In 2024, we said goodbye to many people and things in Africa. Below are a few:

1. 

   In February, the 3^rd president of Namibia, Hage Geingob, passed away in Windhoek, Namibia, from cancer. As a strong freedom and anti-apartheid activist, in his early years, he fought to set the international stage for the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) and the Namibian fight for independence from South Africa; we remember his years of service and sacrifice for the nation of Namibia, and Southern Africa as a whole. So Long Hage Geingob, Third President of Namibia – African Heritage

2. In February, Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum and his coach died in a car crash in their home country. Kiptum epitomized athletic brilliance. His record-breaking marathon performances catapulted him into global recognition, with contributions extending beyond the track. In his hometown, Kiptum established programs that provided sports training and education for underprivileged youth, ensuring that his success translated into broader societal impact.

3. 

   In February, the European Union (EU) agreed to discuss the price of minerals coming from the DRC with Rwanda. Unheard of!!! Such a preposterous agreement! The EU and Rwanda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Rwanda’s role in fostering sustainable development and resilient value chains for critical raw materials MOU on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains between the EU and Rwanda. Since then, several mineral-rich Congolese cities have been captured by the M23, a rebellious movement backed by Rwanda. The town with one of the biggest coltan reservoirs in the world, Rubaya was captured by the M23 rebels. Kanyabayonga, Kirumba, Shasha, Vuvano, Kiuli, and Mbwambaliro are other cities that were captured by the M23 this year. Rubaya is rich in coltan, tantalum, cobalt; north Kivu, gold, tin, and of course diamond. Coincidence or Not? Coltan-rich Town Captured – African Heritage

4. 

   In April, Maryse Condé, the grande Dame of Caribbean literature left us, aged 90. Condé’s work has touched so many throughout the world, as it was a literary bridge between Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe. Her best work, Segu, is a great favorite. My first encounter with Maryse Condé’s work, was when I read her book “La Belle Créole.” Then I read Segu, and really that was it! I was sold… It was unforgettable, strong, and vivid. Maryse Conde: The Grande Dame of Caribbean Literature is no more – African Heritage

5. In June, the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa suffered a historic defeat. The ANC, the party which brought the end of the apartheid regime, lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election on June 1. This puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years

   

   ago. The ANC won just over 40% of the votes cast, short of the majority; the Democratic Alliance (DA) won 22% of the votes coming in second; Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party came in third with 15% of the vote, while Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) came in fourth with 9.5%. The ANC’s historic 30-year loss in South Africa and its subsequent unusual coalition with the Democratic Alliance has been rocky so far as shown by one side’s continued support of Russia and the other’s support of Ukraine.

6. 

   In August, the longest-serving president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Cameroonian Issa Hayatou joined his ancestors this year. Hayatou was a legend who transformed African football into a powerhouse. His visionary leadership expanded Africa’s presence at the FIFA World Cup from two teams in 1982 to 3, 5, and eventually 10 by 2026. He relentlessly lobbyied for the place of Africa in the world of football, including the dream of an African country hosting the world cup, which materialized with South Africa as a host in 2010. He also expanded the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), increasing participating teams from 8 to 24, creating more opportunities for African nations to compete on the global stage. His legacy in African football is unmatched.

7. 

   In September, talented Ugandan cross-country, long-distance, and marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei was set ablaze by her former boyfriend who doused her with petrol over a land dispute in northern Kenya; she died of sustained injuries from the fire. As an athlete, her accomplishments included Olympic gold medals, and she was also a member of the Ugandan armed forces. Her death highlighted the domestic violence issues against women in Kenya which has been a big public problem this year with several marches against it.
8. In October, Hama Amadou, a former prime minister of Niger who consistently pushed for governance grounded in accountability and transparency left us. Despite facing imprisonment and exile due to his political stances, Amadou remained committed to justice and the dream of a prosperous West Africa. He was given all honors for his funerals by the current Nigerien government. His story reflects the perseverance required to navigate political adversity, leaving a legacy of resilience and hope for future reformers.

9. 

   Bye bye to French military bases in Chad. France began withdrawing its Mirage fighter jets from Chad on December 10, 2024. Two Mirage 2000-D fighters departed from a French base in N’Djamena and returned to France. This move is part of a larger French military withdrawal from Chad, following the end of the defense cooperation agreement between the two countries on Nov. 29, 2024 when Chad and Senegal Ordered French Military Bases Out of their Territories. While the Chadian president has remained strong in his decision, the Senegalese president has since corrected, saying that it was just the start to start the discussion.

10. 

    On December 14, 2024, the island of Mayotte was hit by the cyclone Chido which left total devastation behind. 80% of the island, which is a French overseas department, was destroyed when the cyclone brought winds exceeding 200 km/h (124 mph) and gusts over 225 km/h (140 mph). The current death toll is 35, (French PM says only dozens killed not thousands) but all expect it to be significantly higher in the thousands, given that majority of the population is Muslim (and thus bury their dead within 24 hours), and many were illegals thus had no papers due to the huge illegal migration to that island. Moreover, cyclone Chido also caused significant damage in Mozambique, causing more deaths, making it likely that the numbers given by the French authorities should be significantly higher. During his visit, the French president Emmanuel Macron had the gull to insult the bereaved populations, handing out moral lessons. Our hearts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters of Mayotte and Mozambique.