Africa

South Africa’s Ramaphosa elected president

Published

2 years ago

June 15, 2024

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

South Africa’s Ramaphosa elected president

Cape Town, South Africa – Late-night negotiations and an eleventh-hour agreement led to the formation of South Africa’s first-ever coalition government on Friday, with President Cyril Ramaphosa at its head.

The multiparty coalition signed its agreement only on Friday, as members of parliament were sworn in after marathon negotiations and back-and-forth calls between Ramaphosa and leaders of other parties.

Late Friday night, Ramaphosa was elected as the country’s president in parliament. Under the unprecedented coalition agreement, the Democratic Alliance (DA) – the African National Congress’s (ANC) official opposition until now – and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) voted for an ANC president for the first time.

The multiparty coalition was prompted after the ANC suffered its worst electoral decline in 30 years. The party holds 159 of 400 seats in parliament – short of the 201 seats needed to have a majority – after winning 40 percent of the vote in the country’s May 29 election.

After days of internal talks within the ANC, Ramaphosa announced last week that the party would seek a “government of national unity”. But the left-leaning Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) – which was created months before the election and ate into the ANC’s traditional voter support – refused to join the government, especially with the DA a part of it. The MK Party had also demanded Ramaphosa’s removal from the presidency.

The right-leaning DA, with 21 percent of the seats in parliament, will now be the ANC’s main partner in government with the support of the nationalist IFP. The parties agreed to an eight-page framework that will govern their unity government, including a clause stating that a decision could only be made if “sufficient consensus” was reached.

READ ALSO:

This means that Ramaphosa and the ANC will not be able to make decisions without buy-in from coalition partners. The parties agreed to 10 fundamental principles, which included respect for the constitution, and positions against racism and sexism.

In the agreement signed, the parties agreed that “rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth” would be the coalition government’s apex priority.

The ‘hard part’ starts now

Former DA leader and negotiating team member Tony Leon said that he had never imagined a world where the ANC and the DA would co-govern.

“The last time I negotiated with the ANC around the new constitution was in 1996, and they had 62 percent support,” he told Al Jazeera.

Leon described the talks since the May 29 vote as “very hard”, but said the president’s election was the “easy part”.

“The next five years are going to be difficult,” he said, adding that trust would make the coalition government functional.

Leon said talks were still incomplete five minutes before parliament’s sitting began on Friday at 10am local time (08:00 GMT).

“We agreed to outline a modality of how you get through today and some signals and signposts of the future. It is about some broad principles and important provisions; at the end of the day, this will not just depend on goodwill. It will depend on trust between the parties,” he said.

The agreement signed on Friday morning did not include details on which parties will occupy what positions in government. Ramaphosa has until Wednesday to determine that. He will be sworn in by the country’s chief justice next Wednesday.

According to the agreement signed, while Ramaphosa has the prerogative to appoint ministers and deputy ministers, he needs to consult leaders of other parties in the coalition before he does so.

Pierre de Vos, professor of constitutional law at the University of Cape Town, said he was wary about what a coalition government might mean for the country’s governance.

“It is difficult to be confident in what’s to come,” he said.

De Vos said that while a coalition government was “good on paper,” South Africa had a fractious society that the ANC kept together for three decades. “When it comes to difficult issues like inequality and racism, the two parties are polar opposite sides,” he said.

The DA has fought against race-based transformation policies, which the ANC has pushed for three decades.

Other analysts said they believe the coalition government would force ideological parties to the centre.

“This coalition agreement is a good thing. It will force the ANC away from the left to the centre and the DA away from the extreme right,” said political analyst JP Landman.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

South Africa’s Ramaphosa elected president

Africa

Pope Leo XIV Launches 11-Day Africa Tour Across Four Nations

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Pope Leo XIV Launches 11-Day Africa Tour Across Four Nations

Pope Leo XIV has begun his first major international mission since becoming pontiff, launching an 11-day Africa tour that will take him across Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea in what the Vatican describes as a landmark apostolic journey focused on peace, interfaith dialogue, and global justice.

The trip covers more than 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) and is expected to include 11 speeches, seven masses, and visits to about a dozen locations before the pontiff returns on April 23.

