Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in for a second and final term after being declared the winner of last month’s elections that international observers said were deeply flawed and the opposition rejected as a sham.

Mnangagwa, who turns 81 next week, took the oath of office at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, the capital, on Monday after being sworn in by Chief Justice Luke Malaba.

Advertorial

The presidents of Mozambique, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo were among those who attended the ceremony, while Nigeria sent its deputy.

General Nguema is said to be a cousin of the president he toppled

Brice Nguema, the leader of Gabon’s military junta, has been sworn in as the nation’s interim president.

General Nguema led last Wednesday’s coup against Ali Bongo, toppling the president shortly after he was named winner of a disputed election.

Crowds of cheering civilians turned up at his inauguration – a sign there is some support for the military.

However, there are concerns Gen Nguema’s rule will be a continuation of the 55-year Bongo dynasty.

Ali Bongo’s father, Omar, was in power for 41 years before he died in 2009 and was succeeded by his son.

Advertorial

The general spent most his career in the Bongo’s inner circle and is even thought to be Ali Bongo’s cousin.

A military parade was held at Monday’s inauguration, which took place at the presidential palace in Gabon’s capital, Libreville.

Sympathisers of the new military leadership attended the ceremony. Former ministers from the ousted government also showed up, but were booed by a crowd of junta sympathisers.

The inauguration is the latest in a series of takeovers across West and Central Africa.

Gabon is the sixth Francophone country to fall under military rule in the last three years as former colonial power France struggles to maintain its influence on the continent.

Gabon been suspended from the African Union following the coup, which has been condemned by the UN and France.

A military parade was held at the inauguration ceremony

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

The agency’s spokesman Peter Afunanya raised the alarm in an early Monday statement but said the DSS has identified the ring leaders of the plot.

Advertorial

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters,” the statement read.

“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth, and disgruntled groups for the planned action. Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.”

In light of this development, the secret police instructed tertiary institution heads and vice chancellors of universities to prevent their students from taking part in actions that could disrupt public peace.

The DSS further stated that parents and guardians are required to caution their children and wards to resist the temptation to engage in unlawful behavior or conduct.

“Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order,” the agency said.

While the DSS is aware of the Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps. This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plan.”

It warned that it won’t hesitate to take legal action against the people and groups responsible for the sneaky schemes.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Monday took the first ride as the Lagos Blue Line rail began operations.

The governor took the ride from the Marina station to Mile 2 around 9:00 a.m. Before he boarded the train, Sanwo-Olu explained to his co-passengers the requirements to board the train.

Advertorial

Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by his wife Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; deputy Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro; an ex-Speaker of the House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro among other government officials.

According to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), for the first month, the train would run only 12 trips with the locomotive system.

LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo noted, however, that the agency will begin the electric-powered train operation with 76 trips. An estimated passenger capacity between 150,000 and 175,000 are expected to take rides from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Earlier, the governor had asked Lagosians to take ownership of the rail tracks even as his government has put measures to protect the facility.

“There are over 300 CCTV cameras across the entire rail with over 30 cameras monitoring the tracks alone, with command and control centers available in all stations along the track. Lagos, this is your project,” he added.

“Take ownership and treat it with decency as you would treat anything that belongs to you. Any altercation or disturbance on the train will NOT be tolerated. It goes without saying that vandalism also will NOT be tolerated.”

The Rivers State Government has shut down the operations of Africa Independent Television and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt.

According to a report on the media organisation’s website, the operations were shut down by telecommunications engineers contracted by the State Government who were accompanied by armed security operatives.

Advertorial

Daily Gazette observed a live broadcast on the TV channel where the alleged contractors were seen disconnecting the wave guard from the antenna on the mast while riggers were seen dismantling the mast.

The statement reads, “Meanwhile, bulldozers were also deployed by the Rivers State Government to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt.

“Management of the Company has been taken by surprise following the sudden turn of events as efforts were in top gear to resolve issues with the State Government amicably but the no notice incident is a heavy source of concern.

“Some officials of the telecommunications contractor told AIT that they were working on a directive from above to start demolition on Sunday despite the heavy rains as against a later date.”

Recall that the land on which the AIT/RayPower Radio station built its transmission station has been a subject of dispute between the state government and Daar Communications, Plc.

A builder identified as Chizoba Aniefuna and his two sons have lost their lives following the collapse of a storey building with pent house at Egbu Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State.

Also trapped in the building which was still under construction was a relative of the builder, who eyewitnesses said was later rescued and rushed to St. Felix Hospital, Nnewi.

