The panel said al-Qaida has improved its media productions which appeared aimed at restoring the extremist group’s credibility, attracting recruits, and filling the void over its inability to announce a new leader…reports Asian Lite News
The terrorist threat from al-Qaida, the Islamic State group and their affiliates remains high in conflict zones in Africa and in Afghanistan – and threat levels have risen in some regions including Europe, U.N. experts said in a new report.
The panel of experts said in the 23-page report that the relationship between Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers and al-Qaida remains close, and unnamed member states report that “the high concentration of terrorist groups” in the country are undermining the security situation in the region.
The greatest threat within Afghanistan still comes from the Islamic State “with its ability to project into the region and beyond,” the experts said in the report to the U.N. Security Council covering the period until Dec. 16, 2023 which was circulated Wednesday. Regionally, they pointed to a succession of attacks in neighboring Iran and Pakistan and threats in Central Asian nations.
The panel said, however, that while none of the al-Qaida affiliated groups have recovered the capability to launch long-range operations, “they harbor global ambitions.” And it said “covert and calibrated efforts to rebuild capability” have been reported.
The Daesh broke away from al-Qaida over a decade ago and attracted supporters from around the world. Despite its defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later. The panel said the combined IS strength in the two countries is still between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters. In Iraq, they are carrying out “a low-intensity insurgency with covert terrorist cells” while in Syria attacks have intensified since November, the experts said.
The panel said the three-month delay in naming the current Daesh leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashemi al-Qurayshi, following the death in fighting of his little-known predecessor “is judged indicative of internal difficulties and security challenges”
Some unnamed U.N. member nations have assessed that serious pressure from counter-terrorism operations in Syria and Iraq raise the possibility that the Islamic State could move its leadership and “center of gravity” to Africa or Afghanistan, with Africa more likely, the experts said.
In West Africa and the Sahel, the panel said, “violence and threat have escalated again” in conflict zones, raising concerns among U.N. member nations. The experts point to “a deficit in counterterrorism capabilities,” which Daesh and al-Qaida affiliated groups are continuing to exploit.
“The situation is becoming ever more complex with the conflation of ethnic and regional disputes with the agenda and operations of these groups,” they said.
In east Africa, the experts said, the Somali government is continuing its military offensive against al-Shabab, an al-Qaida affiliate, but they said U.N. member nations assess that despite significant losses from air strikes and military operations, “al-Shabab remains resilient. It has an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 fighters, and an estimated $100 million annual income, mostly from illegal taxation in the capital Mogadishu and southern Somalia, they said.
The panel said al-Qaida has improved its media productions which appeared aimed at restoring the extremist group’s credibility, attracting recruits, and filling the void over its inability to announce a new leader.
But that messaging changed after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel, the experts said.
The attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and Hamas and other extremists took about 250 people hostage, according to Israeli authorities. In Israel’s ongoing offensive in response in Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas, more than 27,000 people have been killed, according to the territory’s health ministry which doesn’t distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.
The experts said Al-Qaida has focused on “the sanctity” of the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam which is in a compound in Jerusalem sacred to Jews and Muslims, with some communications stressing “an obligation for individuals to take action to the limits of their own ability.”
“Member States are concerned that it (al-Qaida) could exploit the situation to recover relevance and tap into popular dissent about the extent of civilian casualties, providing direction to those keen to act,” the panel said, and they “are concerned that the renewed narrative could inspire self-initiated attacks globally.”
Across Europe, the experts said, “formal terrorist threat levels have risen … following fatal attacks in late 2023 in France and Belgium, in addition to numerous non-lethal terrorist incidents and arrests in several European countries.”
New Delhi, Sept 9 (ANI): Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the PGII and India Middle East Europe connectivity corridor launch event, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)
Of the plan’s €5.5 billion budget, Meloni said “about €3 billion will come from the Italian climate fund and €2.5 billion from the development cooperation fund.”…reports Asian Lite News
Africa will have “a place of honor” on the agenda of Italy’s G7 presidency in 2024, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged on Monday.
At the Italy-Africa Summit in Rome, Meloni presented the government’s Mattei Plan, which aims to transform Italy into an energy hub and stop migrants reaching the country from North Africa. The plan is named after Enrico Mattei, founder of Italy’s state-owned energy giant Eni.
The proposed strategic partnership between Italy and African countries aims to address the root causes of irregular migration and turn Italy into a hub for energy supplies from Africa to Europe as the latter tries to reduce its dependency on Russian oil and gas after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The plan aims to position Italy as “a bridge between Africa and Europe, funneling energy north while exchanging investment in the south for deals aimed at curbing migrant departures across the Mediterranean Sea,” Giulio Tremonti, president of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, told Arab News.
Initial funding of the plan will be of €5.5 billion ($5.9 billion). Some of it will be loans, with investments focused on energy, agriculture, water, health and education in African countries.
Twenty-five African leaders and top representatives of the EU, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Speaker of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, attended the summit, which was held in the Plenary Hall of the Italian Senate in the presence of Italian entrepreneurs and lawmakers.
At the event, which was attended by Arab News, Meloni said Italy is making a “precise foreign policy choice, which will lead to giving Africa a place of honor on the agenda of our G7 presidency.”
