Politics

Mali: National dialogue proposes 3 more years of junta rule

Published

7 months ago

May 12, 2024

The participants of Mali’s national dialogue have proposed a three-year extension of the military-led transition to democracy and suggested that junta head, Assimi Goita, be allowed to run in the upcoming election.

Since a coup in 2020, the West African nation has been governed by the military, and there has been growing unrest due to the junta’s failure to adhere to the agreed-upon schedule for the restoration of constitutional governance.

The nationwide consultations, which lasted for many months, were not attended by many members of the opposition. On Friday, the consultations concluded with a series of proposals, one of which is to extend the transition period from two years to five years. This practically means that the junta’s reign will be extended until 2027.

The significant postponement is expected to exacerbate worries about the decline of democracy in West and Central Africa, where there have been eight instances of coups in the last four years. Regarding security matters, the participants in the consultations recommended that the authorities adopt a receptive attitude towards engaging in dialogue with Islamist armed groups and all Malian armed movements.

Mali has experienced persistent violence since 2012, when Islamist terrorists took advantage of an uprising by Tuareg groups in the southern part of the Sahara Desert. These groups were protesting against government neglect and demanding autonomy for the desert region known as Azawad.

Profound feelings of insecurity, financial difficulties, postponement of elections, and the recent decision by the authorities to restrict political activity have intensified dissatisfaction with the ruling military government in certain circles. In April, a coalition of political parties and civil society organizations was established and chose not to engage in the national dialogue.

Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

2 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

3 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.