TIME magazine names Burna Boy and William Ruto to world most influential list

The week in Africa

Alkebulanians,

Another week and another roundup of happenings in the continent.

Burna Boy and William Ruto Make TIME's 2024 Most Influential List

So TIME magazine recently unveiled its 2024 list of the world’s most influential people, spotlighting Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy and Kenyan President William Ruto. Burna Boy, is now a household name with his eclectic sound that merges Afrobeat, reggae, and pop, and he has been a transformative figure in African music, pushing the continent's sounds to a global audience. His activism through music, particularly in addressing issues like corruption and injustice in Nigeria, has resonated widely, marking his cultural and social influence.

On the political front, President William Ruto’s inclusion follows his significant impact on Kenyan politics and his role in East African diplomacy. Since taking office, Ruto has been pivotal in promoting digital transformation in governance and advocating for economic policies aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and small business growth in Kenya. His leadership style, marked by a focus on economic reforms and regional stability, has made him a key figure in discussions concerning Africa's future on the global stage.

However, is their recognition by TIME something to be celebrated? I don’t view it as an achievement that Africans are acknowledged in this way because my next question is what does it promote? The idea that the goal is to get into TIME magazine’s influential list or should we be more focused on how these individuals are actually making the lives of Africans better within our own borders? I mean sure we can say Ruto has impacted Kenya but I am wary of Africans being turned into celebrity mascots of the west because that only leads to one place; Oblivion when your use has been exhausted or you decide to go in a direction in real opposition to western interests. Regardless, they are two individuals doing good things so we can’t be too critical of their achievements especially as they seem genuinely concerned about the welfare of their respective people in the continent.

International Community Pledges $2.1 Billion for Sudan

In a critical move to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, global donors, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, have pledged $2.1 billion in aid. This commitment came during an international conference aimed at tackling the severe challenges faced by millions of Sudanese amid ongoing civil conflicts and economic instability. The funds are earmarked for emergency food aid, healthcare services, and infrastructure repairs essential for the region's stability.

The humanitarian situation in Sudan has deteriorated rapidly due to continuous fighting, displacing thousands and leading to a severe lack of basic necessities like food and clean water. Macron emphasized the international community’s responsibility to prevent a full-scale humanitarian disaster. This aid package is expected to provide some relief but also highlights the need for a sustainable political solution to restore peace and stability in Sudan.

The thing is how is this aid going to genuinely help what is going on over there? It feels like a band-aid over a wound that never heals. What should be happening is an investigation into the root cause of the unrest in the region. It’s the only way a long-term strategy for peace can be realised.

Extreme Heat Threatens Ivory Coast's Cocoa Crops

I spoke of this story in a recent podcast episode on ALKEBULAN. Ghana and the Ivory Coast had a devastatingly bad cocoa harvest. Ivory Coast, the world’s leading producer of cocoa, faces a looming threat to its cocoa crops due to extreme heat waves hitting the region. This environmental crisis poses a severe risk not only to the local economy but also to the global chocolate industry, which heavily depends on West African cocoa. Temperatures have soared to record highs, exacerbating drought conditions that hinder cocoa trees' growth and reduce yields.

The impact extends beyond the economic, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers who depend on cocoa farming in rural areas. These farmers are grappling with the immediate effects of reduced crop sizes and the long-term implications on the sustainability of their farming practices. Environmental scientists and agronomists are urgently calling for the adoption of more resilient crop varieties and innovative farming techniques to mitigate the effects of climate change.

This is an extremely serious situation, especially after the great move made by both countries to fight for their rightfully earned profits from the cocoa they produce. Only time will tell whether Ghana and the Ivory Coast can withstand this latest hurdle in their quest for autonomy.

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