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.      

The Status of Power and Electricity Access In Africa

 

The African continent has a problem with access to power and electricity. Nigeria has suffered from power outages. North Africa based on collected data has more access to power compared to Sub-Saharan Africa. The countries that lack the most electricity are The African Central Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad,  and South Sudan. These three countries have a history of civil wars and armed groups fighting the government. The M23 rebels and Seleka rebels have fought in the DRC and the Central African Republic. South Africa has the highest access to electricity in its region. The need for better infrastructure and better power grids should be part of every African country's objective. Power and electricity are needed for modern nations. Electricity can be an indicator of development. Considering Africa's vast mineral and fossil fuel resources the economic possibilities are endless. Data  related to progress on electrification According to the IAEA , the number of people without electricity access expanded. The two major factor related to reversal  was the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis related to events in Europe. The 2019 map shows the status before those two events. The African continent has more access to electricity compared to past. The challenge is keeping the process mobilized. The African Union must develop programs to bring electricity to all of the continent. The World Bank has created a plan known as mission 300. The goal is to get electrification to 300 million in sub-Sharan Africa. Although  the African Development Bank has collaborated with the World Bank on the program, fears of further long term debt arise. Mission 300 wants to have most of the region with electricity by 2030. The time frame is too short for such an ambitious project. The African Union should be leading efforts to provide electricity. Doing so would encourage immense  cooperation between all regions of Africa.  

Zahi Hawass' Views On The Queen Cleopatra Documentary

 

Netflix has released a documentary Queen  Cleopatra and it has generated backlash in Egypt. The race of Cleopatra has been subject to debate. Archeologist Zahi Hawass has also commented on the matter. He has asserted that she was Greek and of European heritage. Hawass'  views are in conflict with African history. The famed archeologist has held the position that Egypt is not an African civilization. It would be incorrect to say Ancient Egypt was not a part of Africa. The modern racism coming from Egypt is about erasing African history. The Arab presence really became prominent in the 7th century. The result was that the Berbers, Libyans, and Nubians were displaced from invasion. Egyptian nationalists are trying to remold ancient history to suit their narrative. The negative reaction of a black actress playing Cleopatra demonstrates anti-black racism among the Egyptian population. Greece has not had the same reaction to this documentary. The bizarre aspect of this is that Arab peoples are worshipping the Ptolemaic dynasty. These were Greek colonizers on a land that did not belong to them. Then Egypt would fall to the Roman Empire.  Yet, the Egyptian nationalists do look at ancient history in that context. Some Egyptians want to even disassociate with West Asia and make distinguish it as uniquely distinct. Zahi Hawass tends to favor this position. The black presence has been in both upper and lower Egypt. The problem with Egyptology was that it was designed to pull the country out of African history. The origins of the field of study were in Europe at a time when Africa was being colonized. The problem is not that Cleopatra is being played by a black actress. The issue is that historians and archeologists are applying their modern concepts of race to ancient history. The only way to know fully about Cleopatra is to find her tomb. If a mummy of her is found and DNA tested, then it can provide information on haplogroups. Zahi Hawass does not favor this, because he might realize the majority of  historical figures in Egypt have African ancestry.   

The African Union Condemns Tunisia's Anti-Sub-Saharan African Rhetoric

 

Racism directed at Sub-Saharan Africans has been a longtime issue in North Africa. Tunisia has come under pressure from the statements by President Kais Saied stated that the presence of migrants was designed to change the demographics of Tunisia. The xenophobic statements are an example of scapegoating a group for a country's problems. Tunisia has failed to provide economic stability and efficient government to the average Tunisian. The Arab Spring did not bring freedom, but authoritarianism in another form. Migrants are set to be removed from Tunisia. President Saied is using fear and hate to increase dictatorial power.  He was quoted as saying " the undeclared waves of illegal immigration is to consider Tunisia a purely African country that has no affiliation with Arab or Islamic nations." Tunisia is an African country that has Arabs, Muslims, Afro-Arabs, and Amazigh. There are small populations of Jews and Christians. The country is more diverse than Kais Saied presents it. The estimated number of migrants is 21,000. Considering the population is 12 million, migrants do not pose the demographic threat  espoused by President Kais Saied. Human rights groups in Tunisia continue to oppose the government and its policies. The sudden shift comes as the population grows more frustrated with corrupt leadership. Migrants are a distraction from the government's failures and mismanagement.  

