标签： Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly criticized the United States’ decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, labeling it as a significant loss for the US. The decision, announced by US President Donald Trump, stems from unsubstantiated claims of white persecution in South Africa. Ramaphosa, speaking outside parliament, emphasized that the US’s absence would not hinder the summit’s proceedings, stating, ‘Boycott politics doesn’t work.’ He further highlighted that the US is relinquishing its crucial role as the world’s largest economy by opting out of the event. The G20 summit, scheduled for November 22-23, has been marred by controversy following Trump’s social media post calling South Africa’s hosting a ‘total disgrace.’ Trump initially planned to send Vice-President JD Vance in his stead but later retracted, reiterating his unfounded allegations of human rights abuses against Afrikaners. South Africa has firmly denied these claims, asserting that there is no evidence supporting the notion of white genocide or land confiscation without compensation. The government has labeled these accusations as baseless and lacking credible support. As the summit approaches, Ramaphosa remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring its success, despite the US’s withdrawal.

A young Nigerian soldier, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, has become a symbol of courage and professionalism after a video of him standing his ground against Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike went viral. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Lt. Yerima, acting on orders from his superiors, prevented Minister Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja. The video, which has garnered millions of views, shows Wike growing increasingly agitated as Lt. Yerima calmly refuses him entry, citing his orders. Social media users have widely praised the soldier’s composure, with many describing him as ‘brave’ and ‘courageous.’ Some have even shared his photo on their WhatsApp statuses as a mark of respect. The confrontation is particularly notable because Wike, a former governor of oil-rich Rivers State, is considered one of the most influential figures in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Known for his assertive demeanor, Wike rarely faces resistance from lower-ranking officials. In the video, Wike is heard insulting the soldier, saying, ‘You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.’ Lt. Yerima responds calmly, stating, ‘I am not a fool, sir.’ The reason for the soldiers’ presence on the land remains unclear, and the Nigerian military has yet to comment on the incident. Wike later told journalists that he visited the site after officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council reported being chased away by soldiers. He claimed the land falls under his jurisdiction and that his administration is investigating reports of illegal construction and land encroachment. ‘This is what prevents us from progressing,’ Wike said, adding that the soldiers failed to produce the documents he requested. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about accountability, professionalism, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

In a landmark ruling, Gabon’s special criminal court has sentenced former first lady Sylvia Bongo and her son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, to 20 years in prison for a series of high-profile crimes. The duo, tried in absentia, faced charges including embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, criminal association, and forgery. The court also issued arrest warrants and ordered them to pay millions in damages for crimes against the Gabonese state. The verdict, delivered late Tuesday, was met with criticism from Valentin, who labeled the trial a “predetermined formality” under President Oligui Nguema’s administration. Sylvia Bongo and Valentin were central figures during former President Ali Bongo’s 14-year rule, which ended abruptly in a 2023 coup following a disputed election. The Bongo family’s 56-year political dynasty, initiated by Ali’s father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for 42 years, came to an end with the coup. Prosecutors accused the pair of exploiting Ali Bongo’s health issues to manipulate state funds. Witnesses testified that Valentin, who served as coordinator of presidential affairs, effectively controlled the presidential palace after his father’s 2018 stroke. Following the coup, both were detained for 20 months before being allowed to leave the country. Now residing in London with French citizenship, the Bongos refused to participate in the trial. Prosecutors presented evidence of their lavish lifestyle, including private jets and luxury properties in London and Morocco. “They reigned unchallenged and portrayed themselves as victims of the system they created,” stated Eddy Minang, the prosecutor general at the Libreville Court of Appeal.