🇪🇬🇨🇳 Egypt launches Horus 1 satellite for remote sensing from China
The CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), Sherif Sedky, announced that Egypt has successfully launched the “Horus 1” satellite from the launch base in northwest China.
"There is great cooperation between Egypt and China in the field of space and launching satellites, and we are also establishing a center for assembling, integrating and testing satellites,” he said.
Sedky added that the Horus 1 satellite is remote sensing and carries a high-resolution imaging camera on board, thus serving all the requirements of the Egyptian state’s strategic vision 2030 and requirements of sustainable development.
#Egypt #China
@africaintel
The CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), Sherif Sedky, announced that Egypt has successfully launched the “Horus 1” satellite from the launch base in northwest China.
"There is great cooperation between Egypt and China in the field of space and launching satellites, and we are also establishing a center for assembling, integrating and testing satellites,” he said.
Sedky added that the Horus 1 satellite is remote sensing and carries a high-resolution imaging camera on board, thus serving all the requirements of the Egyptian state’s strategic vision 2030 and requirements of sustainable development.
#Egypt #China
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇪🇹 Referendum has started in Ethiopia In 6 zones (Gamo, Gedeo, Gofa, Konso, Wallaita and South Omo) and 5 special areas (Amaro, Alle, Basketo, Burji and Dirashe) of the Southern Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and People's Region a referendum to create a…
🇪🇹 The results of the referendum in Ethiopia were announced
The National Election Commission of Ethiopia announced the results of the referendum. According to them the majority of residents of 5 (Gamo, Gedeo, Gofa, Konso and South Omo) of the 6 zones and 5 special areas (Amaro, Alle, Basketo, Burji and Dirache) voted to unite and create a new state.
At the moment, NEBE is verifying the ballots from the Wallaite zone because of the discovery of numerous irregularities during the referendum.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
The National Election Commission of Ethiopia announced the results of the referendum. According to them the majority of residents of 5 (Gamo, Gedeo, Gofa, Konso and South Omo) of the 6 zones and 5 special areas (Amaro, Alle, Basketo, Burji and Dirache) voted to unite and create a new state.
At the moment, NEBE is verifying the ballots from the Wallaite zone because of the discovery of numerous irregularities during the referendum.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
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Main Events in Africa on February 19-25
🇳🇬 Elections are held in Nigeria. Earlier this week: senate candidate was shot dead and body was burnt; the land borders were closed for election day; rebels attacks intensified ahead of elections.
🇧🇫🇫🇷 French troops completely withdrew from Burkina Faso. In north of the country jihadists have stepped up their attacks. 5000 soldiers are going to be recruited to fight them.
🇲🇱 Jihadists' offensive in Mali. Three UN peacekeepers were killed, five were injured. Villagers were shot and homes were burnt down in central Mali. Ex-Mali rebels are launching a counterattack against Jihadists.
🇹🇳 Political crackdowns continue in Tunisia. The opposition leader was summoned to the court on incitement charges, while more dissidents are detained. European trade union chief was expelled for taking part in protest. The president says migration to Tunisia is aimed at changing demography. Opposition announces new protests.
🇨🇩 The situation in eastern DR Congo worsens. Rebels launched new offensive. People flee as M23 forces advance. Opposition parties say voter registration flawed, favours ruling coalition.
🇿🇦 South Africa hosts joint maritime exercises involving China and Russia, military defends the decision to host exercises.
🇲🇱🇧🇫🇷🇺 Mali and Burkina Faso refuse to condemn Russia at UN.
🇿🇦 CEO of South Africa's utility Eskom left company, new CEO was appointed to fight energy crisis.
🇩🇯 Djibouti held parliamentary elections.
🇲🇬🇲🇺🇲🇿 Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit hard Madagascar, Mauritius and Mozambique.
#digest
@africaintel
🇳🇬 Elections are held in Nigeria. Earlier this week: senate candidate was shot dead and body was burnt; the land borders were closed for election day; rebels attacks intensified ahead of elections.
