential race. of Benin to systematically reject the By these decisions, the African The African Court on Human and The African Court noted that all the execution of any decision rendered supranational court found that Peoples› Rights also denounced texts adopted by the current regime by the African Court of Human and the State of Benin was the author the lack of «guarantee of the have created a situation constituting Peoples› Rights but also by the Court of several human rights violations independence of the judiciary» in a risk to the peace and security of the of Justice of West African Economic and ordered the annulment or the country and ruled that the recent people of Benin. and Monetary Union (also known by repeal of several institutional and «constitutional revision was adopted The supranational court thus its French acronym, UEMOA) which constitutional reforms in the country. in violation of the principle of national ordered the State of Benin to take all are unfavorable; • The Court considers in particular consensus» , without public debate or measures to withdraw, annul or repeal Considering the potential negative that Benin has violated referendum as required by the African the incriminated texts and violating consequences (in the short and long • The right to strike Charter on Human Rights. the human rights of Beninese. term) of these latest decisions of the • The right to life, the right not to be It should be remembered that this The Beninese authorities, through Court on the socio-economic and subjected to torture and the right constitutional revision was carried out the government spokesman, political stability of the country, since to an inherent human dignity. overnight on November 1, 2019 and announced that the Beninese state in the long term it is the legal signature • The right not to be discriminated in emergency procedure, in violation does not intend to comply with these of Benin which is in question. against, of constitutional rules, without the decisions, brandishing national For any observer it is clear from • The right to freedom of association Beninese people ever having been sovereignty. what is described above and all that and the right to participate freely informed and not having been able This position of the Beninese transpired these past four years in in the conduct of public affairs in to discuss it in prior, all by a National government is confirmed by the the country under the Administration one›s country. Assembly composed exclusively of withdrawal of the declaration of Talon one could conclude that the • The rights of victims the only deputies of the two parties competence of the African Court on country once dubbed as the cradle of • The right to freedom of association of the Head of State, the Beninese Human and Peoples› Rights allowing the democracy and now fully settled • The right to independence and opposition having been excluded Beninese citizens to seize the African in an autocratic state of affairs is now impartiality of electoral bodies from the legislative elections of April Court on Human and Peoples› taking a rogue approach vis-à-vis • The right to the independence of 28, 2019. Rights in the event of human rights international treaties. the judiciary These decisions come some 5 violations. It is the legitimacy of the Beninese It is worth noting that the violations months before the presidential Deprived of rights in their country, political authorities and hence the 28 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs legal value of the contracts signed to be subjected to torture and with the State of Benin that are in the right to respect the inherent question and could have serious human dignity”. As they are implications for development concerned about their corporate partner organization of the social responsibility, the court Benin government and their of public opinion as well as stakeholders. Many of those institutional cores values. organization are reviewing *Omar Arouna is a former their internal policy choices Ambassador of Benin to the USA, and the decision to engage and Managing Partner at USAFCG, contract with a country which Founder and CEO of Global has distinguished itself and is Specialty still illustrated in “the violation President Patrice Talon has been accused of taking the shine off the strong of the right to life, the right not democratic credentials that Benin has built for some three decades now Most US Administrations Have Not Had Good Policies On Africa-Lawrence Freeman By Ajong Mbapndah L s the Biden -Harris were some of the changes that administration warms up you observed? Ato take power, questions Lawrence Freeman: US policy are been asked on how their African under President Trump was not policy will look like. To Lawrence effective. I have to say many of the Freeman, while the potential of Presidents in recent periods have stronger ties and bonds are real, it is not had very good policies for Africa. best not to have high expectations as Many of them do not understand successive U.S administrations have Africa, and they already have an not had good policies on Africa. interest which is a low priority on the The political and economic President›s list. The last President analyst with thirty years of to engage himself in Africa was John experience working on Africa says F. Kennedy. He established a very the last President who engaged unique relationship with Kwame Africa in a substantive way was Nkrumah and the latter was the first President John Kennedy in the Head of State that John F. Kennedy 60s. Though the relations seemed brought to the United States on to have reached an all-time low March 8 before any other country during the Trump administration, in the world. Trump has done very Freeman opines that successive little; he has a programme called administrations including the more Prosper Africa which does not do recent ones of Clinton, Bush and much but focus on Trade and not a Obama all considered Africa as a real development programme. He low priority area, giving the Chinese has involved himself in the Ethiopia Many of the Presidents in recent periods have not had very an opening to hold sway. Freeman good policies for Africa, says Lawrence Freeman. dam issue in a very provocative who runs a blog on Africa and manner by suggesting that Egypt frequently travels the continent, says second half of the 1960s. Some people in the 1990s which I have been many may bomb the Grand Ethiopia his goal is to see poverty eliminated in will remember that it was a time of times. I now teach a course on African Renaissance Dam which was very Africa in his lifetime. political activism, and I was involved History and it has been my passion unfortunate. in High School and later on in College. increasingly and every year I am more On the other hand, he has been Pan African Visions: It is not One of the things I began to think and more involved. 3 years ago, I set very supportive of Prime Minister every day you see an American about was the conditions in Africa up my website so I can publish my Abiy Ahmed in his confrontation with whose work has focused on – the fact that it is a large continent articles. I am a researcher, journalist, Tigray and also very supportive of Africa for some thirty years with so much land and why will the consultant and my goal is to eliminate President Ouattara in the election in now, could we start this people go hungry. About 30 years poverty in Africa in my lifetime. Cote d’Ivoire. But overall, I would not interview with what motivates ago I began to focus on Africa, and I give him a very high mark, but that or makes Lawrence Freeman began to write, had meetings started Pan African Visions: How will is not very different from President passionate about Africa? with some Cameroonians, Liberians, you describe African policy Obama or President Clinton. Lawrence Freeman: It started in the and then I ended up going to Nigeria under President Trump, what PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 29 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

Pan African Visions: Some wrongdoings. I am not sure people have described him as why or who gave President been dis-engaged, for African Trump this false information, countries that yearn for but it was something that genuine independence, was did not help build a strong this not an opportunity to let relationship between the them handle their affairs while United States and Africa. pushing other colonial powers notably in Europe to scale back Pan African Visions: their influence on Africa? What kind of changes Lawrence Freeman: The problem is do you anticipate seeing the lack of a coherent policy for Africa on US-African relations from the United States. Africa should in the Biden-Harris be independent but there are ways Administration? that a country like mine (USA) could Lawrence Freeman: help which China is doing to a great Unfortunately, the group extent. We can provide long term of people for the most loans with credit for infrastructural part that President-elect Tapped to serve as UN Ambassador,Linda Thomas Greenfield could development; to assist and collaborate Biden has been bringing introduce some positive policies for Africa that are useful,says Freeman. with African countries and not to out to the public represent dictate and tell them what to do. long-term establishment figures, more emphatically under the Trump into the Central African Republic and This is a big omission on the current people who were in the Obama administration, they define the Africa which will lead to the filing up of Lake administration and the previous. administration, and people from policy not as simply for Africa but as Chad. Lake Chad is drying up and it the Clinton administration which is countering China. They saw Africa is 90 per cent from where it was in Pan African Visions: The USA going back some 20 years. These are as playing the game between the US 1960. More importantly by building opposed the election of Dr people who do not have a vision for and China and they used Africa as the this canal it will increase trade and Akinwumi Adesina for a second the development of Africa the way chessboard rather than developing development to all the countries term as AfDB President despite I do, and the leader of the United our positive policy. around the Great Lakes; Congo, his huge accomplishments States should do. The interesting China has done many good things Tanzania, Uganda and the countries and unanimous support from possibility lies with his pick for for Africa such as their investment in around Lake Chad which are without African countries and other the UN Envoy Ambassador Linda infrastructure, rail and energy and water such as Nigeria; Cameroon, international partners, and Thomas-Greenfield. She will not be in I would like to see the United States Niger and Chad. We are working with most recently the candidature the state department where policies do more, and for the United States the Italian government to initiate of Okonjo Iweala at the helm of are made but she will be a member of to allow other nations like Russia a feasibility study on Trans Aqua. the WTO was also opposed, can the cabinet as UN Ambassador. She and India to put their investment The United States has had no role to you put some context on these from contacts I have on the continent in infrastructure in Africa. I do not play and has not even supported the controversial options from the is viewed as a reasonable, thoughtful, think that is going to happen during project. This is a great project. These USA? even-handed representative in terms the Biden administration, but I am kinds of projects will transform the Lawrence Freeman: For the of dealing with problems in Africa hopeful some positive steps will continent, and this is where economic case of Iweala it was clear that and some of my friends in Africa happen even though I don›t think powers like the US, China and other the Trump administration was think highly of her. Africa is going to be top on Biden›s nations could contribute to providing supporting another candidate – this Because of her background as list. It has not been on any President›s long term low-interest credit because hurt the African nations as they Ambassador to Liberia, working agenda. infrastructural projects take many wanted to have someone of prestige as secretary of State for Africa years to complete. Nuclear energy is in that position. The question of under President Obama, she has a Pan African Visions: If you were another area where I think the United the African Development Bank I background in Africa which very few advising the administration States can contribute because the do not understand that. I believe people on the cabinet-level bring what would be some of the electricity deficit on the continent is President Trump was giving some in. I do not know if she will be, but priority areas that you see so huge. I think most politicians think false information about President she could be a type of person that prospects of engagement with very narrowly – they think about Adesina and somehow his people introduces some positive policies Africa? tomorrow and I think about 40 years in the administration acted on this for Africa that are useful. The main Lawrence Freeman: We have a ahead. in a way to try and undermine the problem we have now is that Africa list of very important infrastructural My thinking is better – you have President of the AfDB. The AfDB needs development, specifically projects in Africa that the United to think 20 to 40 years ahead to plan has its procedures for investigating infrastructural development; States should be involved in. for policies. The United States like other internal fraud or mishandling of electricity, roads, hospitals and this example, a project I have been European leaders have no vision of funds and that should have been left is where the United States could working for over 20 years called Trans a future 20 years to advance. This alone for the AfDB to handle and they play a major role. Unfortunately, Aqua and it is a great water project to is very unfortunate, and the Biden did and cleared him (Adesina) of any under several administrations and bring water to build a canal (2400km) administration is bringing the same 30 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

