🔅 Ivory Coast's Lêkê Revolution & Madagascar's Gemstone Scandal
Plus: Zambia's Copper Strategy, MultiChoice's Business Move, and Mogadishu's Tragedy
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Lêkê: The Stylish Staple of Ivorian Street Football
In the vibrant streets of Abidjan, where the dust settles just in time for the next game to stir it up again, a fashion-statement-cum-soccer-gear is making the rounds, and it's not your high-end, brand-named cleats. It's the lêkê, a humble plastic sandal, that's stealing the spotlight and shaping the childhood dreams of future pros.
The sandals offer unmatched comfort and practicality on the unforgiving pitches of sand and gravel. And when a strap snaps – a frequent mishap given their intense usage – a new pair doesn't break the bank, ensuring the game goes on.
But lêkês have transcended their status as mere footwear to become Ivory Coast's unofficial national shoe, equally donned by party- and office-goers. While the fashion world has caught onto the jelly shoe trend, with luxury brands rolling out their versions, in Ivory Coast, lêkê reign supreme for their blend of style, affordability, and sheer practicality.
When Influence Peddling Meets Precious Stones: A Tale from Madagascar
The ex-chief of staff to Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, Romy Andrianarisoa, has found herself in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Romy, once a key advisor in the corridors of power in Madagascar, is accused of trying to turn her influence into gold—well, almost. Between 2021 and 2023, she allegedly pitched a lucrative deal to Gemfields, a big player in the gemstone mining scene, promising them a smoother path to expand their glittering empire into Madagascar's rich landscapes. The price? About $310,000 and a cherry on top: a 5% stake in Gemfields' Malagasy venture. Talk about high stakes.
But Gemfields wasn't playing ball. Instead, they turned to Britain's National Crime Agency, sparking an undercover operation with an officer posing as a consultant for Gemfields, managing to get the alleged bribe demands on tape during meetings with Romy and her associate, Philippe Tabuteau.
Zambia's Copper Move Into the Big Leagues
Zambia has decided to throw its hat into the ring with big boys like Mercuria Energy and Glencore, aiming to buy and sell its own copper. President Hakainde Hichilema's economic wingman, Jito Kayumba, assures everyone they're aiming for a fair deal that is commercially suitable for the mining companies.
By stepping into the direct sales game, Zambia is joining its neighbours, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in not just sitting on their geological goldmines anymore; they're getting into the nitty-gritty of the trade to bag more of the economic benefits.
MultiChoice Plays Hard to Get with Canal+
MultiChoice, the South African TV darling, has just swiped left on Vivendi's Canal+, the French suitor with big dreams and an even bigger wallet. Canal+, already holding the title of MultiChoice's biggest admirer (read: shareholder), made a move with a $2.5 billion last week, but MultiChoice rejected the offer, claiming it seriously undervalued its worth.
Deadly Blasts Rock Mogadishu's Marketplace
A series of blasts rocked the Bakara market in Mogadishu, Somalia, turning a bustling bazaar into a scene of devastation. At least ten people have been confirmed dead, and many others have been injured. The usually vibrant hub, known for its eclectic mix of food, fashion, and electronics, was left in shambles. The attack underscores the ongoing struggle in Somalia, where the federal government and peacekeepers have been battling Al Shabaab for years, who have been seeking to establish a new government with its own interpretation of sharia law.
Food for Thought
“A doctor who invoked a storm on his people cannot prevent his own house from destruction."
— Nigerian Proverb
Hopefully some of the Zambian copper money will trickle down to the people and not get lost on its way...