标签： Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya — Thousands of mourners, including African heads of state and dignitaries, gathered in Nairobi on Friday to honor the life and legacy of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and a towering figure in the nation’s democratic journey. Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in India earlier this week, was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to political reform and national unity. His casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was the centerpiece of an emotional Anglican Church service held at a packed soccer stadium, where attendees chanted his name and displayed portraits of the revered leader. The ceremony was marked by traditional symbols of peace, such as twigs, and underscored by heavy security following a tragic incident during Thursday’s public viewing, which claimed three lives. Odinga’s body had earlier lain in state at Parliament, a rare honor typically reserved for presidents, reflecting his profound impact on Kenya’s political landscape. Despite never securing the presidency in his five attempts over three decades, Odinga’s activism was instrumental in transforming Kenya into a vibrant multiparty democracy. President William Ruto, who once campaigned for Odinga in 2007 and later became his political rival, praised the late leader for his selflessness and pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s laws. The two leaders had recently reconciled after months of anti-government protests, leading to opposition members being appointed to cabinet positions. Anglican Bishop David Kodia, who presided over the service, urged leaders to emulate Odinga’s integrity and reject corruption. Political analyst Herman Manyora highlighted Odinga’s legacy, stating, “You can’t point at a man more willing to sacrifice everything just for the sake of his people.” Odinga’s family, including his wife Ida and children Winnie, Rosemary, and Raila Junior, were among the mourners. Winnie, who was with him in India, shared that her father passed away “strong, with dignity and pride,” while Junior vowed to uphold the family’s legacy. The ceremony concluded with President Ruto leading the crowd in singing Odinga’s favorite song, “Jamaica Farewell,” a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to Kenya’s progress.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina has officially assumed the role of Madagascar’s new president following a military takeover in the Indian Ocean nation. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Constitutional Court in Antananarivo, marked the beginning of a transitional period fraught with political and legal challenges. Randrianirina succeeds Andry Rajoelina, who fled the country after being impeached amid widespread youth-led protests demanding greater government accountability. In his inaugural address, Randrianirina pledged to establish a new government and organize elections within two years. He emphasized the need for electoral commission reforms and a thorough review of the voters’ roll as prerequisites for credible elections. While the nation faces uncertainty, there is cautious optimism about Randrianirina’s leadership. The ceremony drew a significant crowd, including protest leaders who played a pivotal role in the recent upheaval. This transition marks a critical juncture for Madagascar as it navigates the path toward stability and democratic governance.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of a recent military coup in Madagascar, is poised to be sworn in as the nation’s new president on Friday. The swift power grab, which ousted President Andry Rajoelina and forced him into hiding, marks a dramatic shift in the political landscape of the Indian Ocean island nation. Randrianirina, commander of the elite CAPSAT military unit, announced the military’s takeover just three days prior, following weeks of anti-government protests led primarily by young citizens. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the High Constitutional Court, with soldiers securing the premises and officials gathering for the event. The coup, which unfolded after three weeks of unrest, has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and resulted in Madagascar’s suspension from the African Union. Rajoelina, whose whereabouts remain unknown, was impeached by parliament shortly before Randrianirina declared the military’s assumption of power. The colonel, who emerged from relative obscurity to lead the rebellion, has pledged to govern through a military council for 18 months to two years before holding elections. This timeline suggests a prolonged wait for the young protesters who initially fueled the uprising. The protests, which began last month, were driven by grievances over water and power shortages, rising living costs, and allegations of corruption and nepotism. Randrianirina’s decision to join the anti-government movement last weekend solidified his position, despite a brief clash with security forces loyal to Rajoelina that resulted in one casualty. While the streets have remained largely peaceful, the international community, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, has called for a return to constitutional order. Madagascar, a former French colony with a history of political instability, faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty affecting 75% of its population. The nation’s future remains uncertain as it navigates this latest chapter in its tumultuous political history.

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has ignited a contentious debate by urging Congress to designate Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom, alleging ‘Christian mass murder’ without substantiated evidence. The Nigerian government has firmly dismissed these claims as baseless. Cruz, a Republican member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a bill last month seeking to label Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ due to alleged ‘severe violations’ of religious freedom. Such a designation could lead to U.S. sanctions. However, the bill’s passage remains uncertain as it awaits Senate action. Cruz’s assertions have been echoed by some U.S. celebrities and commentators, with some even alleging a ‘Christian genocide,’ though no evidence has been provided. Cruz’s office has not responded to inquiries about the motivation behind these allegations. Nigeria, with a population of 220 million, is nearly evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. The country has long grappled with insecurity from various groups, including Boko Haram, which targets both Muslims and Christians. Analysts emphasize that the majority of victims in Nigeria’s Muslim-majority north are Muslims, not Christians. While religiously motivated attacks occur, they are part of a broader spectrum of violence, including farmer-herder conflicts and ethnic clashes. Joseph Hayab, a former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, refuted claims of ‘Christian genocide,’ noting that while thousands of Christians have been killed, the situation has improved compared to previous years. Nigeria’s Information Minister, Idris Muhammed, stated that there is no systematic or intentional targeting of any religious group. Nigeria was previously designated a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by the U.S. in 2020, but this was lifted in 2023 to improve bilateral relations. The Christian Association of Nigeria has acknowledged the persecution of Christians but emphasized that violence affects both religious groups. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data program shows that between January 2020 and September 2023, 20,409 deaths resulted from 11,862 attacks on civilians in Nigeria, with 317 Christian deaths and 417 Muslim deaths recorded in religion-targeted attacks. Analysts argue that Nigeria’s complex security dynamics do not meet the legal definition of genocide, which requires intent to destroy a specific group. Instead, they describe the violence as mass killings not targeted at any particular group. Experts warn that framing the crisis as genocide could exacerbate tensions and hinder efforts to address the root causes of violence.