Channel Africa’s Michael Mbewe takes a closer look at some of the continent’s biggest stories, shedding light on political tensions, shifting power dynamics, and historic milestones.
Ethiopia: Tensions at the AU Summit
The 44th African Union (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa in February was overshadowed by tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. A significant diplomatic incident occurred when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Ethiopian security forces of attempting to block him from attending the summit. According to Mohamud, Ethiopian authorities prevented him from leaving his hotel, intending to disrespect Somalia during a crucial moment of pan-African unity. These tensions were further exacerbated by a recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which would grant Ethiopia access to the Gulf of Aden to build a naval base in exchange for recognising Somaliland's independence,a move Somalia fiercely opposes. Despite the diplomatic fallout, Ethiopia and Somalia have since agreed to respect each other's sovereignty, following mediation talks facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
DRC-Rwanda Conflict: An unresolved crisis
Another significant issue at the AU summit was the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Despite expectations that the leaders of both nations would come together for direct talks under the mediation of Angola’s President João Lourenço, a hoped-for breakthrough did not materialise. The AU was once again criticised for its lack of decisive action, with many questioning its ability to effectively address Africa’s crises. The DRC and Rwanda have been locked in a tense standoff for years, with escalating violence in the DRC’s eastern regions fuelling tensions between the two neighbours. The failure to resolve this conflict highlights the AU’s ongoing struggles with internal political divisions and its limited power in enforcing peace.
SA: A Political shift and the ANC's decline
South Africa (SA) witnessed a historic political shift this year as the African National Congress (ANC) lost its outright majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. The party, which has dominated South African politics for over 30 years, won only 40% of the vote in the 2024 elections, a significant decline from the 57% it secured in 2019. This marks a critical turning point in SA’s political landscape, with the ANC now forced to form a coalition government, a first in the post-apartheid era. The ANC’s weakening position is attributed to widespread discontent over corruption, high unemployment, and economic inequality. The rise of new political parties, such as the uMkhonto weSizwe veterans Party, further signals a shift in the country’s political dynamics.
Rwanda: Kagame’s continued dominance
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame continued his political dominance in 2024, securing an overwhelming victory in the May elections with over 99% of the vote. This was a slight increase from his 2017 result of 98.63%. However, critics question the legitimacy of elections in Rwanda, citing the lack of genuine opposition. In 2024, Kagame's main challengers, including Frank Habineza from the Green Party, barely registered on the ballot. Despite the overwhelming support he enjoys within the country, the political climate remains tightly controlled, with opposition voices largely silenced.
SA: The Repatriation of Liberation Fighters' remains
In a poignant moment of national reconciliation, SA marked 30 years of freedom and democracy with the repatriation of the remains of 49 liberation fighters from exile in Zimbabwe and Zambia. On September 27, the remains were ceremonially returned and reburied in Freedom Park, Pretoria, with President Cyril Ramaphosa officiating the homecoming. This event not only honoured the memory of those who fought for SA’s liberation but also provided a sense of closure for the families of the fallen heroes. The repatriation is seen as a symbolic gesture of healing and recognition of the sacrifices made during the apartheid struggle.
Conclusion
From political tensions to historic moments, 2024 has proven to be a year of significant change and reflection for Africa. As the continent grapples with long-standing disputes, shifting power dynamics, and evolving political landscapes, it is clear that the need for stronger regional cooperation and effective leadership has never been more urgent. The challenges of today will shape the future of Africa, and how the continent responds will determine its path forward.
--Reuters--
