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The Algerian president’s visit to Russia or a splash in the water!
The Algerian president’s visit to Russia or a splash in the water: On Tuesday June 13, 2023, the Algerian president began a three-day state visit to Russia, “at the invitation of his counterpart Vladimir Putin”.
The Algerian president’s visit to Russia, or a splash in the water!
In reality, this low-key trip – rather like the one to Portugal, where he was greeted by egg-throwing – is more a working visit to Russia by the oldest Muppet in the Muppets Show made in Algeria. It’s good to know that Putin has not reserved an agenda for his so-called “protégé” to make this “convocation” a state visit.
That said, Tebboune will first travel to St. Petersburg to take part in the International Economic Forum being held there from June 14 to 17, before perhaps being welcomed by the master of the Kremlin. According to the official blablabla from Algiers, “this visit will be an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their cooperation in a difficult international context”.
It’s no secret that Algiers and Moscow have long enjoyed privileged relations. And with good reason: trade between the two countries – excluding arms and military cooperation – is in the region of three billion dollars, and is largely based on the mechanical engineering, metallurgy and agri-food sectors.
Military cooperation
Military cooperation, of course, is not to be outdone. Moscow is a major arms supplier. Indeed, in military terms, international reports indicate that Algeria is the world’s third largest importer of Russian weapons, while Moscow is considered to be the Algerian army’s leading supplier of weapons and military systems, accounting for over 50%. However, contrary to all expectations, military “cooperation” will not be on the agenda at this meeting, if it is to be held at all.
The Algerian head of state having accepted Vladimir Putin’s invitation to meet him at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, a multilateral setting where it is highly doubtful that the Russian President will be able to devote himself exclusively to the senile man from Algiers. This, despite the fact that the latter is one of the very few heads of state to take part in the St. Petersburg economic forum.
Visit without protocols: Putin belittles Tebboune
In the worst-case scenario, Putin and his Algerian counterpart are expected to take stock of bilateral relations and sign a number of minor agreements, notably within the framework of the famous “in-depth strategic cooperation” between the two countries. This was announced several months ago with great fanfare. Algeria and Russia will be taking this step at a complicated geopolitical juncture for the Russians, due to the conflict with Ukraine, and to Algiers’ great displeasure, there will be little talk of any military equipment procurement.
In short, this visit, which Algiers has been preparing since 2021 to sign a “new historic partnership” – a renewal, as it were, of the “declaration of strategic cooperation” by which Algiers and Moscow have been linked since 2001 – is a splash in the water. Indeed, these agreements encompass a whole (economy, defense, etc.), yet the military side, the big slice of the cake, is obscured, all the more so as the Economic Forum in which Algiers is taking part is a global one, and does not address Algeria exclusively, being in this respect a multilateral framework.
Curiously, this little tour et puis s’en va, this visit or even this convocation, which was scheduled for May, has been postponed until June, rather like the one that the senile man from Algiers was due to make in France. Except that the latter has once again been postponed indefinitely. According to press reports, the Algiers-Paris trip is “under discussion between the two parties to find a suitable date”.
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Terrorism Threats in Africa
Terrorism Threats in Africa: Africa is a continent that has been plagued by terrorism for many years. In recent years, the threat of terrorism has increased, with a number of countries facing significant challenges.
Terrorism Threats in Africa
There are a number of reasons for the increase in terrorism in Africa. One reason is the rise of Islamic extremism. In recent years, there has been a growing number of Islamic extremist groups operating in Africa. These groups are often motivated by a desire to establish Islamic states in Africa.
Another reason for the increase in terrorism in Africa is the political instability in a number of countries. In countries where there is political instability, it is easier for terrorist groups to operate. This is because the governments in these countries are often weak and unable to effectively combat terrorism.
The threat of terrorism in Africa has a number of negative consequences. It can lead to violence, instability, and economic hardship. It can also make it difficult for people to travel and do business in Africa.
Leading countries in Africa in the fight againts terrorism
There are a number of countries in Africa that are leading the fight against terrorism. These countries are working to improve their security forces, strengthen their border security, and work with international partners to combat terrorism.
Some of the leading countries in combating terrorism in Africa include:
Kenya: Kenya has been a target of terrorism attacks in recent years. The Kenyan government has responded by strengthening its security forces and working with international partners to combat terrorism.
