Showing posts with label African affairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African affairs. Show all posts

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Coordinated Attacks By Terrorist Organizations and Rebel Groups Strike Mali

 


Mali has been under attack from multiple terrorist organizations and rebel groups. Since 2012, Mali has been a state of civil war. The attacks were done in coordination and the intent might be to depose the military junta. Bamako was saw breach in security. Besides the capital, other cities and towns were targets. The outbreak of this violence resulted in an assassination. Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed. So far, there has been no investigation into how security collapsed when Camara's house was attacked. Assimi Goita remains unharmed. The Front for the Liberation of Azawad and Jama' at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin have been identified as the sources of violence. Most of the attacks are directed at military compounds and bases. More armed groups could be forming with the help of foreign assistance. The Alliance of Sahel States faces a major security challenge. The presence of French troops and UN missions did nothing to end the insurgencies in Mali. France's intent was to exploit Mali's natural resources. The UN wants some type of international relevance, when their credibility is declining. The insurgency can now be described as transforming into a full scale civil war. Malian refugees are seeking safety in Mauritania. The increase of refugee camps has further caused deterioration in human rights in West Africa. ECOWAS or the African Union are not willing to provide assistance to the Malian government fighting a civil war. 

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Uganda's Role In Sudan

 


Uganda is attempting to expand influence in Sudan. The policy was more focused on South Sudan, but it appears it wants to spread presence beyond that. When President Yoweri Museveni invited the RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo for talks, it generated controversy. Uganda's assertion was that it was for the purpose of a possible peace settlement. What made the meeting suspicious was that members of the legitimate government were not present. What the meeting was seen as was a nation taking sides in a civil war. Uganda has done this before. The Sudan People's Liberation Army was armed by Uganda. The response from then President Omar al-Bashir was to provide support to the Lord's Resistance Army. Uganda and Sudan were in a war of proxy. When South Sudan got independence and then fell into civil war, Uganda sent its forces into the new country. The 2019 coup destabilized Sudan and Uganda found an opportunity to get involved. Ugandan Armed Forces were deployed to Juba  in 2025 to keep the Salva Kiir government in power. South Sudan over the years has become increasingly dependent upon Uganda. Indications suggest that Uganda is trying to transform South Sudan into a client state. The war is Sudan also enables the advancement of this policy. If both Sudan and South Sudan were to fall under Ugandan influence, it would be dominant in East Africa. A peace settlement does not benefit Uganda as much as civil wars in both countries. Despite the war crimes in el-Fasher, Uganda is not condemning the RSF. Overtime, this will strain relations with Sudan . General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan stated there will be no agreements unless the RSF withdraws from areas it occupies. Uganda's longtime involvement in the affairs of Sudan are linked to oil. Uganda having two client states would give it indirect control of those reserves. Foreign interference by Uganda is going to have a negative impact on the domestic politics of both East African countries.   

Friday, December 12, 2025

Tanzania's Political Upheaval

 


Post election violence and discord has swept Tanzania. The circumstances surrounding the election questioned the legitimacy of the political process. The opposition parties were prohibited from participation. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won 97% of the vote due to the suppression of other political parties. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi Party has been the dominant force in Tanzania's politics for decades. CCM was created out the merger of the Tanganyika African National Union and Afro-Shirazi political parties. The merger was done in 1977 and like other African national liberation political parties remain in power. At the time, these political parties were revolutionary yet now they are promoting de facto one party authoritarian governments. The Samia Suluhu Hassan government responded to protests with more violence by law enforcement. Now demonstrations are banned and to participate would be charged as attempting a coup. Tanzania is aware of the fall of Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger, and Chad. President Samia Suluhu Hassan does not want to create a Madagascar situation. This would result in President Hassan being exiled or  the  military  seizing power. The violence is not coming to an end. The police and military were unleased to inflict harm on demonstrators. Certain patrols were present just to intimidate protesters. The threat of violence and  a deterrent for  other citizens joining protests.       



Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Guinea-Bissau Falls To Military Rule

 


Guinea-Bissau has become another African nation to fall under military rule. The military coup was induced when disputes over the presidential election were escalating. The military asserted the coup was launched to prevent a deterioration of security. Election results were not announced. The error of opposition candidate Fernando Dias and President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was to claim victory before all votes were tabulated. Besides internal political discord, Guinea-Bissau struggles with foreign interference. Guinea-Bissau is a transport area for illicit drug trafficking. Drugs coming from South America are smuggled into the country and make their way to Europe. A series of coups continue to occur across West Africa and Central Africa. Corrupt governments and failures of liberal democracy have pushed militaries to act. All the coups are not revolutionary acts or objections to neo-colonial imperialism. While the coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Gabon were welcomed Guinea-Bissau is a different case. A number of  government institutions  are suspended and the electoral commission has done nothing to confront the junta. A prime minister has been appointed, but real administrative power rests with General Horta Ina-A. The military junta claims it will release the election results, but this could be a means of deflecting unconstitutional actions. Dias and Embalo are no longer in Guinea-Bissau. Fernando Dias accused President Embalo of inducing a self-coup. Little evidence exists of this claim and the junta made no further statements. Guinea-Bissau had military coups in 1980, 2003, and 2012. More coups could happen if  transition of power, electoral process, and the public are not respected. 

Monday, October 20, 2025

Madagascar Under Military Rule

 


Madagascar is now subject to military rule. Protests by youth groups caused the fall of President Andry Rajoelina. The head of state fled the country and this left a power void. Colonel Michael Randrianirina was in a position to seize power and it has been alleged that the High Constitutional Court invited him to do so. This leads to speculation that other parts of the government were plotting Andry Rajoelina's removal. The unit responsible for military rule is known as CAPSAT. President Andry Rajoelina was last seen departing on a French military  plane. He never officially resigned and claimed there were threats on his life. The 2025 coup was not the first military takeover of Madagascar. President  Marc Ravalomanana was deposed by a coup in 2009. Andry Rajoelina would take control of the High Transitional Authority being head of state from 2009 to 2014. The following period would be known as Madagascar's fourth republic. Rajoelina would be elected in 2019. It appeared as if he was a permanent fixture in the politics of the island nation. The error in 2025 was making an attempt to dissolve the National Assembly. The response from the governing body was to impeach the president. A military government is not going to stop protests. As long as power and water cuts continue demonstrations will increase. Corruption has cause much of the public discord and youth can no longer wait for gradual change. The African Union responded to the coup by suspending Madagascar. 

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Peter Mutharika Returns To The Malawian Presidency

 


Peter Mutharika served as president from 2014 to 2020. Now, Mutharika has made a political comeback winning the 2025 presidential election. The year 2019 was a low point in which the Supreme Court nullified the election results. The accusation of irregularities in voting were the charges. President Peter Mutharika obtained 56% of the vote. This is a little more than half, which indicates Malawians are still divided. The defeat of former President Lazarus Chakwera was linked to the economic crisis Malawi faces. Inflation made it difficult for citizens to acquire basic necessities. Food shortages have been reported and few solutions to combat the concern. Fuel shortages further harm Malawi, because the modern world is dependent on rapid transport of consumer goods. The economic challenges explain the 33% result for former President Chakwera. Agriculture is a large part of the Malawian economy, yet it is under threat. Droughts and cyclones destroy farms. Climate change also remains a security risk to framing and food security. President Mutharika faces a Malawi with economic and regional challenges. Malawi is going to need investment from its neighbors in Southern Africa. Detail programs are required so that Malawi can reach developed nation status. There is speculation the second Mutharika administration will be different. Economic and political conditions could cause this, but there is no way of predicting how the presidency will progress. The Malawian Constitution has a two term limit, which are a length of  five years. This is going to be President Mutharika's last time in office. At age 85, there are concerns about his health and if President Mutharika can finish the second term.   



Monday, September 8, 2025

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Seeks Another Term

 


Political factionalism continues to be a part of the government of Guinea-Bissau. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo wants to seek a second term. At first, President Embalo expressed that there was no intent to extend his presidency. Guinea-Bissau has struggled with coup attempts and instability since independence. The current controversy facing the politics of the country is the debate over term limits. The opposition claims that the president's term expired. The Supreme Court holds the position the presidential term expires in September. The political opposition does not dictate presidential term limits. The Constitution of Guinea-Bissau lists the powers and rules of the presidency. The political opposition most likely wants to remove him by extra legal means. A coup was allegedly thwarted in 2022. The start of the Embaldo administration was met with conflicts with the parliament. The dissolving of the parliament in 2022, resulted in rescheduling elections. Guinea-Bissau has not experienced a coup since 2012. The military establishment retains an abnormal influence on government. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo navigates between a contentious parliament and a ubiquitous military. Tensions are rising about what happens with the next elections. Guinea-Bissau has gone 13 years without a coup and it was during the Embalo presidency ECOWAS troops left.  

