Daily Watch – Mozambique swears in parliament amid protests, Lagos Speaker impeached

Suspected Islamist militants killed 40 farmers in an attack on the Dumba community in Borno State on Sunday, a senior state official said on Monday. Sunday’s attack comes amid a worsening food crisis in Borno, exacerbated by flooding last September and years of insecurity and displacement caused by the insurgency. Initial reports indicate the farmers strayed outside a security corridor set up by the military, venturing into an area known for insurgent activity and strewn with landmines, Usman Tar, commissioner of information said. Security forces were looking for any farmers who had escaped the attack, Tar added. Borno Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack calling on the military to “track and deal decisively with the perpetrators.” He said the attack would be investigated and asked farmers and fishermen in the area to operate within the safe corridors demarcated by the military.

Mudashiru Obasa has been removed as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly after his fellow lawmakers impeached him for gross misconduct and abuse of office. The lawmakers also appointed the Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, as the new speaker of the assembly. Mr Obasa’s removal is believed to have the backing of the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been having a silent battle with him. Mr Obasa’s tenure has been marred by allegations of financial impropriety. His removal comes barely a month after he was accused of spending ₦17 billion to construct a gate that leads to the assembly complex. Femi Saheed, representing the Kosofe constituency, moved the motion for the removal of the speaker for alleged misappropriation of funds, poor leadership and abuse of office. The motion was unopposed and all the lawmakers present supported it.

Ghana’s energy sector debt has surged to $3 billion, according to Energy Minister-designate, John Jinapor. Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, he highlighted the alarming rise in the sector’s liabilities, which he attributed to ineffective management and the ballooning interest on existing debt.  Mr Jinapor, who chaired the energy subcommittee of the transition team, revealed that as of 30 September 2024, the debt had risen to $2.5 billion, adding that a subsequent reconciliation meeting with the Ministry of Energy, the Energy Commission, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) confirmed that the debt had further escalated to $3 billion. Jinapor also outlined a six-month timeline to establish a comprehensive framework for private sector participation in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). This initiative, he said, aims to enhance efficiency and improve power distribution in the country.

Mozambique’s new parliament was sworn in on Monday in Maputo under tight security, amidst opposition-led protests and a general strike.  Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who continues to challenge the results of the 9 October 2024 election, called for the strike to protest alleged electoral fraud. The swearing-in saw about 30 seats left vacant as opposition parties Renamo and MDM boycotted the event, demanding a recount. However, members of the Podemos party attended, with MP Ivandro Massingue accusing the boycotting parties of “cowardice.” Protests in the city featured barricades and burning tyres, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Businesses in some areas remained closed due to fear of looting. Incoming President Daniel Chapo has called for unity, while new Speaker Margarida Talapa pledged a parliament “open to dialogue.”