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African Cup of Nations 2023: the official song now available

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As preparations for the CAF TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 intensify, CAF and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) announced the release of the official song of the tournament, as reported by Abidjan.net on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Titled “AKWABA”, which means “welcome” in several ethnicities in Côte d’Ivoire, this song is a captivating musical project steered by the team from the global label Universal Music Africa.

Reaffirming the theme of African football pride for the tournament, it is also a declaration of love for football, a tribute to the cultural diversity of the continent, and to the warm hospitality of Côte d’Ivoire when the rest of Africa and the world will gather from January 13 to February 11, 2024, for the 34th edition of the continent’s flagship football event.

This masterpiece was crafted by the legendary Ivorian group Magic System, famous for their global hit ‘’Premier Gaou’’, the dazzling Egyptian pop icon Mohamed Ramadan, whose “Number 1” continues to captivate worldwide, the Nigerian diva Yemi Alade, renowned for her “Johnny”, and the famous producer Dany Synthe, giving birth to a track that transcends borders and cultures by showcasing a united Africa. The quartet delivered a powerful rendition of AKWABA during the final draw of the CAF TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, which took place in the iconic Parc d’Expositions hall of Abidjan fifteen (15) days ago.

AKWABA is expected to ignite the African continent with a burst of rhythms and melodies embodying the spirit of unity, passion, and celebration.

The track is now available on all streaming platforms and promises to take us on an unforgettable musical journey.

Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate in unison during the CAF TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

The competition will kick off on January 13, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

South Africa’s Historic Triumph: A Fourth Rugby World Cup Victory

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Rugby is more than just a game. It’s a spectacle, a story of passion, endurance, and incredible skill. When giants clash on the field, legends are born. And Saturday (Oct. 28) was one such historic day when South Africa etched its name on the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time, leaving behind an exhilarating tale of sheer determination.

A Grand Finale

Just seven seconds remained. The deafening crowd was waiting in anticipation as South Africa and New Zealand prepared for one final scrum. With South Africa leading by a slim margin, all eyes were on this last significant play. A victory for the Springboks meant thwarting an intense push from the All Blacks. The tension was palpable.

But as the forwards collided, South Africa emerged victorious in the scrum, the ball securely in their hold. Referee Wayne Barnes signaled the end of what had been an intense, gritty finale, one that saw the Springboks and All Blacks confront each other in a World Cup final for only the second time.

Reminiscing Iconic Showdowns

The only other time these titans had met in a World Cup final was back in 1995, a game so iconic it inspired a movie. Who can forget the indomitable Jonah Lomu, Joel Stransky’s game-winning drop goal, or the poignant sight of Nelson Mandela, donning a Springboks jersey and cap?

However, destiny had been keeping these giants apart in the finals until now. Both teams had even lost a pool match this time — a rarity for such powerhouses. The All Blacks were bested by France, while the Springboks faced defeat against Ireland. But when the quarterfinals came, both teams showcased their class, with the All Blacks toppling Ireland and South Africa dispatching host nation France.

The Unyielding Path to Victory

South Africa’s path to the finals was grueling, to say the least. From battling against Ireland to overcoming challenges posed by Scotland and Tonga during the pool stage, followed by nail-biting one-point victories against host France and England in the knockout phase, the Springboks proved their mettle.

Their decision to opt for a 7-1 split of forwards and backs on the bench was unconventional but perhaps influenced by their prior victory against the All Blacks before the tournament, a game they dominated with a score of 35-7.

A Testament to South Africa’s Defense

The final match saw South Africa’s defense shine. With Handre Pollard’s four penalties, they managed a 12-6 lead at half-time. Though they couldn’t add to their tally in the second half, their defense remained unwavering. The All Blacks, despite their unyielding charges, couldn’t score more than the try by Beauden Barrett.

One statistic stood tall by the end: The Springboks had successfully completed 209 tackles with an impressive success rate of 81%. Moreover, they managed seven turnovers, overshadowing New Zealand’s singular one.

South Africa’s victory is a testament to their resilience, determination, and undying spirit. As they lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the fourth time, they not only make history but also inspire countless others with their journey of grit and glory.

The Call for Acknowledgment: KHRC’s Push for a British Apology on Colonial Atrocities

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Historical injustices, often wrapped in layers of complexity, have a way of echoing into the present, demanding acknowledgment and restitution. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) stands at the forefront of this call for recognition, focusing on the shadow cast by British colonial rule over Kenya.

