\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\n
\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\"We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely underwater.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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ALSO READ: Can African Overcome Desertification Using This Creative Agricultural Practice?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely underwater.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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So far, 20 people are reported to have lost their lives and 55,000 others displaced from their homes. The most affected by this devastating natural disaster are children. UNICEF, UN's children agency, revealed that children make up half of the island's population. Nirina Rahaingosoa, a resident of Fianarantsoa, made this detailed observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Can African Overcome Desertification Using This Creative Agricultural Practice?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely underwater.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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Counting the Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So far, 20 people are reported to have lost their lives and 55,000 others displaced from their homes. The most affected by this devastating natural disaster are children. UNICEF, UN's children agency, revealed that children make up half of the island's population. Nirina Rahaingosoa, a resident of Fianarantsoa, made this detailed observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Can African Overcome Desertification Using This Creative Agricultural Practice?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely underwater.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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\"Completely
Completely destroyed houses in Madagascar following Cyclone Batsirai landfall (Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Counting the Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So far, 20 people are reported to have lost their lives and 55,000 others displaced from their homes. The most affected by this devastating natural disaster are children. UNICEF, UN's children agency, revealed that children make up half of the island's population. Nirina Rahaingosoa, a resident of Fianarantsoa, made this detailed observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Can African Overcome Desertification Using This Creative Agricultural Practice?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely underwater.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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On Feb. 7, 2022, Madagascar, an African island, experienced a devastating cyclone that claimed lives and left a trail of destruction. Cyclone Batsirai swept across the island at a speed of 165 kilometers per hour. At the moment, experts are still assessing the humanitarian crisis created by the cyclone. Meteorologists said the southwest Indian Ocean region cyclone season has intensified, deviating from the usual occurrences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Completely
Completely destroyed houses in Madagascar following Cyclone Batsirai landfall (Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Counting the Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So far, 20 people are reported to have lost their lives and 55,000 others displaced from their homes. The most affected by this devastating natural disaster are children. UNICEF, UN's children agency, revealed that children make up half of the island's population. Nirina Rahaingosoa, a resident of Fianarantsoa, made this detailed observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Can African Overcome Desertification Using This Creative Agricultural Practice?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely underwater.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
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TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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On Feb. 7, 2022, Madagascar, an African island, experienced a devastating cyclone that claimed lives and left a trail of destruction. Cyclone Batsirai swept across the island at a speed of 165 kilometers per hour. At the moment, experts are still assessing the humanitarian crisis created by the cyclone. Meteorologists said the southwest Indian Ocean region cyclone season has intensified, deviating from the usual occurrences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Completely
Completely destroyed houses in Madagascar following Cyclone Batsirai landfall (Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Counting the Loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So far, 20 people are reported to have lost their lives and 55,000 others displaced from their homes. The most affected by this devastating natural disaster are children. UNICEF, UN's children agency, revealed that children make up half of the island's population. Nirina Rahaingosoa, a resident of Fianarantsoa, made this detailed observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Can African Overcome Desertification Using This Creative Agricultural Practice?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely underwater.\"<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looming Hunger after Cyclone Bartsirai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cyclone Batsirai left most of the farmlands badly damaged and tons of food crops destroyed. For instance, the east part of the country which is mainly an agricultural area was first hit by the cyclone before moving to other areas. Also, in the west part of the island\u2014considered the country's breadbasket\u2014rice fields are completely submerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The humanitarian crisis on the island called for the government's immediate attention. President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and his wife first lady Mialy Rajoelina visited the affected families. The team saw to it that the affected families received Vatsy Tsinjo assistance. Vatsy Tsinjo basically means kind donations of basic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"President
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, first lady Mialy Rajoelina, and other officials visiting and donating foodstuff to affected families ( Photo credit: @presidence.gov.mg<\/a>\/ Website)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in other parts of the world, Madagascar is also experiencing a change in weather patterns. For instance, cyclones have increased both in frequency and intensity with the graph sharply rising at the start of 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Madagascar: A Destination You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island had experienced yet another deadly cyclone two weeks before Cyclone Batsirai hit. Cyclone Ana left 55 people dead and 130,000 others displaced from their homes. Parts of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe felt the destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to avoid the Looming Humanitarian Crisis in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, Cyclone Batsirai left at least 10,000 people in the dark for several days. World Food Programme predicts that about 595,000 people will feel the effects of the cyclone directly. Similarly, 150,000 more people risk being displaced by continued flooding and landslides. To sum it up, the current situation puts 4.4 million lives at risk according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/9MdS7xnWomI\n<\/div>
Madagascar's Cyclone Batsirai aftermath<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Until the floodwaters recede, Madagascar will have to rely on food donations from her neighbors and the rest of the world to avoid the looming humanitarian crisis. Also, the country is in need of donations in the form of temporary shelters to house the displaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cause of Rising Natural Disasters in Madagascar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the recent African leaders' meeting in Addis Ababa, Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's president, said that Africa is experiencing the worst effects of global warming phenomena. The effects include floods, drought, and cyclones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to World Health Organization, the biggest threat to the health of humanity is climate change. However, scientists believe that the worst effects of climate change are avoidable. But, it will require the effort of all stakeholders and governments around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Why WHO May Never Recognize Madagascar\u2019s COVID-19 Remedy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will be possible if the set goals to end deforestation by 2029, manufacturing of new zero-emission cars within 20 years, and a ban on coal use are implemented within the stipulated timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactions from Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/tWeatherSA\/status\/1490002688234434567\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Latest News On Cyclone Batsirai Destruction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/cgtnafrica\/status\/1491427435757326345\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/ferozwala\/status\/1491422353645260808\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Previous Story<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"How To Avoid Humanitarian Crisis As Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Batters Madagascar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-to-avoid-humanitarian-crisis-as-tropical-cyclone-batsirai-batters-madagascar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 16:43:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=331585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":324578,"post_author":"10053","post_date":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_date_gmt":"2021-12-06 13:22:03","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_324592\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"832\"]\"South South Africa airways affected by the travel ban (Photo credit: sunnewsonline.com)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nProminent Africans\u2014including the AU\u2014have condemned what they termed the developed nations\u2019 rush to ban South Africa and other African countries. The travel ban was announced by several nations over the discovery of a new coronavirus variant classified as Omicron\u00a0<\/strong>(SARS-CoV-2) Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.\n\nSouth Africa and Botswana first discovered the first cases of the Omicron variant in their respective countries and immediately informed the world. South Africa\u2019s health minister, Joseph Phaahla, during media briefing said South Africa was acting with transparency. He also said that travel bans were against the norms and standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Who Is Suffering More From Climate Change: Developed Or Developing Countries?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe travel ban has renewed a debate over whether it would prevent the spread of the new variants. Some say that, at best, the restrictions can buy time for the U.S and EU to put in place public health measures. However, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are strongly against the travel ban.\n