old people who did not have a vision distribution of the Nile allocation was when they were in government 10 or Sudan gets ¼ of the Water and Egypt 20 years ago and I do not think they gets ¾. In 1959 when both Sudan are going to have one now. If they and Egypt were independent there are smart, they will make me their was another agreement and this time economic adviser and maybe I can between Sudan and Egypt. Again, win them over to some of these long- Ethiopia was not allocated water from term plans that we are developing. the Nile and was told not to build a dam on the Nile without Egyptian Pan African Visions: For many approval. Ethiopia is an emerging Africans and African countries nation and has very bold economic that look up to the USA as a programmes. The biggest problem in model for the kind of democracy Africa is the lack of electrical power. worth emulating, what message Agreements on the water can be or lessons could be drawn from worked out and it should be worked the recent US election? out. Lawrence Freeman: The main thing is that the United States has a Pan African Visions: You Africa needs development, specifically infrastructural great constitution written by some development; electricity, roads, hospitals and the US could play were in Cote d›Ivoire for the brilliant founding fathers. In that a major role, says Lawrence. elections and surprisingly constitution, they take care of all spoke favourably about the concerns concerning elections. The became the basis of the constitution due to the COVID-19 crisis and set controversial polls, what is it idea of having electorates is correct; – they wanted to comprise with the it forth for next year. The TPLF went you saw that influenced the all the procedures outlined in the US various ethnic groups, and they set ahead and had elections and they took optimistic outlook that you Constitution are working. The basis ethnic regional states. This caused a military actions. At that point, I think painted of developments in that of the US constitution is the preamble problem because it did not establish the PM did what he could do giving country? and not all the separate by-laws. No an Ethiopian identity with the same the conditions that existed in Ethiopia Lawrence Freeman: This was my matter what goes on there are rules problem existing in Nigeria. The where you had this ethnonationalism first visit to Cote d›Ivoire. Most of my set, dates set, the electors have to be Tigray Peoples Liberation Front which does not respect the centralize visits have been to Nigeria. I did not certified, read to congress and the (TPLF) was the leading group that power that existed in Addis Ababa know the significance of the Port in constitution works. We have not had carried out the coup. They maintain that represented the nation. Abidjan which is the largest port in any coup, but we have had several power not only in the Tigrayan region West Africa and has a railroad that Presidents assassinated but we but all over the entire country. PM Pan African Visions: The goes into Burkina Faso and Mali. This survived that. My recommendation to Abiy set up the Prosperity Party conflict comes at a time when has a lot of economic potentials and African Presidents is for them to study which was not based on any ethnicity Ethiopia was grappling with I also realized that the government the constitution of the United States and the TPLF rejected that and made a crisis over the Nile, what do of Cote d›Ivoire under President and all the documents involved. We different moves to undermine the you make of the insistence of Ouattara has had good progress on are not going to have a civil war, government. From my standpoint, it Ethiopia to proceed with the the development of its infrastructure we will not have riots, and we will was a necessary action to preserve the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance and economy, reducing poverty, move on to the next government - nation. If that action was not taken Dam? increasing access to electricity and whether that government has any Ethiopia would have ceased to be a Lawrence Freeman: First of all, the clean water. I met with some officials good ideas that is another question. leading nation in Africa. Grand Renaissance Dam is 75 per and attended some lectures which A government will continue in the cent complete and nothing is going to indicate to me that the country is United States. Pan African Visions: Coming stop its completion. This is a matter moving forward. less than a year or so after of national identity for the people As an observer in the election, I Pan African Visions: On the he bagged the Nobel Peace and they have funded the Dam by could see what was going on and conflict in Ethiopia, you Prize, is the world right in themselves. The Dam is on the Blue I found that the population was described it as a war won to faulting Prime Minister Abiy Nile which comes down from Lake very orderly. It was a hot day and preserve the nation-state, and for not doing more to explore a Tana which is inside the sovereign hundreds of people were standing in seem to support the position peaceful resolution or opening state of Ethiopia. The Egyptians have line, no fighting, carrying out their of President Abiy who opted up to third-party mediation? a legitimate right to request that they affairs in a good manner. Even though for force and not dialogue, can Lawrence Freeman: The situation not be without water. What needs to there was a controversy around you shed more light on your in Tigray is that there was an attempt be looked is that Egypt is not deprived Ouattara going again for a new arguments? to set up negotiations, there was a of necessary water. But the Egyptians term it is legitimate under the new Lawrence Freeman: I have studied dialogue going on. The problem is that are using the legacy of the colonial constitution which was supported by the Ethiopian constitution and the the TPLF violated national law and period that nobody can disrupt the the people in 2016. It is something I history of Ethiopia for several years. the government declared they could Nile unless they approve it. believe he did not want to do – he had The main problem is that ethnicity not carry out their election in May The 1929 Water Agreement on the indicated that he will resign but the PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 31 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa chosen candidate died unexpectedly. country. Like in Ethiopia you This is almost the same situation have President Trump who is in the United States where you had criticizing Ethiopia for building several Presidential candidates that the Dam and making provocative were in their 70s and you had many statements and then when PM members of the congress and senate Abiy intervenes in the Tigray who are septuagenarians who seemed Region Tibor Nagy of the state to dominate politics in many parts department came out in support of the world. I believe there is a new of the Ethiopian government. commitment to the new government The problem is that there for economic empowerment and I am is not a coherent conception optimistic about that. coming from the United States The people who opposed the on what Africa needs. There is a election could not provide a viable loud discussion on «democracy”, On the conflict in Ethiopia, Lawrence Freeman believes that Prime alternative. They just attacked the but they do not understand Minister Abiy was right in taking action to preserve the territorial integrity of government and called for a boycott democracy. It is not about how his country which they got no vote. After the regularly you have elections but the difficult under Paul Biya who has if those young people do not have election was concluded on October ability of the citizens to discuss and been in power for almost 4 decades, jobs, see their nation as providing for 31, they declared themselves a new debate important and profound ideas this is going to be a problem. What them then you can have very nasty transition government. In 2010 3,000 about the future of the country. In we should do is put forward an idea, operations and demonstrations, people in Cote d’Ivoire were killed the United States we do not have a one Cameroon that has to be built regime changes on the continent. because President Gbagbo would not that – everybody talks in 20 to 30sec under the conception of an economic On the other hand, we have all these leave the palace. Now in 2020 to have sound bites, but real democracy like mission for the country. very bright people, if we implement a group of people declare that they we had during our founding fathers, Let us establish a goal of where policies today that will bring about are the government it was uncalled for that to take place in Africa Cameroon should be in 5 or 20 years the kind of economic growth that for. I believe there is a lot that must everybody needs to have a minimum from now and make that mission a is needed then you will not have an be done but they are getting there. standard of living. Without economic goal that unites all the people in the increase in alienation, anarchy and development, real democracy cannot country and that everyone benefits protests. Pan African Visions: Your exist. Without a clear idea of what our from the economic benefits. That I would like to see the United States position kind of mirrored that policy for Africa should lead us to, we is the way I know how to unite the join with China and probably Russia of the US Ambassador who give mix signals. people. The prejudice won›t go to help Africa. They have to unite and said the US supported the away in the model, but they have assist Africa and not tell them what to sovereignty of Cote d›Ivoire Pan African Visions: The crisis the capability of going away in time do, and not seize anything. I estimate in the elections which many in the English-speaking regions as people see interest in working that Africa needs at least a thousand considered as controversial, of Cameroon have been raging together. The interest of myself lies gigawatts of power to give people and in countries like Tanzania for some four years with the US in the interest of another and that is access to electricity. These things are the US picks issues with the and the rest of the international a challenging path. I think the United primary. If we can begin in 2021 with elections, does this selective more or less indifferent, may States has eliminated Cameroon from a robust commitment to developing, criticism or biased critique we know the US position on the the AGOA process, but sanctions then I think Africa will have a very based on interests not hurt situation in Cameroon from are not going to do it. They do not interesting and beautiful future. If we healthy relations between the your understanding? work that well and you have to put do not, then we could be facing more USA and Africa? Lawrence Freeman: The problem something positive in its place. I will serious challenges over the years Lawrence Freeman: There are of Cameroon is indicative of what we make a great economic mission for the ahead. I am approaching 70 years mixed signals, that I have no question have done to Africa. It is a result of the country and unite everyone together and I am going to put everything I about. The Ambassador in Cote dividing of Africa. A united Cameroon and establish a Cameroonian identity, have to make those things happen. d›Ivoire before the election said this never existed up to this point and not a French-controlled identity. If more people in the United States, election belongs to the people of Cote because the French and British Europe, and Africa will work with d›Ivoire and their institutions. And divided a legitimate nation is similar Pan African Visions: We end me on that then I think we can make when the opposition tried to meet to the ethnicity we see in Kenya and with the last word on how you some improvements that will benefit with the Ambassador (Richard Bell) other parts of Nigeria. What started see 2021 playing out for Africa, billions of people that are not only after the election he did not meet in 2016 with the demonstrations, what are your hopes and fears? living today but those who will be with them. The Assistant Secretary protests and strikes with separatist Lawrence Freeman: If you look born in the future. And that is my goal of State for African Affairs at the movements that have come in. I do at the problems we have now if we and commitments. State Department supported the not believe in dividing nations. I was do not implement certain measures sovereignty of Cote d’Ivoire. That was opposed to the division of Sudan today, we are going to have problems Pan African Visions: Thanks for very strong support for Cote d’Ivoire, to two nations. I do not want to see 10 or 20 years from now. If you have answering our questions. and I was pleased to see it. In other Cameroon divided up. What has to an approximate population of two Lawrence Freeman: Thank you areas that does not exist, and the mix be is that there has to be recognition and a half billion and approximately for giving me this opportunity and I signals is coming even in the same of one Cameroon which may be one billion may be young people; appreciate all the work you do. 32 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Billions at Play The Future of African Energy and Doing Deals