Morocco: Morocco has been successful in combating terrorism. The Moroccan government has a strong security force and has worked to improve its border security.
Nigeria: Nigeria is facing a significant threat from Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group. The Nigerian government has responded by launching a military campaign against Boko Haram.
The countries that are leading the fight against terrorism in Africa are making progress. However, the threat of terrorism remains. It is important for these countries to continue to work together to combat terrorism and protect their citizens.
Challenges in combating terrorism
- Lack of resources: Many African countries lack the resources to effectively combat terrorism. This includes a lack of funding, training, and equipment.
- Political instability: In some African countries, the political instability makes it difficult to effectively combat terrorism. This is because the governments in these countries are often weak and unable to effectively coordinate a response to terrorism.
- Public support: In some African countries, there is a lack of public support for the fight against terrorism. This is because some people in these countries sympathize with the terrorists or believe that the government is overreacting to the threat of terrorism.
Despite these challenges, there are a number of things that can be done to combat terrorism in Africa. These include:
- Improving security forces: African countries need to improve the training and equipment of their security forces. This will help them to be more effective in preventing and responding to terrorist attacks.
- Strengthening border security: African countries need to strengthen their border security to prevent terrorists from entering and operating in their countries.
- Working with international partners: African countries need to work with international partners to share intelligence and coordinate their response to terrorism.
- Building public support: African countries need to build public support for the fight against terrorism. This can be done by educating the public about the threat of terrorism and by ensuring that the government’s response to terrorism is fair and just.
By addressing these challenges and taking these steps, African countries can combat terrorism and protect their citizens.
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The history of the global economy will be written in Africa according to the US Treasury
The history of the global economy will be written in Africa according to the US Treasury: Faced with Chinese competition in Africa, the US Treasury has no shortage of arguments to make up for lost time in the economic arena.
The history of the global economy will be written in Africa according to the US Treasury
African demographics: an asset? While growth in sub-Saharan Africa continues to slow down, weighing on poverty reduction targets in many countries, according to the World Bank’s latest economic outlook, published on June 7, the United States wants to turn the strong demographic growth of sub-Saharan countries into a strength.
A senior US Treasury official has declared that demographic trends mean that American business leaders will be looking to Africa and South Asia over the coming decades. These comments come against a backdrop of fierce competition between the various powers – China, the United States and Russia.
A population set to double
Jay Shambaugh, Undersecretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Treasury, argued that the U.S. was a more attractive financing option than China for the region’s states. “The growth is pretty clear,” he said Wednesday at a conference in Washington. “The story of the global economy over the next 50 years will be written in sub-Saharan Africa.”
According to the World Bank, the population of sub-Saharan Africa will almost double in the next thirty years, with rapid growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania, for example. This region alone will contribute half of the world’s growth by 2050.
Beating China to the punch
After years of disinterest, his successor, President Joe Biden, is bending over backwards to make up for lost time. Since the beginning of the year, more than five officials have already been dispatched to the continent, including Vice President Kamala Harris, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
On the ground, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has made every effort to revive ties on the continent and counter Beijing’s influence. She has pushed for progress in debt restructuring talks with several countries in crisis, including Zambia. In recent years, efforts to restructure the debts of low-income countries have been hampered by disagreements between traditional creditors like the Paris Club – mainly wealthy Western countries – and new entrants like China – the biggest lender to developing economies.
For Jay Shambaugh, “China’s presence in the region’s countries sometimes suggests that international financial institutions and foreign direct investment have not provided sufficient funds. But if you ask them what they prefer if both options are on the table, I’d say our offer is the best,” he said, indicating that “the United States has a lot to offer” to the countries south of the Sahara. As US-China competition intensifies, how will African countries balance their relations with these two world powers?
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Africa CEO Forum – The quest for champions for tomorrow’s economy
Africa CEO Forum – The quest for champions for tomorrow’s economy: 1,800 top business leaders, heads of state and government, business leaders in the broadest sense of the term: the Africa CEO Forum, the continent’s largest private sector gathering, opened in Abidjan on June 5, 2023 (Hotel Ivoire). Discussions will focus on the emergence of future economic champions in Africa.
