In Botswana, Duma Boko has assumed office as the new president, appointing Gaolathe as his deputy and nominating six members of parliament to support his administration.
In Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, head of the National Financial Investigation Agency, has been arrested over allegations of creating explicit videos involving spouses of prominent public officials.
In Mozambique, tensions remain high as opposition protests against President Daniel Chapo’s election victory continue to grow, with authorities resorting to force. A major rally in Maputo is expected on November 7, raising concerns about potential unrest and clashes.
Check out all the top stories below:
BOTSWANA WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT DUMA BOKO
In a major political change, Duma Boko was elected as president after winning the elections, ending the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 60-year ruling.
Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi admitted defeat after the BDP faced a major loss, breaking the ruling party’s hold on power for the first time since Botswana’s 1966 independence.
Masisi handed over power to the new President Duma Boko on Monday (04 Nov.).
BOKO PICKS GAOLATHE AS DEPUTY PRESIDENT
After last week’s election victory, Botswana’s new president, Duma Boko, has taken office and has named economist Ndaba Gaolathe as his deputy.
Gaolathe, 52, holds the role of deputy to Boko in the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and is the head of the powerful Alliance for Progressives (AP), an important coalition member.
This move highlights Boko’s focus on fostering unity within the UDC as he starts his presidency, prioritizing cooperation across the coalition’s political factions.
PRESIDENT DUMA BOKO NOMINATES SIX MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (SEMP)
On Wednesday (06 Nov.), President Duma Boko announced his six nominations for Specially Elected Members of Parliament, who were then voted in by the newly elected MPs.
The selected members are:
- Bogolo Kenewendo
- Lesego Chombo
- Pius Mokgware
- Moeti Mohwasa
- Dr. Steven Modise, and
- Nono Kgafela-Mokoka.
Boko addressed the media to explain his choices, stating “We wanted to be as broad as possible and bring in young women in particular with skills and visibility in society. We reckon they did not come any better than Mme Kenewendo who is BDP (Botswana Democratic Party) as far as we know. We wanted to bring her in as far as her attributes,” Boko explains.
President Boko explained that his selection of Miss World Africa Lesego Chombo was a nod to the younger generation. “I asked for any young person around 20, 22, or 23 years old, and we decided on Lesego Chombo. She’s young, visible, and this choice has been very well received. I hope the nation will feel proud to have her,” he said.
“We also wanted to increase the number of women. We brought in Mma (Kgafela-) Mokoka, who did well in her constituency. We also got into the young medical doctor. Rre Gaolathe and I agreed that we needed a medical doctor in Parliament, and we settled for a young dynamic excellent professional, and a lecturer of medicine, Modise,” he adds.
Commenting on Mohwasa and Mokgware, Boko believes the two are veterans and have a calming influence.
“We only had six positions and we did the best we could. We will be nominating the Speaker tomorrow and although I will not tell you who, expect a young vibrant fiery and razor-sharp person,” he hints.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CONGRATULATES BOTSWANA NEW PRESIDENT
Cyril Ramaphosa extended his congratulations to President-Elect Duma Boko and the people of Botswana following the recent elections, with the exchange taking place through a telephone call.
He commended the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition for its win and welcomed the immediate transition efforts between the outgoing Masisi administration and the incoming Boko leadership.
“The success of the elections in our sister nation and the seamless transition that is already underway affirms the demonstration of democratic maturity in our region and on our continent.
As South Africa, we look forward to deepening our fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, with outcomes that will benefit both our nations“, said President Ramaphosa.
MOZAMBIQUE PROTESTS GROW—SA SHUTS BORDER
Tensions rise in Mozambique as opposition protests grow over Daniel Chapo’s presidential win, with authorities using force to suppress the demonstrations.
Demonstrations in Maputo, organized by the opposition are set for November 7, with fears of growing unrest and clashes.
Amid these tensions, South Africa has shut down the Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique after violent protests erupted over the contested presidential election.
These protests have led to the burning of vehicles and buildings, prompting South Africa to suspend border operations and deploy additional security to safeguard its territory. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, fearing for his life, has gone into hiding as his general strike persists, despite the prime minister’s request for Mozambicans to return to work.
GHANA ROLLS OUT 5G BROADBAND SERVICES
On November 1, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially launched 5G mobile broadband services in Ghana, taking a major step forward in the nation’s digital evolution.
The new network brings faster internet speeds, better reliability, and stronger capacity for users across the country.
The fifth generation of wireless technology, or 5G, operates on the same radio frequencies as 3G and 4G, but offers higher speeds and more consistent connections.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo highlighted 5G’s potential to reshape Ghana’s digital landscape and called it the beginning of a new chapter in infrastructure development. “As we launch 5G in Ghana today, let us embrace our responsibility to build a stronger and more inclusive Ghana,” he stated.
“Our success will not only be measured by internet speed but by the tangible improvement in the lives of people, industries, and fostering innovation across all regions.”
GHANA: ROBOTICS AND CODING ARE NOW MANDATORY IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and NPP presidential candidate, has introduced a new policy requiring Robotics and Coding for all second-year Senior High School students in Ghana.
Effective from Tuesday (05 Nov.), the initiative is designed to arm Ghana’s youth with vital digital and tech skills.
