Photo : Christophe Ena, Pool via AFP
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Christophe Ena, Pool via AFP
IN BRIEF
By Narmatha S and Vetriselvi Baskaran
Egypt: "Ethiopia-Somaliland's deal acceptable to no one" says Sisi
On 23 January, Al Jazeera reported that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the implementation of a recently signed port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. On 22 January, while talking to Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egyptian President, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, commented that the deal signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland is unacceptable. He added: "We are unwavering in our support for our brothers, and if they call upon us, we will not hesitate to act." Meanwhile, Ethiopia's national security affairs advisor, Redwan Hussien, highlighted that the deal is meant for cooperation and partnership and not "annexation" of any other state. On the X platform, he posted that the two countries "are not just neighbours who share a border but they are fraternal nations sharing a common language, culture and people." ("Egypt won't allow threats to Somalia - Sisi," BBC, 23 January 2024)
Africa: Blinken's four-day visit
On 22 January, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, began his four-day visit to Africa. In Cape Verde, he encouraged the country's regional function as a beacon of stability. Additionally, Blinken visited the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Angola as a part of his four-day trip. On 23 January, in Ivory Coast, he pledged USD 45 million to boost security in coastal countries and West Africa. He acclaimed Ivory Coast for a less militarized approach and maintaining stability although bordered by Sahel countries. On 24 January, during Blinken's visit to Nigeria, he stated that the US wishes to be a "strong security partner for Nigeria" for their like mind in battling Islamist militants. Nigeria has been witnessing escalated tensions where armed groups are targeting communities and conducting ransom kidnappings. (“Blinken hails Ivory Coast fight against armed groups on West Africa tour,” BBC, 23 January 2024)
Somalia: President's warning against implementation of port deal
On 23 January, Al Jazeera reported that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the implementation of a recently signed port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. He warned that Ethiopia had crossed Somalia's territory. In addition, he claimed that Somaliland is a part of Somalia and accused Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of not letting him know about the deal when they met in December. ("‘Don’t do it’: Somali president warns Ethiopia over Somaliland port deal," Al Jazeera, 23 January 2024)
Senegal: Despite the ban, timber Trafficking continues
On 23 January, Al Jazeera reported that despite the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) ban and international pressure, the illegal trade of endangered rosewood from Senegal to China continues. Al Jazeera's recent report exposed a network of traffickers operating with brazen defiance. In Gambia, a neighbouring country often used as a transit point for illicit timber, traffickers openly revealed their ongoing operations. However, the Gambian government feigns ignorance, claiming unawareness of such a stockpile. Furthermore, the report claims that the illegal rosewood trade fuels a long-standing conflict between the Senegalese government and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) rebels. ("‘Conflict timber’: Gambian traffickers continue rosewood trade despite ban," Al Jazeera, 23 January 2024)