标签： Africa

Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, head of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), has dismissed his legal team and announced his intention to represent himself in his ongoing trial. The 58-year-old, who faces charges of terrorism and incitement to violence, opened his defense on Thursday by challenging the court’s jurisdiction, an argument swiftly rejected by the presiding judge. Kanu, who also holds a British passport, claims his continued detention violates a previous court of appeal ruling that had ordered the charges against him to be dropped. This decision was later overturned by Nigeria’s Supreme Court. The judge dismissed Kanu’s jurisdictional challenge, instructing him to proceed with his defense. Kanu’s decision to sack his lawyers came just 24 hours after he listed high-profile witnesses, including former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, for his trial. No reasons were provided for the dismissal, and his former legal team has remained silent. Kanu’s case has sparked significant controversy, with Nigerian police recently using tear gas to disperse protesters in Abuja demanding his release. Despite his legal battles, Kanu remains a revered figure among his followers, particularly in southeastern Nigeria. Ipob, banned as a terrorist organization in 2017, seeks independence for the region it calls the Biafran nation. Its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, has been accused of violent acts in recent years. Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but fled Nigeria in 2017 after a military raid on his home. He was re-arrested in 2021, with his lawyers alleging detention in Kenya, though Kenyan authorities have not commented on the matter. The case continues to highlight deep-seated tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The upcoming presidential election in Ivory Coast, scheduled for Saturday, is set against a backdrop of vibrant campaign rallies, yet the festive atmosphere masks deep-seated political tensions in the world’s largest cocoa producer. Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, affectionately known as ‘Ado’ by his supporters, is seeking a controversial fourth term, a move that has sparked significant backlash despite being constitutionally permissible. Ouattara, credited with steering the nation towards economic growth following a brutal civil war, now faces criticism from those who view his candidacy as a threat to democratic principles. The political landscape is further complicated by the disqualification of prominent opposition figures, including Tidjane Thiam and former President Laurent Gbagbo, whose refusal to accept defeat in the 2010 election triggered a violent conflict that left over 3,000 dead. Ouattara’s challengers include Simone Gbagbo, Laurent Gbagbo’s former wife and a prominent opposition leader, Jean-Louis Billon, a wealthy businessman, Henriette Lagou Adjoua, a women’s rights advocate, and Ahoua Don Mello, a former ally of Gbagbo. Each candidate brings a unique vision for the country, with Billon focusing on economic modernization and generational change, while Simone Gbagbo emphasizes education and youth opportunities. Despite the economic progress under Ouattara, many Ivorians feel left behind, with rising living costs and unemployment fueling discontent. The election is also marked by regional loyalties, with Ouattara enjoying strong support in the north, Simone Gbagbo drawing backing from the west and southwest, and Billon appealing to urban voters. The campaign has not been without controversy, with recent protests met with a swift government crackdown, raising concerns about potential post-election unrest. As the nation prepares to vote, the question remains whether Ivory Coast will choose continuity with Ouattara or opt for a new direction with one of his challengers.

In the wake of Madagascar’s recent military coup, led by Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the young protesters who fueled the uprising are yet to see tangible improvements in their daily lives. Donah Falia, a 20-year-old accounting student, continues to endure long waits for water and faces a bleak job market, reflecting the persistent challenges in the capital, Antananarivo. Despite the overthrow of democratically elected President Andry Rajoelina, the youth remain skeptical about the new regime’s ability to address their grievances. Randrianirina’s rise to power follows a familiar pattern in Madagascar’s post-colonial history, echoing similar military takeovers across Africa in recent years. While many celebrated the end of Rajoelina’s rule, the protesters’ demands for better living conditions, employment, and utility access remain unmet. The coup, which began with mass protests in September, saw security forces crack down harshly, resulting in casualties. Randrianirina’s CAPSAT unit eventually sided with the demonstrators, forcing Rajoelina to flee. The youth, inspired by global Gen Z movements, rallied around symbols of change but now face uncertainty about the new government’s commitment to their cause. Experts warn that military regimes often fail to address systemic issues like corruption and poverty, raising doubts about Randrianirina’s long-term effectiveness. The youth, however, remain vigilant, vowing to hold the new government accountable if their demands are ignored.