A Comprehensive Document and a Call to Action

The KHRC’s efforts reached a notable milestone with the submission of a comprehensive document to the British High Commission, shedding light on the myriad atrocities committed during the colonial era. Spearheaded by its Chairperson, Davinder Lamba, the commission unequivocally seeks recognition of this bleak chapter in history.

Lamba’s plea to King Charles is poignant and straightforward, urging the monarch to delve deeper into the annals of history, grasp its ramifications, and offer a genuine apology to the Kenyan populace.

“Statement of Regret” – Enough or Lacking?

While the British High Commissioner’s “statement of regret” might be perceived by some as a step in the right direction, David Malombe, the KHRC’s Executive Director, argues that it stops short of what’s needed. For Malombe, a sincere apology is not just about the words; it represents an unequivocal acknowledgment of past wrongs and serves as a foundation for addressing these injustices.

King Charles III’s Critical Visit

Amidst this backdrop, King Charles III’s forthcoming state visit to Kenya holds a global spotlight. With mounting global pressure on the British monarchy and the UK at large to reflect on their colonial undertakings and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, this visit presents a unique diplomatic challenge and opportunity.

Yet, beyond the historical implications, the visit also highlights the evolving relationship between Kenya and the UK, underscored by their robust cooperation in sectors like counterterrorism and the annual trade of over 1.1 billion pounds.

Conservation and Historical Transparency

King Charles III’s itinerary, with a focus on environmental conservation, echoes his commitment to a sustainable future. His scheduled visit to a national park, overseen by the Kenyan Wildlife Service, emphasizes this commitment. Moreover, by granting researchers access to the royal archives, the King showcases a willingness to confront the monarchy’s links to the slave trade, signaling a transparent approach to historical analysis.

Revisiting the Past for a Harmonious Future

King Charles III’s previous acknowledgment of the “appalling atrocity of slavery” during a speech in Barbados gives hope that this royal visit might pave the way for a more honest dialogue between Kenya and the UK. As nations worldwide grapple with their histories, it is this genuine commitment to understanding, acknowledgment, and reconciliation that will shape harmonious global relations in the 21st century.

Reflecting on Colonial Wrongs: King Charles III on Kenyan Atrocities

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In an era where historical wrongs are being revisited and acknowledged, Lord Charles III’s recent comments during his visit to Kenya have struck a chord with many. Addressing the horrors faced by Kenyans during the English colonial rule, Lord Charles III’s comments reflect a new chapter in the narrative of reconciliation and acknowledgment.

Addressing The Past

At a state dinner, King Charles III unflinchingly addressed the horrors Kenyans endured during the English pioneer rule. In his words, “horrible and baseless acts of violence were committed against Kenyans” during their fight for independence. Although he refrained from offering a formal apology, his words echoed an undeniable sentiment: the English colonial rule in Kenya was marked by barbarities for which “there can be not any justification.”

Looking Towards Healing

During his visit, King Lord Charles III expressed his wish to meet with those impacted by colonial abuses. Recognizing that no effort can change the past, he emphasized approaching history with honesty and transparency to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

As Kenya approaches the 60th anniversary of its independence, the visit is not just symbolic for Lord Charles III but also marks his first as Ruler in a Commonwealth country. And while the visit aims to underline “areas of strength for the unique association between the United Kingdom and Kenya,” it also serves as an opportunity to discuss the shared, and sometimes painful, history of the two nations.

Revisiting The Mau Revolt

The Mau revolt remains one of the darkest chapters in Kenyan history. The suppression of this rebellion by English colonial power resulted in the death of more than 10,000 people between 1952 and 1960, along with the assassination of 32 leaders.

In a 2013 settlement, London agreed to compensate over 5,000 Kenyans who suffered during the revolt, although the compensation and the expressed “sincere regret” didn’t satiate the demands of many Kenyan veterans’ and human rights organizations.

The Way Forward

The Kenyan Human Rights Commission (KHRC) continues to urge an unconditional and unequivocal public acknowledgment from the English government for the brutalities Kenyans endured from 1895 to 1963. The call for reparations persists, reflecting a deeper need for justice and reconciliation.

