West Africa’s Season of Farewells and Question Marks

Summary After being wrongly accused of sexual harassment during his interview for the Chief Justice position, Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo is now among four candidates selected by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Deputy Chief Justice vacancy. This development follows the controversy surrounding Mlambo's prior interview, which raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the selection process. His nomination reflects a critical opportunity for Mlambo to advance within the judiciary, despite the challenges he faced...

Burkina Faso's military government has reported thwarting a "major plot" to overthrow junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré, alleging the plotters, comprised of current and former soldiers, were based in Ivory Coast. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated the coup attempt aimed to attack the presidential palace and create chaos, potentially subjecting the country to international oversight. Multiple arrests occurred last week, and the junta has previously accused Ivory Coast of harboring opponents, amid a backdrop of...

US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos stated that President Trump values Africa despite significant aid cuts that have led to humanitarian issues, including affecting health programs and increasing poverty risks. While the Trump administration paused foreign aid, causing concerns over healthcare and humanitarian aid, Boulos emphasized the need for efficiency in aid distribution and asserted that the US aims to establish strategic partnerships in Africa, particularly in mineral extraction. He also downplayed reports of...

Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon aims to become the first woman to run a sub-four minute mile, with her attempt scheduled for June 26 in Paris. Although Kipyegon, who set the current women's mile world record of 4:07.64 in 2023, will utilize rotating pacemakers and advanced Nike technology, this effort won't be recognized as an official record. Kipyegon, who has won multiple titles post-motherhood, hopes her attempt will inspire women to pursue their dreams...

Summary Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille praised Africa's Travel Indaba for its significant impact on the economy and tourism sector. She highlighted the growing interest from key markets, including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and India. This surge in interest underscores the event's importance in promoting travel and investment within Africa. Full Article

In a recent newsletter, the author reflects on their visit to Antananarivo, Madagascar, to attend British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare’s first major solo exhibition in Africa at Fondation H. The foundation, established to support Madagascar's art scene, attracts 15,000 visitors monthly, primarily young locals, and showcases Shonibare’s works, including the notable installation The African Library, which features 6,000 books celebrating anticolonial figures. Shonibare emphasizes the complexities of authenticity in art, highlighting the hybrid nature of African...