What we know about the Omicron Variant so far<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe World Health Organization on Nov. 26, 2021, designated the variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern and called it Omicron. The choice of name was from the advice of the WHO\u2019s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution<\/a> (TAG-VE). According to TAG-VE, Omicron has several mutations that may impact how the virus behaves, this includes the severity of the illness it can cause and the ease of spread.\n\n\n\nPreliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection. However, experts do not know if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains. The WHO said, \u201c<\/em>The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces\u201d<\/em>.\n\nAlso, preliminary evidence suggests that people with prior COVID-19 infection are at a higher risk of reinfection from the Omicron variant. WHO is working with technical partners to know if the currently available vaccines are effective against the Omicron variant. Thankfully, the PCR test currently in use can detect infections including from Omicron. See the emerging details from Omicron here<\/a>.\n
ALSO READ: UNESCO Announces July 7 As World Kiswahili Language Day. See Why<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nThe South African Medical Association (SAMA) has said people infected with the Omicron variant have only mild symptoms. The Chairwoman of SAMA Angelique Coetzee has said research on the Omicron variant is still in its initial stages. Furthermore, scientists say that Omicron could be more transmissible and can evade the body\u2019s immune defenses, making vaccines likely less effective.\n\nEvery variant of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, particularly for the most vulnerable people. Scientists are still unclear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other variants.\n\n\n