Growing Protests In Libya

 

Protests are spreading across Libya. The population has become vexed at the high prices, power cuts, political inaction, and an overall decline in the standard of living. The Tobruk parliament  was attacked. The country is divided between rival governments with the other based in Tripoli. Libya might be falling apart. Armed groups and terrorist organizations remain active. The prosperous African nation has become closer to a failed state over the past decade. The United Nations has attempted to broker a settlement between rival factions. The destabilization was the result of UN  Security Council Resolution 1972 and the NATO invasion. Under Qaddafi Libya had free education and healthcare. The United Nations has condemned the protesters attacks on government buildings. The condemnation seems contradictory considering the UN enabled the destabilization in the country. Libya did not hold elections last December due to the security situation and possible corruption. Libyans are now seeing their government as more of a puppet to foreign interests. Libya is gradually falling into another civil war, which if it continues could cause some form of balkanization.  

Former Algerian Abdelaziz Bouteflika Has Died

 

One of Algeria's longest serving presidents has died. A 20 year presidency saw an end to the Algerian Civil War in 2002. His leadership was able to survive the Arab spring in 2011. However, when Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced he was running for a fifth term, protests broke out. Questions surrounding his health and growing corruption became concerns among Algerians. The response was to end emergency rule. This was done prior to the 2019 demonstrations. His career as a political figure began in 1962. Prior to this he fought for Algerian independence joining the National Liberation Army. Eventually, he would participate in the 1965 military coup  deposing Ahmed Ben Bella. Algeria under his presidency attempted to gain closer ties to France, while improving  relations with Sub-Saharan African states. The 2005 French riots harmed relations with France. The discrimination of the Algerian French population and rising Islamophobia became a concern. Tuareg rebellions in Mali and tension with Morocco became major issues in his second term. Suffering a stroke in 2013, many believed that President Bouteflika was no longer fit to govern. Over the decades, the country was becoming more authoritarian similar to Tunisia and Egypt. Algeria is charting a new political course. The hinderance to change comes from the military and the NLF Party that Abdelaziz Bouteflika contributed to.   

President Kias Saied and The Crisis in Tunisia

 

President Kias Saied has suspended parliament. Saied was elected as an independent who vowed to challenge political corruption in Tunisia. The major source of contention was control of the security forces.  The security forces were what kept the authoritarian structure functioning . Disagreements and political factionalism are dividing the country. Saied decided to remove the prime minister and invoke emergency powers. Tunisia experiment with an accountable and democratic government may be coming to an end. Some speculate that what occurred in Tunisia around 2010 was nothing more than a regime change. Since the fall of Zine Abidine Ben Ali Tunisia has struggled to maintain stability. A stagnant economy and problems from a global pandemic only made conditions worse. Demonstrations are growing through out the country. While President Saied still maintains support, it remains in question how much  popularity  the Ennahda Party. Tunisia was suppose to be a model of democratic transition. The narrative of the Arab Spring as being a revolutionary movement does appear to be an accurate assessment. President Kias Saied could become like former leaders of Tunisia. North Africa continues to deal with the fall out from the uprisings that happened ten years ago. Algeria, Libya, and Egypt have similar difficulties. The use of emergency powers in Tunisia could be used against political opposition.  

Ethiopian-Egyptian Dispute Reaches An Impasse

Attempts at negotiating an agreement  regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have stalled. Tensions are escalating between Ethiopia and Egypt. The problem is related to water access to the Nile River. As climate change becomes more dramatic, water resources become more valuable. Access to clean water is not only about profit, but survival itself. Nourishing a population and essential to agriculture water security in Africa is a serious issue. President Adullah Sisi of Egypt  and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are faced with both internal and regional challenges. Ethiopia must recognize Oromo aspirations and avoid conflict, while maintaining peace with Eritrea. Egypt has to deal with economic instability and  be aware of the disorder in Libya. Sudan's condition by be an area of consensus between the two countries. These internal and external problems may prevent a war. The risk is too high, if diplomacy can still be effective. The Nile dispute will not be solved quickly. Egypt requested a UN intervention to help with the standoff. A better option would probably to address grievances at the African Union. There was only one time that these two countries went to war. The Ethio-Egyptian War lasted from 1874 to 1876 and resulted in a victory for the Abyssinian Empire. The current situation is not as intense, but could escalate.   