When officials of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN and the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, Engr. Chris Obiora arrived the scene, manual labourers were seen on rescue mission as the excavator brought to rescue the victims broke down at the site.

Addressing journalists after the dead bodies were brought out from the debris, the Anambra State Chairman of COREN, Engr. Victor Meju explained that poor foundation, poor concrete mixture, poor quality of materials, poor wearing cost capacity, nonconformity to standard, non approval from relevant regulatory authorities led to the avoidable tragedy.

He announced seal-off of the collapse site, adding that the owner of the building, Mr. Chukwunafu Anamanjo will be invited for questioning to aid investigation.

Contributing, the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, Engr. Obiora called on people to always make use of certified Engineers and other relevant personnel in the building sector, adding that monitoring teams are also important in ensuring that all stick to standard.

The Sectoral Head of COREN in charge of Nnewi and environs, Engr. Arinze Okwuosa, said his team observed a lot of foul plays in the course of carrying out their job, calling for government intervention to forestall future occurrence.

A spate of eight coups in the last three years, including the recent ouster of Gabon’s president by soldiers, has highlighted why military takeovers are returning in African countries.

Early Wednesday, military officers seized power after an announcement that President Ali Bongo had secured a third term in an election, ending his family’s 56-year hold on power.

Advertorial

The African Union Peace and Security Council met Thursday. It announced the immediate suspension of Gabon from “all activities of the AU, its organs and institutions” until the country restores constitutional order.

In Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger and Chad, coup leaders are still in control despite widespread condemnation and sanctions.

Experts say sanctions on some countries have hit ordinary citizens and have only hardened resistance to outside interference and bolstered popular support for the various juntas.

Reasons for coups:

Security analysts said these power grabs threaten a reversal of Africa’s democratisation process in the past two decades and a return to the era of coups as the norm.

“In the early postcolonial decades when coups were rampant, Africa’s coup leaders virtually always offered the same reasons for toppling governments: corruption, mismanagement, poverty,” Remi Adekoya, a political analyst and associate lecturer at York University, said in a note.

“While well-worn, these justifications still resonate with many Africans today because they continue accurately depicting their countries’ reality. Furthermore, in many countries, people feel these problems are worsening,” he added.

A survey by Afrobarometer, a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network, showed perceptions of increased corruption levels are most widespread in African countries.

The report noted that most citizens say their government is doing too little to fight corruption.

“And in a bad sign for activists working to engage citizens on this issue, most Africans say they risk retaliation should they report corruption cases to the authorities,” Afrobarometer said.

Adekoya said these conditions create fertile conditions for coups and for increasingly desperate young Africans who have lost patience with their corrupt leaders to welcome coupists promising radical change.

On Friday, videos on social media showed some elated Gabonese kissing and hugging soldiers following the military takeover of leadership in the oil-rich central African country.

“The timing of the Gabon coup, following the announcement of the implausible electoral results, and the speed with which the junta is moving suggests this was planned,” Joseph Siegle, director of research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, said. “While there are many legitimate grievances about the vote and Bongo’s rule, that has little to do with the coup attempt in Gabon. Raising those grievances is just a smokescreen.”

How many coups have there been in Africa?

Out of the 486 attempted or successful military coups carried globally since 1950, Africa accounts for the most significant number, with 214, of which at least 106 have been successful, according to a survey compiled by American researchers Jonathan Powell and Clayton Thyne.

The survey also showed at least 45 of the 54 nations across the African continent have experienced at least a single coup attempt since 1950.

Recent successful coups in Africa;

Niger: On July 26, 2023, the military overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

Burkina Faso: In January 2022, Burkina Faso’s army removed President Roch Kabore, blaming him for failing to contain violence by Islamist militants. In September of that year, there was a second coup by army Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who forcibly deposed Paul Henri-Damiba.

Guinea: In September 2021, special forces commander Colonel Mamady Doumbouya overthrew President Alpha Conde. A year earlier, Conde had changed the constitution to circumvent limits that would have prevented him from standing for a third term, triggering widespread rioting.

Chad: In April 2021, Chad’s army took power after President Idriss Deby was killed on the battlefield while visiting troops fighting rebels in the north.

Mali: In August 2020, a group of Malian colonels removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The coup followed anti-government protests over deteriorating security, contested legislative elections and allegations of corruption. Nine months later, a countercoup happened, with Assimi Goita, named vice president after the first one, leading the second and becoming head of state.

Sudan: In October 2021, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan led a military takeover in Khartoum, dissolving a ruling council in which the army and civilians had shared power and throwing the country’s democratic transition into turmoil.