Speaking at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra on November 3, Dr. Bawumia stated, “This transformative decision aligns with my commitment to prepare Ghana’s youth for a rapidly evolving digital world.”
This curriculum update introduces more tech-related subjects to align with the growing demand for digital skills in employment.
Dr. Bawumia also showcased the Akufo-Addo administration’s job creation efforts, backed by recent SSNIT data.
BOTSWANA UNVEILS NEW FRANCISTOWN FUEL DEPOT FACILITY
The Botswana government has officially opened the Francistown fuel loading station (Depot Gantry), advancing its commitment to the country’s petroleum security.
Minister Lefoko Moagi noted that the storage facilities in Gaborone and Francistown, dating back to 1979, now fall short of current petroleum needs.
“Increased consumption has surpassed the capacity of these facilities,” he said, stressing the government’s goal to secure an essential fuel supply.
In 2008, the Ministry of Minerals, Energy, and Water Resources began reviewing Botswana’s fuel reserve strategy to meet the World Bank’s 90-day stock recommendation for non-oil-producing nations.
An update in 2012 suggested expanding storage in Ghanzi, Francistown, and Tshele Hills, with the Francistown Depot construction starting in September 2022.
This project strengthens Botswana’s fuel security, with facilities protecting against supply issues, according to Botswana Oil Limited CEO Meshack Tshekedi.
NAFDAC SHUTS DOWN WAREHOUSE OF EXPIRED FOOD IN ABUJA
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) discovered a warehouse in Zone 4, Wuse, Abuja, filled with expired and unregistered food items.
During a raid, NAFDAC’s Investigation & Enforcement team found that the facility was preparing to revalidate and reintroduce these expired products to the market.
The operation also covered a supermarket in Wuse 2, Abuja, suspected of selling expired products from the same warehouse.
Authorities have since sealed both the warehouse and supermarket to continue investigations.
Seized products included brands like Nacho Crisp and Dal Tadka, totaling about 87.5 million naira.
NAFDAC warns consumers to be especially cautious during the festive period and report any suspicious items directly to the agency.
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND FALLS AS TRUMP WINS
Following Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House, global investor concerns have led to a sharp decline in the South African rand on Wednesday (06 Nov.), which dropped 3% to R17.81 against the US dollar.
This political shift has spiked uncertainty, intensifying risk aversion and putting pressure on emerging markets. As geopolitical tensions rise, concerns about Trump’s potential re-election have compounded the economic outlook for South Africa.
The 10-year South African government bond yield jumped over 30 basis points to 9.66%, reflecting growing unease among investors.
A second Trump term could significantly harm South Africa’s economy, particularly if it threatens the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which supports thousands of jobs in the country.
Furthermore, the potential for higher tariffs under Trump’s trade policies could severely impact South African exports to the US and the global market.
Source: Dailymaverick
EQUATORIAL GUINEA OFFICIAL ARRESTED OVER 400 SEX TAPES
Baltasar Engonga, the head of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) in Equatorial Guinea, was arrested following allegations that he filmed more than 400 explicit videos involving the wives of well-known public officials.
Fraud allegations against Baltasar Engonga led to the discovery of explicit videos, which reportedly feature the wives of prominent government officials and their relatives.
Some of the footage was filmed in Engonga’s office, with the national flag visible in the background.
In light of the scandal, the government moved fast to suspend officials engaged in sexual misconduct within ministry offices, reinforcing a “zero tolerance” policy aimed at safeguarding public trust.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA RESTRICTS WHATSAPP AMID SEX SCANDAL
In a recent decision, the government of Equatorial Guinea restricted citizens from using mobile data to download or share multimedia files on WhatsApp.
This action follows government instructions to telecom companies to block access to inappropriate content.
The move comes after Baltasar Engonga, the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency head, was caught in a scandal involving married women, which was uncovered during a fraud probe.
According to Ahora EG’s report on Tuesday, citizens in Equatorial Guinea have been complaining about their inability to send photos, videos, and audio through mobile data, resulting in a shift to WiFi networks for sharing such content.
KENYA RAIDS ILLEGAL MEDICAL SPAS AFTER DEATH
Kenyan officials have launched a 30-day nationwide crackdown on unlicensed medical spas following a fatal botched cosmetic surgery.
The operation was prompted by the death of 47-year-old Lucy Wambui, who passed away after a failed liposuction procedure at Omincare Medical on October 16.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed the raid, aiming to shut down unsafe practices that endanger citizens’ health.
Amid this, authorities have ramped up efforts to target and close unethical medical spas in response to the growing public health concerns.
DAVIDO VOTES FOR FIRST TIME IN US ELECTION
On Tuesday (05 Nov.), Nigerian music star Davido, made a significant milestone by casting his first-ever vote in a U.S. election.
The Nigerian superstar participated in the 2024 presidential election, where voters were deciding between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
In a surprising turn, Donald Trump won the election, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. politics.
Davido shared the news on Twitter (now X), posting a photo of himself with his “I’m a Georgia voter” sticker. His caption, “First-time voter!” reflected his excitement about the experience.
Before election day, Davido encouraged American voters to stay safe while exercising their right to vote, stating, “Election day 🇱🇷 y’all be safe as you perform your constitutional rights.”
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