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

The Political Activities of Former DRC President Joseph Kabila

 


Former DRC president Joseph Kabila is back in the country after two years. Returning to the city of Goma, accusations were made he had links to the M23 rebels. Leading the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019, his influence is still felt. The Second Congolese Civil War caused massive devastation to the region and DRC. The end of Kabila's immunity indicates a political motivation. Joseph Kabila might be calculating a return to the presidency. President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed the desire for the Constitutional Commission to change the term limits. If presidential term limits were to be extended that means Kabila could run again. This explains why the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy is facing suppression. New charges were placed on Joseph Kabila accusing him of war crimes and treason. At this time, there is not enough evidence for trial. The restrictions on the PPRD Party are in the public's view an example of anti-democratic action. Joseph Kabila has claimed he wants to have a settlement with the M23 rebels. It was announced that Rwanda and the DRC would procure a peace agreement. Fears are mounting that it will not hold. If any peace settlement is to be successful it will require the active participation Uganda. Both Uganda and Rwanda have been involved in the DRC's internal affairs going back to 1998. Joseph Kabila has the experience dealing with President Paul Kagame and President Yoweri Museveni. The assassination of his father and the former president Laurent-Desire Kabila, made Joseph understand the dangers the DRC was in from its neighbors. The ban on the PPRD Party and  the end of Joseph Kabila's immunity will only increase his popularity. Political persecution turns public figures into icons of resistance. While Kabila still has enemies made in the 2000s, he could  be developing a wider political movement. 

Friday, June 27, 2025

The Kenyan Gen Z Demonstrations

 


Kenyan youth are going to demonstrations to voice their frustration with the government. The source of contention related to police brutality, increases in taxes, and dissatisfaction with President William Ruto. The demonstrations are spreading throughout Kenya. Much of the discontent is also expressed on social media platforms. Not only is it used as an organizing tool, but increasing awareness of issues in Kenyan politics. Generation Z is feeling the strain of economic hardship. The youth are experiencing a high rate of unemployment in Kenya. Combined with the increase in the cost of living, this added to the  discord. President William Ruto is becoming the main focus, not just the government in general. Growing protests show that his administration is in a precarious position. The finance bill has sparked public rage that will not be placated. What Kenya needs is to expand sectors of the economy and increase the quality of education. Getting assistance from the African Union and securing trade agreements with multiple countries can be long term solutions. Law enforcement needs complete reform. The use of tear gas, water cannons, and in some cases live ammunition are clear violations of human rights. The Gen Z protests would not happen if the youth knew change could happen with their vote. The behavior of the police is a unsettling reminder of the colonial past. Considering the influence of the IMF some believe it never disappeared. President William Ruto is now being accused of authoritarian rule. The press is also under pressure in Kenya. Kenya major media networks KNT and NTV are under certain restrictions. Internet services were deliberately slowed down. More restrictions are going to motivate the youth to continue demonstrations. The Gen Z movement could be a turning point in Kenya's political system. 



Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Ghana and Morocco Visa Agreement

 


Ghana and Morocco have reached an agreement related to visas. Citizens of Ghana can now travel to the North African country without visa requirements. Online travel authorization will still be required. Applying through the embassy is no longer necessary. Ghana and Morocco already have direct flights. The reasons for the agreements related to tourism, trade, and enhancing diplomatic relations . Tourism is a major part of the economies of both nations. Travelers can mean more business for hotels, restaurants, and airlines. Trade among African nations needs to be increased. Europe and North America are becoming unreliable trade partners. Inter-African trade provides stable economies and growth. Diplomatic relations can be positive, if members of an agreement benefit equally. What could disturb diplomatic relations is Morocco's actions in the Western Sahara. Ghana decided to not press the issue related to recognition of the Western Sahara as an independent state. The Kingdom of Morocco must seriously consider granting independence to the Western Sahara. The shift seems to be more autonomy to the area. Morocco's diplomatic efforts are undermined by unreasonable policies directed at the Western Sahara. Ghana is making adjustments not to interfere with the new diplomatic relationship. Ghana is supporting Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan. Ghana should expect that relations with Algeria could deteriorate over time. Ghana's only path forward is to act as a neutral negotiator. Getting Algeria and Morocco to secure trade and visa agreements would bet helpful to Ghana.      



