The year 2024 was fraught with challenges, carrying with it the heavy burden of 2023, and continuing with a succession of landmark events that shaped various aspects of the international landscape. It was a period of emotional farewells, large-scale climate disasters, historic sporting triumphs, and intense political and social tensions.

Each month revealed new challenges and stories that marked lives, sparked global debate, and left important lessons for the future. The losses of iconic figures like Peter Magubane, Ruy Mingas, and Toumani Diabaté plunged the cultural and sporting worlds into mourning, reminding us of the importance of preserving memories and legacies.

At the same time, natural disasters, such as the floods in Brazil and the severe drought in southern Africa, have highlighted the urgency of more robust and effective climate action.

On a political and social level, Donald Trump's reelection in the United States has raised concerns about the return of polarizing policies, while Mozambique is currently facing one of the bloodiest post-election crises in its history.

Despite so many difficulties, there were great moments of hope and celebration, such as Cape Verde's historic victory in winning its first Olympic medal at the Paris Olympic Games.

2024 arrived with the legacy wars of 2023. The war in Ukraine continued to mark the year, becoming increasingly aggressive and with the use of new weapons such as drones and hypersonic missiles, not to mention the constant threat of nuclear war. Africa, indirectly, also suffered from this war and faces major challenges, as it has been proven that was his biggest victim.

The other inherited war was the one in the Middle East, which continued to be bloodier than ever, with South Africa accuse the state of Israel of Apartheid and appear new evidence of genocide perpetrated by Israel, corroborated by international Amnesty. While Israel, proudly alone, expanded the war to Lebanon, Yemen, Iran and also, at the end of the year, to Syria.

As if the weight inherited from the previous year were not enough, 2024 was marked by farewells to figures whose influence transcended borders, shaping culture, music, and the fight for justice, each of whom left an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Peter Magubane

Em January, the world lost Peter Magubane, the iconic South African photojournalist known for documenting the violence of apartheid, Magubane captured some of the most iconic images of the resistance against the segregationist regime during the Soweto Uprising in 1976. His photographs became symbols of the struggle for freedom and justice in South Africa.

Magubane faced imprisonment and censorship for his courage in exposing the regime's brutality, but he never let himself be intimidated. His work documented the pain, oppression, and resilience of a people who refused to give in. His death left a void in the world of photojournalism and a legacy that continues to inspire photographers and activists.

Ruy Mingas

A few days later, it was Angola that said goodbye to one of its most iconic figures, Ruy Mingas. Recognized as the author of the National Anthem, Mingas, in addition to being a renowned musician, was a passionate defender of Angolan sports, becoming Secretary of Sports, with ministerial powers.

During his leadership, he overcame several challenges and led Angola to participate for the first time in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, marking an important chapter in the country's sporting history.

Culturally, Mingas used his music to celebrate Angolan identity and reinforce the spirit of national unity. His passing left Angola in mourning, but also with a deep sense of gratitude for the lasting impact of his work.

Toumani Diabate

Em July, it was African music's turn to lose one of its most influential voices. Toumani Diabate, the Malian known as the “King of the Kora,” has died at the age of 58. A master of one of West Africa’s most iconic instruments, Diabaté dedicated his life to preserving and expanding Mali’s traditional music.

He introduced the kora to the world, making it transcend by collaborating with international artists, thus bringing African music to global stages. His death was felt by the entire artistic community, leaving a rich legacy that will endure through his melodies.

The deaths of Magubane, Mingas, and Diabaté in 2024 were an immense loss for the world. Each, in their own way, contributed to enriching the cultural and social history of the African continent. Their influence will always be remembered, serving as a source of inspiration for those who continue to fight for justice, identity, and creativity.

The year 2024 dramatically reinforced the urgency of addressing the challenges of climate change. Large-scale climate disasters affected millions of people in different regions of the globe, with devastating impacts on food, economic, and social security.

These events highlighted the intensifying effects of the climate crisis, highlighting the need for more robust action to mitigate its impacts.

Flood

There were several very serious floods during the year 2024, causing death and devastation on all continents, but the one that had the most impact was the one that occurred in May, in Brazil where one of the biggest natural tragedies in decades was experienced. The Rio Grande do Sul was hit by torrential rains that took the Guaíba River reaching historic levels of 5,50 meters, surpassing the records of 1941.

