On Daybreak Africa: Mali's junta chief on Wednesday sacked civilian Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and the government, days after Maiga issued rare criticism of the military rulers. Plus, leaders of the main opposition parties in Congo have called for nationwide protests against President Felix Tshisekedi’s plans to draft a new constitution. Uganda charges opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye with threatening national security and the illegal possession of firearm. Meanwhile, the Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network has called for Besigye’s immediate and unconditional release. Zambia's Catholic Bishops raise their concern over rights violations. SADC investigates violence following Mozambique’s polls. Meanwhile, Mozambique’s president wants talks to end weeks of post-election unrest. Nigeria's Mining Week brings into focus a long-neglected sector. For these and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!
In Zambia, Catholic bishops are raising the alarm about increased arrests and prolonged detentions of opposition leaders. In a letter signed by all 11 bishops, they lamented what they see as significant restrictions on democratic freedom. They say this is illustrated by charges being brought against at least six opposition leaders, as well as journalists and civil society activists, for political activities. Kathy Short reports from Lusaka
Nigeria concluded a three-day conference Wednesday to mark National Mining Week. Authorities in the West African nation have been seeking to expand investments in the mining industry in a bid to diversify the economy, amid the global surge in demand for minerals. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja
Uganda opposition leader Rtd Col. Kizza Besigye was charged Wednesday in a military court with threatening national security and illegal possession of firearms. Besigye, who was arrested in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, was introduced to the court amid tight security. His family and opposition are opposed to his trial in a military court and worry about his health. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from Kampala
The Convenor of the Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye’s wife told VOA Tuesday that her husband was kidnapped in Kenya, brought back to Uganda and held in a military jail. Besigye had been scheduled to attend and speak at Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua’s book launch on Sunday, but he was a no-show. Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, said Wednesday that Kenya has no knowledge about Besigye’s alleged abduction. Karua, leader of the National Rainbow Coalition – a Kenyan opposition party --- and Convenor of the Pan African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network, tells VOA’s James Butty, Dr. Besigye must be released unconditionally because kidnapping and abduction by state security violate local and international law.
Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has invited the four presidential candidates for a dialogue as part of a bid to end post-election unrest that has left several people dead and dozens of others injured. Protesters say the October 9 election won by ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo was rigged, something the government denies. Charles Mangwiro reports from Maputo
The Southern African Development Community held an extraordinary summit of heads of state in Zimbabwe on Wednesday to discuss the post-election violence in Mozambique and the conflict in eastern DRC. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Mount Hampden just outside the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, which is chairing the 16-nation group
On Daybreak Africa: The mausoleum where the scant remains of Democratic Republic of Congo's fiery independence hero Patrice Lumumba are interred has been vandalized, the culture ministry said Tuesday. Plus, Mozambique’s post-election violence looms high on the agenda as SADC leaders meet in Zimbabwe Wednesday. Opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has won Somaliland’s presidential election. Anti-corruption protesters in Botswana demand action from their new government. The G20 summit has ended in Brazil. What’s in it for Africa? The wife of Ugandan opposition leader Besigye says her husband was kidnapped in Kenya and is being held in a military jail in Uganda. A look at Artificial Intelligence in action at the Africa Tech Festival. For these and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!
Botswana’s new president, President Duma Boko, has promised zero tolerance for graft in his administration. The pledge comes as scores of Botswana residents join in youth-led anti-corruption protests, urging the government to prosecute former officials accused of looting public coffers. Mqondisi Dube reports from the capital, Gaborone.
The wife of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye says her husband was kidnapped in Kenya and is being held at a military jail in Kampala. The story broke early Wednesday morning local time, and we have not been able to reach Uganda authorities for confirmation. However, Winnie Byanyima, who is also executive director of the United Nations AIDS agency (UNAIDS) says her husband went missing on Saturday in Nairobi where he had gone to attend a book launch by Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua. Byanyima tells VOA’s James Butty, the family is demanding to see Dr. Besigye.