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“Billions tells us the answer “Ayuk sees opportunity all “There is no stone left un- lies in the abundant, accessi- around him, and he realizes turned in Mr. Ayuk’s analysis ble and affordable natural gas that appropriate development of Africa and OPEC.” reserves that dot the will solve many of the conti- continent.” nent’s challenges, including MOHAMMAD SANUSI power generation.” BARKINDO JOÃO MARQUES Secretary General, OPEC. Energy analyst and Editor ANN NORMAN General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Pioneer Energy

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PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 33 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa 2020 Presidential elections: The Old Guard stands Firm By Maniraguha Ferdinand usiness is not as usual during presidential elections in East BAfrican states as it used to be. The wind of change is blowing so quickly that if old ways are not restructured in time, old dictators will find it difficult to amend the ruins. Presidential elections schedule for East African nations was not busy in 2020, but showed something new. The old tactics to overstay in power are not working anymore. Former president of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza foresaw it after a failed coup in 2015 and announced to quit early in 2018, the decision he stood by it till his mysterious death in June Venerated by many and loathed by others, Magufuli scored a big win and will continue to shake up Tanzania. 2020 after organizing elections that put on power his right hand man, major opposition party Chadema is the abrupt determination -of many government officials command, General Ndayishimiye Evariste of the boycotted elections and some of its Tanzanians to rush into the streets however this year things may be ruling CNDD-FDD party. leaders got arrested. denouncing Magufuli-or CCM ruling worse. Tanzanian elections in October The embassy said that the vote was system, which has been on the helm The young musician turned 2020, expressed how people are tired marred by allegations of arrests of there since the East African country politician, Robert Kyagulanyi (a.k.a of the old system of the ruling party candidates and protesters, restrictions got independence in 1961. Bobi Wine) who is also an MP, has CCM, but especially the ruling model on agents of political parties to access Magufuli’s ascension to power gave sowed fear into the government of of President John Pombe Magufuli. polling stations, multiple voting and hope of new dawn in Tanzania with the 76 old year Museveni due to a Over last 40 years, none had ever widespread blocking of social media. his charismatic leading style with his large crowd of people who follow believed that the time will come when It required Magufuli main prime goals of curbing corruption and him whenever he goes in villages respected international organizations challenger Tundu Lissu to flee the dormant leaders who don’t deliver. to campaign. He has on several and big countries like USA, would country for his life, citing death Two years after he is elected, he was occasions been blocked from dare to question the credibility of intimidation, a threat he would not questioned by many especially when accessing campaign venues, and elections in Tanzania, a country that take for granted after death escape in he publicly supported decision of he often lament of being restricted has been hailed as a democracy in 2018 when he was shot by unknown expelling from school pregnant girls. to being given fair airtime on state Africa. people. International non-government owned media. On 30th October 2020, US embassy Maybe Tundu and his supporters organizations labelled him as dictator President Museveni himself, has on in Tanzania reported “credible were not right or did some who doesn’t spare his critiques, while Sunday 29th November said that at allegations of significant election- offense that needed some judicial closing political space and freedom of least 54 were killed last month during related fraud and intimidation» after investigations, but what is unusual expression. the riots that erupted after Kyagulanyi Violent clashes between opposition was arrested being accused of not supporters and government forces, following anti-coronavirus rules. death of least 22 people between Museveni is campaigning on the election date and 11 November the motto of ‘Securing the Future’ as Amnesty International reported, however opposition supporters shows clearly that the old model of mainly young people criticizes him, democracy in Tanzania is no longer asking how what he didn’t deliver fitting, needs some amendments. during the last 34 years, will be Now that a new year gets closer, all delivered in the future. eyes have shifted from Tanzania to Presidential election in Uganda Kampala, where the ‘old man in a hat’ is scheduled on 14th January as he calls himself, President Yoweri 2021. Though Museveni’s National Kaguta Museveni is seeking another Resistance Movement is most favored five year term after 34 years in power. to win, the rise of Kyagulanyi have Uganda’s presidential elections shown that old tactics to appease A supporter of Robert Kyagulanyi, carries his poster as have in the past marred by violence Ugandans are no longer in work. they protest on a street against his arrest during a presidential and clashes between opposition rally in Kampala, Uganda, on November 18, 2020. Photo by Bad. and security forces working on the 34 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs A Tribute to African Men and Women We Lost in 2020 By Prince Kurupati 020 will go down in history as one unforgettable year – 2certainly not on the positive front. This all as a result of the novel corona virus pandemic which brought about some devastating consequences on the global stage. The number of the infected as of 25 November 2020 in Africa has eclipsed the 1.5 million mark while several thousands have lost their lives. The impact of the corona virus pandemic however is not just seen in regards to the infected and death stats but also includes the millions of people who lost their sources of livelihoods and incomes owing to national lockdowns implemented by African countries in a bid to combat the spread of COVID-19. It’s no doubt; therefore, that the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating and has negatively affected all individuals on the African George Bizos was a prominent Lawyer in the fight against apartheid. continent in one way or the other. However, in 2020, Africa also had The pair had met while studying law freely without any fear in exposing decentralization could Africa emerge to deal with the losses of some top in Johannesburg. When Mandela their perpetrators and the risks and from its shells and become a force to Africans who during their lifetime started his anti-Apartheid activities, damages they were exposed to. At be reckoned with on the international achieved some incredible feats. In he often times crossed paths with law times, George Bizos would take his stage. In one of his most acclaimed this article, we are going to take time enforcement agents and Bizos was work beyond borders. When the speeches on decentralization, Jerry in celebrating the lives and paying always there to bail him out. Perhaps main opposition leader in Zimbabwe Rawlings had this to say: tribute to fallen African legends. the most prominent of all bail outs is Morgan Tsvangirai (now late) was “Decentralization is a system of the Rivonia Trial. In 1964, Mandela arrested on treason charges, at the power devolution that garners respect George Bizos (South Africa) together with other anti-Apartheid turn of the millennium, George Bizos and confidence from the people who On the 9th of September 2020, activists were arrested and sentenced travelled all the way from South Africa choose us as leaders. Decentralization Africa lost George Bizos. Bizos was to life imprisonment on charges of to Zimbabwe to face off with the much allows for governments to share their a lawyer by profession who mostly seeking to overthrow the Apartheid feared Robert Mugabe representing burden with the ordinary people. practiced in South Africa. Known to government. When both sides had Tsvangirai. Tsvangirai eventually This is what has been structured some as the unrelenting crusader concluded their closing remarks, won the case and was acquitted. and elevated into what we call local for justice, Bizos died at a ripe age Bizos asked the defendant’s team government. Everything possible of 92. During the course of his to show him the closing remarks. Jerry Rawlings (Ghana) should be done to encourage local career, George Bizos did inspire and After going through the document, Jerry Rawlings, the man who ruled government. It shares the central impact the lives of many people. On he urged the team to add the words, Ghana from 1981 to 2000 passed on government’s burden with the people, this front, its best to highlight some “if needs be” – this phrase was the 12 November 2020. Jerry Rawlings demystifies what governance is about of his most popular cases just to difference which determined that during his tenure as Ghana’s and brings people in touch with the demonstrate how his work impacted Mandela receive a life time sentence president was known for being a problems that central government people seeking justice. instead of a death sentence. champion of decentralization and faces.” During the Apartheid era in South George Bizos also endeared himself municipal movement. His incredible Following the death of Jerry Africa when the white minority with the common man. After South work to ensure that decentralization Rawlings, Moussa Faki Mahamat, government was systematically Africa attained independence in became a common feature in modern the Chairman of the African Union discriminating against the black 1994, a Truth and Reconciliation African states saw him win the Commission said, “Africa has lost majority, George Bizos decided to Commission was set up. Bizos would prestigious distinction award from a stalwart of Pan-Africanism and a be the lawyer for Nelson Mandela, go on to represent and work with the Executive Committee political charismatic, continental statesman.” the leader of the African National victims that appeared before the leadership of UCLG Africa in 2013. Congress who was facing persecution. Commission urging them to speak Rawlings believed that only through Pierre Nkurunziza (Burundi) PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 35 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

