Bram Posthumus

The article discusses the suppression of media freedom in Uganda, highlighting the government's crackdown on the Daily Monitor newspaper and other media outlets for reporting on sensitive issues such as President Museveni's alleged plan to have his son succeed him. It details the closure of media houses following the publication of a memo by General David Sejusa about an assassination plot, and the subsequent police siege. The article also covers the influence of President Museveni on the legislature and judiciary, his attempts to stifle foreign media, and the increasing intolerance to criticism as he extends his time in power. The author, a Ugandan journalist on sabbatical from the Daily Monitor, is currently interning at the Reuters Africa Bureau in Johannesburg.

The article discusses Russia's increasing influence in the Central African Republic (CAR), particularly through the presence of the Russian private military company Wagner. Wagner has been involved in defending the CAR's capital, Bangui, against rebels and has been welcomed by some locals. The relationship between Russia and the CAR strengthened after the CAR President Faustin Archange Touadéra met with Russian officials and the partial lifting of UN sanctions allowed Russia to sell arms to the CAR. Wagner's operatives have been integrated into the CAR's security architecture, but their presence has also been linked to human rights abuses and resource exploitation. The article suggests that Russia's involvement in the CAR is part of a broader strategy to establish a corridor of influence in Africa, but this plan may be compromised by Russia's focus on the conflict in Ukraine. The article also touches on anti-French sentiment in the CAR and the historical context of foreign involvement in the region.

The article discusses a significant meeting between Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and his predecessors Laurent Gbagbo and Henri Konan Bédié, which marks the first time in 12 years the political figures have come together. The meeting is seen as a potential turning point in Ivorian politics, given the trio's influential roles in the country's history, including periods of civil war and political unrest. The article traces the political careers of each man, their impacts on the nation, and the concept of 'Ivoirité' that has shaped Ivorian politics. It also touches on the upcoming local and regional polls in 2023, the presidential election in 2025, and the public's mixed reactions to the meeting, with some calling for a new generation of leadership to reflect the nation's youthful demographic.

The article discusses the political turmoil and challenges faced by President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau. It highlights the country's history of military coups, the influence of the military in politics, and the emergence of drug trafficking as a significant economic force. The military's involvement in politics and the patronage system is linked to the country's history, including the struggle for independence led by the PAIGC. The article also covers the recent assassination attempt on President Embalo and the subsequent crackdown on political parties and media. It emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in political financing to prevent criminal influence and calls for reforms in governance to address past human rights abuses and improve the fate of the citizens of Guinea Bissau.

Guinea has effectively responded to a new Ebola case identified on February 14, originating from the funeral of a nurse in Gouécké. Unlike the 2014 outbreak, health authorities quickly mobilized, deploying health workers with test kits and treatment centers. A significant difference was the availability of an Ebola vaccine developed by Merck, with 11,000 doses provided by the WHO and transported by the WFP. Vaccinations were administered using a ring method, prioritizing direct contacts and their connections. Despite initial resistance and misinformation, extensive consultations by WHO, Red Cross, and Guinean authorities, including public vaccinations by Health Minister Remy Lamah, have been successful. Guinea is on the verge of being Ebola-free, with the vaccines administered to the population, enhancing preparedness for potential future outbreaks.

French troops in Mali have faced the worst start to the new year since their arrival seven years ago, with increasing opposition from the Malian public and rising French casualties. The French military mission, initially welcomed, is now seen by many Malians as an occupying force, and over half of the French population opposes sending soldiers to the Sahel, according to a poll by the Institut français d’opinion publique. Recent armed attacks resulted in five French military deaths, raising the total to fifty during Opération Barkhane. A controversial French airstrike on January 3rd caused nineteen deaths in the village of Bounti, with conflicting reports on whether the deceased were jihadists or civilians attending a wedding. President Emmanuel Macron plans to withdraw six hundred soldiers from the Barkhane force next month, with his re-election potentially influenced by the outcome of the situation in the Sahel.

Mali has concluded the second round of its presidential election, with voting taking place peacefully despite concerns of Islamist attacks and political cynicism among citizens. Many Malians did not participate, with some citing disillusionment with politics and fears of election rigging. Despite allegations of vote-buying and the use of fictitious voters, authorities have denied any wrongdoing. The European Union observer mission, led by Cecile Kyenge, emphasized the importance of transparency and has requested the publication of detailed results and electoral lists. Incumbent President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita is anticipated to win against opposition leader Soumaïla Cisse, although political analyst Ballan Diakite notes Keita's loss of allies and predicts further political polarization in Mali.

The article discusses the results of the first round of elections in Mali, where Keita, also known as IBK, emerged as the frontrunner with 41 percent of the votes. His closest competitor, Soumaila Cisse, received 18 percent support but was unable to consolidate the opposition behind him. Voter turnout was noted to be low, with only 43 percent of registered voters participating in the first round. Pocim, a group of citizen observers, reported an even lower average participation rate of 22 percent in the second round at the polling stations they monitored.

The article reports on the disruptions to voting in a recent election, where violent incidents prevented people from casting their votes in 767 out of approximately 23,000 polling stations, particularly in the central and northern parts of the country. The Ministry of Territorial Administration provided these figures. Additionally, the European Union's observer mission noted irregularities in the election process, such as issues with the distribution of electoral cards, which cast doubts on the credibility of the election results.

Regional election observers reported that the voting process in Mali's elections was conducted on time and peacefully in most parts of the country. However, there were incidents of violence where gunmen set ballots on fire and intimidated the public and staff at some polling stations, particularly in the central and northern regions. Due to these disruptions, voting did not occur at 716 of the approximately 23,000 polling stations. The information was confirmed in a statement from the office of Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga.