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Daily Maverick
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Soldiers and smugglers strip South Sudan's valuable teak forests
East African countries should invest in DNA databases and electronic wood tracking to help preserve South Sudan's 'king of woods'. In January, South Sudan's Environment and Forestry Minister Josephine Napwon stopped the issuing of logging permits to protect teak and other endangered tree species. Concerns have been growing over the smuggling of South Sudanese teak to meet high demand, mostly from India and, to a lesser extent, the Netherlands. Teak, known as the 'king of woods', has been listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2004. And although trade in the species from South Sudan has been banned by Cites (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), logging continues. Teak is a durable tropical hardwood used for high-quality furniture, luxury yachts, boats and construction. It is South Sudan's second most valuable raw material after oil, with more than 100,000 tons of the timber exported to world markets every year, according to media outlet The Elephant. According to the World Bank, South Sudan could earn up to $150-million in revenue annually from teak, but instead brings in just $2-million, with the rest leaving the country illegally. Smuggling on this scale is causing environmental degradation, soil erosion and loss of natural resources. Plantations in the south of the country near the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda have been decimated by illegal logging. The illicit activity is facilitated by armed groups, including the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People's Liberation Army-In-Opposition, says Justin Khamis, a Juba-based border security expert. According to the UN Security Council's South Sudan expert panel, some SSPDF members participate in felling the trees, while others supervise and protect loggers. Some loggers work for South Sudanese companies that have links to the military. Civil wars The involvement of South Sudanese soldiers is linked to the civil wars that divided the army into two factions, says former defence minister Angelina Teny. A lack of pay may have induced military personnel to participate in illegal logging to earn a living. These armed groups also facilitate teak smuggling from South Sudan into Uganda's northern Moyo District. Environmental activists accuse South Sudan's military of colluding with corrupt administrative and border officials to transport the wood into Uganda. Ugandan administrative officials write authorisation letters to facilitate the movement of harvested teak across the border and into the country. Fake certificates of origin are then prepared in Uganda to help transport the timber, disguised as Ugandan products, to Kenya's Mombasa Port. Kenyan investigative journalist John-Allan Namu says that once in Uganda, South Sudanese teak is mixed with teak from the DRC and declared Ugandan, allowing it to be exported through Kenya to international markets. South Sudanese teak shipments are shipped from Mombasa to India, the destination for about 73% of illegally exported South Sudanese teak, according to The Elephant. Although India has teak plantations, global demand for raw and processed teak products exceeds domestic production. South Sudanese teak is used either to manufacture products falsely declared as originating in India, or the wood is transported from India to Rotterdam's port in the Netherlands. False certificates of origin from corrupt Indian Chamber of Commerce officers enable smugglers to bypass the European Union's (EU) timber regulation, which bans illegally logged or smuggled wood from the EU. Evidence of online teak sales on Facebook and other platforms highlights regulatory shortcomings in South Sudan and countries receiving the timber. Companies selling teak online are often unregistered and operate unnoticed, with loggers venturing deep into South Sudan's forests without proper authorisation or legal documentation. DNA databases Developing DNA databases for high-value timber in Africa would be a first step towards addressing this problem. With DNA markers unique to specific regions, authorities could use portable sequencing devices to trace illegal shipments back to their origin, even if the timber is processed or disguised. DNA databases can also be developed and used in collaboration with international timber traders and regulatory bodies. These databases can be used with electronic wood tracking like that implemented in Ghana. This includes a timber legality assurance system that relies on data collected throughout the supply chain, enabling real-time reconciliation and identification of anomalies in wood flows. Similar databases such as Africa-Twix and the Central Africa Forest Observatory, with platforms like the Open Timber Portal managed by the World Resources Institute, help enhance forest governance and monitor natural resources. These databases ensure the traceability of timber, promote information exchange and foster regional cooperation. Using databases and tracking systems allows for more effective law enforcement, identification of smuggling routes and disruption of illegal trade networks. They can also be deterrents, as smugglers realise their activities can be tracked and traced. However, such technology is only valuable if backed by operational support from law enforcement and customs officials along the teak trading value chain. South Sudan faces myriad security and governance challenges, and remains institutionally weak. The borders with Uganda and Kenya are porous, and reports of corruption among officials abound. Civil society and the media, among other stakeholders, should raise these issues nationally and regionally. Information on incidents and the impact of teak smuggling on the environment and society is essential. Placing pressure on governments, businesses and consumers to disrupt this trade is vital to such advocacy work. International organisations such as the IUCN and World Customs Organization must recognise that institutional vulnerabilities — particularly in South Sudan — require a more proactive collaboration with the South Sudanese and other countries in the region. DM Josephine Muthama is an Intern and Willis Okumu a Senior Researcher at Enact, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Nairobi.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ten days to go: Tanzania ready to make CHAN history