🇧🇫🇫🇷 French troops completely withdrew from Burkina Faso. In north of the country jihadists have stepped up their attacks. 5000 soldiers are going to be recruited to fight them.
🇲🇱 Jihadists' offensive in Mali. Three UN peacekeepers were killed, five were injured. Villagers were shot and homes were burnt down in central Mali. Ex-Mali rebels are launching a counterattack against Jihadists.
🇹🇳 Political crackdowns continue in Tunisia. The opposition leader was summoned to the court on incitement charges, while more dissidents are detained. European trade union chief was expelled for taking part in protest. The president says migration to Tunisia is aimed at changing demography. Opposition announces new protests.
🇨🇩 The situation in eastern DR Congo worsens. Rebels launched new offensive. People flee as M23 forces advance. Opposition parties say voter registration flawed, favours ruling coalition.
🇿🇦 South Africa hosts joint maritime exercises involving China and Russia, military defends the decision to host exercises.
🇲🇱🇧🇫🇷🇺 Mali and Burkina Faso refuse to condemn Russia at UN.
🇿🇦 CEO of South Africa's utility Eskom left company, new CEO was appointed to fight energy crisis.
🇩🇯 Djibouti held parliamentary elections.
🇲🇬🇲🇺🇲🇿 Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit hard Madagascar, Mauritius and Mozambique.
#digest
@africaintel
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Africa Intel pinned «Main Events in Africa on February 19-25 🇳🇬 Elections are held in Nigeria. Earlier this week: senate candidate was shot dead and body was burnt; the land borders were closed for election day; rebels attacks intensified ahead of elections. 🇧🇫🇫🇷 French troops…»
🇩🇿🇺🇦 Algeria to reopen its embassy in Kiev after one-year closure
Algeria will reopen its embassy in Kiev one year after it was closed over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Algerian state television said.
"This decision falls within the framework of preserving the interests of the Algerian state and the interests of the national community in this country," state TV quoted the foreign ministry statement as saying. "The Algerian embassy in Kiev, which suspended its activities due to the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, will be managed by the Chargé d'Affaires."
The decision to reopen the embassy will be effective "as soon as possible," the statement read.
#Algeria #Ukraine
@africaintel
Algeria will reopen its embassy in Kiev one year after it was closed over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Algerian state television said.
"This decision falls within the framework of preserving the interests of the Algerian state and the interests of the national community in this country," state TV quoted the foreign ministry statement as saying. "The Algerian embassy in Kiev, which suspended its activities due to the deteriorating security situation in Ukraine, will be managed by the Chargé d'Affaires."
The decision to reopen the embassy will be effective "as soon as possible," the statement read.
#Algeria #Ukraine
@africaintel
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🇹🇳 Tunisian civil society groups denounce anti-migrant rhetoric
Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of Tunis on Saturday. They denounced anti-migrants rhetoric, days after the president claimed there was a plot to erase Tunisia's identity by bringing immigrants from sub-Saharan countries.
During a national security council meeting, president Saied said measures were needed to address the illegal entry of sub-Saharan Africans who allegedly came with "with their lot of violence, crimes and unacceptable practices."
"After the speech of the President of the Republic, we recorded many escalations of racist attacks against refugees in sub-Saharan Africa," the spokesman of Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights said.
The protest was organised by the union of Tunisian Journalists and several non-governmental organisations.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of Tunis on Saturday. They denounced anti-migrants rhetoric, days after the president claimed there was a plot to erase Tunisia's identity by bringing immigrants from sub-Saharan countries.
During a national security council meeting, president Saied said measures were needed to address the illegal entry of sub-Saharan Africans who allegedly came with "with their lot of violence, crimes and unacceptable practices."
"After the speech of the President of the Republic, we recorded many escalations of racist attacks against refugees in sub-Saharan Africa," the spokesman of Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights said.
