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Colonial statues in Africa have been removed, returned and torn down again – why it’s such a complex history

Colonial statues in Africa have been removed, returned and torn down again – why it’s such a complex history

In 2020, the murder of George Floyd in the US served as a catalyst for the global Black Lives Matter movement. It sparked widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism. It also ignited debates about historical symbols of oppression, such as statues of figures associated with racial injustices. SOPHIA LABADI, Professor of Heritage, University of Kent These debates presented colonial statues in Africa as having been contested and toppled for many years, ever since African states gained independence. Indeed, colonial statues were at the heart of the colonial world, symbolising its violence, white supremacy and the erasure of pre-colonial…
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Africa bags early spoils at Dubai climate talks

Africa bags early spoils at Dubai climate talks

AFTER securing the landmark climate damage compensation deal at COP27, Africa's push for the Loss and Damage Fund gets a major shot in the arm at this year's climate summit, after states committed millions to activate it The Fund, which aims to provide financial assistance to countries at extreme risk from climate change, to support mitigation and recovery, was established after intense negotiations at COP27. A synchronised diplomatic offensive by African states had resulted in the historic deal to set up a kitty compensating states with historically low carbon emission levels for the impacts of climate change. Those include rising…
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Wagner debacle in Russia raises red flags for African states and how they manage their security

Wagner debacle in Russia raises red flags for African states and how they manage their security

THE brief rebellion led against the Kremlin by the head of the Wagner mercenary forces in Russia last week sent shock waves across the world. This was no less true in Africa, where some countries have, over the last decade, turned to the Wagner group for security support. OLUWOLE OJEWALE, Regional Coordinator, Institute for Security Studies Many states in Africa are contending with multidimensional insecurity. This includes violent extremism, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, sea piracy, separatist violence, kidnapping and oil theft. Non-state actors have entered the scene as security providers. As a coordinator of observations of organised crime in…
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How Africa woos the ultra-rich

How Africa woos the ultra-rich

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD STORY AGENCY AFRICAN economies looking to attract fresh investments are turning to innovative programs that offer residence and dual citizenship opportunities to investors with deep pockets. Migration investment schemes allow people to purchase citizenship or residency in exchange for an investment in a country. Namibia and Henley & Partners, the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, have unveiled a Residence by Investment Program to attract foreign investment and boost the country's economic growth. Foreigners seeking Namibian residency must purchase real estate valued at least US$316,000 at President's Links Estate. The estate on the Bay of Whales…
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Cash repatriation gets a boost as new treaties eliminate double taxation in Africa

Cash repatriation gets a boost as new treaties eliminate double taxation in Africa

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD STORY AGENCY FAVOURABLE new tax treaties among African states are tipped to spur investment across the continent as governments move to eliminate burdensome tax barriers. Trends show that non-double taxation agreements or DTAs could become more commonplace in Africa as AfCFTA, the ambitious single market for goods and services, begins to take shape. Madagascar-Morocco Income Tax Treaty, applied from 1 January 2023 for withholding and other taxes, is the latest example of African states' push to restructure their tax regimes. The treaty, established between the two countries in 2016, entered into force in November 2022, following the…
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Why young African elites are returning home

Why young African elites are returning home

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD NEWSROOM AFRICA is experiencing “reverse migration” as skilled workers who left the continent in search of greener pastures in North America and Europe return home to work and invest. The trend, detailed in a recent report, comes on the back of improving economic conditions in most African states, coupled with political stability and good investment sentiment. With Africa’s rising economy and decreasing conflicts, the United Nations opines African immigrants have found incentives. A report by pan-African private equity firm, Jacana Partners, found that nearly 70 per cent of African MBA students in top US and European schools…
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Italy to pursue Africa debt relief during G20 presidency – diplomat

Italy to pursue Africa debt relief during G20 presidency – diplomat

ITALY will use its forthcoming presidency of the Group of 20 major global economies to try to secure further debt relief for African states, a senior Italian diplomat has promised. Italy takes over the annual rotating presidency of the G20 on December 1 and will look to build on a deal struck by major international creditors in April that was aimed at relieving the world's poorest nations of debt payments. "Every further move, due to the diversity of the G20 membership, is not going to be so easy, but we will work in order to achieve a good result," said…
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