Tanzania will be in the spotlight this August as co-hosts of the biggest-ever TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), alongside neighbours Kenya and Uganda. The East African nation sees this tournament not just as a celebration of African football but as a springboard for transforming its domestic game. With ten days to go, Taifa Stars CHAN head coach Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman is preparing his team to compete in front of their home crowd. For the experienced tactician, CHAN represents far more than a competition — it is a proving ground for home-based players and a litmus test for Tanzania's football progress. In this exclusive interview with the coach talks about the significance of hosting CHAN, his expectations for the tournament, the strength of his squad, and his long-term vision for Tanzanian football. Q&A with Coach Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman Q: Coach Hemed, what does it mean for Tanzania to co-host the biggest-ever CHAN tournament? Hosting CHAN alongside Kenya and Uganda is a historic moment for Tanzanian football. It's a powerful platform to showcase our local talent to a continental and global audience. The visibility this brings to the efforts being made domestically — especially by clubs like Simba, Yanga, and Azam — is massive. This tournament has already driven investment in infrastructure and development programs, which will have lasting benefits. It inspires our young players and gives them something tangible to dream about. More than a tournament, CHAN is a catalyst for long-term growth — improving facilities, increasing media attention, and raising public interest. It also gives our coaches and support staff valuable experience. Hosting reflects confidence in Tanzania's footballing project, and we take that responsibility seriously. Q: Your group features emerging teams like Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Central African Republic and Madagascar. How do you rate your opponents? We have great respect for all the teams in our group, including the Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Central African Republic and Madagascar. These are sides full of talented players and good tactical organization. In modern football, there's no such thing as an easy game, especially in CHAN where surprises are common. We've studied their recent performances and know they bring energy and elegance to their play. Our focus is on preparing thoroughly and treating every opponent with equal seriousness. Each match will demand full concentration and discipline. While we trust in our abilities, we know nothing will come easy. It's a competitive group and we're preparing accordingly. Consistency and focus will be key. Q: What is your main objective at this CHAN — short-term success or long-term development? Our primary objective is to be competitive and progress as far as possible in this tournament. But equally important is building a strong foundation for the future. CHAN is unique in that it highlights domestic-based players and helps us assess talent for long-term inclusion in the national team. We are balancing the pursuit of results with strategic development. Players from clubs like Simba and Yanga have already shown they can compete at the highest level in CAF competitions. CHAN is their chance to prove themselves for the national team. Reaching the knockout stage would be a great achievement, but identifying players who can become regular Taifa Stars is just as valuable. Q: How prepared are your players physically and mentally for the competition? Our players have come through a long and demanding domestic season. The Tanzanian Premier League is highly competitive, and our clubs' participation in CAF tournaments has built a strong base of fitness and toughness. Right now, it's about maintaining that level and ensuring freshness heading into the tournament. Mentally, Tanzanian players are known for their resilience and focus. That spirit is present in this squad. We've had to manage tight schedules, travel demands, and expectations, and that's prepared us for this CHAN. We've also implemented support systems for mental recovery. This is a team built on character and belief — and those will be our biggest strengths. Q: Which areas of your squad do you feel are the strongest going into CHAN? I believe we have a balanced squad, but our defensive organization stands out. We have an experienced and solid backline that understands the demands of high-level competition. In midfield, there's a good mix of energy, vision, and discipline, allowing us to control the tempo. Our attack is still developing its chemistry, but we've seen promising moments. Leadership within the group is also a major asset — several players bring maturity and professionalism. Of course, football is dynamic and strengths on paper must be proven on the pitch. We've worked hard on transitions and set pieces, but ultimately, our collective spirit is our greatest strength. Q: How has hosting helped improve your infrastructure and preparation time? Hosting has accelerated