Europe and Africa

South African ambassador to France found dead in Paris; circumstances unclear What is known South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead outside a Paris hotel on Sept. 30, about 24 hours after his wife reported him missing, according to a brief notice shared with reporters. Beyond the basic facts of the discovery and the missing-person report, few official details have been released and the cause of death has not been made public. The sudden death of a senior diplomat in a major capital raises…

Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years in Landmark Libyan Funding Case PARIS — A French court on Thursday handed former president Nicolas Sarkozy a five-year prison sentence after finding him guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case tied to millions of euros of illicit funds allegedly originating from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Judge Nathalie Gavarino said prosecutors proved that Sarkozy allowed aides to approach Libyan officials for financial backing during his successful 2007 presidential bid. At the same…

France-Mali Relations in Crisis: A Diplomatic Breakdown In a move that echoes the increasingly fraught ties between France and Mali, Paris has announced the suspension of counterterrorism cooperation with the West African nation. This decision follows the August arrest of a French diplomat in Mali's capital, Bamako, and marks a significant escalation in a diplomatic rift that has been deepening since military coups shook the country in 2020 and 2021. The Unraveling of Cooperation The French government has ordered its…

France Reconsiders Its Colonial Legacy: Macron's Acknowledgment of Rights Violations in Cameroon In a significant yet long-overdue reflection on historical injustices, French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the “repressive violence” that defined France’s actions during Cameroon’s arduous struggle for independence in the 1950s. This declaration arises from a broader reckoning with the colonial past that is entwined in the very fabric of France's identity. Macron's remarks were articulated in a heartfelt letter to…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…

Human rights advocates are strongly encouraging the authorities in Mozambique to take decisive action against the ongoing repression and violence directed at protesters challenging the questionable election results. The Committee to Protect Journalists has painted a grim picture of the situation, stating that the nation has "plunged into turmoil as security forces engage in violent confrontations." Disturbingly, they report that at least nine journalists have faced assault or arrest, while two foreign correspondents have…

Disinformation plays a pivotal role in Russia's hybrid warfare strategy throughout Africa. This tactic aims to bolster Moscow's influence and seize control of the continent's precious resources, as outlined by the Africa Defense Forum (ADF). According to reports, Russia accounts for a staggering 40% of disinformation initiatives across Africa, driven by its so-called "cognitive warfare" approach. This method exploits local grievances and the complex history of colonialism in Africa, cleverly redirecting attention away from…

The European Commission has made the call to let the current fishing agreement between Brussels and Dakar lapse, citing significant issues related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices. Jean-Marc Pisani, the EU’s ambassador to West Africa, highlighted that the decision stems from Senegal's lack of adequate measures against these harmful fishing activities. As a result, he noted, European fishing vessels will cease operations in Senegal’s exclusive economic zone starting from midnight on November 17th.…

During the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held in Sochi, African ministers received a clear message: Russia stands firmly behind the continent, promising "total support" across various sectors. This assurance was conveyed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, representing President Vladimir Putin. It’s noteworthy that this support comes at a pivotal moment when several African countries are reevaluating their relationships with Western nations, amid allegations of interference and neocolonial practices, as noted by…

The Earthshot Prize, initiated by Prince William in 2020, stands out as a groundbreaking environmental accolade, striving to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, air pollution, and the decline of biodiversity. This year, Africa has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious Earthshot event, shining a spotlight on the continent's vital role in enhancing climate action and addressing the most daunting environmental challenges that our world contends with today. "When I created the Earthshot Prize, my aim was to…