King Charles III’s acknowledgment, while significant, is but a step in the long journey towards reconciliation. Addressing historical atrocities requires more than words: it necessitates a commitment to justice, reparations, and a genuine effort to heal past wounds. Only then can nations truly move forward, forging bonds of friendship built on trust and mutual respect.

Tunisian Football Organization President Under Scrutiny: A Dive into Alleged Corruption

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The soccer world is abuzz with the latest scandal to hit the headlines. This time, it’s coming from the shores of Tunisia. Wadie Jary, the president of the Tunisian Football Organization (FTF), has been arrested, placing a spotlight on the world of sports governance and the thin line between leadership and impropriety.

The Arrest

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Tunisia made the significant announcement earlier this week. The arrest occurred following a judicial complaint lodged by the Ministry. They have raised concerns over the legitimacy of a contract signed between the FTF and a technical director. Chokri Hamda, a spokesperson for the Ministry, informed local media about the incident, hinting at “financial corruption within the Organization.”

It’s not the first time Jary’s name has been associated with controversies. While his lawyer remains unavailable for comments, the details surrounding this arrest only add to the list of allegations faced by the FTF president.

A Controversial Tenure

Elected as the FTF president in 2012, Jary’s tenure has been marked with several investigations into match-fixing, money laundering, misappropriation, and corruption. The president, a former soccer player and coach, has consistently countered these allegations with arguments.

The animosity isn’t restricted to legal circles. Local reports indicate a brewing tension between Mr. Jary and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Kamel Deguiche.

The CS Chebba Controversy

The autumn of 2020 witnessed a fiery dispute between Jary and Taoufik Mkacher, the president of the Croissant Sportif de Chebba (CS Chebba) club. The club, hailing from the east-central region of Tunisia, faced suspension by the FTF. The official reasons cited were the need for payment of fines and submission of administrative documents.

However, Mr. Mkacher publicly denounced this decision as a gross “injustice.” The decision had widespread repercussions. A town with a population of just 22,000 residents witnessed an unprecedented general strike and protests for over ten days.

The FTF’s crackdown didn’t stop there. Both Mr. Mkacher and the general secretary of the club faced prohibitions from holding office for years. The reason? A Facebook post where the CS Chebba president criticized Jary’s “authoritarian” leadership, lack of transparency, and called for a financial audit of FTF.

The arrest of Wadie Jary is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the sports world. While it’s essential to await a fair trial, it’s also crucial to ensure that sports governance remains transparent and free from corruption. After all, the beautiful game deserves nothing less.

Ivory Coast Prime Minister Fired By President Ouattara

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Ivory Coast Prime Minister Patrick Achi was fired yesterday by president Alassane Ouattara. According to IvoireDiaspo, mister Achi who has been minister in every Ivorian government since 2000 was dismissed by the head of the country for taking credit for the building of modern infrastructures under the current president Ouattara.

Patrick Achi is a civil engineer by education and before becoming minister he was involved in lots of Ivory Coast developing projects.

You can also read: Council of Ministers June 15 2023 Decisions

Spain Ambassador Rafael Soriano elected president of the International Cocoa Council (ICCO)

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The ambassador of Spain to Côte d’Ivoire, Rafael Soriano, was elected on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Abidjan as the president of the International Cocoa Council, a supreme body of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) at the end of its 108th session. He replaces Dominican Abel Fernandez as president of the International Cocoa Council.

At a press conference that concluded this meeting, Michel Arrion, the executive director of ICCO, explained to the press that six points were on the agenda for this session. Among these points, he cited the situation of the global cocoa market, generic promotion of cocoa consumption, adoption of the budget, an annex to the international cocoa report, an extension of the validity of the international cocoa agreement until 2026, and the election of the new president.

“It is a privilege and an honor for Spain to assume the presidency of the International Cocoa Council. We will continue to strengthen ICCO’s role in the global cocoa industry,” said Rafael Soriano, the new president of the International Cocoa Council during the press conference that concluded this meeting.

“(…) The objective is that we can observe the sustainability of cocoa throughout the value chain from producer to chocolatier. Of the $100 billion generated by this sector, we producers only benefit from 5 or 6%, and this concerns us. Consumers never complain about chocolate bars, but we producers do,” said Ambassador Aly Touré, spokesperson for ICCO’s producer countries.