self-sufficiency. Looking at the stats, its crystal clear that Kyari’s work paid dividends as Nigeria now produces more rice annually, about four million tons a year. In a moving tribute, the Nigerian President had this to say, “Mallam Abba Kyari, who died on 17th April, 2020, at the age of 67 from complications caused by the Coronavirus, was a true Nigerian patriot. My loyal friends and compatriot for the last 42 years – and latterly my Chief-of-Staff – he never wavered in his commitment to the betterment of every one of us. He was only in his twenties when we first met. A diligent student, soon after he was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad – first at Warwick In Jerry Rawlings Africa lost one of its iconic elder statesmen and then law at the University of Former Burundi president Pierre products that is coffee and tea. Buhari had even won the Nigerian Cambridge. But there was ever any Nkurunziza also passed away However, overreliance on these two presidential race. question Abba would bring his first- this year. Nkurunziza just died a was not prudent hence the reason In his role as the Chief of Staff, rate skills and newly acquired world- sudden death without any reports Nkurunziza favoured associating many attributed him as Nigeria’s de- class knowledge back to Nigeria of ill-health. Both in his country and himself with a young generation of factor president. This necessitated by – which he did – immediately upon beyond, Nkurunziza during his time technocrats in a quest to come up the fact that the role of the Chief of graduation. Whilst possessing the as the leader of Burundi sharply with ways on how best the country Staff entails organizing the life of his sharpest legal and organizational divided opinion. To some, Nkurunziza could diversify its economy. principal that is, President Buhari. mind, Abba’s true focus was always was viewed as a dictator, another one Kyari was also known not to shy away the development of infrastructure of the numerous African dictators. Abya Kyari (Nigeria) from dabbling in actual governance, and the assurance of security for the To some however, Nkurunziza was Nigerian President Muhammadou something admired by many while people of this nation he served so viewed as a great Pan-Africanist, a Buhari lost his best friend who was also loathed by many. He was faithfully. For he knew that without man who valued African regional also working as his Chief of Staff instrumental in shaping the contours both in tandem there can never be integration and unity above anything earlier this year. Abya Kyari was of the Buhari administration policy the development of the respectful else. Whichever side one may align Buhari’s right hand man for many thinking on agriculture, defining the society and vibrant economy that all with when it comes to Nkurunziza, years going back before the time government’s focus on achieving rice Nigerian citizens deserve. In political the one thing that crystal clear from his rule as the Burundi president is that he did all he could to unify a nation that was highly divided along ethnic lines. Before his ascension to power, several top government officials including his predecessor had all been assassinated owing to the ethnic alignments. However, Nkurunziza managed to stamp out ethnic linked political assassinations. Away from the political realm, Nkurunziza wanted so much for his country to enjoy the same economic benefits as those enjoyed by developed nations. It is against this background that he called upon all industrialists, researchers and economists to come up with strategies that would help in diversifying the economy. Burundi Many were stunned by the death of Pierre Nkurunziza who was actively preparing to hand largely depended on exporting two over to his elected successor 36 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs life, Abba never sought elective office and journalist had this for himself. Rather, he set himself to say, “To understand against the view and conduct of two why Manu was special, generations of Nigeria’s political it is important to establishment – who saw corruption understand the political as an entitlement and its practice context in which ‘Soul a byproduct of possessing political Makosa’ came out… office. Becoming my Chief of Staff in It was the Cold War, 2015, he strove quietly and without and Africa was caught any interest in publicity or personal between inept brutal gain to implement my agenda… He military dictatorships. made clear in his person and his They were gloomy times, practice, always, that every Nigerian and along come ‘Soul - regardless of faith, family, fortune Makossa,’ which had or frailty – was heard and treated a unique cheerfulness respectfully and the same. Mallam and cosmopolitanism Abba Kyari was the very best of us. to it. It was just what He was made of the stuff that makes people needed, because Nigeria great. Rest in Peace, my it brought warmth dearest friend.” to people’s lives… It Manu Dibango was one of the prominent Africans who died of COVID 19 helped, of course, that Manu Dibango (Cameroon) he looked cool. He was Issac Hayes Congo-Brazzaville. Born in Congo- Amadou Gon Coulibally (Ivory Manu Dibango popularly known without the beard… At that time Brazzaville, from an early age Mabele Coast) as ‘Pappy Grove’ passed on from if folks wanted to be cool, not be demonstrated a strong passion for On July 8 2020, Ivory Coast woke COVID-19 complications on 24 political sellouts, and have some Pan- music. When he started to craft his up to the sad news that aspiring March. Manu Dibango was a Franco- African creds, the Makossa man was own music, he created an up-tempo presidential candidate Amadou Gon Cameroonian singer of world jazz the badge they carried.” dance music synchronized from Coulibally had passed on. Amadou who was regarded by many as an Soul Makossa translating to ‘I will American R&B and funk, West African Gon Coulibally had been a constant international symbol of African music. Dance’ is the song credited for putting music and numerous Caribbean feature in Ivory Coast politics for a Dibango was one of the pioneering Manu Dibango on the global map. genres including bele, meringue, long period. He rose to the post of African artists to reach the Top 40 soca, beguine, modern chouval bwa Prime Minister in January 2017 and American charts. He would go on to Aurlus Mabele (Congo- and cadence-lypso. During his time, by 2020, he had been nominated as scoop some prestigious accolades and Brazzaville) Aurlus Mabele shared the stage with the ruling party’s candidate in the awards for his brilliant music. The King of Soukous, Aurlus some great artists including African 2020 Ivorian presidential election - While Dibango is popularly Mabele passed on, on 19 March. The Fiesta, Papa Wemba, Pepe Kalle and he according to many polls was tipped known for his musical career, he Multi-talented Mabele who was a Michael Jackson. as the favourite to win. also was a proud Pan-Africanist. In singer, composer and bandleader Before his ascension to the post a touching tribute, Ugandan author was known far beyond his native of Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibally had served in various roles in government including serving as the Minister of Agriculture, senior Minister, Secretary General of the Presidency, Director of Economic and Financial Studies as well as Deputy Director General. Speaking after the passing of Amadou Gon Coulibally, the President of the African Development Bank (AFDB) Akinwumi Adesina said “Amadou Gon was an exemplary leader… He was such a great champion of programs to accelerate the development of his country. He carried the vision of the President and the government wholeheartedly into every meeting, into every discussion.”

Designated to be the successor of President Ouattara, Amadou Gon Coulibally died a few months to the elections.Photo AP PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 37 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

38 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Cameroon: D&L Foretia Foundation will Continue Catalyzing Africa's Economic Transformation By Boris Esono Nwenfor he Denis and Lenora the radio sensitization programme as Foretia Foundation will it coincided with an exam programme Tcontinue its focus on Africa’s of community volunteers where a transformation through social greater proportion of them was in entrepreneurship, science and examination classes. It was a challenge technology, innovation, public health getting community members to attend and progressive policies that create the virtual symposium via zoom. economic opportunities for all. This per the Foundation’s Chief Operating PAV: What are some of the Officer (COO) Fri Asanga, in an activities that the Foundation interview with Pan African Visions to has carried out this year? look back at the year’s activities that This year we organized the SBEC the Foundation has organized and Activities for the year 2020 which what is installed for 2021. involved; Regional forum on Business Before joining the Foundation, Networking on January 31st in Fri Asanga was the Coordinator for Douala. Theme «The Pivotal Role of FinScope and MAP Cameroon where business networking to entrepreneurs she oversaw the activities of the in Cameroon» financial scoping consumer survey in - Regional Forum on the business Cameroon on behalf of UNCDF and network on February 27th in Yaoundé. FinMark Trust. Theme «Business networking, a valuable tool for entrepreneurial PAV: 2020 has been a Growth in Cameroon» challenging year for everyone Fri Asanga, COO Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation. - Business plan training online and the Foundation is not left the population? more than 10 bulletins to educate from May 12th to July 1st (5 modules). out, what measures were taken Fri Asanga: The covid 19 community the general public and advise Theme “Business plan, an ultimate or have been taken to ensure pilot project under the covid task force policymakers about the pandemic. tool for fueling ambitions and staff does not contract the was launched on the 16th of April Each bulletin was written both entrepreneurial growth in Cameroon” coronavirus? 2020. The pilot project was launched in French and English to reach a - Bookkeeping training online on Fri Asanga: The Foundation in a bid to accompany the government maximum number of people. The July 29th.Theme “A Practical Guide educated the staff on the virus, its in the fight against Covid-19 through bulletins covered specific aspects for Bookkeeping” signs and symptoms, how to prevent community involvement. Through the including the management of the - Webinar on «Surviving beyond it, and other measures necessary for project, the following activities were pandemic, its implications for the Covid-19 as an entrepreneur in them to protect themselves and their accomplished; households and companies, and the Cameroon» on September 11th. loved ones. In a bid to curb the spread • Training of community leaders measures to curb the spread of the -Webinar on «The effects of of the disease and protect staff, the on the identification of signs and virus just to name a few. Information Asymmetry on business Foundation closed its offices in March symptoms of Covid 19 Also, the task force organized a growth in Cameroon» on 27th 2020 and everyone started working • Distribution of flyers and posters in series of webinar events where key November. from home. When office activities the simbock neighbourhood. policymakers and health practitioners The Nkafu Policy Institute resumed in September 2020, the • Training the community on how to were invited to share their thoughts organized a 1-week intensive training Foundation ensured that all staff wear locally produce hand sanitizers and and experiences to promote evidence- course on policy analysis. Two Nkafu masks to work, Wash their hands wash hands properly. informed decisions in the country. Debates were organized on the before getting into the office premise, • Creation of local volunteers at the During the entire project, themes; “Will more Taxes Increase and maintain social distancing while community level. the following challenges were fiscal revenues in Cameroon” and in the office. • Translation of messages to local encountered: Most volunteers were “Is market competition good for languages (Ewondo and Bamileke) students and were not available to Cameroon’s Industrialization? PAV: At the start of the Radio sensitization. fully participate in the program due to Under our Leadership and Coronavirus in Cameroon, the • Myth debunking. school activities. Also, some interested Democracy project, we organized Foundation moved swiftly to • Creation of a WhatsApp group for people did not have android phones about 10 events on Peace and create the COVID-19 taskforce. better monitoring and follow up. nor computers to participate in the Democracy. As part of our COVID-19 What successes were recorded? • Organization of a covid Symposium online symposium. project, we organized about 10 And were there any challenges to crown the project. Another difficulty was encountered webinars and invited experts to gain faced trying to communicate to The COVID-19 Taskforce published at the level of planning and organizing more insights on the pandemic, PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 39 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa and how Cameroon and Africa are did not take place this year due to the adapting. advent of the COVID 19 Pandemic. We equally organized 2 events to The program was scheduled to take disseminate the research findings place mid-year but during this period, of a Thematic Report on Starting a the COVID 19 pandemic was at its business in Cameroon, and another peak and all schools were closed. on Dealing with Construction permits in Cameroon PAV: What are some of the challenges that the foundation PAV: Let’s now focus on some has had to grapple with this activities you carried out this year aside from the COVID-19 year. Firstly, talk to us about Pandemic? the Emerging Leaders Program Fri Asanga: Moving to the virtual for this year and what are way of doing events was a great some of the peculiarities? challenge as the entire Foundation Fri Asanga: The Emerging leaders› struggled to adapt to this new system. Fri Asanga addressing 2020 Cohorts of the Emerging program is a program organized Participants struggled with attending Leaders Programme. by the Foundation to better equip and using online video conferencing in the few weeks left? • December 18, 2020 - One year into today’s youths for transformational applications. Fri Asanga: The foundation the COVID-19 Pandemic. What Leadership in Cameroon. This has some events planned out Lessons can be learnt? (Online ) training program which identified PAV: How have you found for December. They include the • 20 highly skilled and motivated the situation of working following; PAV: What should we envisage Cameroonians below the age of 35, from home or using the zoom • December 04, 2020 - Le Processus from the Foundation this took place from the 25th to the 28th platform for webinars by the De Démocratisation Au Cameroun coming year 2021? of October 2020 with renowned Foundation better as opposed 30 Ans Après : Quel Bilan à Fri Asanga: The Foundation will speakers based in Cameroon and the to using physical locations? l’Épreuve Des Crises ?(Online) continue to work on 4 major projects United State of America. Fri Asanga: Firstly is the ability to • December 08, 2020- COVID-19 1. The DBI project which focuses on The second phase of this program bring in resource persons from all over and Africa: The Path Forward A Liberating Entreprises to advance is underway as these youths equipped the world to contribute to discussions Conversation with Dr Bernard prosperity in Cameroon with knowledge in leadership and during webinars. The distance barrier Kadio (Online) 2. The COVID-19 Project which is democracy will organize similar is broken through webinars. Next is • December 11, 2020 - SBEC National focused on Protecting Liberties events financed by the Foundation in the fact that participants who were Forum (Foundation Headquarters) while addressing the Corona Virus their respective regions of origin. interested in our events could now • December 16, 2020 - Social Pandemic attend irrespective of their location or Entrepreneurship for Sustainable 3. The Social Entrepreneurship PAV: The Foundation what they are doing. Development in Sub-Saharan Project that focuses on Business organized the STEM Program Africa: Lessons for Business Incubator Practices in Cameroon, last year 2019 but this year PAV: This year 2020 is about Incubation in Cameroon, Burkina Burkina Faso, and Ghana there was none. Why so? rounding up, what are we Faso, and Ghana. (La Falaise Hotel, The leadership and democracy Fri Asanga: The STEM Program expecting from the Foundation Yaoundé) project which is aimed at Promoting Democracy and Governance in Cameroon