Africa CEO Forum – The quest for champions of tomorrow’s economy
Côte d’Ivoire plays host to Africa’s annual private sector rave for two days, with 2,000 public and private decision-makers in attendance. The region’s economic powerhouse is enjoying stronger growth and lower inflation than its neighbors. The $3.5 billion plan recently granted by the IMF should also encourage investment.
As our correspondant, points out, African economies, with their very disparate situations, must not miss the train of global restructuring. The countries of the South certainly have their cards to play. What’s needed are companies capable of carrying out large-scale projects, like Nigeria’s Dangote Group.
There are around 300 companies on the continent with sales in excess of one billion dollars. That’s ten times more than in Europe or Asia. It’s a question of economic sovereignty and strategic autonomy. In agriculture, energy and digital technology, we need national champions with global reach. The private and public sectors will therefore be looking for solutions together at this 2023 edition of the Africa CEO Forum.
It was against this backdrop that the ceremony was opened on Monday by Makhtar Diop of the International Finance Corporation, a World Bank organization dedicated to the private sector. He recalled the continental economic context, with a difficult post-Covid recovery, high inflation and falling investment.
Continental integration in focus
The Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire then took the podium. He congratulated his country on its good results. The PM recalled the extreme youth of the Ivorian population, which can be “our greatest asset, if we invest”. He stressed the importance of the close relationship between the State and the private sector for Africa’s development, and the need for continental integration to rationalize and strengthen value chains.
This is the whole project of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), but it suffered a serious setback at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Now the countries themselves have to be sufficiently productive. But the second problem is, once again, infrastructure and transport logistics.”
The AfDB estimates that $170 billion a year is needed to invest in the various infrastructures that would enable a continuous flow to a unified African market. The continent is still a long way from achieving this. But Tahirou Barry, Financial Director for Ports and Terminals at African Global Logistics, remains optimistic: “States, development aid institutions and private operators are mobilizing to develop this infrastructure sector. AfCFTA is a reality, since the treaty signed in 2018 is in force, so we’re talking about a unified market. The objective today is to see how we can unleash the potential to enable Africans to trade.” The demand is there, and it’s not likely to stop growing in the coming years. By 2050, the continent alone will account for 2.5 billion consumers.
Finally, Monday June 5 also marked International Environment Day, which is taking place in Abidjan. The two speakers, Makhtar Diop and Patrick Achi, recalled that Africa was “the only continent that has not experienced its green revolution”. Both called for environmentally-friendly and sustainable economic development.
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Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development
Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development: Africa is a vast and diverse continent with a population of over 1.2 billion people. It is also a continent with a long history of trade and commerce. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on developing internal trade within Africa. This is seen as a key to economic growth and development on the continent.
Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development
There are a number of reasons why internal trade is important for Africa. First, it can help to reduce poverty. When people are able to trade their goods and services within their own countries, they can earn more money and improve their standard of living. Second, internal trade can help to create jobs. When there is more trade, there is a need for more people to produce and transport goods and services. Third, internal trade can help to boost economic growth. When people are able to buy and sell goods and services within their own countries, they are more likely to spend money and invest in businesses.
There are a number of challenges to developing internal trade in African continent. One challenge is the lack of infrastructure. Many African countries have poor roads, railways, and ports. This makes it difficult and expensive to transport goods and services. Another challenge is the lack of trade agreements. Many African countries have different trade policies, which makes it difficult for businesses to trade across borders. Added to this, the low rate of penetration of Internet in Africa.
Leaders countries in Africa
Despite these challenges, there are a number of countries in Africa that are making progress in developing internal trade. Some of the leading countries in internal trade in Africa include:
- South Africa: South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and has a well-developed infrastructure. The country has a number of free trade agreements with other African countries.
- Nigeria: Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and has a large domestic market. The country is also a major producer of oil and gas, which provides a source of income for the government to invest in infrastructure and trade.
- Kenya: Kenya is a middle-income country with a growing economy. The country has a number of free trade agreements with other African countries and is a major producer of agricultural products.
- Morocco: Morocco is a North African country with a well-developed infrastructure. The country has a number of free trade agreements with other African countries and is a major producer of agricultural products and textiles.
