Politics

Djibouti/Ethiopia ‘diplomatic romance’ continues as President Omar Guelleh discusses relations with Abiy Ahmed

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2022

The “diplomatic romance” between Ethiopia and its East African neighbours Djibouti appears to be growing stronger as President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti has held a bilateral meeting on regional issues of mutual concern with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Adis Ababa.

The two presidents on Monday considered possibilities of strengthening multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf whiling briefing newsmen in Addis Ababa revealed that the discussion was based on sustainable energy and trade relations between the two East Africa neighbours.

“We discussed energy, we discussed water how to promote trade through upgrading the performance of the logistics, the port, the road, you know Djibouti and Ethiopia have very integrated economies and sometimes we are also quoted as a role model. Today the visit of the President was really successful”

Both leaders were reported to have discussed the strengthening of economic ties in trade and agricultural investments, and the scale-up joint infrastructure development.

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed who has enjoyed warm relations with Djibouti since coming into office in April 2018 said “The ties between our two nations are historical and broad-based. It is not only neighborly ties but familial. President Ismail Guelleh and I are committed to capitalizing on existing foundations for mutual prosperity”,

“The security and the stability of Djibouti as well as the unity and the stability of Ethiopia is fundamental to both countries’ joint interests and the two leaders also exchanged on mutual cooperation on this field.” _Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance of Ethiopia added.

Three weeks ago, the two countries at the 9th Ethio-Djibouti Defense Chiefs of Staff meeting held in Addis Ababa agreed to expand the cooperation developed between them, with priority in preventive strategies and operations to ensure security and peace on the common border.

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Politics

Mozambique’s top court affirms governing party’s victory in recent election

Published

11 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

The highest court in Mozambique affirmed Monday that the incumbent Frelimo party won the October election, sparking widespread demonstrations from opposition parties who claim the vote was manipulated.

Fears of fresh bloodshed have been raised in the nation already shaken by weeks of fatal protests after Mozambique’s top electoral court mostly confirmed the results of the country’s contentious October elections, reinforcing the Frelimo party’s decades-long hold on power.

The final decision on the election process rests with the Constitutional Council. Mozambique, a nation of over 35 million people in Southern Africa that Frelimo has ruled since 1975, is expected to see more protests in response to its judgement.

Mozambique operates a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic in a multi-party system. The president of Mozambique serves as both the head of state and the head of government.

The government exercises executive power. The administration and the Assembly of the Republic have the authority to enact laws.

Politics

Alliance of Sahel States opposes ECOWAS disengagement schedule

Published

11 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) withdrawal timeline has been rejected by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which is made up of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The AES claims that the ECOWAS is attempting to destabilise their newly formed organisation.

During a meeting last week in Abuja, Nigeria, the regional organisation announced a six-month withdrawal period to give the three nations time to change their minds after their official departure date at the end of January 2025.

However, this decision is “nothing more than yet another attempt by the French and its auxiliaries to continue planning and carrying out destabilising actions against the AES,” according to the heads of state of the AES.

“This unilateral decision is not binding on the ESA countries,” the statement continues. Before the conference, they stated that their choice to leave the organisation was “irreversible.”

According to the president of the Ecowas Commission, this will be a “transition period” that ends on “July 29, 2025” to “keep the doors of Ecowas open.”

The three nations accused the bloc of neglecting to assist them in resolving their domestic security challenges and of imposing “inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions related to the coup.

The three nations that were involved in the coup have mostly rejected ECOWAS’ attempts to undo their withdrawal. They are creating their alliance and have begun thinking about how to issue travel passports independently of ECOWAS.

It is anticipated that they will finish giving their one-year notice of departure in January.

Visa-free travel to other ECOWAS members is a significant perk of membership, and it is unclear how this would alter after the three nations exit the group.