PAV: Is there anything you will like to talk about that we left out? If not, what is your last word as we sign off 2019? Fri Asanga: The Foundation will continue its mission of catalyzing Africa’s Economic Transformation through social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The Foundation has been a leading voice on COVID 19 themed initiatives 40 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Taking on the bottlenecks as AfCFTA takes off By Richard Mammah rade discussions are in the air all over Africa at the Tmoment and it is clear that the continent is all poised for the January 1 take-off of the landmark African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA. In terms of its conception and planned operations, AfCFTA has set itself the goal of creating a single market that would better guarantee trade in goods and services as well as the movement of persons across Africa. While the current phase of the project is the culmination of several phases and agreements that began with the African Union Secretariat drawing up the plans for the scheme AU leaders posed for a picture in Kigali at the Summit that established the AfCTA in March 2018. and working with Heads of States and assented to by 54 of the 55 states of of persons as well as the gamut of cultures and political and economic technocrats to bring it to the current Africa and further ratified by no less capital, goods, and services that are systems, the World Trade place, its deeper origins however go than 30 of them. domiciled within the continent. Organization’s certified harmonized back much further to sentiments and As these are done, the hope and plan system would be employed. processes such as the Back to Africa Periscoping the framework is to deepen economic integration, While many of these provisions Movement of the Marcus Garvey era, The focus of AfCFTA is on reducing promote agricultural development, relate to exports, the protocol also the founding of the Organisation of barriers to free trade within the food security and industrialization, applies to imports that are also African Unity in 1963 and the drawing continent through providing for tariffs which would in turn then lead to projected to benefit from the tariff- up of the Lagos Plan of Action in exemptions to goods that are proven structural economic transformation free regime being introduced under 1980 and the take-off of the African to originate from within Africa. In of the continent. the AfCFTA scheme as they would be Economic Community in 1991. Now practical terms, goods and services Additionally, there is equally the attracting zero tariffs. . all of those teething developments that qualify as part of the AfCFTA goal of creating an expanded and Already, African Customs officials have paid off and crystallised into the scheme would have to prove that significantly more secure market for have formally agreed to adopt a reality of AfCFTA. in terms of source and origin, they goods and services of member states mutual set of continental guidelines At the moment, AfCFTA is have tapped upon and used materials through boosting overall continental to facilitate the free flow of cross- clearly one of the largest free-trade drawn from within the continent. infrastructure, progressively border trade. agreements in the world with a Through these, the scheme would eliminating tariffs and also removing This was the outcome of a workshop potential market of 1.2 billion people be progressively uniting the different other non-tariff barriers to trade and held at the close of November where and accompanying gross domestic economies of Africa by liberalizing investment in the continent. they agreed to do so as a critical product of $2.5 trillion. It has been and facilitating the free movement contribution that would help facilitate Prime place for Customs the movement of goods, services and The respective customs agencies in people under the AfCFTA treaty. the continent would be most critical The virtual session which was in getting AfCFTA to succeed. This moderated by the African Union is because, under the agreement, Commission and which had the member states would be expected UN Economic Commission for to exchange information in a timely Africa participating, was attended manner. This would involve posting by Customs chiefs from all over the details of persons and goods crossing continent. the respective borders ahead of While the move to liberalize 90% arrival with a view to processing them of tariff lines as provided for in and passing judgement in the crucial the AfCFTA treaty will definitely aspect of the origin of goods. affect customs revenues of member To help harmonise processes in states, more so when about 85% of a continent with diverse customs imports today come from outside the AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene. protocols, currencies, languages, continent, the flip side however is PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 41 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

that across the medium to long term, AfCFTA promises to facilitate exports and production.

Not yet Uhuru, though… Asked to give his down to earth view of AfCFTA as the scheme is set to commence trading in January, and whether there are any real challenges we should expect and how to address them, the political economist, Uche Okoro says: ‘There are fundamental issues involved in AfCFTA, which belie the enthusiasm for it. Our (Africans) AU Chair Moussa Faki , AfCFTA SG Wamkele Mene and Ghanaian President Akufo Addo at the official challenge is adopting ideas and commissioning and handover of the AfCFTA secretariat headquarters in Accra, Ghana.Photo AU. schemes without understanding Another commentator, Tony then, Africa would require at least a the telecommunications player, MTN underlying issues that informed Opara seemingly agrees: decade to deepen intra-continental has already made quite substantial them and determined their likely ‘There are real challenges and trade. Narrowing it further, a lot will inroads across the continent. performance or success. Every policy we really have no leaders to sit depend on Nigeria being run much On the mining and manufacturing or program has environmental down to agree on how to go about better than we have seen in the last plain, Dangote Cement with its cross- factors. But we willfully ignore such things. In Nigeria today, President decade and South Africa would equally continental factories expansion cultural, political and social factors. Muhammadu Buhari does not really need better or more forward-thinking scheme and clinker supplies deals is For instance, democracy. Is it working seem to be listening to his economic governance. So, going beyond self- moving to entrench itself further on and what is the challenge? Can team so how can they tackle and adulating verbal theatrics, AfCFTA the continent’s construction field. Nigeria implement AfCFTA with the address any and all of the country’s is a beautiful concept in search of Given the seeming preparedness present state of the economy? What of economic challenges, talk less of purposeful structure. The problem of these bigger corporates to do the border closure? And Nigeria is not getting round now to addressing is that African economies are too business in distant waters all over the alone or unique in this as other African issues of a continental economic politically and economically weak continent, it is clear that the AfCFTA countries also shut their borders now significance?’ to make AfCFTA work. It would be scheme would definitely get some and again. Indeed, Africa is a basket Reminded that the continent has delightful to swallow a mouthful of initial engagement from the activities case in terms of policies, leadership, leaders like South Africa’s Cyril tasty barbequed beef but the size of of the bigger organizations who stand economy, neocolonial influence. Ramaphosa and Ghana’s Nana Akufo the throat forms a barrier. AfCFTA is to get much from the process as Trans-African trade is low. There is Addo and whether they could be of an elephant’s head that needs more things stand now. also the issue of leadership - who is help, Opara is not impressed as he guts and guile to carry than presently Shitta Bey agrees, noting that driving it? Globally, every grouping insists that the problem remains a is available to the continent.’ ‘companies that have strategically is led by one or two countries. EU is challenge of leadership. positioned their operations for a Germany, France. NAFTA by U.S. On his part, the markets watcher, The bigger boys continental market may have a ASEAN U.S. and Japan, now China. Teslim Shitta Bey sees an even deeper As events continue to develop, one preferred seat at the trade table.’ He South America Brazil and Argentina. foundational challenge: of the noted realities at the moment however cautions that ‘they may also Who is leading AU and AfCFTA? The ‘Africa is as at today still a largely is that some bigger corporates have need to have some patience, as the policy is good but how do we go about and unproductive continent that already begun to take positions early days of AfCFTA may appear it? How many companies in Nigeria is heavily dependent on the export that could enhance their bargaining murky. But in the medium to long- can take it up? Apart from Dangote, of unprocessed goods, ranging capacity in the AfCFTA era. Ecobank term Dangote Cement and Access BUA Group, and the bigger banks, from minerals to agricultural cash Transnational Incorporated has for Bank should squeeze superior value which Nigerian firms are capable of crops. This places the continent in a some three decades and counting been from their continental presence.’ continental trade? Well, a few South position of global trade disadvantage. navigating the pan-African business At the moment, countries are African companies can, and this will The poor processing capabilities waters. Today it has relatively firm putting finishing touches to their even stir fears of trade domination of African economies pivots global roots in about three fifths of the states preparations. They are setting among other concerns. Then there terms of trade against them. The only in the continent. The United Bank for up sensitization teams, hosting are the other issues. My view then is economy with strong manufacturing Africa has opened shop in close to enlightenment sessions and that Africa must concurrently drive capacity on the African continent two dozen African nations and Access identifying core trading preferences. political integration to facilitate its is South Africa which is currently Bank was, at the time of going to Nigeria for example has listed economic union unlike the case with suffering from a soft state status that press, reportedly pushing to conclude its top exports for trade to include the EU. This is because the core is bedraggled by a weak economy and an assets acquisitions deal with Atlas products and services in Agriculture, of Africa›s politics today is a clear social disharmony, or what amounts Mara as part of its broad objective Oil and Gas, Mining and Tourism. disaster and vitiates any good policy. to a double whammy that may take to continue to play very strong The music is blaring. Let the dance a few years to correct. In real terms continentally. Beyond the bankers, begin. 42 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 43 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa Flying The African Flag Even In Crisis: Ethiopian Airlines And Its Fight Against Coronavirus By Amos Fofung

