Photo : AP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : AP
KENYA
Activists protest over Nairobi National Park plan
On 09 June, Africa News reported that environmental activists and conservationists protested against plans to construct a parking facility inside Nairobi National Park. Protesters argued that continued development within the protected area would further reduce critical wildlife habitat and increase human encroachment into Kenya’s only national park located within a capital city. Demonstrators also criticised the lack of public participation in decision-making regarding the project. The protest was dispersed by anti-riot police using tear gas, drawing criticism from activists who described the demonstration as peaceful. Conservation groups warned that continued infrastructure expansion could threaten biodiversity and undermine efforts to preserve the park for future generations. ("Activists protest over Nairobi National Park plan," Africa News, 09 June 2026)
BOTSWANA
Diamond downturn exposes risks of economic dependence
On 09 June, Al Jazeera reported that Botswana's diamond industry is facing mounting pressure due to weak global demand, resulting in production cuts and job losses across mining communities. Debswana Diamond Company, responsible for approximately 90 per cent of the country's diamond sales, reduced production by 27 per cent in 2024 and plans further reductions in 2025. The slowdown has contributed to declining economic output and increased financial insecurity for workers and households dependent on the mining sector. Trade unions warned that uncertainty surrounding employment, wages, and contract renewals is affecting entire communities. The downturn has intensified calls for economic diversification into sectors such as agriculture, tourism, technology, and copper mining. ("Botswana diamond slump hits miners living on the edge of survival," Al Jazeera, 09 June 2026)