The protest was organised by the union of Tunisian Journalists and several non-governmental organisations.
#Tunisia
@africaintel
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🇫🇷🌍 French President to tour four central Africa nations
French President Emmanuel Macron will next week undertake a four-nation tour of central African countries, as Paris seeks to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region.
Macron is to visit Gabon for an environmental summit, followed by Angola, then the Republic of Congo, and finally the Democratic Republic of Congo. Macron will arrive in Gabon on March 1. Macron is scheduled to wind up his tour on March 4.
His visits come as alarm grows in Paris over the growing role of Russia in French-speaking African countries, alongside a Chinese push for influence that has been apparent for some years.
#France #Africa
@africaintel
French President Emmanuel Macron will next week undertake a four-nation tour of central African countries, as Paris seeks to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region.
Macron is to visit Gabon for an environmental summit, followed by Angola, then the Republic of Congo, and finally the Democratic Republic of Congo. Macron will arrive in Gabon on March 1. Macron is scheduled to wind up his tour on March 4.
His visits come as alarm grows in Paris over the growing role of Russia in French-speaking African countries, alongside a Chinese push for influence that has been apparent for some years.
#France #Africa
@africaintel
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🇷🇺🇺🇸🌍 Moscow accuses U.S. of attempts to disrupt Russia-Africa relations
The United States is "exerting unprecedented pressure" on African countries, including attempting to disrupt a planned Russia-Africa summit, Russia's deputy foreign minister said.
"The United States and its allies are conducting an unprecedented campaign for the political and economic isolation of Russia, including the disruption of the Russian-Africa second summit in St. Petersburg," deputy foreign minister told.
"Since the beginning of the special military operation, the collective West has significantly increased pressure on African countries - through threats of imposing sanctions, termination of financial and humanitarian aid," he added.
#Russia #USA #Africa
@africaintel
The United States is "exerting unprecedented pressure" on African countries, including attempting to disrupt a planned Russia-Africa summit, Russia's deputy foreign minister said.
"The United States and its allies are conducting an unprecedented campaign for the political and economic isolation of Russia, including the disruption of the Russian-Africa second summit in St. Petersburg," deputy foreign minister told.
"Since the beginning of the special military operation, the collective West has significantly increased pressure on African countries - through threats of imposing sanctions, termination of financial and humanitarian aid," he added.
#Russia #USA #Africa
@africaintel
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🇸🇴 Three dead after African peacekeeping mission helicopter crashes in Somalia
Three people died and eight others were injured when a helicopter operated by the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed on Saturday in the country's Lower Shabelle region.
In the statement the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia said the helicopter, carrying eleven passengers including soldiers from Somalia military, was participating in training drills for casualty evacuation when the crash occurred.
It did not give any details on casualties, including their nationality, but said investigations had begun to determine the cause of the crash.
#Somalia
@africaintel
Three people died and eight others were injured when a helicopter operated by the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed on Saturday in the country's Lower Shabelle region.
In the statement the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia said the helicopter, carrying eleven passengers including soldiers from Somalia military, was participating in training drills for casualty evacuation when the crash occurred.
It did not give any details on casualties, including their nationality, but said investigations had begun to determine the cause of the crash.
#Somalia
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Nigerians await the results of elections
Despite the cases of violence, delays and technical glitches, the elections can be considered successful for the current moment.
Following widespread delays and some attacks on polling stations on Saturday, voting has been postponed until Sunday in parts of the country. In other areas, voting continued through the night.
For the first time since the end of military rule in 1999, a third-party candidate, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, has challenged the APC and PDP dominance with a campaign message of change.
Final results are not expected before Monday at the earliest, and possibly not until Wednesday.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Despite the cases of violence, delays and technical glitches, the elections can be considered successful for the current moment.
Following widespread delays and some attacks on polling stations on Saturday, voting has been postponed until Sunday in parts of the country. In other areas, voting continued through the night.
