In Mozambique, opposition leader Mondlane has called for a nationwide, three-day protest against election results, sparking unrest with at least 30 fatalities reported amid post-election violence. Businesses across Mozambique are also grappling with major losses due to widespread protests and vandalism.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is considering new regulations requiring WhatsApp group admins, specifically those managing business-related groups, to obtain licenses.
Lastly, in Mauritius, the opposition party has clinched a sweeping victory in the national election, marking a decisive shift in the country’s political landscape.
Check out all the top stories below:
MONDLANE CALLS FOR THREE-DAY ELECTION PROTEST NATIONWIDE
In Mozambique, presidential hopeful Venâncio Mondlane has announced a series of national protests, spanning three days, to challenge the electoral process, starting Wednesday (13 Nov.).
In a live broadcast on his official Facebook account, Venâncio Mondlane stated, “We will protest at the borders, at the ports, and in the provincial capitals. All 11 provincial capitals… We will paralyze all activities so they understand that the people are tired,” as part of the “fourth stage” of protests against the results of the October 9 elections.
According to Mondlane, the protests will happen in multiple phases, with further announcements to follow, also targeting the “kidnappings, hostage-takings, and the murders” plaguing the country. He confirmed that the three-day demonstration will pause afterward, calling on people from every district to gather in each provincial capital, including Maputo, by Friday.
Mondlane called for the protest to extend to the country’s ports, borders, and transport corridors, urging truck drivers to join voluntarily, while emphasizing that his goal was not to stage a coup, despite the chaos caused by the November 7 demonstration in Maputo.
According to Reuters, at least 30 people have been killed in Mozambique between October 19 and November 6, with violence spreading across the country.
AT LEAST 30 REPORTED KILLED SINCE POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE
At least 30 people have lost their lives across Mozambique between October 19 and November 6, amid escalating violence and unrest, according to Al Jazeera.
Mozambique’s October 9, 2024 elections saw the ruling FRELIMO party, which has held power for 47 years, contesting against opposition groups, including RENAMO and the newly formed PODEMOS party. PODEMOS, led by Venâncio Mondlane, managed to draw strong public support, particularly from the youth, challenging the long-standing political dominance of FRELIMO and RENAMO.
On October 24, 2024, FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo was declared the winner of Mozambique’s presidential election with 70.67%. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) questioned the transparency of the results, noting concerns over the counting process. Following allegations of election irregularities and violence—protests erupted in major cities, prompting the government to block social media and restrict internet access to control the unrest.
“At least 30 people were killed between October 19 and November 6 inclusive across the country,” the New York-based rights organisation told the AFP news agency.
However, on the flipside, Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Human Rights has confirmed 34 deaths in total.
MOZAMBIQUE BUSINESS SUFFERS MAJOR LOSS AMID PROTESTS AND VANDALISM
Mozambique’s largest business association estimated losses of 24.8 billion meticais from 10 days of protests and shutdowns led by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, during which 151 businesses were damaged.
“These demonstrations accompanied by the paralyses of economic activity, we found that the trade, logistics and transport sectors were the most affected, and the total losses and impact on GDP (Gross Domestic Product) totalled 24.8 billion meticais, which is about 2.2% of our GDP,” said the president of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), Agostinho Vuma.
Maputo, along with the rest of Mozambique, has experienced disruptions and protests since October 21, organized by Venâncio Mondlane, who contests the election results that handed victory to Daniel Chapo and the Frelimo party.
Maputo saw violent demonstrations that led to fatalities, injuries, arrests, and widespread destruction, particularly on November 7. At a press briefing, the leader of the Mozambican business sector expressed concerns that the destruction could jeopardize the country’s 5.5% growth goal, citing ‘vandalising and breaking into business units’ as a characteristic of the marches.
“Around 151 business units across the country have already been affected, % of which are in the cities of Maputo and Matola,” said Agostinho Vuma, adding that the vandalisations alone have already caused costs of around $45.5 million, putting more than 1,200 jobs at risk.
The CTA president reported that the transport sector in Maputo lost approximately 417 million meticais during 10 days of disruptions.
“The interruption of traffic on the Maputo corridor led to a reduction in the normal flow of lorries, with a daily average between 1,100 and 1,200 lorries falling to around 300 lorries a day,” said Vuma.