An analyst says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders who are meeting Wednesday in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, should propose a win-win solution to the post-election crisis in Mozambique. There has been violence there since opposition parties and citizens rejected the results of the October 9 presidential election. Human rights groups say as many as 20 people have been killed. Professor Sipho Seepe, a political analyst and former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, tells VOA’s James Butty, that SADC should propose a government of national unity, given the many problems associated with the October 9 vote
Leaders of the world’s major economies on Tuesday concluded the annual G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Created in 1999 in response to a series of major international debt crises, the Group of 20 aims to unite world leaders around shared economic, political and health challenges. Abdi Ismail Samatar, a professor at the University of Minnesota, tells reporter Douglas Mpuga that Africa does not benefit much from such summits
Opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” has won breakaway Somaliland’s presidential election, defeating incumbent Muse Bihi Abdi. Abdirahman Irro, candidate for the Waddani (National) party captured 63.92% of the vote, compared with Bihi’s 34.81%, according to the electoral commission. A third candidate, Faysal Ali Warabe, received 0.74% of the votes. Ethiopia, Somalia, and the US embassy in Somalia were among those who congratulated the new president-elect. The international community hailed the election as “peaceful.” Musa Hassan Yousuf, chief of the Somaliland National Electoral Commission, spoke with Harun Maruf of VOA’s Horn of Africa Service
Artificial intelligence was much discussed and demonstrated at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa earlier this month. The conference highlighted how technology is changing industries on the continent. Vicky Stark filed this report.
On Daybreak Africa: Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution Monday calling for an immediate cease-fire in the war between Sudan’s military and paramilitary forces and delivery of humanitarian aid to millions in desperate need. Plus, US criticizes Russia’s veto of a Security Council resolution on protecting civilians in Sudan. Burundi’s opposition leader says presidential clemency for about 41 percent of the country’s prison population does not include political prisoners. A call for parliamentary term limits in Zambia. Nigeria celebrates ‘Miss Universe’ success amid citizenship controversy. Anglican Church bishops in Kenya add their voice to criticisms of President Ruto’s government. Senate Republicans ready for unified control in 2025 with new leadership. For these and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has ordered the release of about 41 percent of the country’s prison population of 13,211, those charged with minor crimes. News report says the president hopes the amnesty will enable those freed to change their behavior and contribute to the country’s development. Agathon Rwasa, leader of Burundi’s main opposition party, the National Freedom Council (CNL), tells VOA’s James Butty, the release of prisoners does not include those arrested for their political beliefs and affiliation
United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has criticized yesterday’s veto by Russia of a Security Council resolution on protecting civilians in Sudan. The resolution supported by 14 of the 15 council members, including China, urged the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to honor their commitments to protect civilians and cease hostilities. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said it was unconscionable for Russia to stand in the way of a resolution intended to save lives in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis
In Zambia, a leading Pan African governance activist is calling for a constitutional amendment that sets term limits for members of parliament. Sikwindi Situla says the move will broaden the political space for other citizens to participate in governance. His suggestion has generated a debate across the country. VOA's Peter Clottey reached Situla for more about his call for parliamentary term limits
Anglican Church bishops in Kenya have added their voice to criticisms of President William Ruto’s government. Last week, Roman Catholic bishops in Kenya criticized the government for what they called unexplained killings, abductions, and disappearances in the country, especially the murder of women. Some supporters of the government urged the bishops to focus on ministering to the flock and not to dabble into politics. In a statement on Monday, the Anglican bishops said it was their duty to take a second look at the morality of Kenya’s democracy and jumpstart civil engagement to bring about accountability. The Right Reverand Professor David Kodia, the Anglican Bishop of Bondo, tells VOA’s James Butty, the church represents Kenyans, some of whom cannot afford a meal a day or who are paying taxes but do not see the value of their taxes
Nigerians are celebrating the success of beauty pageant competitor Chidimma Adetshina at the Miss Universe contest in Mexico Saturday. Adetshina fell just short of the title, being named first runner up, but was still crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja, Nigeria