AfricaVoice
r/AfricaVoice•2.0K subscribers•5 active
Why the hate while they bring development. African Discussion.
The absence of foreign corporations extracting minerals in African nations would probably result in poverty. I don't think Nigeria, Botswana, or Zambia could drill offshore oil without BP, Debeers, or Mopani Mines. Maybe only South Africa could handle it on its own. "But these companies are exploitative & barely pay anything." In my opinion, they would pay much less if activists and NGOs didn't draw attention to their actions. The concepts of "conflict minerals" and "blood diamonds" were really created by Westerners rather than Africans.These nations' elites use payments to overlook environmental or child labor concerns. Concerned activists understand that pressing the African elite to raise the standard of living for their people is pointless. As a solution, they therefore demand that Apple and Samsung disclose their supplier chains.
The Looming Specter of Somalian Expansionism: A Threat to Stability in the Horn of AfricaAfrican Discussion.
The Horn of Africa has long been a region of strategic importance, with complex geopolitical dynamics and historical tensions that continue to reverberate to this day. At the heart of these regional challenges lies the persistent threat of Somalian expansionism, a force that has time and again sought to destabilize its neighbors and undermine the national security interests of countries like Ethiopia and Kenya.
The Ogaden War, the Shifta Conflict, and the Annexation of Somaliland
The pivotal events of the past century serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by Somalian irredentism. In 1961, just a year after Somalia gained independence, the country annexed the former British Protectorate of Somaliland, a unilateral action that violated the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity.
This act of expansionism was followed by the Ogaden War in 1977, when Somalia, under the leadership of Siad Barre, launched a brazen invasion of the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, seeking to annex territory that it claimed as rightfully belonging to the Somalian people. A decade earlier, a similar dynamic had played out in Kenya's Northern Frontier District (NFD), where secessionist groups supported by Somalia had engaged in a violent campaign known as the Shifta War, fueled by Somalian aspirations to incorporate the NFD into a greater Somalian state.
The Legacy of Somalian Expansionism
The legacies of these conflicts continue to reverberate in the region today. The unresolved tensions and territorial disputes that characterized the annexation of Somaliland, the Ogaden War, and the Shifta War have left a lasting impact, contributing to an atmosphere of instability and mistrust that undermines regional cooperation and economic development.
Moreover, the specter of Somalian expansionism remains a persistent concern, with the country's history of irredentist ambitions and support for secessionist movements posing a genuine threat to the national security interests of Ethiopia and Kenya. As Somalia continues to grapple with internal political and security challenges, the temptation to turn outward and assert its regional influence through coercive means remains a palpable risk.
The Imperative of Collective Security and Diplomacy
Addressing the threat of Somalian expansionism requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes regional cooperation, effective border management, and a renewed commitment to diplomacy and conflict resolution. Ethiopia and Kenya must work closely to strengthen their security and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, while also engaging in constructive dialogues with Somalia to address the root causes of these tensions.
Simultaneously, the international community must play a more active role in promoting stability and good governance in Somalia, supporting efforts to build reliable institutions and foster a political culture that eschews irredentist ambitions in favor of regional integration and economic development.
Only by confronting the specter of Somalian expansionism head-on, and by promoting a vision of the Horn of Africa defined by cooperation, security, and shared prosperity, can the countries of this strategically vital region safeguard their national interests and build a more stable, resilient, and interconnected future.
The AU chairmanship elections.African Discussion.
The Elections for the African Union (AU) Chairmanship are Intensifying
The elections for the position of the AU Chairperson are becoming increasingly intense and contentious. The AU Chairpersonship is a largely ceremonial role, serving as the head of state representation for the AU. It is a one-year term that rotates among the continent's five regions.
For the current election cycle, there were three candidates vying for the position: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Fawzia Yusuf Adam from Somalia, and Raila Odinga from Kenya. Initially, the Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga appeared to have a strong chance, until the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprising 30 African member states, endorsed Fawzia Yusuf Adam from Somalia.
Raila Odinga's prospects for securing the AU Chairpersonship diminished significantly after Fawzia Yusuf Adam announced her candidacy. This development came after the East African Community (EAC) pressured the AU to modify its gender balance provision, which would have required the next holder of the position to be a woman.
As the race stands currently, it is highly improbable that any other candidate besides Fawzia Yusuf Adam from Somalia will emerge victorious, barring unforeseen or extraordinary circumstances. The substantial support from the Muslim-majority nations in Africa, coupled with their unity behind a single candidate, has solidified her path to the inevitable.
