Africa this week – September 9, 2019: xenophobic violence in South Africa
Mob violence in South Africa
There were series of mob violence in South Africa last week. The violence linked to xenophobia saw shops looted and destroyed, protests, and reprisals in countries like Nigeria and Zambia.
The violence has also resulted in at least 12 deaths in South Africa and one in Nigeria. Diplomatic relations have also been strained between the two countries. Madagascar and Zambia pulled out of football events with the South African male team due to the xenophobic attacks.
Robert Mugabe dies in Singapore
Robert Mugabe, former Zimbabwe president, died on Friday, aged 95, in Singapore.
The guerrilla leader who became president after Zimbabwe’s independence from Britain ruled the country for 37 years. He was ousted by the military in November 2017.
There are mixed reactions to his passing with critics blaming him for Zimbabwe’s economic woes and his handling of political dissents.
African Union lifts suspension of Sudan
The African Union has lifted its suspension of Sudan three months after freezing its membership.
The AU had suspended Sudan in June 2019 over violence against protesters.
The lift came on Friday after Sudan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok formed his first cabinet.
26 Candidates compete for Tunisian presidency
Following the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi in July, Tunisians are preparing to elect a new head of state on September 15, two months earlier than originally planned.
There are 26 candidates competing for the role including the current Prime Minister Youssef Chahed and Defence Minister Abdelkarim Zbidi.
Two female candidates are also in the race to be president including Abir Moussi, a senior official in deposed ruler Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali’s party.
Tunisia is one of the few success stories for democratic transition after the uprisings.