The Vatican, headquartered in Vatican City, says the visit underscores Africa’s growing importance to the global Catholic Church, which continues to expand rapidly across the continent.

Focus on peace, interfaith dialogue and social justice

During the tour, Pope Leo XIV is expected to address key issues including Christian–Muslim relations, peacebuilding, human rights, inequality, and poverty, particularly in regions affected by conflict and economic instability.

Church officials say the visit also reflects the Vatican’s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen ties with African nations at a time of heightened global geopolitical tension.

Algeria visit: First papal trip to a Muslim-majority state

The first stop is Algeria (April 13–15), where Pope Leo XIV will become the first pontiff to officially visit the North African nation, where Islam is the state religion.

READ ALSO:

He is expected to meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, visit the Great Mosque of Algiers, and undertake private prayers at memorial sites linked to victims of Algeria’s civil war.

Religious leaders say the visit will strongly emphasise interfaith understanding between Christianity and Islam and promote reconciliation.

Cameroon: Peace message in conflict-affected regions

From April 15–18, the pontiff will visit Cameroon, where his focus is expected to centre on peace and national unity, especially in the English-speaking regions affected by long-standing separatist conflict.

A major mass is scheduled in Bamenda, the epicentre of the crisis, with heightened security arrangements already in place.

He is also expected to meet President Paul Biya and visit Catholic schools, hospitals, and humanitarian centres that serve millions across the country.

Angola: Poverty, inequality and economic justice

In Angola (April 18–21), Pope Leo XIV is expected to address poverty, corruption, and unequal distribution of wealth, despite the country’s significant oil and mineral resources.

The pope will visit Luanda and Muxima, a major Catholic pilgrimage site located along a historic slave-trading route, where he is expected to highlight themes of healing, justice, and reconciliation.

Public debate has also emerged over the cost of the visit, even as large Catholic communities prepare to welcome him.

Equatorial Guinea: Governance and human rights focus

The final stop of the tour (April 21–23) will be Equatorial Guinea, where long-time leader Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled since 1979.

With a predominantly Catholic population, the visit carries strong religious significance but also diplomatic sensitivity due to concerns around human rights and governance issues.

Observers say the pontiff is expected to carefully balance pastoral engagement with subtle advocacy for social justice and reform.

Earlier international trips

Since assuming the papacy in May, Pope Leo XIV has visited Turkey, Lebanon, and Monaco, but Vatican officials say this Africa tour represents his most ambitious overseas mission so far.

Further international engagements are expected later in the year as part of expanded Vatican outreach efforts.

Pope Leo XIV Launches 11-Day Africa Tour Across Four Nations

Africa

ECOWAS Recruitment 2026: Over 30 Job Vacancies Open for Nigerians (How to Apply)

Published

3 days ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS Recruitment 2026: Over 30 Job Vacancies Open for Nigerians (How to Apply)

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its 2026 recruitment exercise, offering over 30 job vacancies to qualified applicants from Nigeria and other member states as part of efforts to strengthen regional operations.

In an official notice released on its careers portal, ECOWAS said the recruitment is aimed at boosting the implementation of its sectoral programmes across key institutions within the region.

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications through the ECOWAS website before the April 30, 2026 deadline.

Available ECOWAS Jobs in Nigeria (Abuja)

A significant number of positions are based in Abuja, Nigeria, covering multiple sectors. These include:

Office Aide
Programme Assistant
Nurse
Protocol Assistant
Documentation and Archives Assistant
Office Manager (Bilingual Secretary)
Junior Accountant (Disbursements)
Accountant roles
Legal Officer
Political Adviser
Principal Officer roles
Registrar positions
Head of Division (Library and Documentation)
Head of Hansard

READ ALSO:

These roles span administration, finance, legal, and governance, making the recruitment one of the most diverse in recent times.

