Politics

Egypt’s al-Sisi vows to fight threat against Somalia over Ethiopia’s Red Sea deal with Somaliland

Published

11 months ago

January 21, 2024

The president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has declared that his country would not tolerate any threat against Somalia, following Ethiopia’s announcement that it would take into consideration Somaliland’s claim to independence in exchange for access to a seaport.

The president’s comments were the strongest Egypt has made on the subject so far, given its tense relationship with Ethiopia. They also suggested that Cairo was open to being embroiled in a disagreement that has stoked new tensions in the unstable Horn of Africa.

Sisi said, speaking at a news conference with visiting Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, “Egypt will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia or affect its security.”

“Do not try Egypt, or try to threaten its brothers especially if they ask it to intervene,” he added.

Sisi stated that working together for development was a better course of action and that “my message to Ethiopia is that… trying to seize a piece of land to control it is something no one will agree to.”

Requests for comment on his remarks were not immediately answered by Ethiopian representatives; but, last week, Egypt’s foreign minister referred to Ethiopia as a source of instability in the area, a claim the country’s foreign ministry dismissed as “irrelevant”.

The deal contentious deal allows Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, to grant Ethiopia the use of a major port with access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognition as an independent state.

The agreement has been characterised by Somalia as a breach of its sovereignty and an act of “aggression.” Somaliland is seeking to lease Ethiopia 20 kilometres (12 miles) of coastline for 50 years in exchange for Ethiopia having access to commercial maritime services and a military facility.

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Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

5 days 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

6 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.