These are just a few of the countries in Africa that are making progress in developing internal trade. As more countries in Africa focus on developing internal trade, the continent will be well-positioned to achieve economic growth and development.
Benefits of internal trade in Africa
- Reduces poverty: When people are able to trade their goods and services within their own countries, they can earn more money and improve their standard of living.
- Creates jobs: When there is more trade, there is a need for more people to produce and transport goods and services.
- Boosts economic growth: When people are able to buy and sell goods and services within their own countries, they are more likely to spend money and invest in businesses.
Challenges to developing internal trade in Africa
- Lack of infrastructure: Many African countries have poor roads, railways, and ports. This makes it difficult and expensive to transport goods and services.
- Lack of trade agreements: Many African countries have different trade policies, which makes it difficult for businesses to trade across borders.
- Political instability: Some African countries are politically unstable, which makes it difficult to attract investment and trade.
Internal Trade in Africa – The Key to Economic Growth and Development
Despite these challenges, there are a number of things that can be done to develop internal trade in Africa. These include:
- Investing in infrastructure: African countries should invest in roads, railways, and ports to make it easier and cheaper to transport goods and services.
- Negotiating trade agreements: African countries should negotiate trade agreements with each other to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade.
- Promoting trade: African countries should promote trade by providing information and support to businesses that want to trade with each other.
By addressing these challenges and taking these steps, African countries can develop internal trade and boost economic growth and development on the continent.
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Clashes escalated in Ethiopia over the demolition of mosques
Escalation of clashes in Ethiopia due to the demolition of mosques: Clashes erupted after Friday prayers near the largest mosque in Addis Ababa between police and young worshipers angry at the demolition of mosques as part of an urban project.
Clashes escalated in Ethiopia over the demolition of mosques
Local sources said, “Riot police were deployed near the mosque, and security men from the Republican Guard, an elite unit responsible for protecting institutions and government figures, attended.
After the prayer, the worshipers began to leave the mosque quietly when young men began chanting, “God is great,” according to the same sources.
After that, gunfire was heard and people started running in panic, then the youths started throwing stones at the Ethiopian police, who responded by firing tear gas and bullets at them.
Clashes escalated in Ethiopia over the demolition of mosques
It was not possible to know whether the bullets were live, plastic, or empty, as the French Agency confirmed that no immediate injuries were detected.
A similar demonstration last week ended with the killing of two people after clashes in the vicinity of the Anwar Mosque, according to the police, who also announced that 56 people were injured and 114 arrested.
Sugar City project
Last year, the federal authorities and the Oromia region launched a controversial project called “Chigar City”, which involves merging six towns surrounding the capital into a wide western arc.
In this context, the authorities have been destroying for months a number of buildings, houses and mosques that they consider to be built illegally.
Opponents of the project condemn these operations, which they consider discriminatory and based, in their opinion, on ethnic criteria (against people who do not belong to the Oromo ethnicity) and religious (targeting mosques).
Ethiopia has a Christian majority, especially Orthodox, but Muslims make up almost a third of the country’s population.
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The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing
The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing: The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, visited China, on May 24, 2023, for a period of 5 days, during which he held extensive meetings with officials in Beijing, including his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, Many of the already existing trade deals between the two countries were reviewed, in addition to the conclusion of new agreements.
The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing
Tshisekedi’s visit to China is his first since he came to power in January 2019, as he seeks to rebalance the mineral infrastructure agreements that the previous Congolese government had signed with Beijing, which can be presented as follows:
Review business deals
Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing aims to review existing trade deals between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and China. Quantities estimated at about $10 billion of Congolese minerals. On the other hand, these companies did not commit to establishing the agreed-upon infrastructure, with only about $822 million.
The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa objected to the content of this report, which prompted the Congolese president to hold a meeting with members of his government, on May 19, during which he confirmed that he would complete the talks with the Chinese side.
And the former Congolese President, Joseph Kabila, concluded an agreement with China in 2008, known as the “Sicomines” project, with a value of about $ 6 billion, according to which it was agreed that the two companies “Sinohydro Corp” and “Security Group China Railway Group Limited has allocated about $3 billion for the development of the joint copper and cobalt “Sicomines” project, and about another $3 billion for infrastructure development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in return for an estimated 68% stake in the project, while a company gets Gecamines mining, owned by the Congolese government, has a 32% stake.