ZIM TO IMPOSE LICENCES ON WHATSAPP GROUP ADMINS…ONLY THOSE USED FOR BUSINESS
In a new regulation that has sparked public outrage, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, announced that administrators of WhatsApp groups ‘used for business’ must now apply for a license.
As outlined in Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024, the new regulation requires WhatsApp group administrators to register and obtain a license to operate under the Cyber and Data Protection (Licensing of Data Controllers and Appointment of Data Protection Officers) Regulations.
However, Minister Tatenda Mavetera has denied recent media reports claiming she intends to enforce government-imposed license requirements on WhatsApp group admins and levy fines of US$2,500 for non-compliance.
In a statement posted on her Twitter (now X), Mavetera clarified that penalties would only be enforced on platforms or administrators gathering Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for business use, not all WhatsApp group admins.
PII includes any data that could be used to identify individuals, such as names, phone numbers, or identification numbers.
Mavetera advised the public to disregard the misinformation, highlighting that it contradicted Zimbabwe’s legal structure, specifically the Cyber and Data Protection Regulations under Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024.
“I would like to distance myself from the malicious fake news about the government’s intentions to license or penalize WhatsApp groups or administrators of any social media platform with fines of up to USD2,500,” Mavetera said.
“This claim is not applicable, especially to players who do not collect or process Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is any data that can be used to identify someone, from their name and address to their phone number, passport information, and ID number.
“I have never expressed any intentions to license or penalize WhatsApp groups or administrators of any social media platform that do not collect and process PII for commercial or business use.”
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO ADDRESS NATION ON FOOD POISONING CRISIS IN SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation on the recent cases of suspected food poisoning reported nationwide.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed this, though she didn’t specify a timeline.
Following the deaths of over 10 children from suspected food poisoning linked to spaza shop snacks, Minister Ntshavheni stated that the government has classified this crisis as a national security threat, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure at the forefront of the response.
FORMER PRESIDENT MASISI CONFIRMS HE WILL NOT RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2029
After taking an L in the recent elections, former President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced he won’t be pursuing the presidency in the next national election cycle.
At the recent formal handover ceremony to his successor, President Duma Boko, Masisi confirmed his decision to retire from future elections.
When asked about future elections, Masisi responded, “Am I going to be politically active? I can’t tell, but am I running for President again? No. This is it.”
SOMALILAND HEADS TO THE POLLS
On Wednesday, 13th October, voting began in Somaliland’s presidential election, where more than 1 million people were set to cast their ballots at over 2,000 polling stations.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1993, is legally still considered part of Somalia, though no other country has recognized its sovereignty.
This marks Somaliland’s fourth presidential election, following concerns over the stability and consistency of its delayed electoral process.
President Muse Bihi Abdi seeks a second term after seven years of pushing for recognition, with rivals Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, advocating reforms, and Faisal Ali Warabe, calling for national unity, backing the same cause.
NAMIBIANS LIVING ABROAD CAST THEIR SPECIAL VOTES AHEAD OF ELECTION DAY
On Wednesday, 13 November, nearly 8,000 essential service workers and Namibians living abroad voted, as announced by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua confirmed that the early voting program went ahead smoothly, with voters from various sectors able to cast their ballots at 33 polling stations nationwide and 35 diplomatic missions overseas.
With that said, the 13th of November was designated as a “special voting day” for Namibians living or currently abroad. Meanwhile, local residents will head to the polls on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
“There could be slight variations to this figure, because Namibians who registered inside the country but find themselves outside the country on the special voting day will be allowed to vote, provided that such citizens will still be outside the country, and, therefore, unable to vote inside the country on 27 November,” said Nghikembua.
The results from special voting, along with all related election materials, will remain safeguarded until election day (27 Nov.).
GHANA: OPPOSITION LEADER MAHAMA TIPPED TO WIN GHANA’S PRESIDENTIAL RACE, POLL SHOWS
As Ghana heads into its December 7 presidential election, recent polls suggest former President John Mahama is leading, with Vice-President Muhamudu Bawumia trailing as the New Patriotic Party’s candidate.