Thursday, May 22, 2025

The Ambiguous Condition In The Ivory Coast

 


Rumors of a military coup have come from Ivory Coast. So far, there is no evidence of an removal of the Alassane Ouattara presidency. Much of the unrest in the country comes from his desire to run for a fourth term. The Ouattara administration was the product of French invention in the Ivory Coast. The disputed election in 2010 saw the French install a government in the country. Pro-Ouattara forces arrested Laurent Gbagbo in 2011. Ivory Coast was experiencing post-election violence and what could be described as a civil war. Laurent Gbagbo was sent to Hague to be tried. It was clear this was political persecution disguised as fighting crimes against humanity. The charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Egregious as this was, pro-Ouattara officials were never charged for banishing Gbagbo to the Hague. Gbagbo plans to run for president in 2025. There is a possibility that 2025 could be a repeat of 2010. The Economic Community of West African States are least likely to condemn Alassane Ouattara administration. ECOWAS is more aligned with EU political objectives, which explains its antagonism directed at the Alliance of Sahel States. Ivory Coast becomes more important to ECOWAS to counter Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The condition of Ivory Coast remains unclear, yet the coming months will see increasing political turbulence.  

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Ukraine Seeks Diplomatic Ties With South Africa


President Volodymyr Zelensky came to South Africa to strengthen diplomatic ties. The conversations with South African Cyril Ramaphosa ranged from trade and the situation in Eastern  Europe. The trip was cut short by news of bombings of the Ukrainian  capital of  Kyiv. The visit was really not about bilateral relations. It was President Zelensky's attempt to undermine Russia's diplomatic status with South Africa. The BRICS members do not favor sanctions  on Russia or the growing anti-Russian sentiment within the European Union. Attempts have been made for peace settlements or possible ceasefire. All have been rejected. South Africa hosting the Ukrainian president seems odd considering the past treatment of Africans residing in Ukraine. African students faced discriminatory treatment when fleeing Ukraine in 2022. Africans in Ukraine constantly face forms of prejudice and discrimination. Ukrainian forces are active in parts of Africa according to some reports. Ukraine has sent special forces to Sudan and Mali. The reason Ukraine did this was to undermine the Wagner Group and Russia diplomatic missions in Africa. These instances of interference demonstrate that Ukraine is not an ally of African nations. The 2023 African Union peace delegation to Ukraine was rebuffed and subject to harsh treatment. President Zelensky was demanding that European countries continue to support the war effort. Seeing as arms  are  dissipating Ukraine is looking elsewhere. South Africa is under no obligation to help Ukraine or any other European state. After the 2023 AU peace deal proposal, it is obvious Ukraine does not value African council. The Russia-Ukraine War does work to the benefit of Africa. If the European Union keeps funding the conflict it will weaken the UK, France, and Germany. This means Europe will no longer be able to militarily intervene in Africa. Chances of Ukrainian victory are narrow and South Africa has little to gain from a war torn nation.  
 

Monday, April 14, 2025

Ibrahim Traore Seeks A New Path For Burkina Faso

 


Ibrahim Traore wants Burkina Faso to have a more dynamic and impactful role in African affairs. The young leader seems similar to Thomas Sankara. A Pan-Africanist revival could be underway. Countries such as Mali and Niger are also taking a different approach to foreign policy and the affairs of Africa. The Alliance of Sahel states was formed to counter ECOWAS. Simultaneously, measures have been taken to remove French military encroachment and fight terrorist organizations. The AES is the reaction to neocolonial imperialism and armed groups. Traore does have an anti-imperialist political position. However, his economic stances are not well known. Traore does see poverty and the exploitation of the nation as an injustice. Yet, he has never expressed any Marxist or socialist ideas. Burkina Faso now has a leader that is growing in popularity. The reason has to do with genuine change to the political system. The youth in particular desire new leadership. The majority of African leaders are much older. Ibrahim Traore is one of the youngest heads of state in the world. Burkina Faso is going to be the more significant partner in the Alliance of Sahel states. Leaving ECOWAS demonstrates a shift. Burkina Faso is asserting its national sovereignty and being more active in the West African  region. Burkina Faso could also be more involved in the African Union. Overtime, this revived Pan-African sentiment could spread to other parts of the continent.       