A donation from Chinese billionaire Jack Ma of masks, COVID19 test kits and other materials arrive in Tanzania. Photo Courtesy. hen the coronavirus that he had secured a continent-wide had announced major cancelation the African skies could experience outbreak first hit coronavirus support from Chinese of international flights to curve the increased activity earlier than other Winternational news business magnet, Jack Ma. spread of the virus and keep its continents. outlets, no one could fathom the level The Ali Baba founder confirmed employees safe. In an interview with Bloomberg of chaos it will create on a global level. the news 24-hours later following Destined to each of the 54 African TV he said “here in Africa we expect Giant economies have been shattered, which the materials were flown countries was 20,000 test kits, to be slightly faster in recovery,” this companies bankrupt, and thousands to Ethiopia on March 22. With 100,000 masks and 1,000 medical is against the backdrop that global of lives destroyed. There was no coronavirus increasing its spread use protective suits and face shields flights are forecast to take up to two escaping from the novel virus which across Africa, the continent received all distributed by Ethiopian Airlines. years to return to 2019 levels. seemingly throw scientists off their a much-needed care package but then A star Alliance member, Ethiopian Air travel was one of the most game and challenged world leaders, the issue was how to get the package airlines is branded the pride of Africa impacted economic centers as most most of who strived to keep their across the difficult terrain in Africa and recognized and the best airline of countries across the world closed countries afloat. to the affected population – most of the continent wining three times in their airspaces to passenger flights Responding to the outbreak them in secluded areas. a row the prestigious Skytrax World save in some instances for medical and preventing a far devastating Airlines Award. and emergency landings. consequence was the only viable Flying the African flag even in Suffering a loss of over $190 The European Union, United States option. It will be fair to state that times of crisis million, the carrier has suspended and several western governments had European nations and some countries Ethiopia agreed to use its national flights to 30 destinations as demand also arranged flights to evacuate their in North America had an easy ride career, Ethiopian airlines, to collapses and some countries impose citizens across the continent with responding to the pandemic due to undertake deployment to all member travel bans to try and contain the Ethiopian at the forefront of some of their economic and developmental states across the continent. deadly pandemic. Aviation is one these operations. standings. But in a continent like On March 23, the airline which is of the hardest hit industries by the Conversely, African governments Africa, unique in every way, a Pan Africa’s most profitable was flying virus, facing billions of dollars of lost – most recently Kenya, South Africa, African hero was needed – especially across the continent delivering revenue. Nigeria, and Uganda have all moved after the first coronavirus case was the supplies and before March 27, Despite the difficult times to evacuate stranded citizens from reported in February. Ethiopian airlines had delivered marred with uncertainty, Tewolde different parts of the world. Again, On March 15, 2020, Ethiopia Prime the consignments to 41 countries. Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Ethiopian, one of few airlines that Minister Abiy Ahmed announced This is after the national carrier Airlines remains optimistic saying continued operations stepped in to 44 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs bring them home. About bailouts, he stressed that Ethiopian – a continental leader – was not at the stage of seeking any such interventions but that they had other operational areas they seek government support. “African governments will not be in a position to bail out airlines as much as in Europe and America,” said Tewolde. “Airlines are not flying or generating revenue and governments do not have the resources to bail them out. It is going to be very, very tough for most African airlines.”

Lessons to other African carriers Indeed, the biggest airlines in Africa are reeling from the devastating economic effects of coronavirus. Kenya Airways, the sixth largest airline on the continent, has occasionally asked the country›s government for an urgent bailout to avoid going into bankruptcy, and Gambian Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh receiving donation from Jack Ma protect the jobs of 3,900 employees. Foundation ferried in by Ethiopian Airlines. In July 2019, the Kenyan parliament assessment of $8 billion in losses. the youngest in Africa at 5.4 years of flights to Europe, the United States voted to re-nationalize the airline, 23 Even industry star Ethiopian as of March 2019. This compares of America, Canada, Asia and the years after it was privatized. Airlines is hurting, reporting revenue well above the average of 13.5 Middle East have been launched, as Small carriers like Air Zimbabwe, losses in millions of dollars. years, 15 years, and 10.7 years for the airline goes about bringing the a single-plane carrier that›s $300 Aviation experts say the 75-year- British Airways, United Airlines and world closer to Africa. million in debt, The Associated Press old Ethiopian Airlines has both the American Airlines, respectively. Internationally, Ethiopian flies to reported. But major airlines are also fleet and managerial capacity to help a number of major cities in Europe hurting, including Kenya Airways, ease the burden of Africa›s struggling A long way here including Frankfurt, London, Paris, Royal Air Maroc and Lome-based airlines. Ethiopian has come a long way Rome, Brussels and Stockholm; to regional carrier ASKY Airlines, whose In the 2017-2018 financial year, since commencing operations in 1945 Bangkok, Beijing, New Delhi, Hong fleet of nine aircraft is still grounded. Ethiopian owned 111 planes, more with a weekly service between Addis Kong, Guangzhou, Mumbai across In April, the International Air than any other airline on the continent, Ababa and Cairo. Early on the airline Asia; to numerous destinations in Transport Association warned and flew to 106 destinations around recognized that a successful future the Middle East; to Washington African airlines could lose $6 billion the world. It is also one of the few depended on first developing a far- D.C ,Newark and Toronto in North in revenue this year, along with about airlines that consistently turn up a reaching pan-African route network. America. 3 million aviation and related jobs profit in Africa. With this aim now largely fulfilled, From its hub at Addis Ababa, continentwide. The African Airlines Ethiopian has invested heavily in the airline’s focus is shifting. New Ethiopian serves 116 international Association offered an even darker modernizing its fleet, which is now destinations and increased numbers and 23 domestic destinations.

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PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 45 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

46 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Rwanda: Israel NSO company boosts Rwanda Intelligence spy network capacity By Mohammed M.Mupenda* hat can you do if you wake up and find yourself Win the hands of your enemy or whoever you believed could be a threat to you? This is the trend by Rwanda›s spy network that has disrupted many plans of opponents operating in and out of the country. The tiny central African country has always been accused of cracking down the opponents and spending much money on spying those living in different countries including neighbouring Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Kenya, according to different sources and media reports, citing examples of many people who have been We have no problem; we spy like other countries do and personally I spend a lot of money on it,says President Kagame. disturbed, warned or surprisingly found themselves in Rwanda. Sankara was arrested in Comoros, it opposition group operating in exile; former allies in Rwanda and abroad. This was no doubt as, in 2019, is said that the country was stalking he has lived for several years in fear The Rwandan government has always President Paul Kagame accepted that him through pegus app following of the security services of the central rejected the allegations. during a press conference and even up the chats between him and other African nation where he was born. Patrick Karegeya was strangled went further to say that the country opponents; in fact, every country In 2017, his wife, also a British in South Africa and Rwanda regime could be using an excessive budget. he was living and operating from, national, was arrested and held for was pointed out as the perpetrator, «We have no problem; we spy like Rwanda knew it, thanks to Pegus, two months in Rwanda when she which prompted feud between the other countries do and personally I an Israel NSO group’s application returned for her father’s funeral. two countries. spend a lot of money on it.» that has helped on tracking all Unidentified men in black suits have Reliable intelligence states that Many allies believe that Rwanda whatsapp and other social media previously queried her co-workers the Rwandan government poses an spy and intelligence network has done communications. about her route to the childcare centre imminent threat to your life,” read great work on having their so-called Rwanda went ahead and crossed where she works, he says. the police warning notice given enemies extracted, killed and arrested continent to make sure the opponents His own name has shown up in a to Rene Mugenzi. “You should be or found themselves in a country. are weakened or warned. In fact, widely circulated list of enemies of the aware of other high-profile cases This has however been questioned by many of them have often claimed government of Rwanda titled “Those where action such as this has been many opposition activists in a country they live in fear of being kidnapped who must be killed immediately”. conducted in the past. Conventional and abroad. Human rights watch and by Rwanda’s secret service operatives. In the two decades since Paul and unconventional means have been Amnesty International have never Australia has pointed out that Kagame became president of Rwanda, used.” ceased raising red flag on the ongoing Rwanda spy network infiltrated the dozens of dissidents have disappeared It is said that as immigrants and crackdown, killing and arresting of country as reported by ABC News last or died in unclear circumstances refugees move to England, many other opponents. year. around the world. countries work closely with agencies A number of people have been Earlier this year, British citizen In response, those willing to to have spies infiltrate to monitor the arrested and charged with terrorism Faustin Rukundo’s phone started criticise the regime or organise against activities for those relocated if they under what observers call injustice to ring at odd times. The calls were it, such as Mr Rukundo, say they have are safe to the countries they are from and targeting opponents to silence always on WhatsApp — sometimes learnt to be cautious, masking their and that is including Rwanda. them but in most times it happens from a Scandinavian number, presence on the internet and using For your records, Rwanda-Uganda with justifiable reason by Kigali sometimes a video call — but the encrypted messaging services relations have been in a row for government, in that spy network caller would hang-up before he could Kagame has often warned his almost two years now. And this is has already established and gathered answer. critics that those who “betray” the due to espionage accusations that information that could be a threat to Whenever he rang back, no one country will be dealt with, and the are stalling the talks between two the country’s security and peace for would pick up. Mr Rukundo who lives country’s intelligence network has countries that angered Uganda but citizens. in Leeds, had reasons to be suspicious been accused by international human of course, Rwanda was trying to When Callixte Nsabimana a.k.a because, he is a member of a Rwandan rights groups of abducting and killing protect its interest after learning that PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 47 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