According to a Global InfoAnalytics poll, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader currently holds 52% support, putting him ahead of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, who has 41.3%.
The poll has a 1.9% error margin.
The election, with 13 contenders to replace outgoing President Akufo-Addo, is centered on economic revival amid Accra’s worst financial crisis in decades.
Both candidates appeal to voters with economic recovery plans, while Mahama’s NDC run builds on his infrastructure record, presenting a vision to stabilize Ghana’s economy despite past challenges.
OPPOSITION PARTY WINS MAURITIUS ELECTION
In Mauritius, the Alliance for Change opposition coalition won a landslide victory in the national election, capturing all 62 contested parliamentary seats.
This result marked a clear rejection of Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth’s Militant Socialist Movement, which failed to secure any seats.
Jugnauth, who has led since 2017, conceded defeat early, clearing the way for former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam’s return to office.
The 70-seat parliament will include two representatives from Rodrigues Island and eight nominated seats, cementing Mauritius’ status as a stable democratic nation with a strong economy rooted in finance, tourism, and agriculture.
NIGERIA SUPER EAGLES QUALIFY FOR AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ahead of their fifth match, following a decisive performance against Benin Republic last night.
This comes after Victor Osimhen delivered a late goal, allowing Nigeria’s Super Eagles to finish with a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic during their 2025 AFCON Group D qualifier on Thursday night at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
AFCON 2025 Qualifiers matches continue this week-end
The road to the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations continues from 13 to 16 November 2024 with Matchday 5 of the qualifiers.
National teams across Africa are battling for a place in the AFCON 2025 tournament, set to be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Here’s the complete schedule for the qualifiers:
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
- 13:00: Namibia 0-0 Cameroon, Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
- 16:00: Liberia 1-0 Togo, Samuel Kayon Doe Sports Complex, Paynesville
- 19:00: Chad vs Sierra Leone, Stade d´Ebimpe, Abidjan
Thursday, November 14, 2024
- 13:00: South Sudan vs Congo, Juba Stadium, Juba
- 13:00: Lesotho vs Central African Republic, Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
- 16:00: Burundi vs Malawi, Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny, Abidjan
- 16:00: Niger vs Sudan, Stadium TBC
- 13:00: Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria, Estadio de Malabo, Malabo
- 16:00 Madagascar v Tunisia, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
- 16:00: Rwanda vs Libya, Amahoro Stadium, Kigali
- 19:00: Benin vs Nigeria, Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny, Abidjan
- 19:00: Burkina Faso vs Senegal, Stade 26 Mars, Bamako
Friday, November 15, 2024
- 13:00: Botswana vs Mauritania, Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown
- 16:00: Cape Verde vs Egypt, Estádio Nacional “Blue Shark,” Cidade da Praia
- 16:00: Zambia vs Côte d’Ivoire, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
- 13:00: Uganda vs South Africa, Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
- 16:00: Eswatini vs Guinea-Bissau, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
- 16:00: Mozambique vs Mali, Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto, Maputo
- 16:00: Zimbabwe vs Kenya, Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg
- 19:00: Angola vs Ghana, Estadio 11 de Novembro, Luanda
- 19:00: Gambia vs Comoros, TBC
- 19:00: Gabon vs Morocco, Stade de la Rénovation, Franceville
Saturday, November 16, 2024
- 16:00: Ethiopia vs Tanzania, Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa
- 19:00: Guinea vs DR Congo, Stade d´Ebimpe, Abidjan
GHANA LAUNCHES CREDIT SCORING SYSTEM
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and NPP’s Presidential Candidate has launched myCreditScore, a Bank of Ghana-supported credit system aimed at boosting loan access by helping Ghanaians prove their creditworthiness more transparently.
This was launched in Accra on November 7, 2024, with Dr. Bawumia describing it as a significant stride toward creating a financially inclusive society and resolving enduring issues within Ghana’s lending sector.
Dr. Bawumia pointed out that limited credit data has contributed to Ghana’s high non-performing loan rate (24.3% as of August 2024) and explained that the myCreditScore system aims to address this by promoting transparency and reducing default risks.
The pilot project achieved a striking drop in non-performing loans to 1.4%, a significant improvement over the 20.7% average seen in 2023.
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