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Mali Strongman Goita Reaches Out Amid International Pressure

Malian Colonel Assimi Goita on Friday said a new prime minister will be appointed within days, in his first remarks since seizing power this week.

The army officer made the announcement during a meeting with political and civil-society figures in Bamako, according to an AFP journalist, as international pressure rises on the country’s ruling military administration.

Soldiers detained President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane on Monday, before releasing them Thursday after they resigned.

But the twin arrests triggered a diplomatic uproar — and marked the second apparent coup within a year in the unstable country.

Ndaw and Ouane had led a transitional government tasked with steering the return to civilian rule after a coup last August that toppled Mali’s elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

Keita was forced out by young army officers, led by Goita, following mass protests over perceived corruption and his failure to quell a bloody jihadist insurgency.

“In the coming days, the prime minister who will be appointed will carry out a broad consultation between the different factions,” Goita said.

He asked those attending the meeting to support his preference of a prime minister from the opposition M5 movement, a once-powerful group that the military sidelined after the August coup.

“Either we accept joining hands to save our country, or we wage clandestine wars, and we will all fail,” Goita said.

Crisis summit

The transition government — installed under the threat of regional sanctions — has the declared aim of restoring full civilian rule within 18 months.

But its appointments were heavily influenced by the military.

Goita, who headed the post-coup junta, was named vice president, and other key posts were given to army officers.

The colonel’s office says he is leading the country again after the president and prime minister stepped down.

On Friday, Goita explained that the army had little choice but to intervene.

“We had to choose between disorder and cohesion within the defense and security forces and we chose cohesion,” he said.

Ndaw and Ouane’s detention came hours after a government reshuffle that would have replaced the defense and security ministers, both of whom were army officers who had taken part in the August putsch.

Political turmoil in Mali has worried the country’s neighbors, which have led efforts to defuse the crisis.

Diplomats told AFP Friday that the Economic Community of West African States would discuss the situation in Ghana’s capital Accra on Sunday.

The 15-nation bloc has also warned of reimposing sanctions on the country, as has the United States and former colonial master France.

There are nonetheless fears that sanctions would further destabilize the poverty-stricken nation of 19 million people, which has been battling a brutal jihadist insurgency since 2012.

Russia’s foreign ministry, for its part, on Friday hailed the release of Ndaw and Ouane but pressed Mali to eventually hold “democratic elections.”

‘Come together’

Goita wants to name an M5 member as prime minister, in a move some say could relieve pressure on the military.

M5 spearheaded protests against Keita in 2020 but was excluded from key posts in the army-dominated post-coup administration.

A rapprochement with the group might serve to soften domestic and foreign criticism of the military.

The International Crisis Group has said that an M5 prime minister could allay international concerns.

The M5 itself appears willing to work with the army.

The group’s spokesman, Jeamille Bittar, told a news conference Friday that M5 would put forward one of its cadres, Choguel Maiga, as prime minister.

“We must all come together around the new government,” he said.

In Bamako, there has been almost no opposition to the military’s latest power play. Most have wearily accepted its role in politics.

Some have even welcomed it. Several hundred people rallied in support of the army in a central square of the city on Friday, with many toting portraits of Goita.

Source: Voice of America

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Boat Accident on Nigerian River Kills 60, More Feared Dead

Nigerian authorities confirmed that at least 60 people have died in a boat accident on the Niger River and that 83 missing passengers are also feared dead.

The boat with more than 160 passengers, including many children and women, sank after hitting an object and breaking up Wednesday while traveling along Nigeria’s largest river in Kebbi state, in the northwestern part of the country.

Emergency workers continued recovery efforts Friday. Bodies were carried from the team’s boat near the riverbank to a waiting ambulance.

Workers recovered 55 bodies on Thursday to bring the death toll to 60 so far, according to Sani Dododo, chairman of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency.

“We hope to recover more bodies Friday,” he said, adding that he fears the 83 passengers still missing might not be found alive.

Twenty-two passengers were rescued shortly after the accident, but no other person has been rescued alive since then.

Among the dead was a baby not yet a year old.

Recovery efforts are slow because the river is high and moving swiftly, making conditions dangerous for the divers and workers in boats, Dododo said.

It was unclear what caused the boat to break up as it was traveling from Nigeria’s Niger state to the town of Wara in Kebbi state.

Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, especially on the Niger River, with causes including overloading, the bad state of many boats, and underwater debris that the vessels often hit.

