"Time to leave" - Senegal to France
Senegal, under the leadership of 44-year-old President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has joined the anti-French wave sweeping across Francophone countries in West Africa. Elected in March on a radical pan-Africanist agenda, Faye has boldly called for the closure of French military bases in the former colony, which gained independence in 1960. He asserts that the presence of French troops on Senegalese soil is incompatible with the nation's sovereignty. Faye has made it clear that Dakar is not seeking a rupture with Paris but is redefining relations to ensure they are based on mutual respect and cooperation, free from any military presence. Currently, about 350 French military personnel operate out of two bases in the capital.
Senegal, under the leadership of 44-year-old President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has joined the anti-French wave sweeping across Francophone countries in West Africa. Elected in March on a radical pan-Africanist agenda, Faye has boldly called for the closure of French military bases in the former colony, which gained independence in 1960. He asserts that the presence of French troops on Senegalese soil is incompatible with the nation's sovereignty. Faye has made it clear that Dakar is not seeking a rupture with Paris but is redefining relations to ensure they are based on mutual respect and cooperation, free from any military presence. Currently, about 350 French military personnel operate out of two bases in the capital.
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Continued….. Faye cited the example of Senegal's bilateral ties with China, its biggest trading partner: Beijing has no military bases in the West African country.
Faye's decision coincided with the 80th anniversary of a colonial massacre committed on 1st December 1944 by French troops at the Thiaroye military camp near Dakar. Around 1,600 ‘Tirailleurs Sénégalais’ - a corp of African soldiers who had fought for France in World War II - went up to the military camp to demand delayed wages. French troops reportedly opened fire on the unarmed men, killing nearly 400, according to some historians.
Do you agree that the best way to honour the memory of the 'Tirailleurs Sénégalais' is by gaining total independence from France?
Sources:
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20241129-senegal-s-leader-says-france-should-close-all-army-bases-in-country
https://www.newarab.com/news/senegal-leader-calls-france-close-military-bases
https://english.news.cn/20241129/698175acadee400d9d4fc18526de2b19/c.html
Faye's decision coincided with the 80th anniversary of a colonial massacre committed on 1st December 1944 by French troops at the Thiaroye military camp near Dakar. Around 1,600 ‘Tirailleurs Sénégalais’ - a corp of African soldiers who had fought for France in World War II - went up to the military camp to demand delayed wages. French troops reportedly opened fire on the unarmed men, killing nearly 400, according to some historians.
Do you agree that the best way to honour the memory of the 'Tirailleurs Sénégalais' is by gaining total independence from France?
Sources:
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20241129-senegal-s-leader-says-france-should-close-all-army-bases-in-country
https://www.newarab.com/news/senegal-leader-calls-france-close-military-bases
https://english.news.cn/20241129/698175acadee400d9d4fc18526de2b19/c.html
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Continued….. https://diplomaticwatch.com/end-of-an-era-senegal-closes-french-military-bases/
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/senegal-follows-chad--seeks-to-end-french-military-presence
https://tass.com/world/1879807
https://apnews.com/article/senegal-france-thiaroye-colonial-massacre-tirailleurs-76db7190dcbc12349ff0d6ade82309b3
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/senegal-follows-chad--seeks-to-end-french-military-presence
https://tass.com/world/1879807
https://apnews.com/article/senegal-france-thiaroye-colonial-massacre-tirailleurs-76db7190dcbc12349ff0d6ade82309b3
Diplomatic Watch
End of an Era: Senegal Orders Closure of All French Military Bases
In a historic decision, the Senegalese government has announced the closure of all French military bases within its borders, marking
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BURKINA FASO'S QUEST FOR FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara (1949-87) once said, ‘He who feeds you, controls you.’ Throughout the revolution he led, Sankara placed great emphasis on food sovereignty and local production. Today, Burkina Faso's new Pan-African president, Ibrahim Traoré, does the same.
Through a new people’s investment programme, Burkina Faso allows Burkinabé people to invest in entrepreneurial projects to play a direct role in the country's development. Despite growing tomatoes locally, most Burkinabé purchase imported tomato paste from other countries to use in various local recipes. However, through this programme, Burkina Faso was able to open a new tomato paste factory on 30 November in the city of Bobo Dioulasso.
Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara (1949-87) once said, ‘He who feeds you, controls you.’ Throughout the revolution he led, Sankara placed great emphasis on food sovereignty and local production. Today, Burkina Faso's new Pan-African president, Ibrahim Traoré, does the same.
