Africa this week -- September 16, 2019: Hundreds of Nigerians voluntarily leave South Africa
Hundreds of Nigerians return home after xenophobic attacks in South Africa
Hundreds of Nigerians were last week flown back home from South Africa following xenophobic attacks in that country. The returnees were voluntary repatriates who accepted the free flight sponsored by a private airline operator, Air Peace. The first group of 187 people landed at the Murtala International Airport Lagos, on Wednesday 11th. Videos showed joyous scenes of passengers singing the Nigerian anthem and expressing thanks to the CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who broke down in tears.
Robert Mugabe’s remains returned to Zimbabwe
The remains of the late Zimbabwean leader, Robert Mugabe, was last week flown back to the country from Singapore. Faithfuls, including the country’s president, Emerson Mnangagwa, trooped out to welcome the remains of the late leader. Women dressed in all-white outfits waved handkerchiefs and sang local songs as they danced in tribute.
Presidential Elections held in Tunisia
Tunisians headed to the polls last weekend to elect a new president. There were 26 candidates for the position including two women, the country’s first openly gay contender, a front-runner behind bars, and one candidate from the Islamist Ennahda Miovement.
The election was billed to take place in two-months time but was brought close after the country’s first democratically elected president, Beji Caid Essebsi, died in July at the age of 92.