President Tshisekedi believes that the Chinese side has not fulfilled its obligations, according to these agreements, which stipulated pumping large investments in the Congolese infrastructure in exchange for Beijing obtaining copper and cobalt from Kinshasa.
Congo requested Chinese compensation
The Congolese government submitted a request to Beijing for compensation for the losses that resulted from the 2008 deal, as President Tshisekedi demanded that the amount allocated for infrastructure in the framework of this deal be raised to 6 billion dollars, instead of 3 billion, in addition to obtaining another compensation of two billion dollars, Claiming that the Chinese companies obtained minerals from the Congolese company at half the prices in the market.
Comprehensive strategic partnership
Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing also aimed at strengthening cooperation and partnership between the two countries. During this visit, it was agreed to upgrade relations between the two countries from the stage of “strategic partnership for win-win cooperation”, which was launched in 2015, to the stage of “comprehensive strategic partnership”. This was followed by the issuance of A joint statement that included announcing plans to enhance joint cooperation in all fields, including security.
And the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing witnessed the signing of a number of joint cooperation agreements between the two countries. China is the largest trading partner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the volume of trade between the two countries in 2022 amounted to about $21.7 billion.
Chinese elasticity with Congo
Tshisekedi’s visit to China reflected the intertwined interests between the two countries, and their keenness to develop relations of cooperation between them, which can be presented as follows:
Raising Congo’s share in “copper and cobalt”
Tshisekedi’s visit to Beijing aims to increase the share of the Congolese state mining company, Gecamens, to 60%, and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to obtain a 10% share, in exchange for reducing the share of Chinese companies to only 30%. The two sides announced their agreement to review joint mining deals, provided that a new agreement will be signed by the end of 2023.
Tshisekedi’s readiness for the upcoming elections
It is expected that the presidential elections in the Congo will be held in December 2023. It seems that President Tshisekedi is seeking to achieve several internal and external achievements that enhance his chances of obtaining a new term in these elections.
Perhaps this explains the timing of his tendency to reconsider the 2008 agreement with the Chinese side, and his efforts to strengthen the economic partnership with Beijing, paving the way for new Chinese investments in Kinshasa that will favor Tshisekedi in the upcoming elections.
Expanding military cooperation between the two countries
In mid-May 2023, the Congo received the first batch of Chinese “CH-4” (CH-4) drones, in conjunction with Kinshasa’s intention to use the regional force of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to deploy its forces in eastern Congo. And support efforts to impose stability in this troubled region, after the forces of the East African Group failed in the task of establishing peace and stability there.
The DRC invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is witnessing mounting security challenges in the east of the country, with about 120 armed groups active in it, not to mention the Rwanda-backed “March 23” rebel movement. Although the forces of the East African Group sent forces to support the Congolese army in achieving stability in this region, these forces failed to achieve any real progress in the region, but security threats continued to exacerbate in eastern Congo, which prompted Kinshasa to strengthen its rapprochement with Beijing to support its armed forces.
Beijing Insurance Kinshasa Metals
China is seeking to strengthen its involvement in the Congo to secure its access to its vast mineral wealth, as about two-thirds of the world’s cobalt production is extracted from the latter, which is the raw material used in the production of batteries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also one of the world’s leading producers of copper, in addition to having large reserves of diamonds, gold, lithium and tantalum.
Recent years have witnessed repeated cases of Chinese deaths during attacks by terrorist groups on some mines inside the Congo, so Beijing is working to secure its presence in the Congolese interior to preserve its interests there, and Kinshasa is of particular importance to Beijing from a strategic point of view associated with the transition towards green energy.
It is noted that the Chinese influence exceeds its American counterpart in the Congo, as Beijing now owns the majority of cobalt mines in Kinshasa, in exchange for the failure of American companies to keep pace with this Chinese expansion, and some of these companies even went to sell their shares to their Chinese counterparts.
Refuting the Chinese “debt trap” novel
China is currently working to refute the Western narrative of the “debt trap”, which the United States and its European allies see as a deliberate strategy pursued by Beijing to plunge African countries into debt in order to obtain the assets and wealth of these countries.
