theeastafrican.co.ke An oil rig in Uganda
The most important in this week’s headlines out of and about Africa, for those who need help catching up.
In this week’s news, Uganda revises plan for oil pipeline, and the Republic of Congo gets a new Prime Minister.
Uganda to Export Oil Through Tanzania
Uganda has decided that it will build a pipeline through Tanzania in order to export it’s oil. The land-locked nation had originally struck a deal with Kenya, but backed out. They cited security concerns over terrorist groups active in certain areas along the pipe’s route as a primary reason for the change.
The proposed pipeline will travel 800 miles from the oil fields in Hoima to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. The project is scheduled to begin construction in 2018. It will cost 4 billion dollars and create over 15,000 jobs.
Congo President Names Former Opposition Leader as Prime Minister
Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso has named Clement Mouamba as Prime Minister.
Mouamba previously served as the Republic of Congo’s Finance Minister, and was a long time member of the opposition party, the Pan African Union for Social Democracy. Mouamba was expelled from the party last year for taking part in a referendum that let Sassou Nguesso run for another term in office.
Mouamba’s appointment was not unexpected, and had been predicted by local political observers and commentators. As Prime Minister, it will be Mouamba’s duty to help boost employment among youth and the socio-economic status of the people of the Republic of Congo.