She added: “We’re aware of how interconnected the destiny of our continents is, and … it’s possible to imagine and write a new chapter in our relations involving cooperation between equals that’s a long way removed from any predatory temptation and charitable approach.”
Of the plan’s €5.5 billion budget, Meloni said “about €3 billion will come from the Italian climate fund and €2.5 billion from the development cooperation fund.”
Pilot projects contemplated under the plan include the creation of a vocational training center on renewable energy in Morocco, education projects in Tunisia, and projects giving greater access to healthcare in Ivory Coast.
Tunisia and Ivory Coast were respectively the second and third most common country of origin of migrants and refugees arriving in Italy by sea in 2023.
“Sharing is one of the cardinal principles of the Mattei Plan, and the work of this summit will be decisive in enriching the path,” said Meloni, adding that projects are also foreseen in Algeria and Egypt, among other countries.
Von der Leyen said the Mattei Plan “is an important contribution to this new phase of our partnership with Africa, and complements our European Global Gateway” project that aims to mobilize €150 billion in funding to support green and digital transitions in Africa.
“The interests and destinies of Africa and Europe are aligned more than ever before,” she added, pointing to clean energy, the fight against the climate crisis, employment, and preventing loss of life along migration routes by addressing the root causes of migration and combating people smugglers.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the summit “intends to strengthen a dialogue between equals in order to look together at the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
He added: “We live in a context of three wars, in which even the situation in the Red Sea has strategic and economic repercussions on African countries as well as for us.”
For this reason, he said, the summit has “strong strategic value,” reiterating that Italy’s G7 presidency “intends to be a factor of stability and partnership with Africa.”
This programme is for civil servants from the African region and 36 senior officers from six countries, namely Eritrea, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Gambia, and Eswatini are attending it, an official said…reports Asian Lite News
Civil servants of six different African countries are being trained in India, learning leadership and governance related skills in a Mussoorie institute.
The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), an apex-level autonomous institution under the Union Ministry of Personnel, commenced a two-week Advanced Leadership Development Programme on Public Policy and Governance.
This programme is for civil servants from the African region and 36 senior officers from six countries, namely Eritrea, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Gambia, and Eswatini are attending it, an official said.
NCGG Director General and Secretary, DARPG, V. Srinivas, emphasised India’s commitment to digital transformation, and highlighted the role of technology in bringing citizens closer to the government.
Course Coordinator and Associate Professor at NCGG, Dr. A.P Singh said that the programme includes sessions on governance paradigms, digital technology in housing, Aadhar for good governance, land records modernisation, transparency in government procurement, rural property survey programmes, public-private partnerships, effective office administration, climate change policies, sustainable development goals, agriculture in India, public policy perspectives, and India-Africa relation along with institutional visit to PM Sangrahalaya, the DMRC, AIIMS, and the Taj Mahal.
Srinivas said that India’s policy maxim of “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government” has focused on digital empowerment of citizens and digital transformation of institutions to bring citizens and government closer using technology, and the focus is on effective grievance redressal using CPGRAMS, secretariat reforms focused on e-services, and improving service delivery through integrated service portals.
The Capacity Building Programme seeks to present India’s strides in technology, zero tolerance to corruption, and ethics in governance to the delegates in addition to the focus on land reforms.
Gambia’s Deputy High Commissioner Lamin E Singhateh expressed gratitude for the knowledge-sharing collaboration between his country, India, and the NCGG. He also emphasised the importance of continuous learning for professional and personal growth in today’s world.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.(Photo: twitter.com/PresidencyZA)
Calling the ICJ verdict “a significant human rights victory,” the parliament said “the ruling vindicates South Africa’s position on an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in Gaza”…reports Asian Lite News
The South African parliament welcomed the “landmark ruling” of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the country’s genocide case against Israel, calling on the international community to apply pressure on Israel to comply with the order.According to a statement issued by the parliament on Friday evening, the ICJ has determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza are “plausibly genocidal” and has indicated provisional measures on that basis.Calling it “a significant human rights victory,” the parliament said “the ruling vindicates South Africa’s position on an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in Gaza.”
In the statement, the South African parliament called on Israel to respect the binding measures and to cease all plausibly genocidal acts in Gaza and against the Palestinian people.“There is now no credible basis for Israel and its supporters’ indiscriminate military actions in the name of self-defense. The ruling is a clear demonstration of Israel’s non-compliance with international law, including the Genocide Convention,” said the parliament.Therefore, it noted, the ruling compels Israel to stop immediately all hostilities in Gaza and allow more UN humanitarian aid.“Considering the measures ordered by the court, we call on governments, parliaments, and the international community to respond by applying pressure on Israel to comply with the order,” it added.The parliament also called on the United Nations Security Council, upon formal notification of the ICJ’s order and pursuant to its statute, to ensure swift action as “no government or state is above the law.”On Dec. 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application to the ICJ for proceedings against Israel, concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide related to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The order is binding on Israel, and must be respected by all states that are party to the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, he said, adding that South Africa expects Israel, as a self-proclaimed democracy and a state that respects the rule of law, to abide by the measures handed down by the ICJ.“As South Africa, we thank all in the international community who have supported our application, including a number of countries who have declared their intention to be part of our application,” he said.“It is our earnest hope and wish that this court order paves the way for an end to this crisis, for an end to the terrible loss of life and hardship, and for the crucial first steps to be taken towards reconciliation and a just, lasting peace,” said Ramaphosa.South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation on Friday also welcomed the ICJ’s order, saying the ruling marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.
