Welcome to your essential source for African news, brought to you by The Rio Times.
Each day, we curate the most impactful stories, giving you a concise overview of what’s happening across the continent.
Former Mozambican Finance Minister Manuel Chang is accused of bribery.
U.S. prosecutors charged Manuel Chang, former Mozambique Finance Minister, with receiving $7 million in bribes as part of a corruption scheme aimed at defrauding investors.
The accusations were detailed during the trial in New York, which examined Chang’s involvement in Mozambique’s hidden debt affair.
According to Law360, these corrupt deals included funding for coastal surveillance, a tuna fishing fleet, and shipyard projects totaling over $2 billion.
However, these projects eventually failed, causing significant investor losses.
Angola’s Annual Losses from Illegal Fishing
Angola’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Cármen Neto, reported that Angola suffers substantial economic damage due to illegal fishing, with losses exceeding €211 million annually.
This revelation came during the 4th conference on the Blue Economy in Luanda. Neto emphasized the need for increased aquaculture to meet domestic fish demands.
Cape Verdean Airline Pilots Announce Strike
Cape Verde’s international flight pilots, represented by the National Union of Civil Aviation Pilots, announced a week-long strike from July 24 to 30.
The strike decision follows unmet agreements by the government, despite negotiations and a prior strike call-off after reaching a temporary agreement earlier in the year.
Cape Verde President Highlights Blue Economy Potential
During a lecture in São Tomé and Príncipe, José Maria Neves, President of Cape Verde, discussed leveraging marine resources for economic and environmental benefits in small island nations.
He stressed the importance of sustainable marine management to protect biodiversity and reduce pollution.
Uganda Airlines Expands with New Flights
Uganda Airlines is set to introduce new flights to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare starting September 12, 2024. This move aims to increase its destination count and improve service efficiency.
In addition, these routes will operate multiple times weekly, enhancing connectivity and fleet utilization.
Diplomatic Strain Between Eswatini and the U.S.
Eswatini is facing diplomatic tensions with the United States following critical comments by Washington about the recent sentencing of two former pro-democracy lawmakers.
In addition, they were sentenced on terrorism and murder charges linked to protests in 2021.
IMF Lowers Nigeria’s Economic Outlook
The International Monetary Fund has revised down Nigeria’s 2024 economic growth forecast to 3.1%.
This adjustment reflects weaker-than-expected early 2024 performance, lowering earlier predictions. However, the outlook for 2025 remains stable at a 3.0% growth rate.
Cameroon Intensifies Fight Against Human Trafficking
Cameroon has launched a new campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration. The campaign was unveiled by Social Affairs Minister Pauline Irène Nguene in Douala.
The campaign, backed by the International Organization for Migration, aims to educate young people about the dangers of illegal immigration and trafficking.
West Africa Fraud Crackdown: Operation Jackal III
Interpol’s recent operation, “Jackal III,” has resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals across West Africa for financial fraud.
The operation also led to the seizure of assets worth approximately €3 million and the identification of over 400 suspects.
Former South African President Zuma Risks Expulsion
Jacob Zuma, the former South African President, may face expulsion from the African National Congress after supporting a rival party in recent elections.
Zuma’s political activities post-presidency continue to stir significant controversy and division within the party.
Part of our ongoing coverage
Africa: The New Scramble — the great-power contest over the continent.
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