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Showing posts from February, 2024

"Shaping the Path Forward: Ghana's President Reshuffles Cabinet and Sacks Finance Minister Ahead of Election"

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Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo made headlines with a significant cabinet reshuffle just ten months before the nation's scheduled general elections in December. The reshuffle saw the departure of 13 ministers, including the finance minister, Ken Offori-Atta, along with ten deputy ministers. A statement from the Office of the President expressed appreciation for the outgoing ministers' dedication and hard work during their tenure. While no official reasons were provided for the reshuffle, sources close to the presidency indicated that it had been planned for some time. The replacement for Ken Offori-Atta is Mohammed Adam, formerly the minister of state for finance. Akufo-Addo submitted a list of new ministers and deputy ministers to parliament for approval, while others were reassigned without needing parliamentary confirmation. The timing of the reshuffle, especially the removal of the finance minister, sparked curiosity. However, a source close to the presidency explained t

A Denial of Democracy: President Macky Sall Calls For a Postponement of Presidential Elections

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  Senegal, known for its democratic tradition in the West African region, is currently facing a significant political upheaval as the presidential election, originally slated for February 25th, faces a postponement. The delay, announced by President Macky Sall, has sparked widespread protests and condemnation both domestically and internationally. The decision to delay the election stems from a disagreement between the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court regarding the rejection of candidates, citing issues such as dual nationality and alleged corruption within the body responsible for handling the candidate list. While President Sall claims the delay is necessary to address these concerns, opposition parties and civil society groups view it as a manoeuvre to prolong his stay in power. The postponement of the election has led to a cascade of events, including violent protests across the country and a crackdown on dissent by security forces. Mobile internet access has been tem

Remembering President Hage Geingob's Journey from Apartheid Exile to Namibia's Modernising Leader"

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  Namibia is plunged into mourning as President Hage Geingob, a stalwart of the nation's independence struggle, passes away at the age of 82 after a battle with cancer. A towering figure in the fight against apartheid South Africa, Geingob spent 27 years in exile, contributing to Namibia's eventual liberation in 1989. His passing leaves a void in the nation, marking the end of an era for a leader who played a pivotal role in shaping Namibia's history. Geingob's journey began in activism against South Africa's apartheid regime during his early schooling years. Exiled in Botswana and the United States, he became a vocal advocate for Namibia's independence, representing SWAPO at the United Nations and across the Americas. Studying in the US and earning a PhD in the UK, Geingob returned to Namibia in 1989, a poignant moment captured in his 2020 social media post where he kissed the Namibian soil, reflecting on the worthwhile journey of building a new nation. Elected

The Unravelling of ECOWAS: Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Withdrawal Signals Regional Crisis

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In a shocking move, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced their immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The junta-led countries, already suspended from the bloc, cited a departure from the founding principles of ECOWAS and accused the organization of becoming a threat to its member states. As these nations sever ties with the regional body, the implications for the stability of West Africa and the role of external powers come to the forefront. The joint statement, broadcast on state channels in the three countries, emphasized their "sovereign decision" to exit ECOWAS, claiming that the organization had strayed from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism. The accusations include ECOWAS being under the influence of foreign powers, jeopardizing member states, and failing to assist in addressing the jihadist violence in the region. The departure comes amid tense relations following military coups in Nig