Niger: Access to Information – Rfi and France 24 Programs Cut Off
One week after the coup d’état in Niger, according to several sources on the ground, the broadcasting of Rfi and France 24 programs has been interrupted in the country. France Médias Monde denounces this decision, which was taken outside any conventional and legal framework, depriving citizens in the region of their access to free, independent, and verified information. While Rfi and France 24 have already been censored in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months, the group reiterates its unwavering commitment to freedom of information, plurality of information, professional work, and the safety of journalists. (Source: Rfi)
Burkina Faso: Fight against Terrorism – Wearing of Veils Prohibited in the Koulpélogo Province
The High Commissioner for the Koulpélogo Province, Ousmane Ouattara, has issued an order prohibiting the wearing of full veils in the region for security reasons, according to the Burkina Information Agency (Aib). The order, dated July 31, 2023, states that the veil must allow for clear identification of the person’s face. This measure, aimed at strengthening the fight against terrorism in the province, will be in effect for three months and may be extended or cancelled depending on the security situation. The Aib emphasizes that this decision was made after thorough consultations and agreement with stakeholders in the province, including religious communities.
Senegal: Sonko Case – “There Will Be No Coup in Senegal Because of Him…” (Pastef)
Will the political crisis rocking Senegal lead to a coup d’état? Africaguinee.com interviewed Maguette M’Bodj, the representative of the Pastef party in Guinea. “Since Ousmane Sonko was arrested, we have not been able to communicate with him. And until now, his lawyers have not had access to him. But we have received information that he is currently being held in Sebikotane prison, 45 kilometers from Dakar.
What is happening in Senegal right now is a disappointment for the African continent,” denounces the representative of Sonko’s party in Guinea. Should we fear a military incursion? “No, there will be no coup in Senegal. Not because it is a nation of elites, but there will be no coup because it is the Senegalese army that refuses to get involved in that…” says Maguette M’Bodj. (Source: africaguinee.com)
CAR: New Constitution – Profile of the Future Vice President
The compilation of results and voter turnout is still ongoing at the National Electoral Authority in the Central African Republic, following Sunday’s constitutional referendum. After a review by the Constitutional Court, the text is expected to be promulgated by President Touadéra by the end of the month at the latest. The next step for the government will be to implement the provisions of the new text and the newly created institutions, such as the vice presidency. According to the new Constitution, the head of state appoints and terminates the functions of the vice president, who acts as a substitute in their absence and assumes interim duties in case of a vacant position, with the mission of organizing an election within three months. (Source: Rfi)
Guinea: Ministerial Evaluation Results – “One Ministry Scored Zero Points,” Reveals Dr. Goumou
The Prime Minister presented on Thursday, August 3, 2023, the results of the evaluation of members of his Government. According to the statistics revealed by Dr. Bernard Goumou, there are unsatisfactory, satisfactory, good, and very good ratings. However, no ministry scored between 91 and 100 points, which is the excellent rating. Africaguinee.com shares the essence of the evaluation results. Based on the initial assessment, it shows that 85% of ministries have submitted documents that meet expectations.
In detail, the Prime Minister emphasizes that 14.30% of ministries fell below expectations. On the other hand, 42.90% of departments have expectations deemed satisfactory. “This is the assessment of the initial rating,” explained the head of government, who added that the progress of operational action plans (OAPs) as of June 30 is positive at over 80%. 17.90% of ministries have OAP progress at a slow pace, compared to 32.40% with encouraging OAP progress. Regarding the state of OAP implementation, 50% of evaluated ministries have a satisfactory pace, according to Dr. Goumou. (Source: africaguinee.com)
Ivory Coast: Attainment of Independence – Commemoration of the 63rd Anniversary Cancelled
The commemoration ceremony of the 63rd anniversary of the independence of Ivory Coast, scheduled for Monday, August 7, 2023, on the toll highway of Grand-Bassam, has been cancelled. This was announced by the General Directorate of State Protocol on Thursday, August 3, 2023, through a statement. According to the document, this decision is made due to the national mourning declared by the Head of State, Alassane Ouattara, following the death of former President of the Republic of Ivory Coast, Henri Konan Bédié. The State Protocol Directorate adds that an armed forces ceremony will take place on that date at the Presidential Palace in Plateau instead. It should be noted that several ceremonies, including the inauguration of the bridge connecting the Cocody and Plateau municipalities, have also been cancelled. (Source: Fratmat.info)
Uganda: River Transport – At Least 20 Dead in Boat Capsizing on Lake Victoria
A cargo transport boat capsized on Lake Victoria in southern Uganda on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. At least 20 people have died, according to the police. At least 20 people have been confirmed dead after a cargo transport boat capsized on Lake Victoria in southern Uganda on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, reports Agence France-Presse, citing authorities. According to the police, who announced the accident, it was caused by overloading and bad weather. The boat, carrying bags of charcoal, fresh food, and fish, among others, overturned around 5 a.m. local time (4 a.m. French time).