Continuing, Mr. Touré, who is also Côte d’Ivoire’s permanent representative to basic product organizations, said he has “great hope” for the next World Cocoa Conference scheduled for April 2024 in Brussels (Belgium).

The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 3rd in Abidjan. This anniversary was coupled with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the global cocoa agenda.

The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) is an intergovernmental organization composed of 52 member countries, including 23 cocoa exporters and 29 cocoa importers. It works to establish a sustainable cocoa supply chain by sustainable development goals.

You can also read: African Cocoa Exchange Expected Very Soon To Boost Africa’s Position In The Global Cocoa Value Chain

How can we prevent corruption?

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There are several ways to prevent corruption, but first let’s talk about what corruption is. According to the Oxford Dictionary, corruption is defined as “dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery” 1. It can also refer to the action of making someone or something morally depraved or the state of being so 1. In addition, corruption can refer to the process by which something, typically a word or expression, is changed from its original use or meaning to one that is regarded as erroneous or debased 1.

Corruption can have a wide range of negative consequences on society and the economy. According to a chapter published in IntechOpen, corruption can lead to a lack of trust in the law and the rule of law, as well as a reduction in the quality of life, including access to infrastructure and healthcare 2. Corruption can also inhibit economic growth, reduce tax revenue, and affect business operations, employment, and investments 2. In addition, corruption can create red tape and bureaucratic hurdles, skew laws and regulations, and discourage foreign investment 2.

Transparency International measures corruption through its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories around the world by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, scoring on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean) 3. The index is an average of expert scores produced by a variety of agencies assessing corruption at the national level as perceived by experts and businesspeople 3. It is an aggregate of corruption risk perception and does not measure transparency 3.

There are several ways to prevent corruption. These include creating pathways for citizen engagement, cutting red tape, using technology to build dynamic exchanges between key stakeholders such as government, citizens, business, civil society groups, media, academia etc., investing in institutions and policy, aligning anti-corruption measures with market, behavioral and social forces, punishing corruption, keeping citizens engaged on corruption at local, national, international and global levels, building capacity for those who need it most and continually monitoring and evaluating strategies 2.

Ivory Coast has been struggling with corruption in the public sector for a long time. According to a report by Transparency International, the country is ranked 106th out of 180 countries in terms of corruption 1. However, the government has taken some measures to combat corruption. In 2013, a presidential anti-corruption decree was passed, and new anti-corruption bodies were established to fight corruption at checkpoints 2. Recently, the Minister for the Promotion of Good Governance announced that Ivory Coast has launched several operations against corruption in the public services, particularly the police and gendarmerie 3.

It is good to see that Ivory Coast is taking steps to fight corruption. However, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in practice.

In Abidjan, the economic capital city of the Ivory Coast, the Minister of Good Governance Promotion and the Fight against Corruption, Zoro Epiphane Ballo, held discussions with technical and financial partners (TFPs) on Thursday, June 15, 2023, to seek their support in the fight against corruption. This took place on the sidelines of the 5th edition of the International Anti-Corruption Alliance (ICHA) Forum, organized by the World Bank in partnership with the State of Ivory Coast.

The objective of these exchanges was to present the achievements of Ivory Coast in the fight against corruption to the partners. They also aimed to explore possibilities, including the establishment of the Academy of Good Governance and Anti-Corruption, to raise awareness among actors in the public and private sectors as well as civil society.

The Minister emphasized that the Ivorian government has implemented several reforms to strengthen mechanisms for preventing, detecting, and prosecuting acts of corruption, including the SPACIA platform for reporting acts of corruption and related offenses. He urged everyone to support this government platform to become firmly established.

According to Epiphane Zoro, this instrument established by the State of Ivory Coast complements other anti-corruption measures, aiming to make our country a reference in the fight against corruption.

Professor Charles Moumouni, an expert and consultant in the fight against corruption, presented the establishment of the Ivorian Academy of Good Governance, which has both institutional and pragmatic objectives.

The institutional objective will serve to create synergy among stakeholders in good governance and the fight against corruption, making this sustainable structure a reference for best practices in this field.

Furthermore, it will implement a three-part training program, including providing high-quality training to strengthen the capacity of 1,500 stakeholders by 2026, granting a governance proficiency certificate to approximately 700 individuals within the same timeframe, and establishing an executive master’s program in governance and anti-corruption leadership for 300 individuals by 2026.

