3 May 2021
Burkina Faso: Now that Blaise Compaoré will finally face justice, though in absentia, for having had his predecessor murdered, the article’s author gives a brief overview over what Thomas Sankara did and who he was. His failure – which caused his fall – was that he substituted “his popularity, charisma and oratory for a real movement that could confront the forces working towards his defeat”. Yet the chief’s personal integrity (“the truth of his person”) can replace organisation for socio-political and economic change only to a certain extent.
https://theconversation.com/now-theres-a-chance-of-justice-for-thomas-sankara-its-useful-to-review-what-got-him-killed-159749
Nigeria: Research shows that, with poverty levels increasing in Adamawa State/north east Nigeria (over 75% are poor according to official figures), more women have become household “breadwinners” and this puts them under lots of pressure. “To be able to withstand the stress of farming and to help improve their productivity, some used psychotropic stimulants”, mostly cannabis and tramadol – the most easily available stimulants. It has not been possible to track the effects on physical and mental health. The article recommends the establishment of a rehabilitation centre by the State government to help drug addicts.
https://theconversation.com/trying-to-understand-the-use-of-drugs-by-women-farmers-in-nigerias-adamawa-state-159276
Congo-Kinshasa: The most recent outbreak of Ebola has been declared over. This third outbreak in less than a year had infected 11 and killed 6 in North Kivu – “a quick response by the authorities and partners had helped contain the outbreak”.
BBC Africa Live 03 May 2021. 10:54
Algeria: Food – basic and staple food – has become scarce and expensive. Long focussing on oil, the country now imports 70% of its food requirements. Add the effects of the pandemic to the low oil prices and lots of people just can no longer afford their food. No doubt Ramadan is also adding to prices rising.
BBC Africa Live 03 May 2021. 8:51
Chad: A transitional government with 40 ministers and deputies has been named by the military council. Several long-time opponents were given portfolios and a former rebel chief will head the national reconciliation ministry. Some – like “senior opposition figure” Saleh Kebzabo – recognise the government, others continue to demand a civilian president.
BBC Africa Live 03 May 2021. 5:15
2 May 2021
Sudan: Minni Minawi, leader of the rebel “Sudanese Liberation Army” during the civil war in Darfur, has been appointed governor of Darfur – the appointment is part of the 2020 peace agreement signed by the Sudanese government and most of the rebel groups.
BBC Africa 02 May 2021. 16:08
Chad: The curfew imposed after Idriss Déby Itno’s death has been lifted. Does that mean that the junta feels it has consolidated its hold on power?
BBC Africa 02 May 2021. 15:24