Africa this week: March 21, 2020
COVID-19 – Pandemic
As of 19th of March 2020, about 250000 cases of the novel respiratory virus have been recorded globally. Ten thousand people have died as a result of the infection with peak mortality rates in China, Italy and Iran.
Thirty-four African countries have been affected and several self-isolating, self-quarantining and public disinfection measures to be observed by citizens have been rolled out in efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Various countries have warned their citizens against travel to affected regions and put restrictions in place for visitors from hard-hit countries.
Petrol price cut in Nigeria
Photo: Jay Skyler
The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has just approved a reduction in fuel pump price from ₦145 to ₦125 per litre. The government says this move will help soften the blow to citizens caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Falling crude oil prices resulting from declining demand by China and the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia have hit Africa’s largest economy hard in recent times.
Somalia declares national emergency over locusts
Photo: Joshua Hoehne
Billions of locusts are sweeping through parts of East Africa and parts of Yemen in what has been described as the greatest infestation in 25 years. Experts point to unusually heavy rainfall in Eastern Africa and the Arabian peninsula over the last two years as the reason for the resurgence of the insect population. Locusts, which can consume their own body weight in food on a daily basis, and can travel up to 93 miles, pose significant threat to crops and harvest yields across the region.
Malawians show up for coalition
Thousands of people gathered at the capital, Lilongwe, to celebrate and cheer the signing of a coalition alliance between seven opposition parties. The coalition is led by Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party and Saulos Chilima of the United Transformation Movement. This is coming ahead of the elections rerun in May 2020 pending the passing of the electoral reform bill which current President Mutharika has refused to ratify following the annulment of his May 2019 election victory.