South African countries fume<\/strong><\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_324593\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"814\"]\"President President Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo credit: CGTN Africa)<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nSouth Africa\u2019s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on every country that has imposed travel bans to reverse their decisions urgently. Also, the president urged these countries to lift the travel ban before it causes more economic damages. South African scientists first discovered Omicron, and President Ramaphosa commended their work. He said,\n\n\u201cSouth African scientists are world-renowned and deeply respected.<\/em> What we know about Omicron so far reflects their work. [South Africans are] deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from several Southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant.\u201d<\/em>\n\n\n\nHe mentioned that it is a completely unjustified departure from the commitment made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month. Also noting that countries pledged at the G20 meeting to restart international travel safely and orderly.\n\nFurthermore, the G20 Rome Declaration acknowledged the predicament of the tourism sector in developing countries, and they promised to support a \u201crapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector\u201d. The President also said that the travel ban is \u201c<\/em>unjustified and unfairly discriminate against South Africa and its sister countries\u201d.\n
ALSO READ: Africa Industrialization Day: A Peek At 10 Of The Most Industrialized African Countries<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Should we condemn countries for shutting their borders?<\/h2>\nWhen the coronavirus pandemic was first discovered in China in 2019, the WHO was blamed for acting too slowly. The popular opinion then was that shutting down travels to and from China would have helped to stop the spread. However, the pattern of spread of COVID-19 since its discovery shows that travel ban, alone, is ineffective in stopping the spread.\n\nAccording to the South African resident,<\/i>\u00a0instead of prohibiting travel, developed countries need to support the efforts of developing economies to access and manufacture enough vaccine doses for their people without delay.\n\nIn a Facebook post<\/a>, Malawi\u2019s president, Lazarus Chakwera, has also described the travel ban as \u201cAfrophobia\u201d. He said that the whole world owes South African scientists an appreciation for identifying the new strain before anyone else, and South African countries shouldn\u2019t be punished.\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the governments placing a travel ban on South African countries acted with the intention of buying time to better understand the variant. Interestingly, emerging details show that the variant may have already been in circulation weeks before the announcement from South Africa. This discovery nullifies the intent of the travel ban.\n\nJohns Hopkins University infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja says the travel restrictions only give the public a false sense of security. He also said imposing restrictions makes politicians \u201clook as if they are doing something\u201d but doesn\u2019t make sense when countries now have countermeasures such as rapid tests and vaccines.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0 Why Is WHO Telling African Countries To Use Expired COVID-19 Vaccines?<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Reactions trailing the travel ban on South African countries<\/h3>\nMany social media users continue to express their opinion on the Omicron variant as well as the travel ban. However, the majority of the opinions condemned the travel ban.\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/henruga\/status\/1465188765736050689\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/AslamBava\/status\/1466305835974410243\n\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/fiona_chembot\/status\/1466245689684504581\n\n\n