Through a new people’s investment programme, Burkina Faso allows Burkinabé people to invest in entrepreneurial projects to play a direct role in the country's development. Despite growing tomatoes locally, most Burkinabé purchase imported tomato paste from other countries to use in various local recipes. However, through this programme, Burkina Faso was able to open a new tomato paste factory on 30 November in the city of Bobo Dioulasso.
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Continued….. In this same vein, @capitaineib226 (X) also gifted Burkinabé farmers with 20 new optical rice sorters valued at $300,000 to advance local rice production by as much as 3 tonnes per hour per certain machines. Rice is a staple, yet Asian countries export most of the rice Burkinabé people eat. Now, Burkina Faso can increase local rice production for consumption and export.
The government has called on both residents of the country and the diaspora worldwide to donate to the people’s investment programme to support these government-led entrepreneurial activities. For more information, visit apec.bf
Video credit: @mamon45051 (X)
The government has called on both residents of the country and the diaspora worldwide to donate to the people’s investment programme to support these government-led entrepreneurial activities. For more information, visit apec.bf
Video credit: @mamon45051 (X)
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TRUMP THREATENS BRICS
Member-states of the economic alliance known as BRICS resolved at their October summit to do business in their currencies over the globally imposed US dollar. However, that didn't stop US President-elect Donald Trump from warning against it. In a 30 November post on X (previously Twitter), Trump threatened 100 per cent tariffs on all imports into the US market from BRICS member states should they move away from the 'mighty US dollar.'
BRICS is an acronym for the economic alliance that initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In October, it welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS countries now represent 25 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to the United States’ 26 per cent.
Do you think Trump’s threat will deter BRICS members? Take the poll below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Member-states of the economic alliance known as BRICS resolved at their October summit to do business in their currencies over the globally imposed US dollar. However, that didn't stop US President-elect Donald Trump from warning against it. In a 30 November post on X (previously Twitter), Trump threatened 100 per cent tariffs on all imports into the US market from BRICS member states should they move away from the 'mighty US dollar.'
BRICS is an acronym for the economic alliance that initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In October, it welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS countries now represent 25 per cent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compared to the United States’ 26 per cent.
Do you think Trump’s threat will deter BRICS members? Take the poll below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Do you think Trump’s threat will deter BRICS members from using their currencies?
Anonymous Poll
8%
Yes
84%
No
8%
Not Sure
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Continued…..
Sources:
https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1863009545858998512
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/despite-no-brics-currency-plan-donald-trump-issues-threat/articleshow/115874312.cms?from=mdr
https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/10/brics-summit-emerging-middle-powers-g7-g20?lang=en
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-brics-group-and-why-it-expanding
https://infobrics.org/post/40089
https://bricsri.co.za/summit-resolutions
Sources:
https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1863009545858998512
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/despite-no-brics-currency-plan-donald-trump-issues-threat/articleshow/115874312.cms?from=mdr
https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/10/brics-summit-emerging-middle-powers-g7-g20?lang=en
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-brics-group-and-why-it-expanding
https://infobrics.org/post/40089
https://bricsri.co.za/summit-resolutions
X (formerly Twitter)
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) on X
The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar while we stand by and watch is OVER. We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty…
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NIGERIANS SAY FRANCE ARMING BOKO HARAM
Last week, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was on a three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Following the visit, they both shared heartfelt messages - a mix of French, Pidgin and English - on X, expressing appreciation for their growing bond and strengthening ties. Yet, Macron and his government have been accused of sponsoring the notorious terrorist group Boko Haram, which is active in Northern Nigeria. Are these concerns that Tinubu touched on during his state visit?
This resurfaced clip is from a December 2019 protest outside the French Embassy in Abuja, organised by the Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism (MAST). MAST accused the French government of arming Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) militia, particularly to exploit economic resources in the Lake Chad Basin region.
Last week, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was on a three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Following the visit, they both shared heartfelt messages - a mix of French, Pidgin and English - on X, expressing appreciation for their growing bond and strengthening ties. Yet, Macron and his government have been accused of sponsoring the notorious terrorist group Boko Haram, which is active in Northern Nigeria. Are these concerns that Tinubu touched on during his state visit?
This resurfaced clip is from a December 2019 protest outside the French Embassy in Abuja, organised by the Movement Against Slavery and Terrorism (MAST). MAST accused the French government of arming Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) militia, particularly to exploit economic resources in the Lake Chad Basin region.
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Continued……. Although Nigeria is not a former French colony, MAST alleges that President Macron's administration is destabilising the nation, along with other African nations in the region, as part of a broader attempt at what they call recolonisation.