On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application to the ICJ for proceedings against Israel, concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide related to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.The decision “gives the clear message that in order to do all the things that they are asking for, you need a ceasefire for it to happen”, said Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN.Algeria, the Arab representative on the council, requested the meeting late on Friday after a closed-door discussion of the UN’s 22-member Arab group.“So fasten your seat belts,” Mansour said, hinting that the Arab group would push for a halt in the fighting.The UNSC, long divided on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, has only agreed to two resolutions since the October 7 Hamas attacks that led to Israel’s massive offensive on the Gaza Strip.In December, it demanded aid deliveries “at scale” to Gaza’s besieged population, while Israel’s ally, the United States, has kept out calls for a ceasefire despite international pressure.Hamas’s October 7 attacks killed about 1,140 people in Israel, according to authorities.Palestinian fighters also seized about 250 people and Israel says 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 of them.XXXUN chief hopes Israel will ‘duly comply’XXXMeanwhile, The UN Chief Antonio Guterres said on Saturday that he hopes Israel will “duly comply” with the ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ordering it to take action to prevent acts of genocide being carried out in war-torn Gaza, the media reported.Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary General, told reporters in New York that Guterres had taken note of the orders from the UN’s top court, which made the ruling as part of a genocide case brought by South Africa, CNN reported.In the statement, Guterres reiterated the legally binding nature of ICJ decisions, adding that he trusts “that all parties will duly comply with the Order from the Court”.
The UN Chief has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, expressing deep concern about the “unprecedented” number of civilian casualties and the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in the enclave, CNN reported.In a rebuke of Israel, the ICJ on Friday said Israel must “take all measures” to limit the death and destruction caused by its campaign in Gaza but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. The ICJ’s decisions are binding and cannot be appealed, but it has no way of enforcing them, CNN reported. Israel previously indicated it would not abide by the ruling.
Tehran [Iran], Jan 15 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister H Amirabdollahian (Unseen), in Tehran on Monday. (ANI Photo)
The External Affairs Minister further stated that India is also betting on Africa, as both the nations share a history that has engendered an enormous solidarity…reports Asian Lite News
Lauding it’s upward trajectory in terms of aspirations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that India is placing its bets on Africa’s growth due to the abundant opportunities presented by its demography and resources.
In his address to the the Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC) in Abuja today, Jaishankar said, “Now, having spoken about India-Nigeria, let me make a larger point in respect of Africa. Africa is rising, and India is betting on Africa’s rise.”
“We are betting on Africa’s rise because, by any objective assessment, today there is so much growing for Africa in terms of demography, in terms of resources, in terms of ambition, in terms of, increasingly, of policy alignments. That clearly potent, a very different, much more positive future in the very short term,” he underlined.
The External Affairs Minister further stated that India is also betting on Africa, as both the nations share a history that has engendered an enormous solidarity. He asserted that for India, the multipolarity of the world will not be complete until Africa takes its due place.
The EAM said, “Now, we are betting on Africa because, as the president of NIBC reminded us, we have a shared past, not always a happy history, not between us, but between us and some other people. But it is a history which has engendered an enormous solidarity.”
“And that solidarity today makes me say very clearly that for us, when we speak about a changing global order, we clearly, today, India, as I said, the most populous country in the world, the fifth largest economy, a four trillion dollar approximate GDP. For us, the reordering of the world, the rebalancing, the multipolarity of the world will not be complete until Africa takes its due place,” Jaishankar said.
“And we speak of it often, certainly in the diplomatic world, in terms of, you know, there will be reform of the United Nations, who will have a seat, how will it go, and all of that is very important. But I would say to all of you that rebalancing, reordering a new global order will only happen when the core of it is economic, which is the rise of Africa has to be the economic rise of Africa,” he added.
EAM Jaishankar is on a visit to Nigeria from January 21-23.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed the India-Nigeria Business Forum. He also addressed the Nigerian Institute Of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos on India and the Global South.
He also visited the Indian High Commission in Abuja. There, he unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and planted a sapling in the High Commission premises. (ANI)
South Africa urged the UN court to take “provisional measures” to “protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention.”…reports Asian Lite News
South Africa filed a case on Friday in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel for its “genocidal” acts in Gaza.
The case claims “alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the ‘Genocide Convention’) in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” according to an ICJ press release.
In its application to the UN court, South Africa said that “acts and omissions by Israel … are genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent … to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group.”
South Africa also said that “the conduct of Israel — through its State organs, State agents, and other persons and entities acting on its instructions or under its direction, control or influence — in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, is in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention.”
“Israel, since 7 October 2023 in particular, has failed to prevent genocide and has failed to prosecute the direct and public incitement to genocide” and that “Israel has engaged in, is engaging in and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza,” said the South African application.
South Africa urged the UN court to take “provisional measures” to “protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention.”
It also called on the ICJ for measures “to ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention not to engage in genocide, and to prevent and to punish genocide.”