The floods left entire communities homeless, with thousands of people losing their homes and belongings. The destruction of infrastructure hampered humanitarian assistance, further worsening the situation for the affected populations. Experts stated that the intensity of the phenomenon was exacerbated by global warming.

Dry

Meanwhile, Southern Africa faced one of the greatest challenges of all time, the most severe drought in the last 100 years. A report by SADC estimated that at least 68 million people were affected in the region, many of them dependent on subsistence agriculture.

The combination of El Niño and rising global average temperatures have resulted in a significant drop in agricultural production, intensifying food insecurity in countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique. Water shortages have affected harvests and compromised the supply for human consumption, exacerbating local humanitarian crises.

The end of the world

The severity of climate change became even more evident in reports released by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and ONU. The WMO declared in March that the state of the global climate had reached a critical point, with irreversible impacts on many ecosystems.

The number of disasters recorded in Africa was alarming, exceeding 1.500 extreme weather events in 2024. These included storms, floods, droughts and heat waves that destroyed lives and livelihoods.

Another worrying fact was presented in a global study that estimated that more than 1,5 million annual deaths are related to the inhalation of smoke from forest fires. These emissions, intensified by prolonged droughts and uncontrolled deforestation, pose a growing threat to public health.

Africa, South America, and Australia were the most affected regions, highlighting the global impact of climate change, which increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

As climate catastrophes of 2024 These weren't just isolated events, they were manifestations of a systemic crisis affecting every region of the world. These episodes highlighted the need to overcome these challenges with coordinated climate action and urgent investment in infrastructure capable of withstanding these climate events.

The failure of many governments to respond effectively to these crises has highlighted global inequalities and the vulnerability of the poorest populations, who continue to bear the brunt of the climate crisis.

But not everything was bad this year to forget. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games were a milestone in the history of world and African sports, bringing historic achievements and reinforcing the continent's growing relevance in the international sports landscape.

Between unprecedented triumphs and moments of inspiration, African athletes demonstrated their talent, even in the face of structural limitations that still challenge many nations on the continent.

Cape Verde

One of the most moving stories was written by David de Pina, boxer from Cape Verde. On the day 2 August, David overcame extraordinary challenges and achieved the first Olympic medal in the country's history, achieving bronze in his category.

“I did this for my country because we deserve it.”

He stated emotionally. The achievement was greeted with joy both in Cape Verde and in the diaspora, being celebrated as a milestone for national sports. This feat served to elevate the archipelago's reputation worldwide and will clearly inspire a new generation of young athletes to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges.

Argelia

Another historic moment was starred by the Algerian gymnast, Kaylia Nemour, who won the first African medal in gymnastics. Nemour shone in the final with a flawless performance, wearing a white suit with silver sequins that symbolized the moon, a reference to his country's national emblem.

This achievement put Algeria in the spotlight and reinforced the diversity of talent that the African continent has to offer in sports often dominated by other regions.

Overall, African athletes raised 39 medals, by athletes representing 12 African nations, the results surpassed Tokyo 2020 which had 37 medals, but fell short of the record achieved in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, with a total of 45 medals.

However, if we include the medal won by athlete Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba of Cameroon, who competed for the Refugee Olympic Team, Africa actually won 40 medals at these Games, a remarkable feat that underscores the importance of the African diaspora in global sport.

Kenya

Kenya was the most successful African country, winning a total of 11 medals, including 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze. The country maintained its supremacy in athletics, standing out as the most successful African nation at Paris 2024.

This collective performance reflected the growing investment of some African countries in sports development, despite the economic challenges and precarious infrastructure faced by many of them.

Controversies

However, the Paris Olympics were not without controversy. The opening ceremony, which had been billed as a democratic and inclusive celebration, drew widespread criticism. Many participants and spectators expressed disappointment, saying the promises of inclusion were not fulfilled.

This incident cast a shadow over the event, raising questions about true representation and equity in world sport. But despite these criticisms, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were a moment of pride and celebration for the African continent.

The achievements of its athletes proved that, with determination and adequate support, African countries can overcome all challenges and compete and shine on the world's biggest sporting stage. This spirit of resilience will continue to inspire future generations as the continent works to strengthen its sports infrastructure and offer more opportunities for its young talents.

On October 31, 2024, Donald Trump was re-elected president of the United States, marking the return of the far right to power. With 279 Electoral College votes, surpassing the 270 needed for victory, Trump managed to regain the position he had held between 2017 and 2021, in a political move that divided opinions inside and outside the United States.

