Politics

France hopeful for successful political transition in Guinea

Published

2 years ago

April 22, 2023

Despite the recent strain in its relations with its former colonies in the West African sub-region, France remains hopeful the “political transition underway in Guinea will be successful.”

In a recent visit to Conakry, the French foreign ministry’s State Secretary for Development, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou spoke on the political situation in the West African country.

“It must allow a return to democratic and constitutional order, in accordance with the commitments made by the authorities and the political framework established in agreement with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States),” Zacharopoulou said.

The French embassy claimed that Zacharopoulou’s visit indicated France’s “readiness” and availability “to accompany the transition and the electoral process, in coordination with international partners.”

“This visit comes at an important moment in the history of this country, which is undergoing a new political transition, it also comes at a key moment in the region’s history, whose stability is fragile both politically and in terms of security,” Zacharopoulou added.

The military junta in Guinea in October reached an agreement with mediators from the West African regional bloc, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to hold elections in early 2025.

The West Africa sub-region has witnessed a series of military coups in recent years, notably in Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. There have also been reported cases of coup attempts in Gabon.

Both Mali and Burkina Faso have severed ties with France, with frequent anti-French policies that have seen French officials expelled from the West African countries.

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Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

In a diplomatic spat over their imprisonment, France and Morocco announced Thursday that four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year had been freed after mediation from Morocco.

They were spies, according to a prior statement made by the director of France’s foreign intelligence organisation, the DGSE.

A request for comment was not answered by the DGSE or a representative of the French military, which is in charge of the agency.

Since December 2023, they have been held in Ouagadougou.

President Emmanuel Macron hailed King Mohammed of Morocco on Wednesday for his intervention, “which made possible the liberation of our four countrymen who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year,” according to a statement from the French administration.

King Mohammed and President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso were also commended by Morocco’s foreign ministry, which stated that “this humanitarian act” was made possible by their positive bilateral ties.

In October, France made peace with Morocco, one of its former protectorates, after three years of hostilities between Paris and Rabat stoked by immigration concerns and the disputed Western Sahara region.

Morocco offers Burkina Faso and other military-ruled Sahel republics Atlantic trade.

However, France’s relations with former West and Central African colonies, such as Burkina Faso, remain difficult. In Ouagadougou, French troops and diplomats were ejected, the defence attache and ambassador were asked to depart, and certain French media were suspended.

The military junta that took control in 2022 in Burkina Faso has been criticized by international rights groups for cracking down on free expression and harassing dissidents to handle a security crisis precipitated by Al Qaeda and Islamic State extremists.

Politics

Ghana: President-elect Mahama appoints anti-corruption team

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to a statement released by his transition team on Wednesday, Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has designated an anti-corruption committee to investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

When he takes office next month, Mahama, the leading opposition candidate in the presidential election held on December 7 and who received almost 56% of the vote, has pledged to reclaim the proceeds of corruption and hold those responsible for it accountable.

In anticipation, an anti-graft squad has been established. The parliament’s Committee on Assurances, which has previously raised suspicions of governmental corruption, is chaired by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah.

An investigative journalist, a private attorney, a former auditor general, and a former police officer with experience in high-profile robbery cases make up the other three members.

After looking into alleged financial irregularities that took place during the previous administration, Daniel Dumelovo, the former auditor general, was fired.

Recovering lost assets and fighting corruption were two of Mahama’s main campaign pledges.

“He intends to hit the ground running on these commitments,” the statement said.

Eight years after leaving office, former President Mahama is back to head the West African country. Despite not being personally contaminated, he faced criticism during his 2012–2016 administration due to claims of political corruption.