Monday, March 24, 2025

The Expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool and South Africa's Response

 


South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the United States. The reasons for the expulsion are motivated by economics, the intolerance of the Trump administration, and an attempt to undermine BRICS. There is speculation that Elon Musk is having indirect influence over US policy regarding South Africa. Musk an Afrikaner benefited from the Apartheid regime. The Trump administration has also offered white South Africans to come to America. These proposals are a projection of white nationalist sentiment. The attacks on South Africa are also intended to dissolve the BRICS alliance. Prior to the diplomatic dispute, President Donald Trump warned various nations about abandoning the US dollar. The emergent economies are going to see growth and this shifts the geopolitical power balance. The blatant racism was apparent seeing as it is rare this happens to a senior official. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was told he was no longer welcomed in the United States. When Rasool returned he was embraced by the South African Communist Party, ANC, and the South African public. The unprofessional conduct and discriminatory actions of the United States may have created more unity among South Africans. The government's response needs to be more forceful. Removal of US diplomats would be a proportional measure. If more criticisms about land reform come from the Trump administration, the ending of diplomatic ties should be considered. President Cyril Ramaphosa does have options, but if he does not act it will only harm South Africa's standing. Closing the embassy in the United States or imposing tariffs on American products are the more harsh  measures. South Africa could just request the US ambassador to leave. Regardless of what measure is taken, the expulsion of an ambassador for no reason demands retaliation.  

Friday, May 10, 2024

Mahamat Deby Consolidates Power In Chad


Chad held a  presidential election. The outcome was as most observers predicted with military ruler Mahamat Deby winning most of the vote. The legitimacy has been questioned by political opposition. Chad is transforming into a country of dynastic rule. Although a military regime it has similarities to Togo and Gabon. One family is going to rule Chad for a number of years. If Idriss Deby was not killed by rebels he would still be president. The rule of the Deby's began in 1990. Chad continues to be an ally of France. However, with the French exit from Mali and Niger a void will grow. Chad could become a more powerful regional player in the Sahel. President Mahamat Deby might establish closer diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. A common enemy of rebel groups and terrorist organization would bring these countries together in an alliance. According to the results Mahamat won 61.3 % of the vote. The dispute was that the elections were not free or fair. African Union observers were not present. President Mahamat Deby does not have absolute control. He remains reliant on a ruling coalition. The military has immense influence over government. Algeria and Egypt also have this obstacle and at times coups occurred. If Mahamat maintains the support of the military his leadership will be secured. The 2022 crackdown forced some Chadians to flee abroad. Those suspected of involvement  in the assassination of Idriss Deby are among the Chadians that left. Most assume that foreign policy and internal matters will remain the same. Developments in Sudan and the relations with France will force a change in direction. Chad's transformation into a dynastic based system of government is the most noticeable.  

 

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Concerns About Liberian President Joseph Boakai

 


Joseph Boakai's presidential inauguration was cur short. The president was suffering from heat stroke, which required his speech to be cut short. Opposition parties  have raised  the concern about President Boakai's age. At 79 years old, he is one of Liberia's oldest presidents. Older leaders are common on the African continent. The issue relates to energy and fitness for office. Health becomes a concern for a head of state and matters of succession must be taken into account. Adding an age limit for political office would be discriminatory. An age requirement to obtain office is as well. That does assumes that younger people are not ready to be leaders. At some point, the youth must be allowed to continue the work of governance. Yet, longtime establishment politicians refuse to retire. The inability to at least accept some change or reform makes most establishment political figures seem out of touch. Joseph Boakai has served as vice president, so he understands the Liberian political system. The question remains is whether or not he will do something different with his administration. A run off election was required for him to beat George Weah. This means that the country is still divided along particular political lines. The world is having a concern with aging leadership, which clings to power. Age might bring political experience, but it become apparent that older leaders are not open to new ideas. President Joseph Boakai has not proposed anything innovative. When the public votes for an older head of state health, worldview, and  openness to new ideas must be considered. 