For the first time since the end of military rule in 1999, a third-party candidate, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, has challenged the APC and PDP dominance with a campaign message of change.
Final results are not expected before Monday at the earliest, and possibly not until Wednesday.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇫🇷🇧🇫 The French army has finally left Burkina Faso
A Russian channel Rybar analyzed the withdrawal of French troops from Burkina Faso.
On February 19, the last group of French troops left the military camp of Bila Zagre, northeast of the capital of Burkina Faso. The aircrafts had been withdrawn at the beginning of the month, so for the last several weeks the French were flown out by a Ukrainian An-124, making one or two flights a day.
🔻Why did the France leave?
Relations between the governments of Burkina Faso and the Fifth Republic heated up after the military coup in September 2022, the cause of which was the failure of anti-terrorist tactics and the pro-French position of the authorities at a time of growing anti-colonial sentiment in society.
▪️The formal reason for the withdrawal of troops was the denunciation by the new government of Burkina Faso of the treaty regulating the presence of French armed forces in the country, and the active growth of anti-French propaganda.
▪️At the end of 2022, a wave of protests swept Burkina Faso. Amid the deteriorating security situation, people began to demand that the authorities follow the example of Mali.
The authorities in Bamako publicly distanced themselves from France, which they accuse of inaction and support for terrorist groups, and became closer to Russia.
Soon after that rumors about the appearance of the Wagner PMC in Burkina Faso began to circulate.
▪️Meanwhile, despite the withdrawal of the military contingent, France still maintains economic leverage over the authorities in Ouagadougou.
🔻What's next?
The Wagner have already begun to work in the territory, but the government of Burkina Faso still denies this fact.
▪️Cooperation with the Wagner PMC, which is already active in Mali, seems a logical decision.
To counter terrorists in the "zone of Three Borders" from two sides in the future will become much easier.
▪️In the case of expansion of the Wagner's activities in the region, there will be a question of optimizing the logistics, for which a large port is desirable.
For example, the Cameroonian port of Douala is actively used to supply Russian forces in the CAR, along with aircrafts.
In this regard, Wagner needs to gain a foothold in Ghana, Togo or Benin - the neighbors of Burkina Faso, which have similar ports and also face the threat of terrorism. However, the authorities of all three countries are pro-French, and protest activity there is incomparably lower than in Mali or Burkina Faso. So it is unlikely that it would be possible to enter these countries on the wave of coups.
🔻The authorities in Ouagadougou have recently encountered particularly fierce resistance from radical Islamists. That is why the government is now focused on finding new allies and buying weapons, including the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs. Along with this, the militias are being mobilized. It is important for the population to see an active fight against terrorism, unlike what it was in the past. The current military regime has a year and a half until the next election to justify its policies.
#BurkinaFaso #France
@africaintel
A Russian channel Rybar analyzed the withdrawal of French troops from Burkina Faso.
On February 19, the last group of French troops left the military camp of Bila Zagre, northeast of the capital of Burkina Faso. The aircrafts had been withdrawn at the beginning of the month, so for the last several weeks the French were flown out by a Ukrainian An-124, making one or two flights a day.
🔻Why did the France leave?
Relations between the governments of Burkina Faso and the Fifth Republic heated up after the military coup in September 2022, the cause of which was the failure of anti-terrorist tactics and the pro-French position of the authorities at a time of growing anti-colonial sentiment in society.
▪️The formal reason for the withdrawal of troops was the denunciation by the new government of Burkina Faso of the treaty regulating the presence of French armed forces in the country, and the active growth of anti-French propaganda.
▪️At the end of 2022, a wave of protests swept Burkina Faso. Amid the deteriorating security situation, people began to demand that the authorities follow the example of Mali.
The authorities in Bamako publicly distanced themselves from France, which they accuse of inaction and support for terrorist groups, and became closer to Russia.
Soon after that rumors about the appearance of the Wagner PMC in Burkina Faso began to circulate.