Global COVID-19 vaccine distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ban punishes countries that have not had the resources to vaccinate widely. South African countries may not have the infrastructure to distribute the vaccines quickly or, in some cases, store them at the necessary ultracold temperatures, forcing them to\u00a0turn down shipments<\/a>\u00a0of additional doses.\n\nAfrica lags behind other continents in COVID-19 vaccinations. However, WHO officials have attributed the vaccination gaps to the unequal distribution of vaccines. They noted that wealthier nations have acquired enough doses to offer booster shots. In contrast, citizens of poorer countries are struggling to get their first doses.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Zimbabwean Sculptor Is Fighting COVID-19 With Stones<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nSadly, only fifteen countries in Africa have fully vaccinated 10% of their citizens against Coronavirus as of September 2021. In May, the World Health Assembly set a goal for countries worldwide to fully vaccinate 10% of their population by Sept. 30. Almost 90% of high income-countries have met this target.\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven though the WHO designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, they recommend countries to undertake other measures instead of the travel ban. Such measures include enhancing surveillance and sequencing of cases and sharing genome progressions on publicly available databases.\n\n\n\nAccording to the WHO Director-General, \u00a0Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more variants will continue to emerge until there is equitable distribution of vaccines. The WHO DG says the only way of stopping the emergence of new variants is to ensure at least 50% of the population of every country is vaccinated.\n\nSo do you think placing a travel ban on South African countries due to Omicron is right? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"324768\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Do You Think The Travel Ban On South African Countries Due To Omicron Was Right?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"do-you-think-placing-a-travel-ban-on-south-african-countries-due-to-omicron-is-right","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=324578","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"1","filter":"raw"},{"ID":123702,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_date_gmt":"2019-02-12 19:36:10","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_123782\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"788\"]\"The President Kagame of Rwanda hands over the baton to President el-Sisi of Egypt<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nThe African Union held its 32nd Summit on February 10, 2019. At the Summit, Member States elected President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt as the new AU chair.\n\nEl-sisi takes over from President Paul Kagame<\/a> of Rwanda. The new AU Chair addressed the Summit after the elections, setting his agenda for the African continent.\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Profile<\/h2>\n\nEl-Sisi is the current president of Egypt--serving his second term after his re-election in 2018. El-Sisi is a graduate of the Egyptian Military Academy.\u00a0After years in service, el-Sisi rose to the position of the director of military intelligence in 2010. Ultimately, he became Defense Minister and Commander in Chief when Mohamed Morsi was ousted.\n\nIn 2018, Forbes<\/a> ranked el-Sisi at number 45 in the list of most powerful people in the world.\u00a0The new African Union Chair has managed to restore Egypt to stability. As a result, this achievement saw his approval rating rise. Consequently, in the 2018 election, el-Sisi was re-elected with 97 percent<\/a> of the vote.\n\n\n\n

El-Sisi\u2019s Tasks as New AU Chair<\/h2>\n\nKey on President el-Sisi\u2019s agenda is the fight against terrorism on the continent. In his address at the Summit, the new African Union Chair<\/a> stated that terrorism is one of the critical problems facing Africa.\u00a0In addition, el-Sisi stated that the bloc will prioritize \u2018preventive diplomacy<\/a>\u2019 and mediation in promoting peace in the continent.\n\nEl-Sisi\u2019s new tasks differ from that of his predecessor. Whereas President Kagame focused on creating a free-trade zone that spans across the continent, eL-Sisi is putting his focus on fighting terrorism. However, there is a common agenda. Like his predecessor, el-Sisi will be required to align his approaches with the AU Agenda 2063<\/a>.\n\n
ALSO READ<\/strong>:African Union Chairperson Shares His 2019 Roadmap And Here Is What It Includes<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n

The African Union Chair Position<\/h2>\n\nThe African Union Chair position is a ceremonial position that rotates within the five regions of the continent. As such, a succeeding Chair cannot come from the same region with current Chair.\n\nIn order for a candidate to win, he\/she must garner the support of at least two-thirds of member states\u2014or through consensus.\u00a0President Thabo Mbeki was the inaugural Chair of the AU in 2002.\n\n

Term Limit<\/h3>\n\nThe African Union chair serves for one year. After that, member states elect a different Chair from a different region. The five regions of the AU include--Central, West, East, Southern, and North.\n\nPresident Cyril Ramaphosa<\/a> of South Africa has been announced as AU Chair for the year 2020. This means the AU leadership will be shifting from the North to the Southern region.\n\nSouth Africa will have national elections<\/a> on 8 May, 2019. As such, Ramaphosa will become Chair of AU in 2020 if he wins the South Africa elections and remains president\u2014The AU chair position is held by a sitting president.\n\n\n\n

