🔅 How Saudi Arabia is Driving Up Oil Demand in Africa
Plus: The Grim Consequences of Covid, UAE's Role in Sudan's War, And more
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Brief & Bright: Africa's Top Five
How Saudi Arabia is Driving Up Oil and Gas Demand in Africa
Saudi Arabia isn’t just known for its oil and gas production—it’s also trying to get developing countries hooked on its products. A report reveals that the oil demand sustainability program (ODSP), overseen by the Saudi crown prince himself, aims to increase the use of fossil fuels in Africa and other parts of the world. Amongst other strategies, their goal is to promote the use of low-cost gas-guzzling cars, buses and planes, invest in power ships (essentially floating power plants that use heavy fuel oil or gas to supply electricity to coastal communities), invest in oil-powered mini-grids (burning diesel to supply electricity to regions with inadequate infrastructure). It's all being marketed as “increasing sustainability” and “removing barriers” to energy access. But the report suggests they just may be going after more customers in lower-income countries as wealthier countries switch to clean energy. “The Saudi government is like a drug dealer trying to get Africa hooked on its harmful product,” says Mohamed Adow, the director of the think tank Power Shift Africa. “The rest of the world is weaning itself off dirty and polluting fossil fuels and Saudi Arabia is getting desperate for more customers and is turning its sights on Africa.”
The Grim Consequences of Covid: Children in Africa Miss Out on Life-Saving Vaccines
Thanks to the chaos of the pandemic, more than 60 million children have missed out on getting their standard childhood vaccines. This has led to a surge in outbreaks of diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio in countries around the world. The consequences are deadly—almost half of all child deaths from vaccine-preventable illnesses are in kids who missed their shots. Now, as these children grow older, it’s harder to reach and protect them from these diseases. UNICEF is asking for $350 million to help fund a catch-up vaccination blitz, targeting kids between the ages of 1 and 4 who were missed during the pandemic. But it’s not just about getting the vaccines—it’s also about training personnel and procuring and distributing the vaccines. The New York Times reports on the scale of the task at hand.
The UAE's Secret Role in Sudan's War?
According to a top Sudanese general, the UAE has been sending supplies to the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in Sudan's ongoing war. This is the first time a Sudanese leader has publicly accused the UAE of interference in the conflict. The RSF, made up of Arab militias known as the Janjaweed, has gained momentum in the war and even taken control of most of the capital, Khartoum. The general claims that the UAE has been funnelling supplies to the RSF through neighbouring countries like Uganda, the Central African Republic, and Chad. However, the UAE denies these claims and says it has only provided humanitarian aid to Sudan. Uganda has also denied the accusations, calling them "absolute rubbish", while CAR and Chad have yet to respond. The general's comments come just before the army leader, who he serves as a deputy to, is set to visit the UAE next week for a climate summit.
The war has been raging since April, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of 6 million people. As always, children are the ones suffering the most—over 3 million have been forced to flee their homes, 19 million are out of school, and 70% of healthcare facilities have been shut down. It is the "largest child displacement crisis in the world," and UNICEF is calling for urgent attention, saying, “We cannot allow the death and suffering of millions of children in Sudan to become another forgotten humanitarian catastrophe.” It's a devastating situation, especially considering that the country's median age is only 18.
Seychelles Calls For a Climate Change Criteria Overhaul
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches and biodiversity, but is also highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Despite this vulnerability, the country does not qualify for certain climate funding due to its relatively high per-capita GDP. The finance minister is now calling for a change in the criteria used to determine who gets help, stating that if 50 wealthy people left the country, it could become poor overnight. He says that existing benchmarks don't take into account the unique circumstances of those most in need.
Government Battles Rebels in Burkina Faso
3,000 rebels tried to take control of Djibo town near the border of Mali this past weekend, resulting in one of the biggest clashes in recent years in Burkina Faso. It's unclear how many people were killed, but the government says hundreds of rebels were taken out by security forces. Burkina Faso is dealing with a lot right now—half the country is under rebel control, thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced. Plus, they had two coups last year. The junta in power now has been trying to restore peace, but it's not easy.
Food for Thought
“A chattering bird builds no nest."
— Ethiopian Proverb