ACROSS AFRICA: UN chief shocked by indifference and impunity of Sudan's war • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Sudan Conflict: Humanitarian crisis, atrocities in Darfur, global indifference, UN humanitarian chief, RSF paramilitary, displacement, mass executions, torture, sexual violence.
• ADF in DRC: Allied Democratic Forces, increased attacks, Islamic State allegiance, joint military operations, remote areas, stretched security forces, revenge operations, civilian impact.
• Madagascar Emerald: 300 kg gemstone, presidential palace, national asset, corruption, poverty, redistribution of wealth, transparency.
• Achraf Hakimi: CAF Men's Player of the Year, PSG defender, Atlas Lions captain, defender winning player of the year, scoring goals, crucial goals, Champions League success.
• Zanzibar Solar Power: Solar Mama program, women technicians, rural electrification, oil lamps, fire risk, kerosene dangers, sunshine, 50 household solar kits, empowering women, sustainable communities, children's studies, 2,000 homes lit.
• Senegal Mobile Money Taxation: Public finance crisis, mobile phone payments, digital transactions, 0.5% to 2% tax, economic recovery plan, public reaction, 15.3 trillion CFA francs, 65,000 transfer points, 220 billion CFA francs potential revenue, fintech companies, reduced purchasing power, return to cash, weakened digital adoption, 1% stamp duty on supermarkets.

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Sudan: The World's Biggest Humanitarian Crisis and Global Indifference

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in 2023 between the army and the RSF paramilitary, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 12 million people, making it the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The situation in Darfur has been particularly dire since the RSF took control of El Fascia in October, leading to profound suffering and brutality.

Key Points:

• Humanitarian Devastation in Darfur: The UN's humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, visited refugee camps in Tawila and Corma, describing a "critical and desperate situation." He expressed shock at the global indifference to the scale of abuses.
• Refugee Conditions: In Aldaba, North Sudan, hundreds of refugees, predominantly women and children (over 80% according to Red Crescent staff), wait for humanitarian rations. Many women arrived pregnant, and medical facilities lack the resources for specialized care.
• Scale of Need: Over 30 million people, more than half of Sudan's population, require humanitarian assistance.
• Call for Visible Presence: Fletcher emphasized the need for a more visible UN humanitarian presence in Darfur, stating it provides a form of protection and makes civilians feel safer from retaliation and conflict escalation.
• Allegations of Atrocities: Fletcher also engaged with RSF representatives, urging them to guarantee civilian protection amidst growing reports of mass executions, torture, and sexual violence.

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Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Escalating ADF Threat

Communities in eastern DRC are calling for increased protection from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group that appears to be intensifying its raids. Despite joint operations by Ugandan and Congolese forces against the ADF since 2021, attacks continue.

Key Points:

• Increased ADF Deadliness: The ADF, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, is showing signs of becoming more dangerous.
• Recent Attacks: At least 23 people were killed at a health center in Lubberu. In July, the ADF killed over 100 civilians in two separate attacks in the Ituri province. In August, 52 people were killed in North Kivu within a single week.
• Reasons for Escalation: Researchers and security officials suggest that the 2021 joint military operation drove ADF militants deeper into the Congolese interior, leading them to operate across a larger and more remote area.
• Stretched Security Forces: Congolese security forces are also strained due to the conflict with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
• Revenge Operations: Security sources indicate that many recent ADF attacks are likely revenge operations, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of the violence.
• Bishop's Plea: A prominent Catholic bishop in eastern Congo urged the government to take decisive action, stating, "enough is enough."

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Madagascar: Discovery of a Massive Emerald Gemstone

Madagascar's transitional leaders have unveiled a 300-kilogram emerald gemstone, reportedly found hidden in the presidential palace by the recently ousted president. The stone is being considered a national asset that could be sold to bolster state finances.

Key Points:

• Discovery and Location: The 300 kg emerald rock was found inside the presidential palace, which was vacated by former president Andry Rajoelina following widespread protests against corruption, poverty, and lack of basic services.
• National Asset: Colonel Michael Ranjan, a leader of the military coup and now president of the transition, declared the stone a "national treasure" and a potential solution to Madagascar's financial issues.
• Transparency and Redistribution: Ranjan vowed to manage the discovery with "complete transparency" and to redistribute its wealth to benefit the population, aiming to avoid accusations of corruption.
• Economic Context: Despite its rich natural resources, Madagascar remains one of the world's most impoverished countries, with over 75% of its population living below the poverty line.
• Valuation and Sale: The gemstone will be analyzed by experts to determine its value, with the possibility of it being sold to replenish state coffers.

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Achraf Hakimi Named CAF Men's Player of the Year

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, a defender for PSG and captain of the Atlas Lions, was named the Confederation of African Football's Men's Player of the Year. This marks a significant achievement for a defender, as the award is typically won by forwards.

Key Points:

• Rare Achievement for a Defender: It has been over 50 years since a defender last won this trophy, highlighting Hakimi's exceptional performance.
• Offensive Contributions: Hakimi is noted for his attacking prowess, frequently rushing up the pitch and scoring crucial goals.
• Champions League Success: His contributions were vital in PSG's Champions League campaign, where he scored in the final, semi-finals, and quarter-finals.
• Strong Competition: Hakimi stood out among other nominees, including forwards like Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen.
• Defensive Strengths: Beyond his offensive capabilities, Hakimi is a strong defender, utilizing his speed and physical strength to block attacks.

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Zanzibar: Empowering Women Through Solar Power Technology

An NGO in Zanzibar is training women to become solar power technicians, aiming to electrify rural villages and improve the lives of the archipelago's inhabitants.

Key Points:

• Solar Mama Program: This initiative trains women in installing and maintaining solar power systems.
• Electrification Gap: Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania with approximately 2 million inhabitants, has about half of its population not connected to the electric grid.
• Alternative to Kerosene: For many, oil lamps are the only source of light after sunset, posing risks of smoke inhalation, fire, and accidental ingestion by children.
• Community Integration: The program leverages the deep community connections of women in rural Zanzibar, empowering them to take on roles beyond traditional domestic responsibilities.
• Impact: The Solar Mama program has already illuminated nearly 2,000 homes, providing employment for women and enabling children to study after dark. It contributes to building sustainable communities and empowering women in a society with often restrictive gender roles.

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Senegal: Proposed Mobile Money Taxes Spark Concerns

Senegal is facing a public finance crisis, and the government is considering taxing mobile phone payments, the most popular method for digital transactions, as a way to boost state coffers. This prospect has raised concerns among the country's emerging online sectors.

Key Points:

• Mobile Money as a Cornerstone: Mobile money is a vital part of Senegal's economic life, with over 15.3 trillion CFA francs transacting annually through the system and more than 65,000 transfer points nationwide.
• Proposed Tax: The government is considering a tax of 0.5% to 2% on mobile money transactions as part of its new economic recovery plan.
• Public Reaction: While some citizens see the taxes as necessary for public services like roads and hospitals, others find them excessive, especially given the current economic climate.
• Potential Revenue: The government estimates that this new tax could generate up to 220 billion CFA francs.
• Industry Concerns: Fintech companies like Wave, a leading mobile money provider, worry about the long-term consequences. They anticipate a drop in purchasing power for users, potentially leading them back to using cash. This shift could weaken the adoption of digital channels and negatively impact digital sector players, with potential declines of up to 60% in some countries observed in similar situations.
• Other Tax Measures: The government is also targeting cash transactions, including a 1% stamp duty on supermarket purchases implemented in October.