Source: Voice of America

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Macron in South Africa for Talks on COVID Vaccine

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived Friday in South Africa for a lightning trip to discuss COVID vaccine access for Africa, aides said.

Macron arrived from a historic visit to Rwanda where he acknowledged French responsibility in the 1994 genocide.

Landing in Johannesburg, he headed for the capital Pretoria where he was to be welcomed by Cyril Ramaphosa at Union Buildings, the seat of government.

The pair will launch a program at the University of Pretoria to support African vaccine production, a project backed by the European Union, United States and World Bank.

The leaders, say Ramaphosa’s office, are also expected to discuss a temporary waiver of World Trade Organization (WTO) property rights over coronavirus vaccine.

The idea is being pushed by South Africa and India, which say the waiver will spur vaccine production in developing countries.

Sub-Saharan Africa has lagged behind the rest of the world with vaccination — less than two percent of its population has been immunized six months after the campaign started.

Ramaphosa this month sounded the alarm about what he called “vaccine apartheid” between rich countries and poor ones.

Pharma companies oppose the waiver, saying it could sap incentives for future research and development.

They also point out that manufacturing a vaccine requires know-how and technical resources — something that cannot be acquired at the flip of a switch.

Macron’s approach is to push for a transfer of technology to enable production sites in poorer countries.

The industry “is highly concentrated in the United States, Europe, Asia and a little bit in Latin America,” a Macron aide said.

“Africa today produces very few anti-COVID productions, and most notably no vaccine at the present time.”

COVID-19 hit

South Africa is the continent’s most industrialized economy, but also its worst-hit by COVID.

The country has recorded more than 1.6 million cases of Africa’s 4.7 million infections and accounts for more than 40 percent of its nearly 130,000 fatalities.

But just one percent of its population of 59 million have been vaccinated — most of them health workers and people aged 60 or above.

The immunization effort got off to a stuttering start when South Africa purchased AstraZeneca vaccines earlier this year and then sold them to other African countries following fears that they would be less effective.

Then, after it started inoculating health workers, using Johnson & Johnson jabs, it had to pause for two weeks mid-April to vet risks over blood clots that had been reported in the US.

Delayed trip

Macron’s trip was scheduled to have taken place more than a year ago but was postponed as the pandemic shifted into higher gear.

His push for the visit stems from the fact that South Africa “is a major partner on the continent, a member of the G20, it’s regularly invited to the G-7 — it’s essential in the approach to multilateralism,” one of his aides said before the trip.

Macron will also make a pitch for French business in South Africa, especially in climate-friendly sectors.

The two will also discuss the security crisis in northern Mozambique, where a bloody jihadist insurgency is now in its fourth year.

The French energy giant Total last month suspended work on a massive $20 billion gas project in Cabo Delgado province after jihadists attacked the nearby town of Palma.

Before flying home Saturday, Macron will talk to members of the French community and, like many VIPs before him, visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Source: Voice of America

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Intercommunal Clashes in South Sudan Kill 18

At least 18 people were killed and dozens more were injured this week in two days of intercommunal clashes in South Sudan’s Warrap state, according to local authorities.

Gogrial East County Commissioner Ayom Bul said armed men from Unity state crossed into Warrap state on Wednesday intending to steal cattle. When they couldn’t find any, he said, they went on the attack.

“The armed men came to my county with the intent to raid cattle and because the cattle keepers moved away their cattle days back to another area, these armed men couldn’t find any cattle, but ended up attacking the villages and Mangol market, killing children, women and other local youth,” Bul told VOA’s South Sudan in Focus.

In response, young men from Warrap state mobilized and the two sides clashed in the small town of Mangol, said Bul. He said Warrap youth “repulsed” the attackers, but not before they burned down two villages and the Mangol market.

He said 15 people were killed in the clashes, including five children and three women.

The fighting on Wednesday and Thursday marked the fourth time armed men from Unity state attacked the area in recent weeks, said Bul. He said more than 30 people were killed in Mangol Apuk last month by the same armed youths. Bul called on authorities from both states to act.

Disarmament campaign sought

Unity state information minister Gabriel Makuei confirmed that armed young men from his state had clashed with Gogrial East County citizens in Warrap state.

“This conflict between armed youths from Warrap and Unity states has been continuing for the last two months,” he said. Makuei said three people were killed and eight others seriously injured in clashes on the Unity state side of the border.

Makuei called on authorities to carry out a nationwide disarmament campaign so that all citizens could live in peace, and he urged communities in Warrap and Unity states in particular to embrace peaceful coexistence.