The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established by the UN Charter in June 1945 and began its activities in April 1946.
New conflicts – internal and external – emerged and a series of flawed elections opened the door for the military to extend the trend of coups into another year…reports Asian Lite News
Like 2022, 2023 was a year full of high-stakes geopolitical drama and economic crises that sometimes seemed like an escalation of existing issues of previous years.
New conflicts – internal and external – emerged and a series of flawed elections opened the door for the military to extend the trend of coups into another year.
The disruption in the supply chain brought about by the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine continued to bite. Climate disasters have become more acute. But in all these, African governments stepped up to chart their destinies, for good or bad.
Climate shocks
Declared worse than the 2011 famine, the drought in the Horn of Africa region entered its third year – and sixth consecutive season – of failed rainfall. According to data from the World Health Organization in August, 2.3 million people were displaced across the region due to the drought alone.
But when it rains, it pours. After the drought, floods hit the region, bringing more painful effects of extreme weather. Displacing several thousands of people, the floods killed 65 in Tanzania, 15 in Kenya, and dozens of others in Somalia and South Sudan. In southeastern Africa, cyclone devastation wreaked havoc in Malawi and Mozambique, killing hundreds of people and displacing thousands. In southern Angola, the drought is still endangering dozens of pregnant women.
Over 150mn kids in Africa gripped by poverty, climate disaster: Report.(photo:kenya.savethechildren.net)
These climate shocks have sparked concerns among leaders, leading to an inaugural African climate summit in Nairobi where leaders reiterated that African states have been disproportionately affected by climate change and urged Western nations – which on average have higher carbon emissions – to pay their fair share of climate taxes.
On the back of this, African negotiators at COP28 were vocal in demanding a “just fossil phase-out with equity and differentiation,” said Lerato Ngakane, communications director at the Global Oil and Gas Network, a coalition of nonprofits working to reduce fossil fuel use globally.
“Those that have historically benefitted from emissions and development from fossil fuels need to phase out first and then redirect public finance and investment into the renewable energy sector, for those developing nations to build renewable energy infrastructure and transition, in order to industrialise,” she told Al Jazeera.
Cost-of-living crisis
Across the continent, the cost-of-living crisis is escalating due to the persevering economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, intensified by disruption of global food supply chains due to the Russia-Ukraine war. In some cases, frustration spilled on to the streets which led to massive protests in multiple countries including Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and Tunisia.
In Malawi, where the president has suspended travel for all officials in his government to conserve draining foreign reserves, more women have turned to the sex trade. In Nigeria, some have reverted to old kerosene stoves or a two-tier cooking contraption fuelled by sawdust – that became popular under dictator Sani Abacha in the ‘90s – after fuel prices rose astronomically following the abrupt end of a decades-long fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.
Experts say African economies remain susceptible to global tensions even as the effects of the pandemic and war in Europe are yet to subside.
Coups
A carryover from the past few years, the coup trend continued in West and Central Africa in 2023. The sixth and seventh military takeovers in the last three years happened in Niger and Gabon this year. Elsewhere in West Africa, attempted coups were also curtailed in Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.
Military leaders continued to seize power, exploiting deep satisfaction among citizens and anger towards the ruling class over the absence of democratic dividends.
A series of contested national elections throughout the year also fuelled the military’s narrative of pervasive political corruption and overbearing external influence. Elections in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Eswatini, Gabon, Sierra Leone and Madagascar were heavily contested and denounced by citizens. The exception was Liberia where outgoing President George Weah conceded the election to former vice president Joseph Boakai.
A fragile accord between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces ripped open in April. That threw Sudan, Africa’s third largest country, into a war that has now killed more than 10,000 people and displaced millions of others, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.
The war has continued to threaten the stability of the nearby Horn of Africa and Sahel regions. In Somalia, clashes over territory between the self-autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland ballooned into full-on crisis.
BRICS expansion
As more countries from the Global South look to diversify from the current Western economic hegemony, the BRICS bloc continues to emerge as a serious alternative.
This year, Africa was at the focal point; South Africa hosted the 15th summit since the group was formed in 2009; Egypt and Ethiopia also officially joined the bloc, expanding its footprint on the continent.
Afterwards, BRICS criticised the continued bombing of the Gaza Strip, a signal of an increasingly political stance in a global climate where the United States and many European countries have backed Israel.
Coups in Gabon and Niger this year followed previous coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea – amplifying the decline of France’s influence in its former colonies. A last grasp at straws in Niger sparked a diplomatic row with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), bringing the region to the brink of a regional conflict, as Paris backed the Nigeria-led bloc to reverse the July coup.
India’s partnership with Africa, deeply rooted in history, is now being revitalised with renewed purpose….reports Asian Lite News
In a significant affirmation of the enduring partnership between India and African nations, the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Burundi in Bujumbura on December 12 were marked by a profound review of their bilateral ties. Puneet R. Kundal, Additional Secretary (East and Southern Africa), and Ambassador Ernest Niyokindi, Director General of Bilateral Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Burundi, led discussions covering trade, economic affairs, consular matters, and strategic collaborations in agriculture, education, health, digital technology, and renewable energy. This mutual commitment underscores a shared vision to fortify and broaden their relationship.
