Politics

President Felix Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of backing rebels in DR Congo at UNGA

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2022

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has, again, accused Rwanda of backing rebel groups fighting in the Eastern DRC, an accusation his country had earlier labelled against its neighbours.

This time, Tshisekedi made the allegations at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), where he insisted that Kigali is still “fanning rebel groups” in his country’s territory.

In a speech at the summit on Tuesday, Tshisekedi claimed his efforts to “reunite the country and pursue peaceful settlements have been dragged by continual external interference”, making particular reference to Rwanda, of fomenting rebel movements.

“Despite my goodwill for the search of peace, some neighbours have found no better way to thank us than to support armed groups that are ravaging eastern Congo,” he told the global audience.

“Rwanda, in defiance of international law, has once again not only interfered in the DRC since March by direct incursions of its armed forces (Rwanda Defence Force RDF), but also occupies localities in North Kivu province (eastern DRC) by an armed terrorist group, the M23, to which it provides massive support in terms of equipment and troops.

“Since my election as head of state of the DRC, I have not stopped fighting every day for peace. In order to definitively eradicate insecurity, restore lasting peace and ensure stability in the East of my country, several agreements have been signed with armed groups and even neighbouring countries.”

On several occasions, Rwanda has vehemently rejected the allegations from the DRC and has in turn accused Kinshasha of being the aggressor by firing missiles into its territory and capturing its soldiers.

However, Rwanda is yet to respond to the accusation but is expected to tackle Tshisekedi when Kigali’s representative addresses the UN later in the week.

The fresh allegation could also bring back hostilities between the two countries after Angolan President Joao Lourenço, had facilitated a meeting between Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame in July and the two leaders had agreed to reopen dialogue and have their differences solved diplomatically.

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Politics

Botswana’s new president wants swift resolution of De Beers diamond deal

Published

4 days ago

November 2, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Duma Boko, the recently elected president of Botswana, stated on Friday that he hoped to wrap up negotiations for a new sales agreement with the multinational diamond mining conglomerate, De Beers, as quickly as possible.

“The relationship with De Beers could have been damaged by the way the negotiations were handled,” President Boko said in a televised statement from Gaborone, Botswana’s capital. “The first thing that needs to be done is to engage the other party”.

The government’s portion of diamonds from the Debswana joint venture will progressively rise to 50% over the following ten years, according to a new diamond sales agreement reached last year by De Beers, a division of Anglo American.

Currently, De Beers purchases 75% of the production from Debswana Diamond Company, which is jointly controlled by Botswana and De Beers.

The agreement has not yet been signed, even though the Botswana government and the departing president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, praised its benefits Beers was “thinking about walking away, not signing at all… (a) very dangerous position to be in as a country,” according to Boko.

According to Boko, his new government wishes to communicate with De Beers to comprehend its issues.

“A proper negotiation involves compromise, where you get a bit of what you wanted, the other person gets a bit,” Boko said. “Then…you have a durable, sustainable agreement.”

As part of a larger reorganisation of its extensive operations, Anglo is developing a strategy to sell out De Beers. In July, Masisi stated that the Botswana government might increase its 15% stake in De Beers.A decline in worldwide demand has severely impacted diamond prices, just like it has for other luxury items. De Beers has been providing contracted clients with flexibility and limiting supply.

Politics

President Maisi concedes as Botswana’s ruling party loses 58-year reign

Published

5 days ago

November 1, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Following preliminary results showing his party lost its legislative majority by a landslide in this week’s election, Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, announced his party’s defeat on Friday, ending nearly 60 years in power.

The opposition coalition, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), held a sizable lead with over half of the constituencies reporting, placing its leader, attorney Duma Boko, in a strong position to win the presidency.

According to analysts, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has controlled the small southern African nation since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, was overthrown by growing socioeconomic dissatisfaction, especially among young people.

Botswana has always relied heavily on its diamond industry for revenue, but this year’s economic growth was severely hampered by a decline in the world diamond market, and unemployment increased to 28%.

According to results from 41 of the 61 constituencies up for election, the UDC had gained 26 seats in parliament, while the BDP had only three, according to state television. The president is chosen by the members of parliament.

Boko, who hasn’t made any public statements since the outcome, ran on a platform of increasing social grants and the minimum wage.

“Although I wanted to stay on as your president, I respect the will of the people and I congratulate the president-elect. I will step aside and I will support the new administration,” Masisi said at a press conference.

Small groups of supporters of the opposition celebrated in the streets of Gaborone, the capital, on Friday morning, which was peaceful.

“I did not ever think I would witness this change in my life,” said 23-year-old student Mpho Mogorosi. “The BDP had stayed too long in power and I am proud to be part of the people that removed them for a better Botswana.”

After South Africa’s African National Congress lost its legislative majority after 30 years in power and was compelled to form a coalition government, the BDP became the second long-ruling party in southern Africa to lose at the polls this year.

Later this month, elections will be held in neighbouring Namibia, where the SWAPO party, which has ruled since 1990, is anticipated to face fierce opposition.

“The outcome of Botswana’s elections should serve as a warning to long-time ruling parties across southern Africa and beyond that without economic progress and employment opportunities, political dominance will falter,” said Zaynab Hoosen, an Africa analyst at Pangea-Risk.