In her speech, Princess Ajibola, the leader of MAST, asserted that France exploits its former colonies under the colonial pact and redirects the funds from this exploitation to sponsor terrorist activities across Africa. MAST called for accountability for Macron and his government, but their concerns have yet to receive any meaningful response.
Video credit: @Choice TV Africa (YouTube)
Sources:
https://www.thecable.ng/is-france-truly-the-face-of-boko-haram/
https://thenationonlineng.net/boko-haram-stop-sponsoring-terrorism-in-africa-protesters-tell-macron/#google_vignette
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/12/group-accuses-france-of-sponsoring-terrorism/#google_vignette
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwkSee39d18
https://x.com/officialABAT/status/1862203486051467735
https://www.dw.com/en/frances-macron-hosts-nigerias-tinubu-for-talks-in-paris/a-70913942
In her speech, Princess Ajibola, the leader of MAST, asserted that France exploits its former colonies under the colonial pact and redirects the funds from this exploitation to sponsor terrorist activities across Africa. MAST called for accountability for Macron and his government, but their concerns have yet to receive any meaningful response.
Video credit: @Choice TV Africa (YouTube)
Sources:
https://www.thecable.ng/is-france-truly-the-face-of-boko-haram/
https://thenationonlineng.net/boko-haram-stop-sponsoring-terrorism-in-africa-protesters-tell-macron/#google_vignette
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/12/group-accuses-france-of-sponsoring-terrorism/#google_vignette
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwkSee39d18
https://x.com/officialABAT/status/1862203486051467735
https://www.dw.com/en/frances-macron-hosts-nigerias-tinubu-for-talks-in-paris/a-70913942
TheCable
Is France truly the face of Boko Haram?
BY ANTHONY KOLAWOLE I have followed the war against terrorism in Nigeria with keen attention and conclude that…
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Joe Biden is in Angola for his first-ever bilateral trip to Africa as US president. The two-day visit comes six weeks before he leaves the White House and it’s relevance has been questioned, with all eyes now on the incoming Donald Trump administration.
The focus of talks will be on the so-called Lobito Corridor - a rail link that carries sought-after minerals to ports and thence to Western markets. The US (along with the EU) has invested hundreds of millions into the project, which is widely seen as the West's way to counter the growing Chinese influence in Africa.
The focus of talks will be on the so-called Lobito Corridor - a rail link that carries sought-after minerals to ports and thence to Western markets. The US (along with the EU) has invested hundreds of millions into the project, which is widely seen as the West's way to counter the growing Chinese influence in Africa.
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Continued........The Lobito Corridor is also touted as Biden's legacy in Africa. It’s unclear what Trump's victory in the presidential election means for the project. Some, worried by Trump's racist disparaging of all things African, fear he'll pull the plug on the investment. But others think his rivalry with China (which is outcompeting the West - and Washington in particular - with its heavy investment into Africa) means the project is likely safe.
What do you think Trump’s plans for Africa are?
Sources;
https://edition.cnn.com/world/africa/angola-lobito-corridor-railway-impact-spc/index.html
https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway/connecting-democratic-republic-congo-zambia-and-angola-global-markets-through-lobito-corridor_en#:~:text=the%20Lobito%20Corridor-,Connecting%20the%20Democratic%20Republic%20of%20the%20Congo%2C%20Zambia%2C%20and%20Angola,through%20investments%20and%20soft%20measures.
What do you think Trump’s plans for Africa are?
Sources;
https://edition.cnn.com/world/africa/angola-lobito-corridor-railway-impact-spc/index.html
https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway/connecting-democratic-republic-congo-zambia-and-angola-global-markets-through-lobito-corridor_en#:~:text=the%20Lobito%20Corridor-,Connecting%20the%20Democratic%20Republic%20of%20the%20Congo%2C%20Zambia%2C%20and%20Angola,through%20investments%20and%20soft%20measures.
