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Rufaro Samanga
Oct. 25, 2019 04:50AM EST

Thousands of Zimbabweans March Against Economic Sanctions Imposed by the West

Zimbabweans hope the anti-sanctions march will result in the lifting of economic sanctions imposed by the West.

Zimbabwe's economy continues on its downward spiral. After the infamous "coup-not-coup" of last year, which saw the ousting of former president Robert Mugabe after almost a four decade-long rule, current president Emmerson Mnangagwa and his cabinet are yet to inspire any confidence in Zimbabweans. A few days ago, the country embarked on an "anti-sanctions crusade" which included prayer sessions and the declaration of a public holiday. More recently, thousands of Zimbabweans are participating in a nationwide march which hopes to see the economic sanctions imposed by America and the European Union lifted. However, both America and the European Union have been clear that sanctions will only be lifted following economic and political reforms.

Zimbabwe has been facing economic sanctions since Mugabe was in power. America, the European Union, Australia and several others have maintained that because of alleged human rights violations, rigged elections and the expropriation of land from White farmers, the sanctions will remain in place. American ambassador Brian Nichols said in an interview with Zimbabwe's Trevor Ncube that, "The perception of the issues in Zimbabwe is driven by the actions of the government of Zimbabwe both in the run up to and in the wake of the elections in 2018."

READ: Zimbabwean Police Are Using Violence to Disperse Peaceful Protesters

Members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are reportedly also in attendance to show their support for the mass mobilization of Zimbabweans by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF). According to VOA Zimbabwe, each member country of SADC is set to individually call for the lifting of Zimbabwe's sanctions as previously agreed upon at the 39th regional summit held in Tanzania this past August. Last night, the Zanu-PF Youth League called on Zimbabweans to occupy the American embassy as part of what they've now dubbed "Sanctions Must Fall".

Social media is alive with images and video footage of the various anti-sanctions marches taking place across Zimbabwe.





News Brief
Photo: Getty

Here's What You Need To Know About The Political Unrest In Sudan

Thousands have been protesting the Sudanese government over the weekend, supporting the military's plans for a coup.

Sudan's transitional government is in turmoil as thousands of citizens conducted a sit-in protest against them, over the weekend. A group of Sudanese citizens have called on the military to disestablish the nation's current government, as the country struggles with the greatest crisis they've seen since the end of former dictator Omar al-Bashir's controversial ruling, two years ago. The weekend's pro-military protests come as anti-military protestors took to the streets earlier this month to fight for civilian-ruled laws.

Military-aligned demonstrators assembled outside of the famously off-limits entrance of the Presidential Palace located in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum on Monday. Gatherers set up tents, blocking off access to two main intersections, cutting off access to the capital for those inside. Police attempted to wave off crowds with teargas, with Khartoum state officials saying they had, "repelled an attempted assault on the seat of government," in a statement issued Monday.

The assembly was called for by a coalition of rebel groups and political parties that support Sudan's military, accusing the civilian political parties of mismanagement and monopolizing power under their ruling. Demonstrations began on Saturday, but Sunday's gathering saw a lower attendance. According to Reuters, by Monday afternoon, thousands, between 2,000 - 3,000, had returned to voice their concerns. 52-year-old tribal elder Tahar Fadl al-Mawla spoke at the helm of the sit-in outside of the Presidential palace saying, "The civilian government has failed. We want a government of soldiers to protect the transition." Alongside a 65-year-old Ahman Jumaa who claimed to have traveled more than 900 kilometers (570 miles) from Southern region Nyala to show his support.

Protesters are demanding the appointment of a new cabinet that is "more representative of the people who participated in the December 2019 revolution that eventually led to the ousting of former president Omar al-Bashir", Al Jazeera reported from Sudan. Protesters headed towards the Presidential Palace, where an emergency cabinet meeting was being held when they were met by police forces.

Pro-civilian political parties have plans for their own demonstration on Thursday, the anniversary of the 1964 revolution that overthrew Sudan's first military regime under Ibrahim Abboud and brought in a period of democracy that the country still struggles to uphold.


Sudanese Twitter users shared their thoughts online, with many drawing similarities between the current unrest and other political crises the nation has faced.
Style

Pan-African Streetwear Label Finchitua Goes Intergalactic

Finchitua's newest capsule collection is a dive into future fantasy.

Feiruza Mudessir is in her creative studio in Dubai, a picture of contained nervous energy, surrounded by the organized chaos of her designs. She is the brand owner and head designer of Finchitua, a label producing distinctly pan-African streetwear. Until now, they have delivered exuberant denim clothing that is cut fearlessly, acid-washed, and then adorned with tribal designs: where '90s hip-hop meets the ancient and colorful patterns of Mudessir's Ethiopian heritage. Her latest collection charters new territories. Finchitua, it seems, has gone intergalactic. Exploring the fabric of Outerspace.

Mudessir is well-poised, but under this polished surface, I sense that distractions from the steely focus she keeps on her business gnaw away at her. There are things to do. It is unsurprising, as from the age of 13 she has been facing the world more alone than others do. She may have had the privilege of a boarding school education in India but after being sent off with her sister, she has largely been cut off from her parents.

There is no hiding how much her clothes are wrapped in the sense of her own forged identity. These designs not only keep her rooted in her heritage but tell the world of her own personal journey. "I want people to know where I am from through the fabrics and patterns of Ethiopia, India, and the UAE," she says. "And if people say 'I love it but where am I going to wear it?' I simply tell them that you don't need a special occasion to wear something beautiful. Stand up and be yourself."

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News Brief

Savage Sets the Tone of His Career With Debut Album 'Utopia'

The Nigerian artist recently dropped a music video for single "Confident" and we cannot get enough.

Rising Nigerian newcomer Savage has released his debut album Utopia and people are paying attention. This comes after the fast-rising artist recently released singles ''Confident", featuring buzzing Nigerian Buju, and "Rosemary" featuring Victony, giving fans a taste of what's to come in his first major project.

The 10 track collection is sure to have something for everyone, as Savage promises an album that transcends afro-fusion and rap while touching on the dance-driven spirit that Afropop tends to leave audiences in. The album puts words and music to daily reflections on sex, lust, and love, as Savage highlights the ever-changing and evolving nature of love.

The Nigerian artist explores the feeling of lust in track "Unbutton," as Savage croons and swoons in adoration over a woman's body — all to the tune of percussive Afrobeats. "Pariwo" sees Savage study the popularized and iconic 808 drum sound, while the afro-swing sizzler "Mana Gyalis" recruits UK big guns Kojo Funds and Kida Kudz to take it home. Kenyan hip-hop star Khaligraph Jones and South Africa's Emtee lend their voices and star power to enigmatic rap number "Daddy," making the album a continental affair.

Utopia has encouraged Savage to explore a more varied sound palate, with the artist effortlessly blending sweet, upbeat tunes with mid-tempo grooves that'll make it impossible for you to stop moving. Savage was recently made the face of Apple Music's popular Africa Now playlist.

Check out Savage's latest music video for single "Confident" featuring Buju and listen to the album below.

Savage & Buju - Confident (Official Music Video) www.youtube.com


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