Features

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – In a surprise twist, Democratic Republic of Congo opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi was declared the winner of last month’s presidential election, although his victory is being marred by claims by a rival that the poll was rigged. The African country is the world’s main supplier of battery ingredient cobalt and a key source of minerals from copper to tantalum. That means miners, analysts and users of the metals — which range from carmakers…

KINSHASA (capital Markets in Africa) = The first-ever win by an opp osition presidential candidate in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being marred by claims by a rival and an influential Catholic Church body that Felix Tshisekedi’s victory wasn’t a fair reflection of the vote. Official results show Tshisekedi, 55, beat the protege of outgoing President Joseph Kabila, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, and another opposition leader, Martin Fayulu, to become leader of the world’s biggest cobalt producer. Fayulu called…

LAGOS (capital Markets in Africa) – Russia’s ambassador to Guinea praised President Alpha Condeas “legendary” and said constitutions can be changed, outraging the opposition and fueling speculation that Russia supports plans for Conde to stay in power after his mandate ends next year. “Do you know many countries in Africa that do better? Do you know many presidents in Africa who do better?” Alexander Bregadze said in a speech broadcast on state TV late Wednesday. “Dear…

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Secretary of State Michael Pompeo accused the Obama administration of underestimating the threat posed by Islamic extremism and Iran, delivering a speech in Cairo sharply criticizing President Donald Trump’s predecessor and declaring the U.S. a “force for good” in the region. Pompeo, speaking to an audience at the American University of Cairo on Thursday, said the Arab world must do more in the fight against extremism, reiterated U.S. support for Israel and…

LAGOS (Capital Markets in Africa) – Madagascar’s Constitutional Court declared Andry Rajoelina the winner of last month’s runoff presidential election his rival says was rigged. Rajoelina, who previously served as president from 2009 to 2014, obtained 55.7 percent of the vote, compared with 44.3 percent for Marc Ravalomanana, Jean-Eric Rakotoarisoa, the president of the court, told reporters Tuesday in the capital, Antananarivo. Rajoelina will be sworn in later this month, he said. The announcement is based on results…