Zimbabwe's main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa quits • FRANCE 24 English

Summary

The transcript covers several top African news stories, including Zimbabwe opposition leader Nelson Chamisa quitting his Citizens Coalition for Change party, accusing the ruling party of sabotage. Six people in Ghana including soldiers were sentenced to death for a failed 2019 coup plot. Intercommunal violence continues in Nigeria's Plateau State. Britain agreed to return some looted gold artifacts to Ghana on loan, drawing criticism. In sports, the African Cup of Nations heads to the knockout stage after an exciting group phase full of upsets from underdog teams like Namibia.

Takeaways

• 😯 Zimbabwe opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has quit the Citizens Coalition for Change party he founded just 2 years ago, accusing the ruling ZANU-PF party of hijacking it
• 😠 6 people including 3 soldiers sentenced to death by hanging in Ghana over a failed 2019 coup plot, in the country's first treason trial in 60 years
• 😢 Over 50 killed in clashes between nomadic and settled communities in Nigeria's Plateau State despite a curfew
• 😀 Britain to return gold artifacts looted from Ghana in the 19th century, but only on loan - Critics say they should be fully returned
• 😡 Intercommunal violence has worsened in Plateau, Nigeria since 200 were killed in Christmas raids
• 👍 Cabo Verde and Namibia were tournament surprises in Africa Cup of Nations group stages
• 😐 Nelson Chamisa's rise always controversial - Critics say CCC party structure was weak from the start
• 😕 Zimbabwe opposition faces setback after Chamisa quits CCC party he founded
• 😠 1500 displaced after deadly clashes between communities in Plateau State, Nigeria
• ⏳ Africa Cup of Nations last 16 kicks off Saturday, with potential upsets from smaller teams

Q & A

Why did Nelson Chamisa walk away from the Citizens Coalition for Change party?

Chamisa accused the ruling ZANU-PF party of hijacking the CCC, leading to the loss of elected officials. He felt the party had been contaminated by the state to weaken the opposition.

What criticisms have been made of Nelson Chamisa's leadership?

Critics say Chamisa sidelined experienced politicians in the CCC party in favor of younger ones. They also say he did not properly establish the party's constitution and structures, and made himself leader without going through proper procedures.

What was the treason case in Ghana related to?

Six people, including three soldiers, were sentenced to death over a 2019 coup plot. They were arrested while testing weapons at a shooting range, allegedly to use in the coup attempt.

Why is the return of gold artifacts to Ghana controversial?

The artifacts were taken from Ghana during colonialism. Critics say they should be permanently returned rather than just loaned, as this deal does not adequately address the colonial legacy.

What teams have provided surprises so far in the Africa Cup of Nations?

Smaller teams like Cape Verde, Namibia, and Tanzania performed better than expected in the group stages, showing there are no longer 'small teams' in African football.

What are some key matches to watch in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16?

Exciting matches include Namibia vs Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria vs Cameroon, Morocco vs South Africa, and Cape Verde vs Morania.

How many seats did Nelson Chamisa's CCC party win in Zimbabwe's 2022 elections?

The CCC won about 103 seats in Parliament, posing a significant threat to the ruling ZANU-PF party.

What tensions led to recent violence in Nigeria's Plateau State?

Clashes between nomadic and settled communities killed 55 people in Plateau. Intercommunal tensions have worsened in the region since 2018.

When was Ghana's last treason trial before the recent case?

Ghana has not had a treason trial since the 1960s, when its first president Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown in a coup.

How did Nelson Chamisa become leader of Zimbabwe's opposition MDC party?

After Morgan Tsvangirai's death in 2018, Chamisa became party leader despite being only the vice president. This lack of proper procedure led to controversy and splits.