China seeks to confirm that it does not aim to exploit African countries by affirming its agreement to review previous cooperation agreements with the Congo, which the latter considered unfair to it, in order to reach other, fairer agreements.
Possible international bounces
The outputs that resulted from the Congolese President’s visit to China reflect the presence of several potential repercussions that may occur on the internal scene in Kinshasa, and on the surrounding regional context, during the coming period, which can be presented as follows:
Enhance military cooperation
It is expected that the coming period will witness the strengthening of military cooperation between Beijing and Kinshasa, which establishes a foothold for China in the depths of Africa, especially with several reports indicating that Beijing is seeking to obtain a new military base for it in Central and West Africa, so it is not excluded that the Congo is one of the sites potential for this rule.
On the other hand, the Congo may work to conclude a deal with Beijing, according to which Chinese military support for the Congolese government forces will be expanded, and they will be helped to impose control over the eastern region of the Congo, in return for Beijing obtaining greater concessions regarding the mineral wealth in Kinshasa, or this potential base. . This proposition may be reinforced by the meeting of the Congolese Minister of Defense, Jean-Pierre Bemba, with his Chinese counterpart, Li Changfu, during which the latter confirmed Beijing’s readiness to provide all kinds of military support to the Congolese forces.
Growing Sino-American competition
The United States has had great aspirations in the vast fortunes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the 1990s. Therefore, Kinshasa may represent a new focus of competition between the United States and China during the coming period, in light of the large mineral wealth that it abounds in, especially with regard to cobalt, which is a basic pillar in the electric car industry, and it is one of the most prominent areas of current competition between Washington and Beijing, not to mention what This industry is key to the current US administration’s aspirations to limit climate change.
This proposition is consistent with Western reports indicating that the intensity of the US-Chinese competition over the future of green energy has witnessed a sharp escalation in the African continent, as the latter is home to many raw materials needed for the global carbon removal race, which constitute a crucial entry point for batteries and solar panels.
Dedication Polarization in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes region represents one of the most prominent hotbeds of tension in the African continent, and it is expected that the growth of Chinese influence in this region will perpetuate regional and international polarization, especially since the expected Chinese support for the Congolese side may be matched by more Western support for the Rwandan position, which may frame a proxy war. The scene is getting darker in this troubled region.
In conclusion, the Congolese president’s visit to Beijing comes within the framework of the current Chinese movement towards the African continent, and its efforts to expand its political, economic and military influence within it. It is expected that the coming period will witness more visits by some leaders of African countries to Beijing, which may lead to an increase in American concern about these moves, and Washington’s tendency to adopt countermeasures, which may negatively affect the security situation in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo invests its natural resources to strengthen its partnership with Beijing (This article was first published in arabic here, translated by FLAA)
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First edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” in Marrakech
First edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” in Marrakech: The first edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” opened in Marrakech on Wednesday May 31, 2023, with the participation of over 900 exhibitors and start-ups, as well as delegations from some 95 countries.
First edition of “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” in Marrakech
Organized by the Agence de Développement du Digital (ADD) under the aegis of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, “GITEX AFRICA Morocco” brings together public and private sector leaders, political decision-makers, investors and academics for three days of intensive exchanges between the public and private sectors of the world’s future largest digital economy.
The largest entrepreneurship event in Africa, GITEX Africa is an initiative of GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, the world’s largest technology and start-up show, ranked as the best in the world by global technology leaders, and which makes a stopover in this first edition in Morocco, reflecting its commitment to accelerating the development of digital infrastructure in Africa.
In light of the African Union’s mission to unify the Continent into a secure digital single market by 2030, GITEX AFRICA exhibitors are optimistic about the Continent’s technology ecosystem and the trends it is creating, from increasing Internet connectivity and a dizzying start-up scene, to the rise of artificial intelligence and a flourishing fintech sector.
Major players in the Moroccan technology landscape are also committed to this adventure, in keeping with the unifying economic mission of the Kingdom, 60% of whose foreign investment is directed towards Africa.
Leadership dialogues and results-oriented meetings will dominate at GITEX AFRICA Morocco thanks to a rich program of multi-sector conferences, including the GITEX AFRICA Digital Summit and the GITEX AFRICA CEO Forum.