▪️Meanwhile, despite the withdrawal of the military contingent, France still maintains economic leverage over the authorities in Ouagadougou.
🔻What's next?
The Wagner have already begun to work in the territory, but the government of Burkina Faso still denies this fact.
▪️Cooperation with the Wagner PMC, which is already active in Mali, seems a logical decision.
To counter terrorists in the "zone of Three Borders" from two sides in the future will become much easier.
▪️In the case of expansion of the Wagner's activities in the region, there will be a question of optimizing the logistics, for which a large port is desirable.
For example, the Cameroonian port of Douala is actively used to supply Russian forces in the CAR, along with aircrafts.
In this regard, Wagner needs to gain a foothold in Ghana, Togo or Benin - the neighbors of Burkina Faso, which have similar ports and also face the threat of terrorism. However, the authorities of all three countries are pro-French, and protest activity there is incomparably lower than in Mali or Burkina Faso. So it is unlikely that it would be possible to enter these countries on the wave of coups.
🔻The authorities in Ouagadougou have recently encountered particularly fierce resistance from radical Islamists. That is why the government is now focused on finding new allies and buying weapons, including the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs. Along with this, the militias are being mobilized. It is important for the population to see an active fight against terrorism, unlike what it was in the past. The current military regime has a year and a half until the next election to justify its policies.
#BurkinaFaso #France
@africaintel
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🇲🇦🇩🇿 Morocco declares that the territory of Eastern Sahara in Algeria is Moroccan territory
Director of the Royal Documents Directorates Bahija Al-Simo said that Morocco has archives of documents, confirming the country’s roots and long-standing history in the Eastern Sahara (present-day southwest Algeria).
During the forum, Al-Simo stressed that Morocco has documents that serve as strong evidence of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Eastern and Western Sahara.
"France seized the Eastern Sahara in favor of Algeria in 1962." According to her, the relevant documents "are available" and can be presented to the general public.
#Morocco #Algeria
@africaintel
Director of the Royal Documents Directorates Bahija Al-Simo said that Morocco has archives of documents, confirming the country’s roots and long-standing history in the Eastern Sahara (present-day southwest Algeria).
During the forum, Al-Simo stressed that Morocco has documents that serve as strong evidence of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Eastern and Western Sahara.
"France seized the Eastern Sahara in favor of Algeria in 1962." According to her, the relevant documents "are available" and can be presented to the general public.
#Morocco #Algeria
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 Nigeria's electoral commission starts announcing state-wide results
Nigeria's electoral commission began announcing state-by-state results from national elections on Sunday, though it is not expected to name a victor in the race to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari for several days.
Votes in presidential and parliamentary elections are collated in each of Nigeria's 36 states before the count is transmitted to the electoral commission's central tallying centre in the capital Abuja.
The first results, from Ekiki state, showed a majority of votes for president cast in favour of Bola Tinubu of the governing All Progressives Congress.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's electoral commission began announcing state-by-state results from national elections on Sunday, though it is not expected to name a victor in the race to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari for several days.
Votes in presidential and parliamentary elections are collated in each of Nigeria's 36 states before the count is transmitted to the electoral commission's central tallying centre in the capital Abuja.
The first results, from Ekiki state, showed a majority of votes for president cast in favour of Bola Tinubu of the governing All Progressives Congress.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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Forwarded from Sahel Intel
🇳🇬 How do you win an election in Nigeria?
In a Nigerian presidential election, a candidate does not need a majority of votes, they simply need more than any other candidate. However, there is one more requirement: getting at least 25% of voters in two thirds of Nigeria's 36 states (plus the capital territory). Essentially, one needs to have at least some support even in areas where one doesn't win.
This was easy enough in past elections, which have mostly seen two main contenders, meaning that the runner-up in any state is almost guaranteed to gain the requisite support. But this election is different.
