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No. 034/2018

August 24, 2018

1.

00 Ghana's ex-president Mahama announces bid for 2020 vote

Ghana's former president John Mahama on Thursday announced his bid to seek the nomination of the main opposition party and contest the 2020 election. Mahama, who became president in 2012 but lost his re-election bid to President Nana Akufo-Addo of the (NPP) in 2016, said he had decided to give the country's top job another shot. Daily Nation

2.

Ruto says poll that ranked him most corrupt Kenyan politician is 'fake news'

Kenya’s deputy president, William Ruto has responded to an opinion poll that ranked him the most corrupt politician in the country, describing it as ‘fake news’ sponsored by his detractors. An opinion poll released by pollster Ipsos on Wednesday said one in three Kenyans (33%) perceive Ruto as the most corrupt public official. The poll that asked Kenyans to name the two most corrupt politicians in Kenya’s history, including those that have retired ranked former President Daniel Arap Moi at 17 percent. Africa News

Tests reveal the bulk of imported sugar, fertiliser and cooking oil fake

Fake sugar, edible oils and fertilizer are among substandard products that have passed through the Mombasa port, putting the facility on the spot. Consumers have been in the last months exposed to contaminated sugar that entered the country through the port. And they further have been taking substandard edible oils at a premium. Farmers have also been at the mercy of barons selling fake fertilizer. Daily Nation

3.

South Africa calls Trump 'misinformed' over land policy

1 Please note: The news items presented here are for informational purposes only. The views expressed within them are those of the authors and/or individuals quoted, not those of the Africa Policy Institute.

South Africa rejected a tweet by Donald Trump about the country's land reform policy and the "large-scale killing" of farmers saying the US president was "misinformed”. Trump said on Wednesday he directed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to "closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures". Aljazeera

4. South Sudan

South Sudan conflicting parties to sign final peace deal in Khartoum next week

South Sudan's conflicting parties have reached consensus on a final peace deal draft expected to be signed in Khartoum on August 27, South Sudan's Information Minister said Wednesday. The East African

Russian ship detained in S.Africa over 'weapons' cargo

South African police said Thursday that they had boarded a Russian-registered cargo ship allegedly carrying illegal weapons and explosives en route to Lagos, .The vessel, named Lada, had reportedly left Madagascar before stopping at Ngqura port outside the eastern city of Port Elizabeth, where it was detained after a security check on Sunday. Daily Nation

5. Uganda

Popular Ugandan opposition MP Bobi Wine charged with treason

Robert Kyagulanyi, a musician-turned-MP whose arrest prompted protests in Uganda, has been charged with treason. The indictment at a civilian court on Thursday came shortly after military prosecutors dropped weapons possession charges against Kyagulanyi, who is better known by his stage name, Bobi Wine. Aljazeera

Uganda's Bobi Wine: Pop star MP charged with treason

The Ugandan MP and pop star Bobi Wine has been charged with treason in a civilian court shortly after a military court freed him. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was immediately re-arrested after being released. His lawyers say he has been assaulted in detention, which the military and President Yoweri Museveni deny. BBC Africa

6.

Zimbabwe court to decide over president's disputed election win

Zimbabwe's top court will decide on Friday whether to overturn or uphold President Emmerson Mnangagwa's narrow election win in July. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa says the vote was rigged in favour of the president, who won with just over 50 percent. Aljazeera

2 Please note: The news items presented here are for informational purposes only. The views expressed within them are those of the authors and/or individuals quoted, not those of the Africa Policy Institute.

Zimbabwe court verdict expected Friday

The opposition is patiently waiting for the verdict of the Constitutional Court after arguing in the country’s top court on Wednesday that the presidential election results be thrown out due to “massive doctoring” of the vote of July 30. The nine judges of the highest court in the country adjourned the hearing Wednesday evening and postponed their decision until Friday afternoon. Africa News

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3 Please note: The news items presented here are for informational purposes only. The views expressed within them are those of the authors and/or individuals quoted, not those of the Africa Policy Institute.