Warrap state information minister Ring Deng Ading condemned the attack.

“I also appeal to the communities of Warrap state to stay calm and give a chance for the government to look into the matter,” Ading told South Sudan in Focus.

Edmondi Yakani, a Juba-based civil society activist and executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress organization, condemned the killing of “innocent women and children in Warrap state by the armed men” and called on state and national leaders to “immediately come up with the mechanism to end this persistent violence in the country.”

Yakani urged President Salva Kiir to declare intercommunal conflict a national crisis because the government is unable to control it. He said the future of the country remains dark if leaders continue to ignore violence in Unity, Warrap, Lakes, and Jonglei states along with the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

The only way to end the violence is a demonstration of political will among South Sudanese leaders to reconcile, disarm and build consensus among communities, according to Yakani.

The revitalized peace agreement for South Sudan mandates that the leaders conduct nationwide disarmament and initiate peace-building activities to restore social cohesion among the communities of South Sudan.

Source: Voice of America

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Mali’s Top Court Declares Coup Leader Goita Interim President

Mali’s constitutional court on Friday declared Assimi Goita, the colonel who led a military coup this week while serving as vice president, to be the new interim president.

The ruling raises the stakes as West African leaders prepare to meet on Sunday to respond to the takeover, which has jeopardized a transition back to democracy and could undermine a regional fight against Islamist militants.

Goita became interim vice president after leading the coup last August that overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. He ordered the arrests on Monday of President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.

Both resigned on Wednesday while still in detention. They were later released.

The court said in its ruling that Goita should fill the vacancy left by Ndaw’s resignation “to lead the transition process to its conclusion” and carry the title of “president of the transition, head of state.”

The ruling set Mali on a collision course with the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has insisted that the transition, which is due to end with elections in February, remain civilian-led.

After agreeing in October to lift sanctions imposed after the coup against Keita, ECOWAS said in a declaration that the vice president of the transition “cannot under any circumstances replace the president.”

ECOWAS heads of state are due to meet in Ghana on Sunday.

They and Western powers including France and the United States fear the political crisis could exacerbate instability in northern and central Mali, a home base for regional affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Goita, a 38-year-old special forces commander, was one of several colonels who led the coup against Keita. He ousted Ndaw after the interim president named a new Cabinet that stripped two of the other coup leaders of their ministerial posts.

Late on Friday, Goita said on national television that he would name a new prime minister from among the members of the M5-RFP coalition, which led protests against Keita last year and fell out with Ndaw and Ouane during the transition.

Jeamille Bitar, a member of the coalition, said its pick for the post would be Choguel Maiga, a former government minister.

Source: Voice of America

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Eritreans in Diaspora celebrate Independence Day

Eritreans in Belgium and the Netherlands celebrated the 30th Independence Day anniversary on 23 May in patriotic zeal under the theme “Resilient-As Ever”.

The celebratory event the nationals conducted in the Netherlands cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Amersfoort, Kampen and Utrecht featured various programs depicting the noble values of the Eritrean people and the heavy sacrifice paid for liberation and safeguarding the national sovereignty.

Explaining of the significance of the strong unity of the Eritrean people in this new era, Mr. Micael Tesfamariam, Chairman of the Holidays Organizing Committee, and Mr. Isak Minasie, head of Community and Consular Affairs called on the nationals to reinforce contribution and participation in the national development drives.

Similarly, nationals in Brussels, Belgium, colorfully celebrated the 30th Independence Day anniversary.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Negassi Kassa gave briefing on the strong resilience the Eritrean people and its Defense Forces demonstrated in the past 30 years to foil the various hostilities and challenges and the achievements registered in all sectors of development.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea

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30th Independence Day Anniversary throughout the Nation and Diaspora

Eritrea’s Independence Day Anniversary celebrated on May 24, is one of the most important chapters in Eritrea’s history. After three decades of fierce struggle against, the then, one of Africa’s strongest armies, the valiant Eritrean liberation fighters triumphantly captured Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, thus heralding the total liberation of the country.

Besides, this day has a special meaning to every Eritrean because the nation’s right to independence and self-determination was denied by the superpowers through federation and later, annexation. Eritrea’s independence was not given in a silver platter; it demanded heavy sacrifice. It was independence brought through pure determination, immeasurable sacrifice, unabated commitment, patriotism, and unparalleled courage. Hence, Eritrea’s Independence Day in every corner of the country and abroad is celebrated in a patriotic zeal, in which Eritreans inside and outside the country depict the heroic feats of our fighters. For this reason, the 30th Independence Day anniversary was colorfully celebrated in all the six regions of the country and diaspora under the theme “Resilient as Ever”.