the most fearful RNC party could be country, Burundi. operating in Uganda and recruiting According to Rwandan authorities, members who will one day go and he was arrested because he is believed oust Rwanda’s strongman. to be the leader, founder and sponsor Pastor Nyirigira of Agape of a violent extremist group operating Community in Uganda was among in Rwanda and more widely, known those who were followed up closely as MRCD/FLN. The international and disrupted in all actions he arrest warrant under which he has was planning against Rwanda as a been detained include accusations member of the Rwanda National of the attacks and killings by FLN Congress. His daughter was recently in southern Rwanda in June and held in Kigali by police on similar July 2018, and December 2018. accusations, according to Rwanda Rusesabagina and dozens of his Investigation Bureau. former MRCD comrades are detained Paul Rusesabagina from in Rwanda awaiting trial on charges humanitarian to a government critic that include terrorism. was on top list to be monitored for *Mohammed M. Mupenda is a long time until he was tricked, and news correspondent and freelance the flight flown him to the country reporter, who has written for he had spent about 26 years without publications in the United States and stepping in. Apparently, he was abroad. He is also a French and East tricked by Rwanda spy network and African language interpreter. boarded into a private jet knowing Paul Rusesabagina , a well known government critic is now standing trial in Rwanda. that he was heading to neighbouring Kenyans stealing babies from each other By Samuel Ouma ases of women losing their children in some Kenyan Chospitals, streets, and residential places recently have hit a high record, raising queries on who might have been involved. Some pictures of women living in despair and pain after losing their young ones had been shared on social media platforms and mainstream media, confirming the famous African adage saying the parent knows a child›s pain. For instance, in February 2018, a couple lost a three-week-old twin baby at Kenyatta National Hospital to a woman posing as a patient at the facility. Reports showed that the infant›s father, identified as Job Ouko, approached the woman to help him look after the boy as he wheeled his ailing wife to the hospital›s first floor. Within a twinkle of an eye, one we do not condone child trafficking, and we will do everything possible to get to the bottom of this issue,says Labour and Social Protection Minister Simon Chelugui of the women carrying Ouko›s other child rushed to him and reported that possession of the child. Eyewitnesses slim hope of reuniting with their lost babies are being sold for a hundred the other woman had taken off. had revealed that the woman said to children alive in the future. dollars with the prime targets being The police launched the have stolen the baby had monitored Where the stolen babies are being those living in the streets, children›s investigations, and the suspect her victims for about 10 hours. Theft taken for long has been a mystery until care centres, and hospitals. Many was later arrested in Nairobi›s of babies has left untold wounds in the recent expose by the BBC Africa cases are from Nairobi with Kayole Kawangware slum while in many mothers as they keep their Eye. The BBC report revealed the slum, which houses thousands of 48 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs people rumored to be a hotbed of the Metropolitan Services (NMS) founder of Missing Child Kenya, said Chelugui. illegal business. Medical Services Deputy Director African culture plays some roles in Kenyan police spokesman Charles «Most of the clinics in Kayole do Musa Mohammed. The CEO and the thriving black market for babies Owino told journalists that security this business. They sell children. If the administrator were released in the country. had been beefed at Children›s homes you can›t have a baby and visit such after a Nairobi court found no case «Child trafficking is a big issue and hospitals. clinics, they will give you a child. It to answer. Medical Services Deputy in Kenya. There are many under- «And the inspector general has is a business that is booming, and Director Musa Mohammed was reporting, cultural issues, and long- given clear instructions to county they are making a lot of money,» said also on November 25 released on term established cartels that are commanders in other parts of the Judith Kanaitha, a news reporter Sh200,000 cash bail. even protecting each other. One of country to ensure that they work with a local radio station. Some of the homeless mothers in the biggest reasons is that we have a together with the multi-agencies, The chain of those engaging in child the streets of Nairobi have also fallen culture that states to keep a marriage, other government organs, and trafficking business that rob women victims to child smugglers. As Esther you must have a child, and on top of monitor children›s homes and their children in the East African narrated, their children are being that, you must have a boy. You go government hospitals, and the nation is long, including employees snatched without their knowledge back to the village, and people call operation of these children›s homes, in public hospitals and government by the child smugglers looking for you barren or a dry piece of wood. So so that we can be able to put them to officials. Some staffers at Mama easy-earned money. Esther›s three- what do you do to save your marriage? accountability and to ensure that we Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi were year-old son disappeared in 2018, You steal a child!» reiterated Mary. protect children from trafficking,» mentioned in the BBC expose. Fred as reported by BBC, and is yet to be A multi-agency team has been Owino said. Leparan, a clinical social worker at found. formed to unearth all the networks Kenyans have been urged to report the facility, was filmed negotiating «I have never been at peace since I behind the syndicate. any case involving child trafficking with an undercover journalist in lost my child. I have searched for him «Following this expose, a team of to the nearest police post or relevant a well-organized plot to sell the all the way to Mombasa... I loved him officers and experts from the relevant government agencies or call Child abandoned child in the hospital for so much, and I would forgive them if government agencies has been Helpline number 116. $400. they would give me back my child,» constituted to investigate and take A person found guilty of child In a quick response, police arrested said Esther. the necessary action exhaustively. As trafficking in Kenya is liable to Fred alongside the hospital CEO It is alleged the stolen babies are the Government of Kenya, we do not imprisonment for a term of not less and administrator Emma Mutio sold to the highest bidders who cannot condone child trafficking, and we will than 30 years or a fine of not less than and Regina Musembi, respectively, have children, and some are used for do everything possible to get to the Sh20 million. and Selina Awuor, another social sacrifice by unknown individuals. bottom of this issue,» said Labour worker. Also nabbed was Nairobi Mary Anna Munyendo, the CEO and and Social Protection Minister Simon

PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 49 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa December: Of Bush Fallers, Broken Relationships, Fake Marriages & Other Scams By Andrew Nsoseka t is the month of December in accorded to bush fallers by ready Africa, the period of the year girls and other admirers. Such fellows Iwhen most Africans residing in sometimes take girls to hotel rooms, foreign countries (bush fallers) do and escape as early as possible, and return to feast with family, friends, are never heard from again. and, as well, catch some fun before In this month of December returning to their host countries, in Africa, some holiday making mostly western nations, to hustle. returnees engage in cruel acts like This is the month, when love carrying out convenience marriages stories go sour for some unfortunate that are never meant to last. lovers. During this period, those who Once, yours truly accompanied a traffic in love make sudden changes, bush faller in Buea, Cameroon, he reshuffling their love cabinets, and was a friend of a friend. We went and prioritising seasonal lovers to their carried out traditional marriage rites ‘broke’ partners, often for quick of a girl he would later jilt. I remember monetary gains, or over fake love how the girl beamed with delight and promises made to them by holiday- joy. Her parents wore proud faces making ‘bush fallers’. This is the Seme Beach on the Atlantic coast of Cameroon is a major of fulfilled African parents, proud attraction.Photo credit Nkem Tourism. period when passion crimes often that their daughter was married to a rear their ugly heads. This is the is the time of the year, where easy schedules for visits to different towns young, promising bush faller. About period when young beautiful women girls make the most financial gains, where bush fallers are located. a year later, the bush faller returned are shoved into fake marriages accompanied by constant feasting. With the covid-19 pandemic again, and I was told he had married (usually traditional) by bush fallers, It is not only so with male bush preventing many of the bush fallers another girl and ditched the one I to enable them have the girls for about fallers. Their female counterparts also from returning home, love-hawkers accompanied him to marry. a month, for their sexual exploits, come back home to catch fun. Some will have to re-strategize to make Such cases are many. While other before disappearing into their ‘bush’. of them come back home to have real quick money from a different group carryout such reckless acts as payback This is the month that some banging by local gigolos or guys who of people, or from a different activity. to those girls who had ditched them at unfortunate guys abhor, because, it are mostly not well to do. Some ‘area boys’, who wouldn’t certain times, others do it for the fun is during this month that the love of This is also the month when want the spotlight to shift from of it; the most obnoxious of it being their lives was either snatched from some ‘free girls’ will sit down, and them to bush fallers, are already going to the extent of fake marriages, them, or dumped them for ‘appealing’ elaborately strategise on ways piercing their ears, to put on earrings, where families are involved. and seemingly well-to-do bush fallers through which they will squeeze out alongside fake branded watches, and It is disrespectful and callous to riding in posh cars and feasting at as much money from lascivious bush chains, which will make them look perform traditional rites, involving a every given opportunity. fallers as possible. Time management like bush fallers. As such, they too will woman’s family and her close friends, However, this is also the month plans will be developed, alongside draw a semblance of the attraction just for payback, or just to satisfy a when passionate and lascivious appetite. hardworking guys return to Meantime, there are free meet the love of their lives, or ready girls around, who to commune in ways they at this time of the year, have always dreamt of. It is roam the streets aimlessly the month of the good, the just praying and waiting sweet, the bad, and the ugly for an idle fellow to whistle love stories. for them, chat them up and In this month of take them out to booze and December, some traffickers knock the hell out of each in love will surreptitiously other in a hotel or wherever slip off for days in apparent they wish. Such willing ones visits to some ‘Aunt or can be contracted. It is less Uncle’. Of course, they will sacrilegious, than to jilt a end up in hotel rooms with woman willing to settle for a some bush fallers, for quick responsible life. gains or lofty promises. This Merry Christmas!