Hosni Mubarak Passes Away

A chapter in Egyptian history was closed with the death of former president Hosni Mubarak. He ruled for thirty years and was deposed by the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The Arab Spring swept across the Middle East resulting in the fall in longtime leaders. It is questionable, whether this revolution was genuine. Most observers note that it appears that the 2011 uprisings were regime changes. So far, countries of the Middle East and North Africa have reverted back to authoritarian systems. Mubarak did not face serious jail time for possible crimes or the deaths of protesters in during the Arab Spring. This demonstrated that the military still holds more power in Egyptian government. The Mubarak presidency went to many lengths to suppress the Muslim Brotherhood and  used it as an excuse to stifle dissent. Another coup in 2013, brought an end to the democratically elected government. The reason Mubarak did not share such a gruesome end like his colleagues from neighboring  states was that the West favored his rule. The military establishment protected him and made sure his sentencing was reduced. Hosni Mubarak was released from prison in 2017 despite public outrage. The charges against him were for corruption and murder, which he was sentenced to life. That was overturned and he continued to live a peaceful live. Although Mubarak is gone the authoritarian structure he built is still intact. Egypt still has a long way to go to creating a government that meets the needs of every citizen. President Abdel Fattah Sisi continues to model himself on a Mubarak style form of administration, leaving little hope for reform.     

Turkey Promises Support of the GNA in Libya

Turkey has become more involved in the affairs of its neighbors. This is extending further, beyond the Middle East into North Africa. Libya has become another area of interest to Turkey, seeing to expand its influence . Since 2011, the country has been in a state of civil war with two rival factions fighting for control. Turkey recognizes the Tripoli based Government of National Accord. Under the leadership of Fayez Al-Sarraj President Recep Erdogan has found an ally. Turkey wants to revive the power it had under Ottoman rule and with the Arab Spring it enabled a power void. Libya is another place that will fall under Turkish influence similar to Syria and Iraq. The challenge in Libya is that the Libyan Arab Armed Forces under Khalifa Hafner did not want a peace deal. The United Nations attempted to broker such a peace deal with little success. The Toburk based faction has support from both Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The EU stated it will impose an arms embargo, which President Erdogan condemned. Turkey will continue to be involved in Libya militarily and in its domestic affairs. This has caused a reaction within the Mediterranean region. Greece and Cyprus have objected to the Turkish-GNA alliance. Matters only become more complicated with more refugees fleeing war and terrorism.  

Zine el Abidine Ben Ali Has Died

The former president of Tunisia Zine el Abidine Ben Ali has died in exile. When the Arab Spring erupted in 2011, he fled to Saudi Arabia. As Tunisia attempts to change course in its politics it seems that a chapter in its history has ended. Ben Ali's leadership was authoritarian, but rarely was condemned by the EU countries or US. The reason was that he was largely compliant with their interests. This explains why there were no demands from western nations that he resign like in Libya or Egypt. He was given safe protection, but that did not stop him from having a trial  absentia . President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali was known to ban political parties on the basis of fighting Islamic fundamentalist groups.What this was really doing was stopping political opposition to his rule. It was in 1991 that he banned the Nahdah Party. Zine el Abidine Ben Ali came to power through a coup in 1987 removing longtime President Habib Bourguiba. Corruption during the Ben Ali presidency was widespread and it was suspected that his family as well as allies were embezzling public funds. It has been alleged that Ben Ali had a Swiss bank account, which was frozen after he fled the country. It is uncertain if Tunisia can get these funds back, even though it may be the country's own money. President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali's rule left  Tunisia in a state of high unemployment,poverty, and general decline. Tunisia may easily revert back to an authoritarian model if Islamist parties gain more power.       

