CONTINENTAL DRIFT
Harare eyes new bond notes
Zimbabwe could be about to get another batch of the controversial “bond notes”. The African Export Import Bank, which provided a special $200-million initial loan to support the introduction of the pseudocurrency, is willing to consider another round of financing for the Zimbabwean government. “I’m sure to the extent that whatever is being requested is within our country limits, we will look at it very favourably,” said bank president Benedict Oramah. The new notes should arrive in time for the ruling party’s next presidential campaign in 2018.
Pastor Evan makes bail
Another eventful week for Pastor Evan Mawarire, who was arrested after praying in solidarity with protesting medical students at the University of Zimbabwe. The students were demonstrating against a proposed fee hike and have been expelled from campus hostels. Mawarire, who is also facing treason charges for his role in creating Zimbabwe’s #ThisFlag movement, appeared in court on Wednesday and charged with promoting violence. He has been released on bail.
Rwigara ruled out in Rwanda
Diane Rwigara, the first woman independent to attempt to run for president of Rwanda, has been left off the provisional list of presidential candidates released by the electoral commission. The commission said Rwigara, along with four other opposition leaders, did not collect the requisite number of signatures in support of her candidacy, leaving only President Paul Kagame and precious little competition on the ballot paper. Just as he likes it, critics suggest. Rwigara told the M&G earlier this month that she had collected more than enough signatures, despite her supporters facing intimidation.
HIV generic roll-out in Kenya
The generic version of the world’s most advanced HIV drug has been rolled out in Kenya. Dolutegravir is the drug of choice for patients in the developed world, but its high cost has put it out of reach for most Africans. The generic version changes brings down the cost to $4 a pack instead of a minimum of $21, and will be made available next in Uganda and Nigeria.
Israel boots African refugees
Israel is running a secret programme to get rid of its African refugees, according to an investigation in Foreign Policy magazine. Refugees from Eritrea and Sudan are being offered resettlement in Rwanda and Uganda respectively, but they are being intimidated and forced out of their new homes — sometimes back to where they fled from in the first place, or into other dangerous situations. This violates obligations of all three countries.
Nigeria graft investigator shot
A top Nigerian anticorruption investigator was shot while leaving his Port Harcourt office. Austin Okwor worked for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and was looking into corruption cases connected to senior members of the judiciary. He narrowly survived the attack. Okwor had received threatening messages in recent months. —