🔅 From Holey Libraries to Togo's Constitutional Concerns

Kenya's Historic US Visit, Togo's Controversial Constitution, and Zanzibar's Innovative Architecture

Photo of the Day

Sao Tome Pier — São Tomé and Príncipe

---

Spotlight Stories

Kenya's Ruto Is The First African Head of State To Visit Washington In Over 15 Years

Ruto and Biden — Wikimedia Commons

As the winds of geopolitical change sweep across Africa, Kenya's President William Ruto is making a spirited move to strengthen his country's ties with the United States. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Ruto emphasized the "great long-term relationship" between Kenya and the US, as he prepares for a historic state visit to Washington—the first by an African leader in over 15 years.

At the top of Ruto's agenda is the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a US-African trade pact that provides duty-free access to the US market for nearly 2,000 product lines from eligible African countries. Kenya, as one of the leading beneficiaries of Agoa, is keen on securing its renewal before its expiration next year. Ruto believes the act brings value not just to Kenya but also to the US, with bilateral trade between the two countries on the rise.

Washington's Charm Offensive and Security Interests

Caleb Perez

The US seems to reciprocate Ruto's enthusiasm, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee requesting the Kenyan president to address a joint session of Congress—a rare honour for an African leader. This charm offensive is partly driven by Washington's broader security interests, as the US seeks to maintain a strong ally in Africa amid growing Russian influence in countries like Niger, Mali, and the Central African Republic.

Kenya's commitment to international security is evident in its readiness to deploy troops to Haiti, with Ruto assuring that his "security men are upbeat" and "willing." The US has pledged $300 million to support this Kenyan-led security force. Meanwhile, the US maintains an overseas military presence in Kenya to support counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab, the Somalian Islamist militant group linked to al-Qaeda.

Navigating Domestic Challenges and Economic Reforms

Nairobi, where Ruto has been facing domestic challenges — Photo by Yonko Kilasi

Despite his international successes, Ruto faces domestic challenges, including mass protests over budget cuts, subsidy removals, and new taxes aimed at raising revenue and stabilizing the Kenyan shilling. Critics argue that a two-month nationwide doctors' strike and a slow response to deadly floods have further dented his popularity. However, Ruto defends his economic decisions, pointing to the drop in annual inflation from 9.2% to 5% since he took office.

As Ruto prepares to meet President Biden, he must balance his pursuit of international alliances with the need to shore up domestic support. The success of his US visit and his ability to navigate the complexities of geopolitics and economic reform will have far-reaching implications for Kenya and the broader African continent.

---

Parallel Studio's Holey Grail: Mariam's Library in Zanzibar

In the village of Mwanyanya, Zanzibar, architecture practice Parallel Studio has created a children's library that's as cool as it is educational—literally. The secret? Walls full of holes.

Named Mariam's Library, this humble yet innovative building was born from a collaboration between the studio's founder, Mai Al Busairi, and the local Beit Ras School. Al Busairi saw firsthand the community's need for more books and reading facilities, and thus, the idea for the library was born.

Zanzibar — Photo by Javi Lorbada

Built on a shoestring budget in just 34 days, the library is a testament to the power of simple, smart design. Clay bricks, chosen for their high thermal mass, keep the interior cool during the sweltering summer months. The white-painted walls are peppered with small holes, allowing for natural ventilation and reducing the need for energy-guzzling air conditioning.

Inside, the library is a haven for both solitary learning and communal activities. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are stocked with donated books, while a large circular window doubles as a whimsical reading nook for the little ones. A stepped concrete seating area serves as a stage for performances, its circular pattern echoing the building's perforated facade.

By harnessing the power of architecture, art, and design, the studio aims to foster positive change and tackle global challenges one holey wall at a time.

---

Togo's President Signs New Constitution, Sparking Fears of Extended Rule

Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe — Wikimedia Commons

Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe has signed a new constitution that eliminates presidential elections. Instead, the country's parliament will now choose the president, a change that opponents say will allow Gnassingbe to extend his family's six-decade rule over the West African nation.

Togo has been under the rule of the Gnassingbe family for 57 years. First, it was Eyadema Gnassingbe, and then his son, Faure Gnassingbe, took over after elections that the opposition described as a sham. With the new constitution in place, critics fear that Gnassingbe will stay in power even after his current mandate expires in 2025.

The lead-up to the parliamentary elections that gave Gnassingbe's ruling party a majority was marked by a crackdown on civic and media freedoms. The government banned protests against the proposed new constitution and arrested opposition figures. The electoral commission even went so far as to ban the Catholic Church from deploying election observers, while the media regulator suspended the accreditation process for foreign journalists.

Longer Terms, Stronger Grip:

Under the new constitution, presidential terms have been increased from five to six years, and a single-term limit has been introduced. However, the nearly 20 years that Gnassingbe has already served in office won't count towards this limit. 

The constitution also creates a figure similar to a prime minister, to be selected by the ruling party, which critics fear could be another way for Gnassingbe to extend his grip on power.

---

Food for Thought

“If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building or do you change the nail?"

— Rwandan Proverb