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Continued......https://www.voanews.com/a/key-chinese-belt-and-road-projects-underway-in-africa/7767507.html
https://www.ustda.gov/business_opp_oversea/zambia-lobito-railway-environmental-and-social-impact-assessment/
https://www.dfc.gov/sites/default/files/media/documents/BDR%2824%2931%20Lobito%20Atlantic%20Railway%20S.A.pdf
https://railmarket.com/news/freight-rail/6816-lobito-atlantic-railway-begins-operations-on-angola-s-key-rail-corridor
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/13/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-at-the-g7-summit-2/
https://www.dfc.gov/media/press-releases/dfc-announces-new-us-financing-africas-lobito-corridor
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241203-biden-kicks-off-two-day-angola-visit
https://www.ustda.gov/business_opp_oversea/zambia-lobito-railway-environmental-and-social-impact-assessment/
https://www.dfc.gov/sites/default/files/media/documents/BDR%2824%2931%20Lobito%20Atlantic%20Railway%20S.A.pdf
https://railmarket.com/news/freight-rail/6816-lobito-atlantic-railway-begins-operations-on-angola-s-key-rail-corridor
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/13/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-at-the-g7-summit-2/
https://www.dfc.gov/media/press-releases/dfc-announces-new-us-financing-africas-lobito-corridor
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241203-biden-kicks-off-two-day-angola-visit
Voice of America
5 key Chinese 'Belt and Road' projects underway in Africa
The continent is already a key BRI region, with Chinese companies signing contracts there worth more than $700 billion between 2013 and 2023, according to Beijing's commerce ministry
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South Africa-based civil society organisation Open Secrets’ investigation has revealed Africa’s corrupt political elites have laundered embezzled public funds through South Africa’s real estate sector while large sections of their populations live in abject poverty.
These leaders and their associates—often family members—acquire luxury properties in affluent parts of South Africa’s Johannesburg and Cape Town.
In their report, Open Secrets presents case studies from three countries: Mozambique's outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila and Equatorial Guinea's Vice President Teodorín Obiang.
The @opensecretsZA (X) report also accuses South African authorities and banks of complicity by failing to adhere to regulatory checks and balances.
Here’s a closer look at the findings.
These leaders and their associates—often family members—acquire luxury properties in affluent parts of South Africa’s Johannesburg and Cape Town.
In their report, Open Secrets presents case studies from three countries: Mozambique's outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila and Equatorial Guinea's Vice President Teodorín Obiang.
The @opensecretsZA (X) report also accuses South African authorities and banks of complicity by failing to adhere to regulatory checks and balances.
Here’s a closer look at the findings.
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Continued........Sources:
https://www.opensecrets.org.za/property-laundromat/
https://www.theafricareport.com/127303/mozambique-nyusis-alleged-involvement-in-hidden-debt-scandal/
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/southern-africa/mozambique-president-sued-in-uk-over-2-billion-debt-scandal-3599702
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59343922
https://thesentry.org/reports/bank-scandal-in-congo/
https://redress.org/news/how-to-return-teodorin-obiangs-ill-gotten-assets-to-their-rightful-recipients-the-people-of-equatorial-guinea/
https://star.worldbank.org/asset-recovery-watch-database/teodoro-nguema-obiang-mangue-11-luxury-cars-seized-geneva-switzerland
https://www.opensecrets.org.za/property-laundromat/
https://www.theafricareport.com/127303/mozambique-nyusis-alleged-involvement-in-hidden-debt-scandal/
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/southern-africa/mozambique-president-sued-in-uk-over-2-billion-debt-scandal-3599702
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59343922
https://thesentry.org/reports/bank-scandal-in-congo/
https://redress.org/news/how-to-return-teodorin-obiangs-ill-gotten-assets-to-their-rightful-recipients-the-people-of-equatorial-guinea/
https://star.worldbank.org/asset-recovery-watch-database/teodoro-nguema-obiang-mangue-11-luxury-cars-seized-geneva-switzerland
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In 2023, there were loud demands from the West for South Africa to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin and hand him to the International Criminal Court (ICC), should he step foot in the country to attend that year’s BRICS summit. The ICC was - and is - after the Russian leader for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Many in the West - including US politicians - argued that Pretoria had a moral and legal obligation to enforce the ICC warrant against Putin.
One year down the line, and key figures in the West are making very different noises when it comes to enforcing the latest ICC arrest warrants - for Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his ex-defence minister Yoav Gallant. The pair are wanted in connection with alleged genocidal atrocities during Tel Aviv’s 14-month military assault on Gaza.
On 2 December, ICC president Tomoko Akane revealed that the Hague-based court had become the subject of threats, coercive measures and acts of sabotage in recent months.
One year down the line, and key figures in the West are making very different noises when it comes to enforcing the latest ICC arrest warrants - for Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his ex-defence minister Yoav Gallant. The pair are wanted in connection with alleged genocidal atrocities during Tel Aviv’s 14-month military assault on Gaza.
On 2 December, ICC president Tomoko Akane revealed that the Hague-based court had become the subject of threats, coercive measures and acts of sabotage in recent months.
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