His campaign was marked by populist rhetoric and promises to restore American “greatness,” appealing to a significant segment of the electorate that feels marginalized by the social and economic changes of recent decades.

Trump once again prioritized issues such as immigration, national security, and protectionist policies, with speeches that further polarized American society. His victory was interpreted by many analysts as a reflection of deep divisions in American politics and culture.

Internationally, Trump's reelection has generated apprehension. Many world leaders have expressed concerns about his controversial positions on issues such as climate change, global trade, and strategic alliances.

During his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from Paris Agreement, undermined multilateral institutions like the United Nations and strengthened ties with authoritarian regimes, while antagonizing historic allies. The possibility of a return to these policies has brought uncertainty about the future of global stability.

And Africa?

The impact of Trump's victory was particularly felt in regions like Africa and Latin America, where American policies often have direct consequences. During his victory speech, Trump reiterated his intention to "reevaluate" trade and international aid agreements, threatening to cut support to countries that do not align with US interests.

This approach has been widely criticized by diplomatic experts, who have warned of the risks of further American isolation and rising tensions in the world, forcing the US to face extraordinary challenges.

Obviously, some controversial episodes involving Donald Trump and the African continent during his first term, leave the continent worried.

On one occasion, Donald Trump referred to “Nambia” instead of “Namibia” in a speech at the UN, and months later, he described Haiti and other African countries as “shithole countries” during a closed-door meeting, sparking an international outcry.

Trump's reelection also reopened the debate on the role of disinformation in democratic elections. Reports indicated a proliferation of fake news and manipulation campaigns during the electoral process, reigniting discussions about the challenges of regulating digital platforms and the integrity of modern democracies.

With his return to power, Donald Trump has reaffirmed his position as a polarizing figure, whose leadership promises to shape not only the future of the United States but also the global geopolitical balance in the coming years. The world will closely monitor the developments of this new term, as American society grapples with the internal divisions exposed by Trump's victory.

Another piece of “good news” for 2024 is the risk of a new pandemic on the horizon. The WHO has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a Mpox outbreak, with a new lethal strain, “clade 1b”, spreading rapidly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries.

This year alone, there have already been registered 400% more confirmed cases of Mpox, than in the entire year of 2023. The outbreak already has pandemic characteristics, having already spread beyond the African continent, with more than 99.176 reported cases and almost 1.500 deaths, in 116 countries, this year alone and its containment is presenting a set of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

At this time, outside Africa, 80% of reported cases were in the United States of America: 33.191, in Brazil: 11.212, in Spain: 8.084, in France: 4.272, in Colombia: 4.249, in Mexico: 4.124, in the United Kingdom: 3.952, in Germany: 3.857 and in Peru: 3.875. In total, cases were reported in 116 countries, including also, to a residual extent, in Asia.

At the end of this 2024, Mozambique is going through one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history, marked by violence, border tensions and clamor for justiceThe country's political and social landscape has become a source of challenges and concerns for both citizens and the international community.

The problems started after the Presidential elections, held in October. The protests have been called by candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who says he won the October 9 elections, while the National Elections Commission gives the victory to FRELIMO candidate Daniel Chapo, with 65,17% of the votes, was contested by the opposition and by various sectors of civil society.

These allegations triggered protests in various parts of the country, resulting in massive demonstrations, with a response of violent repression by the police forces. Until December 26th, at least 252 people died in the protests. Most of these deaths occurred in direct confrontations, with reports of excessive use of force by the police.

Death Live

The tragedy gained greater visibility with the death of Mano Shottas, a young Mozambican activist who was shot while live-streaming protests on the border between Mozambique and South Africa on Facebook. His last words:

“I was shot, I’m dying…”

went viral, symbolizing the brutality of the repression and amplifying popular anger. Shottas's death was widely condemned by community leaders and civil society, becoming a catalyst for even larger demonstrations.

A international community called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, the Mozambican government's responses were deemed insufficient, with repressive measures instead of dialogue and reforms. The climate of political and social instability raised doubts about the country's ability to ensure peace and democracy in the near future, bringing the country closer to civil war.

2024 will be marked as a year of profound challenges and moments of resilience. Climate disasters and political crises have highlighted the fragility of our structures, while sporting and cultural achievements have brought hope and inspiration. The lessons of this year reinforce the need for global cooperation, urgent climate action, and the appreciation of the stories that unite people.

As 2025 approaches, the world must face the future with renewed determination, learning from the experiences of 2024.