Politics

French-Niger relations worsen as Macron alleges abduction of Ambassador, Itte

Published

2 weeks ago

September 16, 2023

France’s relationship with the Niger Republic continues its decline after French President, Emmanuel Macron alleged that his country’s ambassador in the West African country was being held hostage at the French embassy.

Last month, Niger’s junta leaders gave the French Ambassador, Sylvain Itte, 48 hours to leave the country following a further deterioration of bilateral relations between the countries, due to the July 26 coup.

But Macron insisted that Ambassador Itte would stay in the country despite an expulsion order by the junta. The French President made the allegation on Friday during a visit to Burgundy that the Ambassador’s life is now under threat in the Niger.

“As we speak, we have an ambassador and diplomatic members who are being literally held hostage at the French embassy, and food is prevented from being delivered. They’re eating military rations”, Macron said.

Some 1,500 French soldiers are currently stationed in Niger, purportedly to support the administration of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in its fight against terrorism.

French military assets in Niger reportedly include fighter jets, drones, and tanks, among other things, according to French media sources.

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Politics

Tunisian opposition leader, Ghannouchi to begin hunger strike in prison

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2023

Ifeoluwa Dada

Embattled Tunisian opposition leader, Rached Ghannouchi, who has been a political prisoner since April, has threatened to begin a hunger strike in captivity.

Ghannouchi’s party, Ennahda made the announcement in a statement on Friday, stating that the 82-year-old fierce critic of President Kais Saied, has now decided to stay without food.

Ghannouchi was convicted in absentia in May after his refusal to appear before judges on the grounds that the accusations were false and the prosecution was politically motivated.

Along with other jailed opposition figures, who accuse Saied of a coup for closing the elected parliament and implementing rule by decree, he is also accused of planning against state security.

Since coming into power, President Saied has been firm on dissenting voices in the country. More than 20 political personalities, including Ghannouchi, have been detained by the police this year on suspicion of attempting to undermine state security.

Politics

Rwanda President, Kagame announces major cabinet shuffle

Published

4 days ago

September 28, 2023

Ifeoluwa Dada

Barely a week after he confirmed his intention to seek his country’s presidency for a fourth time, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame has announced a major cabinet shuffle.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Wednesday on behalf of the President.

In place of Ms. Clare Akamanzi, who had held the position for a long time, Kagame named Gen. James Kabarebe, a recently retired former minister of defence, as the new State Minister of Foreign Affairs. Gen. Kabarebe replaced the long-serving Ms. Akamanzi.

Francis Gatare, an economist who most recently served as the Senior Economic Advisor in the President’s Office since 2021, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of RDB.

Gatare previously held the position of CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board, gaining extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. Shortly after being appointed, Mr Gatare declared that the key to Rwanda’s economic growth would be to advance public-private partnerships.

“I am humbled by the trust and confidence, thank you HE @PaulKagame for the new assignment. Honoured to join the super talented and committed team at @RDBrwanda and pledge to give it my all, to listen and learn. The Vision: Advance Public-Private partnership as the engine of Rwanda’s Economic growth.” said Gatare in a tweet posted on Thursday shortly after his appointment.

The Prime Minister, Ministers, Ministers of State, and additional members selected by the President make up Rwanda’s Cabinet. Members of the Cabinet are chosen from political organizations based on the number of seats they hold in the Chamber of Deputies, but they are not permitted to be members of the Chamber themselves.