50 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 51 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa Africa's top 20 most influential plant breeders of 2020 announced By Wallace Mawire

he Southern African Plant Cobus Swanepoel in RSA, Amsal Corteva in RSA, Taaibos human of to the promotion of the science and Breeders Association (SAPBA) Tesfaye of Zamseed in Zambia, ARC in RSA, Ephrame Havazvidi of art of plant breeding as a profession Thas announced Africa’s 20 Marevllous Zhou of SASRI in RSA, Seed-Co in Zimbabwe, John Derera through pro-active communication most influential plant breeders of Abede menkir of IITA in Nigeria, of IITA and Seed-Co in RSA,Joseph among private and public sector 2020. Richard Lubee in RSA, Sunette Laurie Beyene of CIMMYT in Kenya, Alfred institutions, emphasising the need The outstanding plant breeders of ARC in RSA, Dixon of IITA in Nigeria, Phyllis for cooperation and maintenance of are Louis Schoonraad of Corteva Cosmos Mogorokosho of CIMMYT Burger of ARC in RSA, and Martin high ethical standards and norms, in the Republic of South Africa in Zimbabwe,Driecus lesch of Alberts of Bayer in RSA. thereby contributing toward stable, (RSA),Hussein Shinelis of the Syngenta in RSA, Francois Koekemoer The Southern African Plant sustainable agriculture. University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in RSA, of Syngenta in RSA, Antony Jarvie of Breeders› Association is dedicated Q & A with Kingsley Pungong of Rainbow World Group By Amos Fofung

ith stakes in energy, Jianye who is moving to one of the telecoms, sports and biggest clubs in China. Pemi Faris Wmedia, the Rainbow from Rainbow FC who at 20 years World Group is impacting lives in of age is with Kristiansund in the a positive way by creating jobs and Norwegian Premier league, Alioun driving prosperity across Africa. Ndour who has signed a 5-year deal PAV caught up with its CEO Kingsley with Portuguese premier league club Pungong in a Q & A on the ever Belenenses SAD, Oyongo Bitolo ex growing pool of talent under the Rainbow FC with Montpellier in management of Rainbow Sports France, Brian Anungs with Nashville global, and other developments in in the MLS, Nohou Tolo with Seattle football across Africa. Saunders in the MLS, Olivier Mbaizo with Seattle Saunders in the MLS. In terms of individual talents These are alumni from our club under the management of Rainbow FC and MFK Vyskov. Please Rainbow, may we know how note Rainbow sports global isn’t an they fared, who were some agency, rather it is a football holding of the standout stars in the company which owns sports assets. Kingsley Pungong has turned Rainbow into the leading Rainbow orbit? sports management firm in Africa Christian Bassogog of Henan With the chaos created by 52 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs

the COVID 19 pandemic was Rainbow able to spot new talents or place some in key clubs? Yes. Our video department has been able to spot talent using digital platforms like Wyscout. Most scouting now happens digitally.

The last time we interviewed you, you expressed the need to strengthen the domestic league in Africa, what do you make of the cacophony that reigns in the management of football in Cameroon? Cameroon is a country that has always overachieved despite substandard management. It is clear that the management is underwhelming, and the country is hugely disadvantaged by events. It is a massive drawback which certainly does not help the development of the game.

Christian Bassogog of Cameroon flies the Rainbow flag high in the Chinese league What role do you think former African footballers should play find it hard to work for a common It has been tough with the professional football abroad, in developing and managing purpose in moves or initiatives that COVID which has had cataclysmic what advice do you have for the game in Africa? could make a difference? ramifications on football. Playing them, what are the recipes for Former players need to become Drogba had great achievements on in itself will be a step in the right success? trainee administrators and later the field but politics is another kettle direction towards recovery. Character, attitude, talent ( CAT). administrators. Playing alone isn’t of fish. I think everyone expected In 2021 as well, we will They will have to work 3 times more sufficient or adequate to become a his popularity to translate into elections for the CAF presidency, than indigenous players. Tough tough competent administrator. CAF by now votes, but these things are usually what is your take on the business and only the strongest and needs its own university or training more complex. It is a failed attempt, leadership of Ahmad Ahmad mentally prepared will succeed. program to train administrators to but I personally think Didier has and is Rainbow endorsing any fill different roles within the African a good chance for the future and candidate? As we ride into 2021, any special football space. must continue to make a case for his Rainbow stays out of politics wishes, and what should we For all his contributions and candidacy. for now. We try to make a modest expect or be on the lookout for achievements, the efforts of Didier contribution based on channels we from Rainbow? Drogba to manage football in Cote Cameroon will be hosting the control. Wishing everyone good health and d’Ivoire have been met with stiff nations in 2021, what do you looking forward to a COVID free opposition from his former national make of the preparations that To the many youngsters in 2021. teammates, why do African footballers have been taking place? Africa interested in playing

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54 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III Inside Africa Inside Africa PAN AFRICAN VISIONs CAF: African football's 'new dawn' turns to dusk in Ahmad's hands By Boris Esono Nwenfor celebratory picture on March 17, 2017, shows Ahmad AAhmad lifted by delegates as he won the election to become the new President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF. The picture of his victory of incumbent Cameroonian Issa Hayatou signalled the dawn of a new era in African football. How far-fetched those aspirations have become with Ahmad Ahmad banned from all sporting related activities by FIFA for corruption allegations and others. Rewinding the clock, Ahmad won 34 of the 54 votes in the election, which was held in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. The result meant a change in leadership for the first time since Cameroonian Hayatou took Ahmad Ahmad is banned for five years by FIFA. charge in 1988. Speaking to the delegates then African football hopes a successful remains that the expectations of On the field, African soccer had Ahmad Ahmad said “I thank all those Nations Cup tournament will some four years ago have evaporated a difficult time during Ahmad›s who believed in the change. Thanks to provide a strong distraction, as well quicker than you can shout «offside», presidency. None of Africa›s five you who were always backing me. We as an affirmation of the continent›s and Ahmad might have dropped the teams at the 2018 World Cup in Russia did it. This victory is ours.” potentials. But the nagging feeling ball not long after picking it up. advanced to the knockout rounds, though Senegal was eliminated from the group stage only by a rare tiebreaker of disciplinary record. A chaotic African Champions League final in 2019 was abandoned in the second leg when Wydad Casablanca refused to continue playing against Esperance in a dispute over a disallowed goal and the video review system not being installed at the stadium in Tunisia. A CAF executive committee decision to order the game replayed was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and the title was eventually awarded to Esperance. Ahmad Ahmad banned for Five Years «The investigation into Mr Ahmad›s conduct in his position as CAF President during the period from 2017 to 2019 concerning various CAF- related governance issues, including the organization and financing of an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, Ahmad Ahmad literally auctioned the respect and independence that CAF had under former his involvement in CAF’s dealings President Issa Hayatou. with the sports equipment company PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III 55 PAN AFRICAN VISIONs Inside Africa

There are plans in the works to make Issa Hayatou Honorary President of CAF for services rendered to African football. Tactical Steel and other activities,” leadership, however. The report bidding committee and Hayatou Senghor and Yaya have been FIFA said in a statement. was ordered by FIFA last year while both denied the charge, and the joined in the contest by former Even before being elected to lead it effectively took over running the whistleblower later retracted the FIFA executive committee member the Confederation of African Football African organization for six months. claim. Jacques Anouma of Ivory Coast and in 2017, the former minister in CAF appeared to pay about “I would not be here if I was billionaire businessman and football Madagascar›s government had been $100,000 toward 18 people, corrupt my dear friend,” he said in club owner Patrice Motsepe of linked to seeking cash gifts in 2010 including Ahmad and the heads of response to a question on the subject. South Africa, who owns Mamelodi from a later-disgraced Qatari official. 16 of the continent›s 54 national “Can Parliament prove I have $1.5m? Sundowns. He was later accused of wrongdoing member federations, to travel on I have not received one single euro or Patrice Motsepe chairman of 2016 at the body’s Cairo headquarters by the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, OA dollar to vote for anyone as host of the African club champions Mamelodi his top administrator, and detained Online Reported. World Cup.” is being tipped as the favourite to and questioned in Paris as part of a It is unclear if officials who made “Everyone has seen that $16,000 become the new boss of CAF. «Caf French investigation into a suspect the trip also face a FIFA investigation came into the coffers of CAF. The must improve its global standing,» soccer equipment contract. for unethical conduct. IOC blamed me for that but I didn’t said South Africa FA president Danny The ethics committee found CAF said in a statement it was take a cent,” Issa Hayatou added. Jordaan. «He is the most appropriate “Ahmad had breached his duty “concerned about the reputational «This was a support payment for person we could offer for the of loyalty, offered gifts and other consequences of this long procedure” the 40th anniversary of CAF. This is leadership of Caf. We do not want any benefits, mismanaged funds and against its outgoing president. what I accepted. They saw that in the compromise on governance or ethics abused his position as the CAF Corruption Scandals clouding CAF records this money had been properly in football.» President,” FIFA said. Presidency registered and still they sanctioned «He has more superior qualities Ahmad was also fined 200,000 Before the ascension of Ahmad me.» than me,» Pinnick told BBC Sport Swiss francs ($220,000), though Ahmad as head of CAF, the former Contenders for CAF Presidency Africa. «It›s not about me, it›s about it is unclear how FIFA can enforce President Issa Hayatou has also In March 2021, three contenders African football. If you have someone payment. The sanctions can be been under the microscope with will contest for the position of with superior qualities, you have to challenged at the Court of Arbitration corruption allegations. “The fact that President of CAF in the elective learn from him and queue behind him for Sport. I am here for so many years does not General Assembly. Two of Ahmad›s and wait for your time.» “The circumstances that have mean anything,” Issa Hayatou said. “I executive committee colleagues, «The key to successful governance befallen him are unfortunate and have not been involved in any scandal Augustin Senghor of Senegal and starts from the point where the right make me deeply sad,” said Phillip as far as I know.” Ahmed Yaya of Mauritania, are person or persons are put in the right Chiyangwa, Ahmad’s campaign In 2011 Hayatou was accused in a among three men who said they are positions for the right reasons,» manager in 2017. Parliamentary select committee of standing in the presidential election. said Sierra Leone FA president Isha An audit of CAF finances pointed having accepted a $1.5m bribe from CAF has yet to confirm who was Johansen. «African football and the to irregularities and unreliable Qatar during the bidding process formally nominated and passed African continent needs to be on the accounting under Ahmad›s for the 2022 World Cup. The 2022 integrity checks. global platform for the right reasons.» 56 PAV - dec. 2020 - MAG 1220 Vol III PAN AFRICAN VISIONS PANM A R K E T IN G A F R IC A NAFRICAN S U C C E S S S T O R IE S & M O R E VISIONs Inside Africa Inside Africa MAG 1218 Vol 1, December 2018 Dmoray Good Gornan Corrton Aran non www.panafricanvisions.com T ar In Ara t Proor Gor Aytty A new Gate Way to Africa for you with Pan African Visions Are you looking for more product or brand awareness? 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