Musings From Abroad

Central African Republic denies reports of departure of Russian mercenary group, Wagner

Published

1 year ago

July 8, 2023

A special minister and adviser to President Touadéra of the Central African Republic, Fidèle Gouandjika has denied that the Russian mercenary group, Wagner is leaving the country.

Contrary to many foreign sources, Gouandjika denied that the mercenary group which recently launched a mutiny against Russian forces had broken ties with CAR. He accused the media of spreading false information.

Wagner’s reported move from CAR is, according to a French security source, driven by “significant doubts regarding the payment of salary in the next months and fears about potential reprisals against the families of mercenaries who remain with Wagner.”

According to leaked United States records, Wagner has operated in at least eight different African countries over the past ten years, including Mali, Libya, and the CAR.

The alleged departure brings to the spotlight concerns that Wagner’s recent revolt could inspire a change in diplomatic relations in the continent, particularly with defence ties in the wake of rising anti-France postures in the Sahel.

Related Topics:Central Africa Republic Featured WAGNER GROUP

Click to comment

Musings From Abroad

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

Published

2 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

2 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.