Vacancies Across Other ECOWAS Member States

Beyond Nigeria, ECOWAS also announced openings in other locations, including:

Administrative and Finance Officer in Addis Ababa
Principal Programme Officer (Sports Policy) in Liberia
Principal Programme Officer (Water Supply and Sanitation) in Conakry
Legal and administrative roles in Dakar, Senegal

This reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to regional employment and cross-border collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria for ECOWAS Recruitment 2026

Applicants must meet specific age and qualification requirements, depending on the role:

Maximum of 35 years for support staff (G1–G7)
Maximum of 45 years for professional roles (P1–P7)
Maximum of 50 years for director-level positions (D1–D2)

Candidates are also expected to:

Possess relevant academic and professional qualifications
Demonstrate proficiency in English, French, or Portuguese
Complete and submit the official ECOWAS application form
Attach a CV and motivation letter

ECOWAS emphasized that applications without all required documents will be disqualified.

How to Apply for ECOWAS Jobs

To apply, candidates must:

Download the official application form from the ECOWAS careers portal
Fill in accurate details
Attach supporting documents (CV and cover letter)
Submit via designated email addresses before the deadline

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Fraud Alert to Applicants

ECOWAS warned that its recruitment process is completely free, urging applicants to avoid paying money to individuals or groups claiming to influence hiring.

The organisation also cautioned against sharing sensitive financial information with unofficial sources.

Gender Inclusion Encouraged

The regional body encouraged female applicants to apply, reaffirming its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity across its workforce.

Overall, the ECOWAS recruitment 2026 presents a major opportunity for qualified Nigerians and other West Africans to secure roles in a leading regional organisation driving economic integration, peace, and development.

ECOWAS Recruitment 2026: Over 30 Job Vacancies Open for Nigerians (How to Apply)

Africa

Nigeria Apologises Over ‘Igbo King’ Controversy in South Africa as Protests Turn Violent

Published

1 week ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Cars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation

Nigeria Apologises Over ‘Igbo King’ Controversy in South Africa as Protests Turn Violent

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has formally apologised following a diplomatic and social backlash over the alleged coronation of an “Igbo king” in Eastern Cape Province.

The controversy began after reports emerged that Solomon Eziko was crowned “Igwe” of Kugompo in South London, a town in the Eastern Cape. Videos and images from the event circulated widely, triggering outrage among locals who viewed the development as an attempt to establish a foreign traditional authority within South Africa.

The situation escalated on Monday as protests turned violent in parts of the province. Demonstrators reportedly torched vehicles and buildings linked to foreign nationals, while angry residents marched through affected areas demanding swift government intervention.

Some protesters issued strong warnings, with calls for the deportation of Nigerians associated with the event and threats of further unrest if authorities failed to act. The unrest highlights longstanding tensions around immigration and economic competition involving foreign nationals in South Africa.

In a statement dated March 26, the Nigerian High Commission clarified that the Igbo East London gathering was purely a cultural festival and not a coronation. The mission stressed that the event had been widely misunderstood and did not amount to the installation of a traditional ruler.

READ ALSO:

Providing context, the Commission explained that Igbo cultural practices often include symbolic ceremonies that may resemble coronations but are not political in nature. It cited traditions such as the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), masquerade displays (Mmanwu), traditional marriage rites (Igba Nkwu), and chieftaincy title ceremonies as integral parts of Igbo heritage.

On Tuesday, Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji addressed protesting groups, offering an apology and reaffirming Nigeria’s respect for South African institutions.

“They are only celebrating their cultural activity. It is not a political or traditional institution,” Ogunmadeji said.
“I offer our apology to the traditional institutions in South Africa. We are sorry for what has happened. The embassy would never encourage the undermining of authority or institutions.”

Authorities in Eastern Cape have reportedly taken steps to restore calm, while community leaders continue engagements to prevent further escalation.

The Nigerian mission also issued a security advisory urging Nigerians living in South Africa to remain vigilant, limit movement, and suspend socio-cultural gatherings. It warned against inflammatory comments on social or mainstream media that could worsen the already tense situation.

The incident has drawn attention to the sensitive nature of traditional leadership structures in South Africa, where such institutions are formally recognised and regulated by law. Analysts say misunderstandings involving cultural expressions by foreign communities can quickly escalate into broader diplomatic and security concerns.

While the apology appears to have eased tensions slightly, stakeholders in South Africa continue to demand clear assurances and accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.