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Israel Proposes Moving Refugees From Gaza To The DRC

 


Israel's war on Gaza has created refugees. The government wants the Arab population in Gaza to be reduced, but the obstacle is that Egypt will not accept Palestinians fleeing war. According to the Times of Israel   the Netanyahu government was in talks to has Palestinians deported there. This came with the denial from the DRC. Rumors that Israel is in talks with Chad and Rwanda have not been confirmed. The only African countries that could take refugees are Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Libya is too unstable to take any more people. Geographically, North Africa is closer and therefore a better option. If  the proposal is actually genuine it confirms that ethnic cleansing is Israeli policy. The attacks on refugee camps and forced removals are egregious human rights violations. The United Nations has not imposed sanctions, even though Israel has attacked their facilities in Gaza. Israel has met every definition of rouge state and still can commit war crimes. As the prospect of a wide regional war looms, refugee traffic will come to Europe. Europe was unable to cope with the refugee crisis from the Arab Spring. Another wave could more if Lebanon and Iran are involved. Most Palestinians do not want to leave their country. What Israel intends to do is destroy the two state solution and annex the land the would have been independent. When Gaza is absorbed, the West Bank will be next. The DRC should never accept any negotiations with Israel. To do so would be acting as an accomplice in criminal actions. The DRC struggles with armed groups and displaced people. Taking refugees would not be possible.     

Friday, December 22, 2023

Angola Leaves OPEC

 


Angola is set to leave OPEC. This is due to a dispute over oil production and the policies set for 2024. Angola does not want to cut production and wants to fulfill contracts as the reason for the exit from OPEC. How this could impact the global economy is unknown. Angola is one of the biggest oil exporters in Africa. The end of the 16 year membership will have an effect on Angola's economy. Other countries have left OPEC unable to come to a consensus. Oil prices have gone up due to the Russia-Ukraine War and Houti rebel attacks on ships in  the Red Sea. The intent of OPEC is to make a decision about how much crude oil should be sold on the world market. Angola wants to sell its oil without certain restrictions. The minister for mineral resources, gas, and petroleum Diamantino Azevedo expressed that being in OPEC did not advance Angola's interest. Angola did not meet its obligations of production quotas. Simultaneously, members might be getting frustrated with Saudi Arabian domination in the group. Angola has the potential to use it vast oil wealth for further development. This requires improvement to infrastructure and have oil traded in the Angolan Kwanza. The MPLA needs to get back to its democratic socialist ideology ensuring economic advancement for the majority of the population. Angola is a lower middle income country, but should have a higher GDP and GNP. Angola's diamonds, agricultural, and hydroelectric potential means it one day could be one of Africa's richest nations.  

Monday, December 11, 2023

Mali, Burkina Faso , And Niger Form An Alliance

 


A major change is coming to the Sahel region. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are forming a closer alliance. The new alliance will encompass both security and economic agreements. The security security for three countries remains a concern. Terrorist organizations, interference from France, and ECOWAS possibly doing military operations against these governments are the concerns. The Alliance of Sahel States is going into effect. The pact is designed to bring stability to a region in turmoil for 13 years. The Liptako-Gourma region  is where Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger's borders meet. The area has been a place in which multiple armed groups are active. The current condition in the Sahel was blowback from the Arab Spring in North Africa and NATO's attack on Libya. France used the disorder to further its influence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The alliance between these three nations is also going to be economic. A new currency is in the process of being developed  among military governments. The intent appears to be to break away from a currency connected to the euro. The West African CFA franc in use in the region is a symbol of dependency of France. The policies suggested are establishing a joint stabilization fund and creation of an investment bank. All three countries also want to further development efforts. The success of this new alliance depends on the leaders, proper coordination, and the defeat of external enemies. The new alliance has a potential to be a competitor to ECOWAS, if the new currency spreads through out the continent. 

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Paul Biya's First Presidential Inauguration (1982)

 


Cameroon has one of the world's longest serving leaders. Paul Biya was  elected in 1982 and has remained president ever since. At the time he was seen as a reformer and a new wave of African leaders who wanted change in the political system. However, during the 1980s Biya was able to remove political rivals. Cameroon did not have a multi-party system until 1990. The opposition parties have claimed they are being harassed by the government. Allegations of electoral fraud have been made. Now the 90 year old head of state governs in a country and continent much different when Biya first entered government. It was 1964 when Paul Biya became director of the Cabinet of the minister of national education. The Constitution was revised to allow Paul Biya to run for president multiple times. The end of  presidential term limits caused public protests. Paul Biya would best be described as de-facto president for life. Frustration grows as the oil wealth has not been used to improve the standard of living in Cameroon. The outbreak of the Ambazonia War has caused more division in the country. Uncertainty remains about a post-Biya Cameroon. Cameroon might become like Togo, Chad, or formerly Gabon with dynastic succession.