The celebrations of the Northern Red-Sea region were held in the port city of Massawa on May 20. Ms. Asmeret Abraha, Governor of the region, thanked the people for making the event a success despite the COVID-19 challenges. The Governor went on to say that Eritrea’s independence was achieved to lay a strong foundation to ensure social justice and to develop the academic and vocational capacity of citizens especially to the youth and added that everyone is working on it. At the event, winners of poetry and short story contests were handed out prizes by the governor.

In a similar fashion, the Independence Day celebrations of the Gash-Barka region were held in Barentu on 20 May at the regional level. Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hiruy, Governor of the region, admired the fortitude of the Eritrean people in achieving Independence and their toil in the nation-building activities. He also expressed his appreciation to everyone who participated in the coordination of the event for their careful planning to avoid the hazards of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various artistic shows that depict the importance of the day and the sacrifice it claimed were featured in the event.

Similarly, the Southern and Southern Red Sea regions celebrated Independence Day on 22 and 23 May respectively. In the southern region, the celebration was held in Mendefera. At the celebratory event held in Mendefera city on May 22, the Governor of the Southern Region, Mr. Habteab Fessehatsion said that a huge investment made in all sectors, as well as the integrated effort by all stakeholders over the past 30 years, have registered praiseworthy achievements.

Meanwhile, the Independence Day anniversary was celebrated in the Port City of Assab on 23 May at a regional level in the Southern Red Sea region. At the event, Ambassador Seid Mantay, Governor of the region, noted that in the past 30 years the Eritrean people have emerged victorious by foiling different hostilities and challenges and called on every citizen to strengthen participation and contribution in the nation-building process.

Anseba region and Sawa also celebrated the 30th Independence Day anniversary colorfully on 23 May with patriotic zeal under the theme “Resilient: As Ever” featuring various artistic performances. At the celebratory event held in Keren city, the Governor of Anseba region, Ambassador Abdella Musa, said that the heroic feat the people of Eritrea demonstrated as well as the noble values cultivated and nurtured during the armed struggle have played a significant role in realizing praiseworthy achievements in the last 30 years of Independence.

Likewise, at the celebratory event held in Sawa, Col. Debesai Ghide, Commander of Sawa National Service Training Center, stated that Eritrea has realized its independence and safeguarded its sovereignty thanks to the precious blood of its sons and daughters. In the event, many colorful and artistic patriotic performances were held. It was performed by students of the 12th and 13th round of vocational training center and a military parade was held by members of the 34th round national service.

The celebrations by Eritrean nationals in the diaspora also include events in Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Kuwait, Republic of South Sudan, as well as Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The celebratory events featured cultural and artistic performances, sports competitions, and other programs in compliance with the guidelines issued in their respective countries of residence aimed at controlling the spread of the covid-19 pandemic.

At the celebratory event which was held in Kuwait, Mr. Humed Yahya Ali, Charge d’Affairs at the Embassy of Eritrea in Kuwait said that the Eritrean people in the past 30 years have stood in the face of hostilities and conspiracies against its independence and sovereignty. He also added that their bravery and hope finally paid off. Likewise, nationals residing in the Republic of South Sudan celebrated the 30th Independence Day anniversary on 23 May in Juba in the presence of South Sudanese friends of Eritrea.

In the same vein, the Eritrean community in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, celebrated the 30th Independence Day anniversary by renewing their pledge to strengthen contribution and participation in the nation-building drive. The Eritrean Consul General in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Abdurahman Osman, congratulated the people and members of the Eritrean Defense Forces. He also added that the national development program will be successfully implemented through popular participation.

Last but not least, a celebration event was held in Sudan, Kenya, and in the South African cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. At the celebratory event which was held in Sudan Mr. Isa Ahmed Isa, Eritrean Ambassador in Sudan congratulated every national in and outside of Eritrea for making their dreams of independent Eritrea come to reality. He added that commendable achievement has been registered with the view to realizing a self-reliant economy. Mr. Beyene Russom, Eritrean Ambassador in Kenya, also congratulated the Eritrean people and its Defense Forces and allied for renewing a pledge to reinforce participation in the national development endeavors.

Eritrean nationals in Italy, Ethiopia, and the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria and their environs also enthusiastically celebrated the 30th Independence Day anniversary featuring various programs.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea