Shell’s Compensation, Gambian Coup, and Mining Taxation in Zambia
Royal Dutch Shell has reached an agreement to provide $84 million in compensation to the Bodo community in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, following the detrimental oil spills in 2008. This settlement is unprecedented, as it signifies the first direct compensation by an oil company to individuals affected by an oil spill in West Africa. The Trans Niger Pipeline spills caused extensive environmental damage and had a severe impact on the health and livelihoods of the community. Shell has also taken on the responsibility of cleaning up Bodo Creek, marking a significant step forward in addressing the aftermath of the spills.
In a separate incident, an attempted coup in The Gambia by a group of gunmen, led by Lamin Sanneh, a former chief of the presidential guard, was foiled. Cherno Njie and Papa Faal, both U.S. citizens, were arrested for their involvement in the coup attempt. The Gambian government has swiftly taken action, dismissing three ministers and arresting several individuals suspected of having connections to the plot. This incident has sparked concerns about The Gambia’s human rights record and political stability.
The upcoming Zambian presidential election is anticipated to be influenced by the controversial new mining taxation law, which has raised royalties on mining companies. The law, which was implemented earlier in 2015, aims to generate more revenue from the prosperous mining industry. However, international mining firms have expressed objections, leading to worries about potential mine closures and job losses within the sector. The opposing presidential candidates have taken different stances on the mining tax law, making it a central issue in the impending election.
Additionally, the Africa Growth Initiative has published its Foresight Africa 2015 report, offering insights into the major economic trends on the continent and projecting key issues for the upcoming year. This report serves as a significant resource for comprehending the governance, development, and security challenges facing Africa in 2015.
In conclusion, the recent events in Africa highlight the intricate and challenging nature of the continent. From environmental catastrophes and political unrest to economic debates, the region continues to grapple with a variety of issues. The outcomes and implications of these events will undoubtedly have significant impacts on the affected communities and the continent as a whole.
As AGI scholars have been tracking and analyzing the major economic trends and developments on the African continent in 2014, they have also been forecasting the top issues and events in 2015. To access their key insights on the most pressing governance, development, and security challenges in the year ahead, please refer to the report “Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for the Continent in 2015” and register for the “Top Priorities for Africa in 2015” event on Thursday, January 15, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The event will also be broadcasted live.