A momentous occasion unfolded at the Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi where the Honorary Doctorate was conferred upon President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan. This recognition not only acknowledges her enduring connection with India but also emphasizes the educational dimension as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Education and capacity building emerge as pivotal facets, with over 5000 Tanzanian nationals benefiting from India’s ITEC program. The establishment of the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras in Zanzibar, signifies a transformative leap in technical education for the African continent.
The intertwining of India’s G-20 Presidency and the Voice of Global South Summit highlights a commitment to championing the concerns of the developing world. The inclusion of the African Union as a full member in the G20 stands as a confirmation of India’s unwavering support for the rise of Africa, a sentiment reinforced by the historic visit of President Samia Suluhu Hassan on October 08-10. India’s embassies dotting the African landscape underscore a decade-long commitment to nurturing these ties. The traditional camaraderie between India and Tanzania, characterized by political understanding, economic engagement, and people-to-people contacts, remains a formidable pillar of cooperation. Despite global challenges, bilateral trade has surged to US$ 6.4 billion, affirming the resilience and dynamism of this relationship. India’s economic prowess, coupled with Tanzania’s impressive performance in Africa, opens avenues for collaboration and convergence. As the geopolitical centre of gravity shifts towards the Indo-Pacific region, guided by the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, India engages Tanzania as a strategic littoral neighbour. This cooperation holds the potential to contribute significantly to maintaining peace, prosperity, and security, particularly in the Indian Ocean.
The 3-day visit (4-6 December) of President William Samoei Ruto of the Republic of Kenya to India further accentuates the depth of bilateral relationships. Acknowledging the historical connections through the Indian Ocean, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the robust nature of India-Kenya ties, encompassing trade, education, and technology. It is noteworthy that Kenya hosts a robust Indian-origin community of 80,000, seamlessly integrated into the social and economic structure of the nation. Proudly identifying as Kenyans, they simultaneously uphold the rich blend of Indian culture and values. This stands as an evidence to the inclusivity inherent in Kenyan society, highlighting the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultural identities. India’s commitment to Kenya’s developmental journey is underscored by significant investments and partnerships. The signing of five MoUs, spanning sports, digital solutions, cultural exchange, standards, and education, amplifies the commitment to broad-ranging cooperation. A joint vision statement on maritime cooperation, Kenya’s inclusion in the International Solar Alliance and the Global Bio-fuels Alliance, a substantial loan of US$ 250 million to Kenya for the modernisation of its agricultural sector, and collaborative efforts in space technology reemphasize the expansive scope of this partnership.
India’s partnership with Africa, deeply rooted in history, is now being revitalized with renewed purpose. The India-Africa Forum Summits held in 2008, 2011, and 2015 played a crucial role in strengthening the relationship, particularly the last summit, which expanded cooperation across all dimensions. This was followed by a series of high-level visits to African countries by India’s top leaders, including the president, vice president, and prime minister.
India has been actively engaging with African leaders, and vice versa. It is important to assess whether India’s diplomatic efforts in Africa have led to tangible economic benefits. India’s diplomatic approach to Africa must be in harmony with the continent’s own development goals. Africa has made significant progress in recent years, including improving peace and security, socio-economic development, democratization, and governance. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its Seven Aspirations provide a comprehensive framework for Africa’s development aspirations.
The African Development Bank’s 2013-2022 strategy outlined two key goals for Africa: achieving inclusive and environmentally friendly growth. To attain these goals, five priorities were identified for member-states: infrastructure development, regional economic integration, private sector promotion, governance and accountability emphasis, and skills and technology enhancement. While challenges persist, Africa is actively reforming institutions like the African Union and establishing new ones like the African Continental Free Trade Area. The continent’s resurgence is gaining global recognition, fuelled by its abundant natural resources, including minerals and hydrocarbons. Africa’s potential growth, representing 55 nations with 20% of the world’s population and 2.69% of global GDP, is a key factor driving this interest. Numerous countries, including the U.S., EU, China, Russia, Brazil, ASEAN, and the Gulf States, are actively vying to strengthen economic ties with Africa.
India’s trade with Africa has surpassed USD 100 billion and is remarkably balanced, stated India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar at an event commemorating the African Union’s inclusion in the G20. He further highlighted India’s position as a top investor in Africa, with an estimated capital investment exceeding USD 80 billion. Dr. Jaishankar was addressing ambassadors from several African countries at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi on November 10 to discuss India’s progress in digital infrastructure and its potential for collaboration. Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, recognized by the G20, he expressed optimism for future partnerships in the digital realm.
India has significantly expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa by opening numerous embassies and establishing the first Indian Institute of Technology and Forensic Sciences University abroad. India views its relationship with Africa as crucial for reshaping the global order, which has been unbalanced for the past two centuries. India played a pivotal role in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G20, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with Africa.
Despite the temporary setback caused by the pandemic, India remains committed to playing a long-term partnership role in Africa’s economic development. India’s firm interest in Africa’s economic growth presents numerous opportunities for both parties to enhance their existing bilateral ties and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in Africa’s untapped services sector.
