Musings From Abroad

Somalian president, Hassan Mohamud, meets US defence chief over terror group, Al Shabaab

Published

2 years ago

September 16, 2022

In his bid to strengthen the country’s military to battle Al Shabaab, Somali’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has met with the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin.

President Mohamud on Thursday met with the US chief in a meeting that is focused on the push to overcome a major terror group, Al Shabaab, which US generals have described as Al Qaeda’s most lethal outfit.

“Since June 2022, Somali National Army has been able to partner with the local forces in the removal of Al-Shabaab from 20% of the area they controlled before.

We recognize that defeating Al-Shabaab requires a multi-faceted approach that includes effective and accountable security forces and inclusive state-building process, the ability of the state to provide rule of law and critical services to the public” said Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somali President.

On his side, the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, said “Somalia and the Horn of Africa have entered a crucial period of transition. This period will be especially important given the ongoing hostilities in Ethiopia, and the persistent threat of Al-Shabab, which continues to launch high-profile, cruel, and brazen attacks on civilians. Our cooperation here is crucial, Mr. President, and we stand ready, as your partners.”

Musings From Abroad

Brazilian meatpacker JBS invests $2.5 billion in Nigeria, builds six facilities

Published

4 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Brazilian meatpacker JBS says it has inked a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian government for a $2.5 billion investment plan that will include the construction of six new plants in the African nation.

Three of the plants would deal in poultry, two in beef, and one in pork, according to a statement from JBS.

In accordance with the memorandum of understanding, JBS stated that it would develop a five-year investment plan in Nigeria, which would include budget estimates, feasibility studies, and an action plan for the development of the local supply chain.

The Nigerian government would then guarantee the sanitary, regulatory, and economic conditions required for the project’s viability, JBS continued.

Musings From Abroad

China’s Xi meets with Morocco’s Crown Prince

Published

4 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Morocco’s official media reports that Chinese President, Xi Jinping, visited Morocco briefly on Thursday.

According to Morocco’s MAP, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomed Xi in Casablanca. The visit demonstrated the close ties of camaraderie, collaboration, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, it said.

China’s official broadcaster, CCTV, said that Xi and Hassan had a “cordial conversation” at the airport after being received by the Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

After attending the G20 Summit in Brazil, Xi paid the visit.

In recent years, China has increased its investments in Morocco’s rail and infrastructure. Morocco is desirable for Chinese electric car battery manufacturers because of its proximity to Europe, free trade agreements with important EU and US markets, and an established automotive sector.

Morocco was chosen by Chinese EV battery company Gotion High Tech in June to establish Africa’s first gigafactory, which will cost $1.3 billion in total.