The 2023 Nigerian election has three major candidates, meaning it is within the realm of possibility for a popular candidate to fall below the 25% mark in a state or states, and risk failing to meet the 2/3 cutoff.
The candidate (I believe) most at risk of this pitfall is Obi. Obi has tremendous support, but he needs to get it in enough Nigerian states if he's to become president. The south as a whole constitutes 16 states; even if Obi were to dominate all of these, he would still need to be a major contender in almost ten northern states. We will see if he can do it.
Atiku, as the only major northern candidate, will likely get his requisite support in all northern states, and then simply needs to contest in a few southern ones.
In a Nigerian presidential election, a candidate does not need a majority of votes, they simply need more than any other candidate. However, there is one more requirement: getting at least 25% of voters in two thirds of Nigeria's 36 states (plus the capital territory). Essentially, one needs to have at least some support even in areas where one doesn't win.
This was easy enough in past elections, which have mostly seen two main contenders, meaning that the runner-up in any state is almost guaranteed to gain the requisite support. But this election is different.
The 2023 Nigerian election has three major candidates, meaning it is within the realm of possibility for a popular candidate to fall below the 25% mark in a state or states, and risk failing to meet the 2/3 cutoff.
The candidate (I believe) most at risk of this pitfall is Obi. Obi has tremendous support, but he needs to get it in enough Nigerian states if he's to become president. The south as a whole constitutes 16 states; even if Obi were to dominate all of these, he would still need to be a major contender in almost ten northern states. We will see if he can do it.
Atiku, as the only major northern candidate, will likely get his requisite support in all northern states, and then simply needs to contest in a few southern ones.
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🇺🇸🌍 Jill Biden says Horn of Africa needs more drought relief
US First Lady Jill Biden on Sunday visited drought-affected communities in Kenya and appealed for "wealthy nations" to give more as the Horn of Africa suffers its driest conditions in decades.
"We cannot be the only ones. We have to have other countries join us in this global effort to help these people of the region," said Biden.
In Namibia, Biden said the United States was committed to helping African nations get a louder voice at the UN and other international bodies.
#USA #Africa
@africaintel
US First Lady Jill Biden on Sunday visited drought-affected communities in Kenya and appealed for "wealthy nations" to give more as the Horn of Africa suffers its driest conditions in decades.
"We cannot be the only ones. We have to have other countries join us in this global effort to help these people of the region," said Biden.
In Namibia, Biden said the United States was committed to helping African nations get a louder voice at the UN and other international bodies.
#USA #Africa
@africaintel
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🇺🇳🇪🇹 UN to debate alleged war crimes in Ethiopia’s Tigray
The United Nations Human Rights Council begins a mammoth five-week session in Geneva starting on Monday. The council promotes human rights worldwide and investigates violations.
The council will also look at Myanmar, South Sudan, North Korea, Russia and Belarus. The agenda also covers alleged war crimes in Ethiopia.
#UN #Ethiopia
@africaintel
The United Nations Human Rights Council begins a mammoth five-week session in Geneva starting on Monday. The council promotes human rights worldwide and investigates violations.
The council will also look at Myanmar, South Sudan, North Korea, Russia and Belarus. The agenda also covers alleged war crimes in Ethiopia.
#UN #Ethiopia
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇫🇷🌍 French President to tour four central Africa nations French President Emmanuel Macron will next week undertake a four-nation tour of central African countries, as Paris seeks to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence in the region. Macron is to…
🇫🇷🌍 Macron seeks strategy shift in Africa visit
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline new Africa policy ahead of his visit to four African countries beginning from Monday. It comes as Paris seeks to counter growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Anti-French sentiment has been running high in some of its former colonies in the Sahel.
#France #Africa
@africaintel
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline new Africa policy ahead of his visit to four African countries beginning from Monday. It comes as Paris seeks to counter growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Anti-French sentiment has been running high in some of its former colonies in the Sahel.
#France #Africa
@africaintel
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