India’s economic ties with Africa are diverse, encompassing grant-in-aid, concessional loans, capacity building, technical assistance, and project support. Africa has received a significant portion of India’s concessional loans, with over US$ 6.3 billion disbursed out of a total commitment of US$ 10 billion. India-Africa bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching US$ 55.9 billion in 2020-21. India is Africa’s fifth-largest investor, with cumulative investments of US$ 54 billion. India aims to increase bilateral trade to US$ 150 billion and double investments to US$ 100 billion in the coming years. India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) has benefitted 38 African nations and expanded India-Africa trade. However, further geographical diversification of trade flows is eminently possible.
India’s manufacturing prowess could significantly boost the region’s manufacturing capabilities. Currently, Africa’s share in the global trade of intermediate manufactured goods is a mere 2%. African countries should capitalize on India’s expanding markets to maximize trade-driven economic growth. Investing in trade-related infrastructure and trade facilitation is therefore crucial for Africa’s economic progress.
The establishment of India-Africa Trade Council and 13 new offices in India will boost trade and investment opportunities for Indian businesses in Africa. India aims to open, or has already opened, new missions in 18 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Rwanda, and Somalia. India’s cooperation with African countries will be tailored to their specific needs. India has opened IT centres, vocational training centres, and a Technology Centre in several African countries. India is collaborating with Japan and Kenya to build a cancer hospital in Africa and with the UAE to establish an IT Excellence Centre in Ethiopia. India’s e-VidyaBharati and e-ArogyaBharati Network Project aims to provide free tele-education and medical education to thousands of African students and professionals. India has earmarked a significant portion of its concessional credit to Africa under the International Solar Alliance (ISA). India and Africa can work together to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and promote a circular economy.
India-Africa trade soared to new heights in 2022-23, reaching a staggering $97.9 billion. India’s exports to Africa surged by 27.3% to $51.2 billion, while imports from Africa dipped by 5.4% to $46.7 billion. This shift was partly attributed to India’s increased sourcing of crude oil from alternative markets. Consequently, India’s trade balance with Africa swung into a surplus of $4.6 billion in 2022-23.
India’s trade with Africa is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with petroleum products being a major export and crude oil a major import. However, climate change is forcing a shift in global trade patterns, with countries increasingly considering the carbon emissions associated with traded goods. One example of this is the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which aims to prevent “carbon leakage” and encourage developing countries like India and those in Africa to diversify their exports towards cleaner and more efficient technologies.
India and Africa are particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, even though their average individual carbon dioxide emissions are significantly lower than the global average. In 2021, India’s per capita carbon dioxide emissions stood at 1.93 tonnes, while China’s and the United States’ were 8.05 tonnes and 14.86 tonnes, respectively. Africa’s per capita emissions were even lower, averaging just 1.04 tonnes. Only two African countries, Libya and South Africa, exceeded the global average of 4.69 tonnes per capita. Despite these low emission levels, the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Country Index ranks African countries as the top 10 most vulnerable to climate change globally. The notion that developing countries can initially pursue carbon-intensive growth strategies and later decarbonize is no longer viable. This coincides with the failure of developed nations to meet their $100 billion pledge in climate finance support for developing countries.
Against this context, one of the critical strategies for India and Africa will be to boost trade in environmental or green goods. Environmental goods, as defined by the International Monetary Fund, comprise products that contribute to environmental protection, such as pollution control and resource management systems. They also include goods that have been specifically designed to be more environmentally friendly or cleaner. Examples of environmental goods include industrial air filters, wastewater treatment products, and renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
In 2021, China held the top position as the world’s largest exporter of environmental goods, with a global share of 21.9 percent. Germany followed closely behind with 15.6 percent, and the United States held a share of 9.3 percent. India’s share, in comparison to these global leaders, remained relatively modest at 1.1 percent, mirroring its overall merchandise exports share of 1.8 percent.
In 2021, India exported environmental goods worth $1.7 billion to Africa, representing 10% of its global environmental goods exports. Nigeria was the largest African recipient, accounting for 1.8% of India’s global environmental goods exports, followed by South Africa at 1.2%. Together with Algeria, Kenya, and Egypt, these five countries accounted for over 56% of India’s environmental exports to Africa. Algeria had the highest intensity of environmental imports from India, with environmental goods accounting for 24% of its total imports from India. Burundi, Seychelles, and Ghana followed with import intensities of 12.6%, 11.5%, and 11.1%, respectively.
The main categories of environmental goods exported from India to Africa include acrylic polymers (5.7%), heat exchange units (5.4%), polypropylene sheets (4.5%), iron and steel structures for towers and lattice masts (4.2%), machines and mechanical appliances (4.1%), and board panels, consoles, desks, and other bases for electric control or distribution of electricity and electrical accumulators (3.8% each).
India’s average annual growth rate of environmental goods exports from 2012 to 2021 was 8.3%, outpacing Africa’s growth rate of 4.7%, indicating significant potential for further expansion. Notably, exports of photosensitive semiconductor devices, including solar cells, reached $20.9 million in 2021, accounting for 12.9% of Africa’s global imports of these products.
