Biden makes history in Angola while Namibia faces post-election drama
US president lands in Angola to push mineral-transport project competing with Chinaʼs influence. Meanwhile Namibiaʼs first female leader wins disputed election that opposition plans to challenge in court
Joe Biden touched-down in Luanda this week becoming the first-ever US president to visit Angola; his trip focuses on the mineral-rich Lobito Corridor project (which Washington sees as key to counter Chinese power in Africa)
The US-backed rail-line will move cobalt and copper from Congo and Zambia to Angolaʼs coast: this multi-country project shows how America wants to compete with Chinas Belt and Road plan. João Lourenço met with Biden to discuss the project‚ while meetings with leaders from Congo Tanzania and Zambia are also planned
In Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah won the presidency with 57% votes making her the countrys first female leader — but the election that happened few days ago had many problems. Young voters who dont like high jobless rates backed opposition candidate Panduleni Itula who now refuses to accept results due to voting issues
- long lines in hot weather
- not enough ballots
- different closing times at stations
- concerns about vote tampering
In other news‚ France finally owned up to its dark past in Senegal — Emmanuel Macron sent a letter about the 80-year old Thiaroye massacre where French troops killed African soldiers who wanted fair pay. Meanwhile in Guinea a soccer match turned tragic when fans rushed the field after a red card call; police used tear gas which led to panic and at least 56 people died in the rush to escape
