Nigeria
Babangida to run for presidency in 2007
For the past few months the sub-region’s news has been dominated by former Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida’s announcement that he will run for the presidency in 2007 general elections. His ambition to become Olusegun Obasanjo’s successor has been met with much controversy. The ex-General who ruled Africa’s most populous nation from 1985 to 1993 has been criticized for authoritarian rule, human rights abuse and a botched transition to civilian rule. His supporters, however, cite a new leadership perspective and Babangida’s experience in ruling the nation. In the mean time IBB as he is popularly known claims to be pursuing this office “under the banner of the Nigerian people.”
South Africa
Merck AIDS Vaccine could give hope to millions
A partially effective AIDS vaccine given to only 30% of the population could halve the number of new HIV infections in the developing world, said the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) ahead of the launch of a regional office in Johannesburg. According to the 2006 United Nations report on the global AIDS pandemic, there were 4.1 million HIV infections last year, 95% of them in the developing world. The most promising candidate HIV vaccine is being tested by Merck – results are expected in early 2008.
Namibia
Namibia and SA to collaborate in key areas
Namibia and South Africa’s ministries of trade and industry signed a key accord, which entails co-operation in the fields of energy, mining, transport, agro-processing and tourism. South Africa will also assist Namibia with training and industrial property rights to build lagging industries. South Africa is currently Namibia’s largest trading partner. It is hoped that the new agreement will mutually benefit both countries and narrow the trade imbalance by increasing the quantity of goods being exported to South Africa from Namibia.
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