India has established itself as a trusted development partner for Africa, supporting sustainable development through concessional financing and private sector initiatives. Currently, 33 African countries are members of the International Solar Alliance, an Indian initiative. The dynamics of solar sector exchanges between India and Africa are driven by Africa’s abundant solar resources and India’s technological expertise. India can play a crucial role in establishing a collaborative platform for technology transfer and capacity building in this area. Beyond renewable energy, other potential areas of collaboration between India and Africa include climate-smart agriculture, water supply and wastewater management, strategic collaboration in critical minerals for electric vehicles, green hydrogen production, and mainstreaming the circular economy through recycling in various sectors. These collaborations can elevate India-Africa trade relations to a new level and establish them as a model for South-South cooperation in addressing climate change. As India and Africa forge ahead with shared visions and tangible collaborations, the trajectory of these relationships stands as a testament of the commitment to mutual growth, prosperity, and progress in the global context.
*Dr. Maheep is a leading analyst of India’s Foreign Affairs. He offers online courses to registered African students through E-Vidya Bharti, IGNOU, New Delhi.
New Delhi, Sept 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraces African Union President and Comoros President Azali Assouman as he warmly invites him to join other G20 leaders as the African Union becomes a permanent member of the G20 during the G20 Summit, as Brazilian President Lula da Silva looks on, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI Photo)
Sitharaman said the G20 must keep working to put forward the concerns of the Global South…reports Asian Lite News
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed that during India’s Presidency, the G20’s decision to include the African Union demonstrates the forum’s commitment to taking meaningful actions.
Addressing the Global Economic Policy Forum 2023, Sitharaman said, “The inclusion of Global South, meaning the voice of the Global South was heard prior to the G20 Presidency by the honourable Prime Minister of India, and post that, making sure that the agenda that India Presidency puts forward in the G20 would reflect the concerns of the Global South have all shown that if there is will and if there is concerted action, if there is consensus, an intent getting converted to action, then it is possible.”
“The entry of the African Union into the G20 during the India Presidency showcases that the G20’s will to act was there, it translated into action, and therefore, you saw the entry of the African Union into the G20. I am indeed grateful to the entire G20 membership for having enabled that,” she added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit, invited the African Union, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.
The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressing at the ICRIER’s 14th Annual International G20 Conference on ‘Crafting an Indian narrative on Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economy’, in New Delhi on November 01, 2022.
Stressing that thought engines cannot remain in one corner of the world where the Global South cannot reach, Sitharaman said, “So, with this kind of a background, if thought, engines will have to exist something global growth engines can be in emerging market economies, but thought engines will also have to contribute to it. And if thought engines have to contribute, they can’t be some way exclusive in one corner of the world, where the South doesn’t reach.”
Sitharaman said the G20 must keep working to put forward the concerns of the Global South, adding, “And therefore, this attempt of the CII, particularly immediately after the G20 India Presidency, and particularly after the African Union’s entry into the G20 is just the right thing to do, and I’m indeed grateful, therefore, for all of you who have come over here to participate in this. It is going to be absolutely necessary.”
“To keep this momentum up, not just just one year. For the next few years, we have to persist on this job of putting forward the concerns of the Global South. In both the development and development-related actions, and also in those actions which are going to be global but which will have a bearing on all of us top of the agenda being climate action,” she added.
Also alluding to the role of women for their contribution to the economy and society, she said the Centre was supplying drones and related technology to women in rural areas for sustainable agricultural practices.
“We need more women in policy-making, businesses, board rooms, shop floors, etc. Today, India is supplying drones & related technology to women in rural hinterland for sustainable agricultural practices. These ‘Drone Didis’ are going to take care of Mother Earth, help produce more crops & master the technology of maintaining as well as operating the drones for agricultural purposes,” a post on X by Sitharaman’s Office quoted her as saying at the event.
Sitharaman stressed events like these should be held annually as it would provide a platform for greater discussion by thought leaders on setting the agenda on where the world would move in the next 25 years and in which issues related to the Global South would find resonance.
She made these remarks during the inaugural session of the Global Economic Policy Forum 2023, organised by the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
She said while there is no doubt that each country will have an agenda that is specific to its needs, it was necessary for all voices to be heard and issues for greater inclusion of the Global South should gain traction for them to emerge as the next growth engines after the Covid-19 pandemic and amid the ongoing military conflicts.
Noting that base energy cannot be fully replaced with renewable energy, she called transitional energy a big challenge.
She stated that India is rapidly moving in the renewable energy space, particularly solar energy, through conducive policies and called the International Solar Alliance a big initiative on grid connectivity.
The Union Finance Minister called for a globally connected grid that would draw on solar power from anywhere in the world.
On the increasing use of technology and the digital revolution in India, Sitharaman spoke about the major strides the country has made in the digital space, adding that it stands out for its importance in eliminating corruption so that the common man becomes the ultimate beneficiary and it provides local artisans with access to global markets.
