Africa
Fear of Coup As Army Detains President, Prime Minister in Mali
The fear of a possible military coup has gripped Mali after the military detained the President and Prime Minister at an army camp outside the capital.
President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane lead an interim government that was installed under the threat of regional sanctions following a putsch in August, and the detentions on Monday raised fears of a second coup.
Two senior officials, who declined to be named, told AFP that soldiers had taken Ndaw and Ouane to the Kati military camp on the outskirts of the capital Bamako.
Their detentions followed a sensitive government reshuffle earlier on Monday that was designed to respond to growing criticism of the interim government.
The military kept the strategic portfolios it controlled during the previous administration in the reshuffle.
But two coup leaders — ex-defence minister Sadio Camara and ex-security minister Colonel Modibo Kone — were replaced.
Coup leaders and army officers have wielded significant influence over the government, casting doubts on a pledge to hold elections by early next year.
The reshuffle came at a time of growing political challenges in the capital Bamako and pressure to stick to the deadline for promised reforms.
Speculation of a coup swirled around Bamako late on Monday, but the city remained relatively calm.
Briefly reached by phone before the line cut, Prime Minister Ouane told AFP that soldiers “came to get him”.
EU leaders condemned what they called the “kidnapping” of Mali’s civilian leadership, said council president Charles Michel.
“What happened was grave and serious and we are ready to consider necessary measures,” he told reporters after a summit of the bloc’s 27 leaders, describing events as “the kidnapping of the president and the prime minister”.
Earlier, a joint statement by the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the European Union, and the United States condemned the arrests and called for their “immediate and unconditional liberty”.
Later UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted a call for calm and urged the “unconditional release” of the leaders.
AFP
Africa
Balthasar Sex Scandal: Equatorial Guinea Govt Files Formal Charges
The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Ebang Engonga, former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), over allegations of misconduct involving a sex scandal.
In an official statement, the government gave reasons why Engonga is being prosecuted, describing his actions as “violations of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”
The lawsuit was announced by Jerónimo Osa Osa, Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, who confirmed that the Attorney General’s Office would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
According to local news platform Ahora EG, “This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married.”
The leaked videos, which have sparked outrage, prompted the government to take a stand on what it deems a violation of public morality and family values.
During an address on Friday, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, tasked with overseeing the case, intends to pursue administrative, civil, and criminal charges against Engonga and any accomplices, reiterated its condemnation of Engonga’s conduct.
The government emphasised the far-reaching impact of the scandal on social and family cohesion, stating, “In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion, and considering the negative impact that this situation has on the good image of our country, tarnishing its reputation, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation to establish responsibilities at the administrative, civil, and criminal levels, given the possibility of a public health impact.”
Meanwhile, the investigation aims to address multiple issues, including the line between personal and public conduct, potential privacy violations, and damages to individuals’ honor and reputation.
The government affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of those affected by the scandal, including the State itself.
Baltasar Engonga has been facing severe backlash after investigators discovered over 400 explicit videos involving him and the wives of prominent national figures.
The scandal surfaced amid a fraud probe into Engonga’s stewardship, leading ANIF officials to search his home and office.
During this search, investigators reportedly uncovered CDs containing the explicit recordings, which have since leaked online, sparking a national outcry and widespread media coverage.
Africa
Coup Attempt in Benin: Govt Arrests Ex-Minister, Commander of Guard
Benin Republic prosecutors say they have foiled a suspected coup attempt scheduled to take place on Friday.
In a statement on Wednesday, Elonm Metonou, special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism, said Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, was caught Tuesday night handing over six bags of cash to Djimon Tevoedjre, Commander of the Republican Guard and Head of President Patrice Talon’s security.
Metonou said the bag contained 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (about $2.5 million).
Authorities said the suspects opened a bank account in Côte d’Ivoire under the commander’s name on August 6, adding that the money was transported in Homeky’s Toyota Prado, which bore fake license plates.
Olivier Boko, businessman and Talon’s longtime friend who was arrested separately on Monday, was in on the plot, according to the statement.
Boko was arrested in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital. The businessman had recently started making known his plans to run for the presidency in 2026, when Talon’s second term in office ends.
According to investigators, Homeky and Boko paid off the military commander to not resist the planned coup.
Metonou said investigations are ongoing to arrest other suspects.
Since 2020, neighboring countries have experienced eight successful military takeovers and several attempts.
Talon, who has led Benin since 2016, faces criticism for what critics say is becoming an increasingly authoritarian rule.
Some observers argue that his policies have eroded democratic standards in the country.
Africa
Kenya Protest: Ruto Makes Sweeping Changes, Reduces Aides, Scraps Agencies, Others
Kenyan President, William Ruto, has scrapped budgets for the offices of first and second ladies.
The embattled Kenyan leader also dissolved 47 State agencies in a move to cut down government expenditure and pacify dissatisfied youths who have been on the streets for the past three weeks.
Ruto made this announcement during a broadcast on Friday while apologising to protesters clashing with security agents on the streets.
Budget lines providing for the operations of the offices of the First Lady, the spouses of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary shall be removed,” said Ruto.
The president, who had earlier withdrawn the Finance Bill, which triggered the nationwide protest, has also suspended non-essential travels for government officials and workers. He also stopped the purchase of new vehicles and cut down his advisers by half.
The protests erupted in the capital Nairobi three weeks ago in response to a bill seeking to increase tax.
The protests have morphed into broader discontent with Ruto’s leadership and accusations of police brutality.
Human rights groups claimed 39 protesters have been killed by security forces, with the most brutal crackdown happening last week Tuesday after the parliament passed the bill.
Ruto has since dropped the bill, but the protesters are now demanding his resignation.
Unrest has spread beyond Nairobi, with demonstrations erupting in major cities such as Mombasa and Kisumu.
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