The Tunisian Elections (2014)

It was 2014 when Tunisia declared its first truly free and fair election. President Zine El Abidine  Ben Ali had been removed from office due what would be know as the Arab Spring uprisings that swept across North Africa and the Middle East. This video from five years ago reports on the polls by Euronews. Beji Caid Essebsi became Tunisia's next president, but his association with the former administration drew criticism. He served as parliament speaker under the Ben Ali administration and some feared that the authoritarian tendencies would reemerge. Like most North African countries the new political transitions did not bring about more freedoms or improved living standards. Moncef Marzouk of the Congress of the Republic party ran against him claiming human rights would be under threat. Beji Caid Essebsi 's rule was not long when he passed  away at the age of 92 in 2019. The concern about electing older leaders is that their health may effect their capacity to govern. Sudden deaths could put the country in turmoil and peaceful transitions may not be possible. The Nidaa Tounes party has to figure out its political vision without their leader. Tunisia faces a bigger challenge of being next to two countries Libya and Algeria which are also dealing with political crisis and insurrection. Essebi's legacy is already being mythologized for the sake of make it seem as if the 2011 revolution promoted progress. It is too early to make such a proclamation, however the next administration will have to confront security and economic problems. 

The Continuing Algerian Protests

There may be immense changes coming to Algeria in the coming months. What started as a movement to stop Abdelaziz  Bouteflika  from running for another term, has now turned into a movement to have him resign. So far, President Bouteflika has been gradually losing support from the military and even some within the FLN  leadership. The Algerian population may have a strong desire to see change and political reform, but there is the possibility of turbulence. The Arab Spring demonstrated that there are limitations to sudden sporadic movements with no specific plan to replace the former political structures. Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt have either reverted back to its authoritarian systems or deteriorated into disorder. Libya has become a place of terrorist organizations and armed groups. Algeria had been in a state of civil war, but it is uncertain if such a conflict would occur again. One of Bouteflika's achievements was to end the civil war, but it was done on the condition that Islamists were amnesty. President Bouteflika announced that he would not seek another term. However, he may not have suspected that there would be calls for his resignation. After suffering a stroke in 2013, many question his health and ability to govern. A sudden resignation could cause problems with the transfer of power in the future. Since 1999, Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been the president of Algeria and its longest head of state. The opposition must be ready to make changes if or when President Bouteflika is no longer in office. If not violence and a wave of refugees fleeing to Europe may happen. There has become a huge divide between the general public and ruling political elite  that will not simply be solved by removing Bouteflika. North Africa continues to under go political and social transformation. Algeria attempted to avoid such upheaval, but the demand for reform was too great. 

Libya Remains A Battleground

Libya remains a battleground eight years after the civil war. Nation building and neocolonialism remain Africa's biggest security threats directed by the EU and US. The Al Jazeera report attempts to present an optimistic outlook about Libya's future, stating that they are better off without Qaddafi. This popular fiction distorts the facts that under Muammar Qaddafi Libya has economic stability, functioning social services, and was embarking on projects of Pan-African unity. The Libya invention also cost Hillary Clinton the 2016 presidential election in relation to the e-mail scandal and the death of Christopher Stevens. The support for rebel factions in Libya was the nadir of the Obama administration and still has devastating consequences. Libya is not free, rather it is under domination of militias, terrorist organizations, and foreign powers. The government based in Tripoli is supported by the United Nations, while the Benghazi based capital is supported by Egypt, France, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Khalifa Hafner has become more willing to escalate conflict with other warlords to obtain power in Libya. Tribalism and racism has become more pronounced after the fall of  the Qaddafi government. There are Amazigh  who are demanding greater autonomy who did face a level of discrimination under  Qaddafi. It seems clear that Libya will not be stable anytime soon.  

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Is Running For Another Term

President Adelaziz Bouteflika has no plans to relinquish the presidency with the intent to run for another term. He has been in power since 1999, with a political career that began in 1962. Algeria was able to avoid the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, which saw many of the longtime  North African leaders fall from power. Bouteflika however, has faced major health problems. A stroke in 2013 has left him wheelchair bound. There is the claim from the ruling coalition that he still has the ability to lead. There is a growing concern that others are manipulating him and gradually taking power. A youthful population has grown ever more restless, which could result in mass protests and insurrection. France has significant investment in the country and has held a pro-Bouteflika position. Unless there is serious political reform or dramatic change, President Bouteflika could either lose the election or face being removed forcefully from power. It seems that the semi-democratic system has been undermined by a strong executive power coming from the ruling party.President Bouteflika's rare public appearances make many wonder if he really is in control at all. A sudden destabilization of Algeria could increase migrant and refugee traffic. What also might happen would be more armed conflict in neighboring Libya spilling over into other nations such as Niger, Chad, or Sudan.