improvements in infrastructure and logistics. We've had access to better training pitches, upgraded stadiums, and enhanced medical and fitness equipment. Local authorities and the federation have supported us with travel, accommodation, and dietary planning. Early coordination with clubs ensured player availability, and we've had more time to build team cohesion and implement tactical plans. This level of preparation sets a new standard and reflects our serious intent. Success begins with proper planning, and we believe we're on the right track. Q: What's your assessment of the talent coming from the Tanzanian Premier League? The Tanzanian Premier League continues to produce exciting talent, and the standard has improved significantly. Clubs like Simba, Yanga, and Azam are setting benchmarks in training, professionalism, and tactical quality. That directly benefits the national team, especially in a tournament like CHAN, which is reserved for local players. We're seeing more young players with strong technical and physical attributes, and some are already attracting interest abroad. Our scouting teams follow the league closely, and we're impressed by the hunger and discipline of several emerging stars. There's still room for improvement in youth development and coaching education, but the direction is very positive. Q: How have fans in Dar es Salaam responded to Tanzania co-hosting CHAN? The response from fans in Dar es Salaam has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply personal. There's a strong sense of pride in hosting a tournament of this stature. The city has embraced the event with enthusiasm, and interest in our training sessions is growing. The support from clubs like Simba and Yanga, even putting aside their rivalry to back the national team, has been special. You can feel the buzz — people are talking about football everywhere. And of course, we're not forgetting Zanzibar. Many players in this team come from Zanzibar, and we want to make both Mainland and Zanzibar proud. Q: Do you believe Tanzania can better its past CHAN performances? Absolutely. We believe this is our best chance yet. Tanzania has qualified for CHAN three times — in 2009, 2011, and 2020 — but we've never progressed beyond the group stage. Each tournament has taught us valuable lessons. This time, as hosts, we benefit from home support and better preparation. Our top clubs Yanga and Simba are regularly competing in continental competitions, and this squad is more experienced, organized, and mentally tough than before. We're not taking anything for granted, but we believe this team has the quality to make history. Our aim is to go further than ever and make the nation proud. Q: What is your long-term vision for this group of local-based players post-CHAN? Our long-term vision is to give these players a platform to attract international opportunities and begin shaping a competitive squad for AFCON 2027, which we're also proud to host. CHAN is a valuable window for local players to perform in front of scouts, and we fully expect some to gain interest from clubs abroad. That kind of exposure is vital for their careers and for the international reputation of Tanzanian football. At the same time, CHAN is part of our broader plan. Players who perform well here will form the backbone of our future team. We're focused on consistency, professionalism, and building a squad that will be ready to compete when AFCON 2027 comes to Tanzania.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
MTN Uganda to spin off fintech unit into separate firm
MTN Uganda, the East African country's largest telecom firm, plans to split off its fintech unit into a separate entity and aims to list it on the local bourse in three to five years, the company said late on Tuesday. The company, which has a mobile subscriber base of about 21-million, is a unit of South Africa's MTN Group and competes mainly with the local unit of India's Bharti Airtel. MTN Uganda received shareholder nod at an extra-ordinary general meeting held on Tuesday for the proposed separation of its mobile money and fintech business, the company said in a statement. Mobile money is a cell phone-enabled service that allows subscribers to transfer money and make payments for products and services like utility bills, energy purchases, food orders and ride hails. The platform has grown rapidly in Africa, where it is now widely used.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
MTN Uganda to spin off fintech unit into separate firm
KAMPALA: MTN Uganda , the East African country's largest telecom firm, plans to split off its fintech unit into a separate entity and aims to list it on the local bourse in three to five years, the company said late on Tuesday. The company, which has a mobile subscriber base of about 21 million, is a unit of South Africa's MTN Group and competes mainly with the local unit of India's Bharti Airtel . MTN Uganda received shareholder nod at an extra-ordinary general meeting held on Tuesday for the proposed separation of its mobile money and fintech business, the company said in a statement. Mobile money is a cell phone-enabled service that allows subscribers to transfer money and make payments for products and services like utility bills, energy purchases, food orders and ride hails. The platform has grown rapidly in Africa, where it is now widely used. Under the reorganisation, MTN Uganda's mobile money fintech business will be transformed into a separate entity majority owned by MTN Group Fintech Holdings B.V, the fintech arm of MTN Group. The goal is to "ultimately see the independent fintech business list separately on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), alongside MTN Uganda, within a three- to five-year period," MTN Uganda Chief Executive Sylvia Mulinge said in the statement.
Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya's government of criminalizing dissent
Nairobi, Kenya CNN — One of Kenya's most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country. Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend 'in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities' during the June 25 protests, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on social media on Sunday, drawing immediate outrage among activists. When the 42-year-old award-winning photographer appeared in court on Monday, the terrorism charges had been downgraded to two counts of 'possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate' because of teargas canisters and blank rounds allegedly found at his office. His arrest came as activists say more than 100 protesters have been charged with terror-related offenses, arson and money laundering in the past month over demonstrations sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration – especially among the youth whose support propelled him into power. 'I'm known as a human rights defender, not a terrorist,' Mwangi told CNN on Monday evening after he was released on bail. 'I'm so fired up; I'm not scared at all. The only thing that can stop me is a bullet in my head, but as long as I'm alive I'll keep organizing for regime change. The government we have in power is not working for the people.' Mwangi, who has been critical of successive Kenyan governments and describes himself as 'the people's watchman,' saidhe was arrested at home by plainclothes policemen on Saturday and taken to his office in the capital Nairobi. He claimed policemen ransacked the office, confiscating devices and finding two unused teargas canisters and one blank round. Protesters often display the canisters or rounds during demonstrations to journalists as evidence of police brutality and use of excessive force. Video on social media showed Mwangi shout 'Ruto Must Go!' as he was driven away from his office on Saturday. Mwangi denied the charges; a judge freed him on a personal bond and set a hearing date for August 21. Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi poses for a photo while holding a Kenyan flag inside the dock at Kahawa Law Courts in Kiambu, Kenya, Monday, July 21, 2025. Brian Inganga/AP Crackdown on protest Protests erupted in the country in June after several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher while in police custody. During the protests, claims swirled among frustrated demonstrators on social media that government-affiliated politicians had hired people to attack peaceful protesters and damage property to discredit the demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya, which advises and assists the legal profession, government and public, said the protests had been 'infiltrated by armed, hired goons' in a scathing statement on Monday. 'We strongly condemn this malicious, deliberate re-emergence of radicalized militia sponsored by the political class.' During recent protests, CNN saw groups of men armed with batons marching alongside police and beating up civilians in Nairobi while uniformed officers watched. Businesses were burnt in other parts of the country and a police station attacked. CNN has asked the Kenyan government and police for comment, but has not heard back. President Ruto accused some politicians of misleading youth to riot on Sunday and warned of consequences: 'The police are trained to deal with criminals. They're not trained in parenting. So, if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?' The right to protest is protected under Kenya's constitution but authorities have characterized recent demonstrations as chaotic looting sprees. Kenyan prosecutors slapped several youths with arson and terrorism charges following the protests, and judges imposed hefty bail terms even though many claimed their innocence. Rights groups have condemned the use of terrorism charges. 'We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order,' according to a statement on Monday from the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors policing. 'This practice undermines Kenya's criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.' The Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists on Sunday said it was 'alarmed by the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges targeting innocent youth.' In a statement, the human rights group added: 'What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy.' The government has denied any wrongdoing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution defended its use of terrorism charges, saying that the protests were 'calculated and coordinated acts of violence' and that the office 'remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.' 'We wish to reassure the public that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence,' it added on Monday. Heavy-handed policing Activists like Mwangi and legal experts say the Kenyan government is criminalizing dissent by using charges such as terrorism, arson and money laundering to stoke fear among protesters. Over the past year, CNN has filmed security forces violently breaking up protests on multiple occasions, shooting at unarmed protesters and assaulting bystanders. At least 38 people were killed and 130 injured in another protest earlier this month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President Ruto previously told police officers on July 9 to shoot 'looters and arsonists' in the leg if they considered them a threat, rather than killing them. His Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen went further a week later by issuing a directive for officers to shoot at protesters who approached police stations. The former lecturer of law attempted to walk back the comments after public outcry but did not rescind the directive. On Monday, Murkomen called out those challenging the terror charges, asking: 'If you invade a police station and burn it and steal guns… burn courts… and people's businesses, what is that crime if it is not terrorism?' Mwangi told CNN that Ruto and his government were 'weaponizing the DCI to criminalize dissent, which is allowed by the constitution – but he's going to fail.' 'They want to scare youth (away) from protesting because it will be hard to get work, or even a visa,' he said. 'And if the kids are not scared, they want to scare their parents.'
