Kenya: Multi-storey building collapses in Nairobi, with 4 people believed to be trapped • FRANCE 24

Ion Africa - News Roundup (January 2, 2024)

Key Concepts:

• Building Safety in Kenya: High percentage of unsafe buildings in Nairobi.
• Atlantic Migration Route: Shifting routes due to border controls, increased risks.
• Gabon Economic Crisis: New housing tax, financial instability, rising debt.
• Zoe's Ark Scandal: Ongoing fight for compensation for Chadian children.
• Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): Round of 16 preview, key teams and players.

1. Nairobi Building Collapse & Kenyan Housing Crisis

A multi-story building under construction in Nairobi’s South Sea district collapsed, trapping at least four people. Rescue efforts are underway, but are being criticized as slow by affected families. A family member stated, “I have a sibling in this rubble… since last night from 4:30 he’s trapped there and the county government is taking this thing slowly… we need this thing to be hurried.” The National Construction Authority (NCA) reports that 58% of buildings in Nairobi are unfit for habitation, highlighting systemic issues with construction standards and regulation in the country. This points to a widespread housing safety crisis.

2. Evolving Atlantic Migration Route & Human Cost

A new migration route is emerging from Guinea as Senegal and Mauritania tighten their borders. This shift is making the journey to the Canary Islands longer (over 700km) and more dangerous. A boat carrying approximately 200 migrants capsized off the coast of Gambia, resulting in at least seven confirmed deaths and many missing, despite a Navy rescue operation saving nearly 100 people. The increased departures from Guinea are directly linked to the closing of traditional routes. Aisha Kamara, a Guinean mother, recounted her son’s harrowing experience: “He told me on the phone about the crossing, that they were drinking sea water, and that they had to mix flour with the gasoline on the floor in order to be able to eat because that was all there was.” NGO Kamadas estimates that the Atlantic route claimed 10,000 lives in the past year. The report highlights a pattern: closure of one route leads to the opening of another, often more perilous one.

3. Gabon’s Financial Crisis & New Housing Tax

Gabon is facing a significant financial crisis, characterized by a cash squeeze and rising debts. President Brière has dismissed Finance Minister Henry Claude Oima, replacing him with technical advisor Ti Minko as the new Minister of Economy, Finance, and Public Debt. This decision follows a warning from Fitch Ratings regarding widening deficits and declining investor confidence. To address the crisis, the government has introduced a new housing tax based on electricity consumption. This measure is highly controversial, with consumer advocates like Christian arguing, “Attaching a housing tax to an electricity bill is simply a way of telling the Gabon people that if you don't pay the house in tax, you won't have electricity.” The government justifies the tax by stating it inherited a debt exceeding 75% of Gabon’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and requires citizen contributions to revive the economy. The state budget has increased from 3,000-4,000 billion CFA Franks to over 6,000 billion CFA Franks. The bill is currently under parliamentary review.

4. Zoe’s Ark Case: Continued Pursuit of Justice

A France 24 report revisited the 2007 Zoe’s Ark scandal, where six members of the French charity were arrested in Chad for attempting to fly out 103 children, most of whom were Chadian nationals with living parents, falsely presented as orphans from Darfur. While the individuals were later pardoned and received suspended sentences in France, the victims are still seeking compensation as ordered by Chadian courts in 2007. Adam, a 23-year-old victim, stated, “We’ve even created a WhatsApp group for victims families… It’s exhausting, but I hold on.” The full report is available on the France 24 website and will be broadcast on January 21st at 21:40 Paris time.

5. Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Preview

The Africa Cup of Nations is currently on a short break, with the round of 16 commencing tomorrow. Sagal will face Sudan in the first match. Sagal, considered a tournament heavyweight, has demonstrated strong form, winning 3-0 against Botswana and Benin, and drawing with DRC. Key players include Nicholas Jackson, Sharif and Dai (both with two goals each), and Sadio Mané. However, captain Kou Kouli will be absent due to a red card. Sudan qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in 13 years, achieving a 1-0 win against Equatorial Guinea (an own goal). Their coach Quasa expressed hope that the tournament could contribute to peace in Sudan, stating, “I’m praying that through maybe even the AFCON it will help let a war come down or even cease totally.” Other notable matches include Algeria vs. DR Congo and defending champions Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso. Morocco, the host nation and tournament favorites, will play Tanzania. Sport expert Amy Bole emphasized the unpredictable nature of AFCON, advising viewers to watch all the matches.

Technical Terms:

• CFA Franc: The currency used in several West and Central African countries.
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total monetary or market value of all final goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.
• Fitch Ratings: A credit rating agency that provides assessments of the creditworthiness of borrowers.
• Knockout Round: A stage in a tournament where losing teams are eliminated.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

This Ion Africa news roundup highlights a range of critical issues across the continent, from infrastructure safety and economic instability to the ongoing human tragedy of migration and the pursuit of justice for past wrongs. The report underscores the interconnectedness of these challenges and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. The AFCON preview offers a brief respite, showcasing the unifying power of football amidst these complex realities.