The GITEX AFRICA DIGITAL SUMMIT will bring together over 250 public and private sector leaders, policy makers, investors and academics, to guide Africa’s transformation into a single digital marketplace.
Major themes to be addressed at the world’s most influential forum for dialogue, exchange and collaboration range from analyzing the state of the Continent’s digital economy, to accelerating the development of an integrated and inclusive public digital infrastructure.
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Benin migrant killed in youth attack in Sfax Tunisia
Benin migrant killed in youth attack in Sfax Tunisia: A migrant from sub-Saharan Africa was stabbed to death and five others wounded in an attack by a group of Tunisian youth in east-central Tunisia, a spokesman for the Sfax court announced.
Benin migrant killed in youth attack in Sfax Tunisia
The attack was carried out between May 22 and 23 by seven Tunisians armed with knives and sabers, against 19 migrants gathered in a dwelling in El Haffara, a popular district of Sfax, said the public prosecutor and court spokesman, Faouzi Masmoudi.
A 30-year-old man from Benin died in the attack, and five other people from sub-Saharan African countries were hospitalized. “They were not seriously injured,” said the same source.
Indeed, three Tunisians, aged 17, 23 and 36, were arrested following the opening of a judicial inquiry, said Mr. Masmoudi.
Xenophobic attacks and rising violence against sub-Saharan migrants
Since the Tunisian president’s racist remarks, attacks and violence against sub-Saharan migrants have intensified.
Also, since this diatribe, exiles have faced a wave of attacks. A significant proportion of the 21,000 officially registered sub-Saharan Africans, most of whom are in an irregular situation, have lost their jobs and homes overnight.
Several human rights organizations have denounced this crime. This tragedy “comes against a backdrop of uninterrupted speeches inciting hatred and racism against migrants from sub-Saharan Africa”, reads a press release issued by the FTDES (Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights) and signed by some twenty NGOs.
In the same time, the European border surveillance agency, Frontex, recorded a 1% increase in crossings from Tunisia, compared with the same period last year.
“A climate of fear”: in Tunisia, sub-Saharan migrants stigmatized and attacked
“Patrick”*, a 29-year-old Congolese, arrived in Tunisia six months ago to study international business. But the climate in the country has deteriorated dramatically in recent months for people like him from sub-Saharan Africa.
Patrick lives at home with another student, who also prefers to stay off the streets. The two men sometimes “make an effort” to run small errands:
“We just go out near the house to buy bread, juice…in small stores. That’s it.”
Sub-Saharan Africans are targeted by Tunisians, as in Sfax, where four of them were victims of stabbings on the night of February 25, or in Tunis, where four Ivorian students were attacked as they left their hostel.
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Clear trends in the results of Senegal’s communal elections
Since yesterday, provisional results have been coming in all over Africa. While the figures are tight in some localities, there are several where clear trends are emerging in the results of Senegal’s communal elections.
Clear trends in communal election results in Senegal.
In Niaguis, Victorine Ndeye is well ahead.
Grand Yoff won’t have a new mayor. Madiop Diop is set to run again.
As announced, Serigne Mboup is well placed to be the next mayor of Kaolack.
Mbour, on the other hand, is on course to have a new mayor, whose name is likely to be Cheikh Issa Sall.
In Dakar, it’s a known fact: Barthélémy Dias is in the lead for the commune and the city.
In the commune of Yoff, Diouf Sarr was beaten by Seydina Issa Laye.
But, in Fouta, Matam mayor Mamadou Mory Diaw retained his seat.
In Ourossogui, Moussa Bocar Thiam, the state’s judicial agent, also retained his post.
In Agnams, Farba Ngom is in the lead, as is Abdoulaye Sali Sall, who should be re-elected in Nabadji Civol.
Clear trends in the results of Senegal’s communal elections
The mayor of Kanel, Haymouth Daf, was defeated by Mamadou Sadio Diallo.
Thilogne is set for a new mayor. The likely new mayor is Mamadou Eline Kane.
In the commune of Cambérène, Benno Bok Yakaar’s Doune Pathé Mbengue came out on top.
Again, in Mbacké, Sogip CEO Gallo Bâ won ahead of Abdou Mbacké Ndao, the commune’s outgoing mayor.