Epiphane Zoro Bi Ballo new President of the High Authority for Good Governance (HABG)

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Epiphane Zoro Bi Ballo has been appointed as the new President of the High Authority for Good Governance (HABG), replacing Ngolo Coulibaly. He was previously the Minister of Promotion of Good Governance, Capacity Building, and Anti-Corruption 1. Epiphane Zoro Bi Ballo is a magistrate by profession, born on January 11, 1968, in Sinfra, in the Center-West of Côte d’Ivoire. He holds a Diploma of Specialized Studies in Human Rights obtained in 2002 from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium 1. His career as a magistrate began in 1996 at the Dimbokro court where he worked as an assistant section judge. In 2004, after leading the Ivorian Movement for Human Rights (MIDH) for four years, he demonstrated his expertise in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There, he successively held positions such as coordinator of the project “progressive restoration of the penal justice system,” resident director of the Carter Center, coordinator of the unit for justice and fight against impunity within the Joint Office of the United Nations for Human Rights before being appointed legal expert to the International Criminal Court 1. He was appointed Secretary-General of the National Commission for Francophonie by President Alassane Ouattara in 2012. From 2016 to 2019, he was successively appointed Director of Legal, Consular and Humanitarian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then National Secretary for Capacity Building before being appointed State Secretary for Capacity Building. All this work culminated in his integration into the government on April 6, 2021, as Minister of Promotion of Good Governance, Capacity Building and Anti-Corruption 1.

The High Authority for Good Governance (HABG) is an independent administrative authority and legal entity with financial autonomy, established by the Government of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire as part of its national anti-corruption plan 1. It is placed under the authority of the President of the Republic and is responsible for preventing and combating corruption and related offenses 1. The HABG has jurisdiction over the entire region and is responsible for drawing up and implementing the national strategy for anti-corruption, coordinating, supervising, and monitoring the implementation of prevention policies and the fight against corruption, periodically evaluating the instruments and administrative measures in order to determine their effectiveness in the field of prevention and the fight against corruption, identifying the structural causes of corruption and assimilated incriminations, proposing measures to eliminate them in all public and parapublic services, providing advice for the prevention of corruption to any natural or legal person or to any public or private body, making recommendations on legislative and regulatory measures to prevent and combat corruption, contributing to the moralization of public life and consolidating the principles of good governance, as well as the culture of public service, assisting the public and private sectors in the elaboration of rules of ethics, educating and sensitizing the public on the consequences of corruption 1. The HABG also conducts investigations into practices of corruption, identifies alleged perpetrators and their accomplices in order to initiate prosecution. To do so, it collects, centralizes, and exploits denunciations and complaints it receives. It receives reports of inspections and audits of state control and detection bodies and structures in the fight against corruption, as well as statements of assets of public officials. It may refer matters to the Public Prosecutor before the competent court. It also ensures strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and development of cooperation with bodies that participate in the fight against corruption at both national and international levels 1.

The High Authority for Good Governance (HABG) collaborates with various organizations to combat corruption. The HABG works with the Ivorian Anti-Corruption Network (RIAC-CI), which is a network of civil society organizations that fight against corruption in Côte d’Ivoire 1. The HABG also collaborates with the National Anti-Corruption Network (REN-LAC), which is a network of civil society organizations that fight against corruption in Burkina Faso 1. The HABG has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ivorian National Police to strengthen the fight against corruption 1. The HABG also collaborates with the Ivorian Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, the Ivorian Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reform, and the Ivorian Ministry of Economy and Finance 1. In addition, the HABG works with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank to combat corruption 1. The UNDP has provided technical assistance to the HABG in developing its strategic plan for 2020-2024 1. The World Bank has supported the HABG in developing its national strategy for anti-corruption and has provided technical assistance to strengthen its institutional capacity 1.

The Ivorian Anti-Corruption Network (RIAC-CI) is a network of civil society organizations that fight against corruption in Côte d’Ivoire 1. The network was created in 2002 and has since been working to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country 1. The RIAC-CI is composed of more than 50 organizations from various sectors, including human rights, media, trade unions, and professional associations 1. The network’s main objectives are to raise awareness about corruption, promote transparency and accountability in public institutions, and advocate for the adoption of effective anti-corruption policies and measures 1. The RIAC-CI also provides support to victims of corruption and works to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to fight against corruption 1.