AU Commission<\/h3>\n\nThe AU commission is the Secretariat of the African Union. A Chairman leads the Commission, assisted by a deputy Chair. Additional members are the commissioners.\n\nThe Chair of the Commission chairs all meetings of the Commission.\u00a0The position of AU Chair, therefore, is different from that of AU Commission chair.\n\n ","post_title":"The African Union Has A New Chair And Here Is Where His Primary Focus Will Be","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"president-el-sisi-is-the-new-african-union-chair","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-17 00:05:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=123702","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":92097,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_date_gmt":"2018-08-29 03:53:27","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1100\"]\"Theresa Theresa May - British Prime Minister meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, during a three-nation visit to Africa. May has promised to boost Britain's investment in the continent.  Photo Credit: AP<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nBritish Prime Minister Theresa May said she will make major investments in Africa. While on a three-day tour of the continent, May pledged 4 billion pounds ($5.1 billion) of support for African markets. May's goal of deepening trade ties with Africa, the world's second-most populous continent, comes ahead of Britain's departure from the European Union next year.\n\nBritain's post-Brexit goal is to \"strengthen its global partnerships,\" Theresa May said in a statement<\/a>. \"This week I am looking forward to discussing how we can do that alongside Africa to help deliver important investment and jobs as well as continue to work together to maintain stability and security.\"\n
ALSO READ:<\/strong> British Investments in Egypt Hit 46 Billion Pounds<\/a><\/div>\nBritain's direct investment in Africa will mark a fundamental shift in focus from short-term poverty reduction to long-term economic growth. Theresa May said the U.K. will treat African nations as \"equal partners\". And also help British companies boost trade with countries such as Cote D'Ivoire and Senegal.\n\n[bctt tweet=\"'True partnerships are not about one party doing unto another, but states, governments, businesses, and individuals working together in a responsible way to achieve common goals' - Theresa May, Cape Town\" username=\"africanvibes\"]\n

What Theresa May's Speech Here<\/h2>\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1R3q-dPHgG0\n
READ MORE HERE >><\/a><\/strong><\/div>","post_title":"Britain Makes Fundamental Shift In It's Africa Investment Strategy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"britain-makes-fundamental-shift-in-its-africa-investment-strategy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-14 01:04:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2018\/08\/28\/642658322\/prime-minister-theresa-may-pledges-5-1-billion-in-investment-in-africa","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":50218,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-23 23:47:52","post_content":"\n\"\"\nAfrican leaders have signed an agreement to set up a massive free-trade area. This will help to improve regional integration and boost economic growth across the continent. The deal to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed at an extraordinary summit in Kigali, Rwanda by representatives of 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states.\n\nOnly 16 percent of Africa\u2019s trade takes place between countries on the continent today, according to the union. The commission expects that number to jump to more than 50 percent if all 55 nations sign on to the pact. Speaking on the issue AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat said,\n\n\u201cOur peoples, our business community and our youth, in particular, cannot wait any longer to see the lifting of the barriers that divide our continent, hinder its economic takeoff and perpetuate misery, even though Africa is abundantly endowed with wealth.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Albert Muchanga, the commissioner for trade and industry at the African Union Commission, which oversaw the negotiations, said the new agreement also aimed to create jobs and broader economic diversification. Consequently, the continent will overcome reliance on exporting resources like minerals and oil, and by reducing non-tariff business hurdles, like onerous regulation. He also said yearly monitoring and evaluation will yield better results for this agreement than for its regional predecessors.<\/p>\n\n

Why Some Countries Did Not Sign<\/h2>\nThe list of all countries that did not sign the agreement was not immediately available. We do know that some of the countries holding out include Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. New York Times<\/a> reported that of the 11 holdouts, Nigeria and South Africa represent $700 billion \u2014 or one-third \u2014 of the $2.1 trillion in gross domestic product across all 55 African countries. The two countries are also home to 242 million people, or 20 percent of Africa\u2019s population of 1.2 billion.\n