CII President R Dinesh underlined the work on creating a growth map during B-20, India’s digital journey focusing on the Global South, sustainability initiatives and support to be provided to small and medium businesses and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) financing in his address at the event. (ANI)
A major problem with these projects in Africa is the excessive presence of Chinese stakeholders. The majority of these projects in African countries like Ghana, Uganda, and Mozambique, to name a few, are being funded by Chinese financial institutions. Other than Chinese banks, the Chinese element is present excessively, manifesting as Chinese construction companies who are undertaking projects in the continent. Dr Aditi Sharma writes on the perils of the Chinese Model of resource-backed infrastructure financing in Africa
The model of resource-backed lending for infrastructure development has gained renewed attention in the development financing discourse as well as international media controversies. The model has attracted attention for two reasons: one, the nature of the resources involved, and second, the controversial nature of the lenders involved, namely China. Moreover, the borrowers involved in the process are also often poor developing countries, prone to unfair debt deals, further exacerbating the international community’s concerns.
To be succinct, the resource-financed infrastructure exchange takes place in two ways. In one case, the income from resource sales is used for repaying the loans to the lending nations, and in the other case, the natural resources are swapped in the future in return for the provision of infrastructure. Though the model of financing appears pro-development and efficient for Africa, as evident, the exact execution of the project may not be so.
A major problem with these projects in Africa is the excessive presence of Chinese stakeholders. The majority of these projects in African countries like Ghana, Uganda, and Mozambique, to name a few, are being funded by Chinese financial institutions. Other than Chinese banks, the Chinese element is present excessively, manifesting as Chinese construction companies who are undertaking projects in the continent.
Across African nations, there is an outstanding concern amongst the local people as well as companies regarding the effectiveness of infrastructure-related Chinese development aids. The general outcomes of the infrastructure projects are technology transfer from the technology-rich nation. However, there is a very limited technology transfer in this case as there is no focus on capacity building, and the local population is barely involved in projects. The Chinese companies are majorly responsible for infrastructure development in these countries. The process is so Chinese that the labour involved in the construction is also from China. This leads to a gap in the labour market, with locals bereft of employment opportunities. Traditionally, undertaking massive projects solves two major economic issues in the process. First, it helps build public infrastructure and enhance welfare by improving living standards. Second, these projects are undertaken by the governments as a fiscal instrument to increase spending in the economy, generate employment, and curb poverty. Now, with Chinese involvement, huge infrastructure projects are being executed with limited involvement of the locals, rendering the dire issues of poverty and unemployment in these regions unaddressed. This process is far from building self-reliance and long-term sustainability in these nations.
There are other incentive-related issues with this financing model. As long as the borrowing economies are working fine, the model works. However, the moment they default or commodity prices crash, the borrowing nations are in deep trouble. If the collateral (which is the resource they have sworn to swap) loses its value due to market volatility, the borrowers fall short of collateral and default. Countries like Angola and Ghana have faced similar issues. Given the recent default and IMF’s debt restructuring in Ghana, the concern about Chinese loans became crucial. Ghana, using a resource-backed borrowing approach, has collateralized its debt using bauxite, cocoa, and oil. Given its default, if China decides to call off its loans, Ghana stands to lose its natural resources. As per a Ghanaian official, if they are not able to furnish the desired quantities of aluminum from the bauxite ore, the Chinese will ask for other sources of revenue, like tax revenue. The loan agreement empowers China to take over Ghana’s oil, cocoa, bauxite, and even electricity sales earnings to pay off the debt.
Skeptics conjecture that default is often desirable for lending nations as it allows them to act more extractive and stringently. There is another concern with the Chinese presence in Ghana. The mineral extraction has put forest ecosystem in some regions of Ghana in extreme danger, while Chinese authorities have never been known for any kind of environmental considerations.
China’s infrastructure aid is also extending to fund the construction of schools and universities. Experts fear that allows China to exercise its influence in their curriculum by providing it’s flair of ‘Chinese elements.’
A deeper understanding of Chinese presence in Africa allows one to draw parallels to the expansion of imperial and colonial interests in the past. Ideally, lenders providing development aid need not bring their own companies and people to undertake construction in the borrowing nation. After all, the idea is to ensure that developing countries gain technological advancements and capacity. The Chinese way is different and appears decapitating for African sovereignty.
The issue is two-fold, but at the heart of it is one problem: the incentive problem. African governments often lack discipline, end up making extravagant election promises like Ghana did, and do not have the capacity to ensure equitable distribution of outcomes of development projects yet. Given ubiquitous underdevelopment and often recurring political instability, they lack incentives. At the same time, China has excesses incentive but is perverse. Its goals are to eliminate the Western influence, gain strongholds in Africa, discourage democracy promotion and transparency, and gain support, along with the goals of resource capture. That is why Chinese investors do not include any welfare-oriented goals as a pre-requisite condition before making investments, which is a general practice.
Thus, is resource-financed infrastructure essentially a bad model? Theoretically, no, practically may be. As mentioned, it depends on the entities involved and their motivations. We live in a complex geopolitical world where development-oriented economic motives are highly intertwined with other major political motives. Arm-twisting exists. The concerns about the model are related to ownership, sustainability, and disposability of natural resources. The exchange of resources has always existed through trade and has been economically fairer than the current regime of making resources a part of the debt-related vulnerabilities. There are higher chances that the lender can raise the cost of borrowing, not just financially, but also politically. Poor borrowing countries, dependent on China’s debt-restructuring terms, may have to pay the price by relinquishing their resources, sovereignty, political independence, and their voice in international platforms. While the poor in developing countries are not getting any tangible benefits, the flair of neo-imperialism is spreading across Africa.
