Domestic Politics
South Africa’s Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, defended his decision to relax regulations on taxis and allow them to operate for more than eight hours a day. He said this revision was made in light of an assessment made on the “material conditions” of commuters and taxi operators during the 21-day lockdown. He also increased the permitted passenger load from the 50% to 70% between 04:00-10:00 and 15:00-21:00, and to 100% at all other times, provided that all the passengers and the taxi driver wear surgical N95 masks. [Mail & Guardian]
Kenya imposed a ‘dusk-to-dawn’ curfew last Friday until further notice. It has resulted in police brutality that has led to 5 deaths. Critics argue that although the curfew begins at 7:00 pm, enforcement begins as early as 6:00 pm. [The Africa Report]
Lesotho’s Finance Minister, Moeketsi Majoro, said he is ready to take over from Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, who has agreed to resign after evidence emerged linking him to his ex-wife's death. Majoro was unanimously chosen by All Basotho Convention (ABC) legislators to succeed the incumbent PM. [Lesotho Times]
International Relations
Chad’s President, Idriss Déby, claimed victory against terrorist organization Boko Haram. The country's military destroyed five Boko Haram bases in Nigeria and Niger in response to a March 23 attack by the outfit that killed 98 soldiers. [Anadolu Agency]
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) claims that Africa needs a $100 billion stimulus package to weather the coronavirus crisis, particularly in order to protect its fragile healthcare system. Africa accounts for just 1% of global health expenditure, but 23% of the world’s disease burden. The ongoing pandemic is sure to increase that burden. [Africa News]
Health
After French doctors apologized for saying the coronavirus vaccine should first be tested in Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo made the highly controversial decision to offer up its citizens for vaccine trials. [Africa Feeds]
76 South African students. who recently returned from China, were released after completing their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. They all tested negative for COVID-19. [All Africa]
Economy
The African Union predicts that 20 million Africans risk losing their jobs this year due to the coronavirus crisis. It also projects that foreign direct investment will fall by 15%, that trade will fall by $270 billion, and that the continents’ GDP will shrink by 0.8%. [Africa Feeds]
Image Source: RFI
Sub-Saharan Africa in Review: April 06, 2020
Read more about the latest events from sub-Saharan Africa.
April 6, 2020
