DEBSWANA DIAMOND SALES IN BOTSWANA PLUMMET BY OVER 50% IN 2024

 AFRICA NEWS

30th October 2024
By Oyenike

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DEBSWANA DIAMOND SALES IN BOTSWANA PLUMMET BY OVER 50% IN 2024

Debswana Diamond Company has reported a 52% drop in uncut diamond sales during the first nine months of 2024, attributed to a downturn in the global diamond market. The company, a joint venture between Botswana and Anglo American’s De Beers, sold $1.53 billion worth of diamonds during this period, down from $3.19 billion last year.

Diamonds are critical to Botswana’s economy, accounting for 30%-40% of revenue and 75% of foreign exchange earnings. As the nation approaches its general election, economic challenges, including high unemployment and stagnant diamond revenues, remain significant issues for President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s campaign for a second term.

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POLICE DETAIN THREE FEMALE OFFICERS FOR EXTORTION IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State has detained three female Inspectors for alleged extortion of drivers in the Rumuokoro area of Obio/Akpor Local Government. This follows numerous complaints on social media about their conduct. The arrests took place during a coordinated patrol on 29 October 2024, led by the Commissioner of Police’s team.

Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed that video evidence of the officers’ misconduct was obtained, emphasising that their actions were unprofessional, particularly as they were not in uniform at the time. The detained officers, Sarah Anendei, Caroline Promise, and Christiana Jatau, face disciplinary action for their alleged violations.

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MISS RWANDA DETAINED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Divine Muheto, the reigning Miss Rwanda, has been arrested for driving under the influence and lacking a valid driver’s licence. Reports indicate she caused damage to public property and attempted to flee the scene of the incident, although details about any injuries remain unclear. This is not her first alcohol-related driving offence.

Muheto has not publicly commented on the arrest, which follows rumours about her involvement in a collision. A Kigali court is scheduled to hear her case on Thursday. The penalties for drink-driving in Rwanda include a fine of 150,000 Rwandan francs (around $110) and possible detention.

Divine Muheto, a beauty queen in Rwanda, apprehended for driving under the influence

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SENEGAL’S LEADER STRIVES FOR SUPPORT IN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

With parliamentary elections approaching on 17 November, Senegalese political parties are intensifying their efforts to secure voter support. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who won a significant victory in April, faces pressure to fulfil commitments against corruption and improve citizens’ lives. Following recent criticisms of opposition lawmakers, he dissolved parliament in preparation for the upcoming elections.

The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye

Faye’s party, Pastef, is aiming for a majority to strengthen his mandate, while a coalition of former ruling parties led by Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade presents a formidable challenge. Political analysts note that this election will be a crucial test of Faye’s ongoing support among voters.

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GHANA CONSIDERS FUEL PURCHASES FROM DANGOTE OIL REFINERY

Ghana is exploring the possibility of purchasing petroleum products from Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery, potentially reducing costly imports from Europe. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, chairman of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, indicated that this shift could eliminate monthly imports costing $400 million, contingent on the refinery reaching its operational capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

With the Dangote refinery expected to operate at full capacity by early 2025, sourcing from Nigeria could lead to lower fuel prices and reduce overall costs for goods and services in Ghana.

Ghana may purchase petroleum products from Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery once it achieves full operational capacity

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This summary highlights key events and developments across several African nations, reflecting ongoing social, political, and economic dynamics

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