PERUZI HABARI: KIMATAIFA

Thousands of angry protesters poured onto the streets of Libreville late Wednesday, accusing the government of stealing the election after Bongo won a second term by a razor-thin margin over rival Jean Ping. His victory is set to extend the Bongo family’s almost 50-year rule over the small oil-rich nation.

RGunfire crackled across the city and plumes of smoke billowed from the torched parliament building as protesters clashed with heavily armed security forces. Ping said two people were killed and 19 hurt in a raid against his headquarters early Thursday, and the national police chief told AFP that more than 200 people had been arrested across the city for looting. Police reported continued pillaging in outlying districts at midday Thursday. But by mid-morning, security forces had sealed off the city centre, which was calm and otherwise deserted, with troops, police and anti-riot squads patrolling the streets.

OUTGOING Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson and Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama has toasted President John Magufuli for his victory in last year’s general election.

Mr Khama is in Swaziland for the 36th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government that kicked off yesterday in Mbabane, Swaziland.

The summit ends today and President Khama, who is the current SADC chairperson, is expected to pass the baton to King Mswati III of Swaziland. President Magufuli was represented at the summit by the Vice-President, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The Botswana president said growth of democracy to SADC member states was increasing at high speed and that it was important to boost those efforts.

President Khama said he had much trust in leaders within the SADC grouping such as Dr Magufuli of Tanzania, who were elected through transparent and peaceful means that would help foster development in the regional bloc.

Heads of States from SADC witnessed during the meeting presentation of awards to students who won essay writing competition as well as journalists who were recognized for their news and feature stories on various issues in the bloc.

The leaders at the 36th meeting are today expected to elect the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson in addition to the Chair for the SADC Organ on Defense, Security and Politics (SADCTroika).

They are also scheduled to receive drafts on amendments of a number of conventions to be presented by the Ministerial Council