In Podor, Racine Sy is ahead. In Ndioum, Cheikh Oumar Hann is expected to repeat as mayor.
Also, in the Commune des Parcelles assainies, Yéwi Askan Wi is in the lead according to trends.
In Yeumbeul Sud, outgoing mayor Bara Gueye is well placed ahead of the defeated Amadou Hot.
In Les Hlm, Yéwi Askan Wi is leading the trends, while in the commune of Biscuterie, outgoing mayor Djibril Wade is in the lead.
Abdoulaye Timbo leads in Dalifort-foirail, the outgoing mayor according to Le Soleil. In Mbao, Abdou Karim Sall is expected to be installed as the new mayor.
In Kaffrine, Minister Abdoulaye Sow is ahead in the trends for the commune.
Not far, in Kédougou, the outgoing mayor is likely to be replaced by Ousmane Sylla, who leads the trends according to Le Soleil.
In Saint Louis, Mansour Faye, the outgoing mayor, is likely to remain in office in view of the trends.
Clear trends in the results of Senegal’s communal elections
In Bignona, Yéwi Askan Wi is the front-runner for the time being.
More, in Linguère, too, Aly Ngouille Ndiaye is set to retain his seat as mayor.
In Sokone, Abdou Latif Coulibaly is set to replace the outgoing mayor.
Minister Moustapha Diop, outgoing mayor of the commune of Louga, leads the poll.
In Thiès, Talla Sylla congratulated Babacar Diop on his Tweeter page.
In the commune of Kolda, Mame Boye Diao leads the trends.
Mainly, in the commune of Gandon, young Alpha Mamadou Diop, candidate for the Convergence Patriote pour la Justice de l’Équité Naay Leer, defeated Benno Bokk Yakaar candidate Khoudia Mbaye by a margin of 20.68%.
In the commune of Mpal, Benno’s Mor Guèye Gaye, with a percentage of 49.76%, beat outgoing mayor Dr Moussa Diaw.
The commune of Fass Ngom also fell to Benno Bokk Yakaar with the victory of Ibrahima Diaw. The ex-DG of Crous won his commune with a percentage of 64.59%.
In Ndiebene Gandiol, outgoing mayor Arouna Sow was unseated by businessman and candidate Pape Ndiaga Fall. Fall won with a percentage of 25.68%.
Trends and fever on the eve of the presidential race
Reported missing by his party, opponent Ousmane Sonko “brought back” to Dakar by the authorities
Senegalese police abruptly ended opposition leader Ousmane Sonko’s march across the country on Sunday, arresting him in the south and forcibly returning him to Dakar, authorities said.
Interior Minister Antoine Diome cited the clashes between Sonko supporters and police that have accompanied the opponent’s return to Dakar in convoy by road since Friday, and in which one man was killed.
“A man was killed in Kolda, so is the State going to stand idly by (…) the answer can only be in the negative,” said the minister on public television.
He argued that Ousmane Sonko should have requested prior authorization before organizing what he called a “freedom caravan”.
“As a result, we were able to escort the leader of the Pastef (party) (Ousmane Sonko) to his home (in Dakar), where he was deposited,” he said.
The Interior Minister reported that weapons had been found in the vehicle carrying Ousmane Sonko.
Political tension grows in the streets and in the digital space
The official website of the Senegalese presidency was temporarily blocked on Sunday, May 28, following the launch of a cyberattack claimed by a group claiming solidarity with the anti-government protest. Inaccessible at the start of the day, the site was back online by late morning.
Two days earlier, the presidency had already been targeted by an attack affecting dozens of official sites. The @MysteriousTeamO account, which claims to belong to the hacker group Anonymous, announced a second wave on social networks. This is one of the very first attacks of its kind in Senegal.
The 2024 presidential election comes against a backdrop of great tension nine months ahead of the next presidential election. On the one hand, President Macky Sall remains uncertain as to whether or not he will run for a third term. On the other, opposition politician Ousmane Sonko is raising tensions as he risks losing his eligibility. This June 1, a criminal chamber is due to deliver a long-awaited verdict in a trial against him for rape. He has refused to appear in court, claiming that the authorities are plotting to keep him out of the presidential election.