Nigeria's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"886\"]\"\" Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nNigeria pulled out of the signing ceremony after President Muhammadu Buhari canceled his attendance on Sunday. A statement at the time said the decision was made \"to allow time for broader consultations\". Buhari who has since set up a presidential committee to take two weeks widening consultations on AfCFTA, believes that the economic and security implications of Nigeria signing the deal must be further discussed.\n\n\u201cWe will not agree to anything that will undermine local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, or that may lead to Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for finished goods.\u201d<\/em>\n\nALSO READ: Gambia's AfCFTA Ratification Means Africa Will Soon Become The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong>\n

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president of Nigeria and an elder statesman on the continent, called the Buhari administration\u2019s reluctance \u201ccriminal\u201d. This is according to KTPress<\/a>, a Rwandan news outlet. In an interview, the former president said, <\/p>\n

\u201cI am surprised that any African leader at this time would be doubting or debating the benefits. <\/em>The signing and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enable a shift from dependence on assistance to increased trade. <\/em>The establishment of the Free Trade Area will result in the establishment of a market of over one billion two hundred million people. This combines with a gross product of over three trillion dollars. <\/em>That is where our salvation lies; trading amongst ourselves and consequently developing our economies. The agreement will inspire a change a perception of the continent by the rest of the world.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

South Africa's Reasons<\/h4>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_50223\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"990\"]\"\" President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nCyril Ramaphosa did not sign the crucial agreement at the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit in Rwanda's capital Kigali. However, he signed the declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area<\/a> (AfCFTA). Ramaphosa said that his government welcomed the \"historic moment\" saying that it had been dreamt of by the founding fathers of the AU. Furthermore, he said South Africa was pledging itself totally to opening up trade by signing the declaration. According to the president, \n\n\u201cWe are part of this process of opening up Africa for trade. All that is holding us back from signing the actual agreement is our own consultation process. We still need to consult at home, to consult in Cabinet, to consult the partners at [the National Economic Development and Labour Council] Nedlac, and finally to consult Parliamentarians. <\/em>So we are really going the cleanup process of ensuring that everybody is on board. As far as we are concerned as South Africa we are very much part of it. The agreement, therefore, is very much alive, it's not dead in the water. We as South Africa want free trade in Africa because we are an important player in the African continent.\u201d <\/em>\n

Zambia's Reasons<\/h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50222\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"960\"]\"\" Zambia President Edgar Lungu.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nZambia is another country that did not sign the AfCFTA. The country was still conducting internal negotiations on some protocols in the agreement. aThis was according to a Zambian official. Zambia\u2019s foreign minister, Joseph Malanji, said Zambia only signed the African Free Trade Area Declaration and not the agreement. He said in a statement that Zambia had negotiated the protocol on goods and services and the dispute settlement mechanism. Consequently, the remaining protocols, including on trade competition, investment, and intellectual property, were yet to be negotiated.\n\nThe Minister, however, said the signing of the declaration shows that Zambia stands with all other African countries in the quest to improve intra-Africa trade. Meanwhile, Zambia\u2019s commerce, trade, and industry minister Christopher Yaluma said in the same statement that Zambia will not sign the protocol on the free movement of people as the country was not ready for it.\n

Moving Forward<\/h2>\n[caption id=\"attachment_50224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"870\"]\"\" Rwanda President Paul Kagame<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nRwanda hosted the extraordinary summit. Interestingly, it is the same year President Paul Kagame is chairing the African Union. The agreement will come into force after 22 countries ratify it in their national parliaments, which is expected to happen within the year. Thereafter, countries will be added as they ratify. The agreement commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods, with 10 percent of \"sensitive items\" to be phased in later. It will also liberalize trade in services. In the future, it might include the free movement of people and a single currency.\n

Read More Here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>","post_title":"GAME CHANGER: 44 Out Of 55 African Leaders Sign Historic Free-Trade Agreement To Boost Economic Growth On The Continent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"game-changer-44-out-of-55-african-leaders-sign-historic-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-economic-growth-on-the-continent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-13 18:22:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=50218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

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