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Articles by Michael Tantoh
Africa: Will Mali Cope Without UN Peacekeepers?
Cape Town — Peacekeeping operations have played a crucial role in stabilising fragile situations across Africa for more than 60 years. United Nations (UN)-led missions in Africa and about 27 African-led peace support operations since 2000 incurred billions of dollars annually and cost thousands of peacekeepers' lives. Now Somalia, Mali and the DR Congo face significant security vacuums, which will undermine safety and worsen humanitarian conditions, the Institute for Security Studies reports.
Niger: Junta Accuses France of Attack on Presidential Guard
Cape Town — Colonel Mohamadou Abdramabne, the spokesperson for the Niger junta, accused the French of trying to destabilise the country with an attack to free what he called terrorists. In an address yesterday, he said the presidential guard was attacked, but that the death and injury toll had not yet been established. The colonel said the French forces attacked, using information supplied by European military, to free "imprisoned terrorists".
Cameroon's Stalwart Political Leader John Fru Ndi Dies
Cameroon's Stalwart Political Leader John Fru Ndi Dies By Michael Tantoh Cape Town — Tributes are pouring in for Cameroon's charismatic political leader and chairman of the country's first political party, the Social Democratic Front. The party announced his passing on on June 12, 2023, in Yaoundé at the age of 81.
Central African countries want to dump colonial currency
The (CEMAC) has taken a decision to stop using the Franc CFA (FCFA). They were expected to announce some currency changes but instead opted for a complete change of the name.
Central African countries want to dump colonial currency
Posted On: 2023-03-24 Posted By: Michael Tantoh, allAfrica Others Premium Times Online News Nigeria, March 24 -- The Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) has taken a decision to stop using the Franc CFA (FCFA). They were expected to announce some currency changes but instead opted for a complete change of the name.
Africa: How Much Risk Does Russia Pose to Africa? (1)
A grave security threat, but not necessarily on par with the United States, European Union and China. That's how some are describing Russia's involvement on the continent. And it's the question the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) wanted to answer with their latest journal, entitled Russia in Africa: Who's Courting Whom?
Somalia's Puntland Agree on Eletoral Rules
Somalia's Puntland Agree on Eletoral Rules By Michael Tantoh The majority of political associations in Puntland issued a joint communique following a consultative meeting on the controversial municipal election. A communique was issued by Puntland political actors in the capital Garawe. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the upcoming election and challenges ahead.
West Africa: France Losing Its Grip on Former African Strongholds?
West Africa: France Losing Its Grip on Former African Strongholds? analysis By Michael Tantoh Cape Town — France seems to be losing the grip it once had on its former colonies, and the rift is growing every day. "Sixty years on, francophone countries in Africa still do not have true independence and freedom from France," Nathalie Yamb, adviser to Ivory Coast's Freedom and Democracy Party (LIDER), told Deutche Welle in 2020.
Africa: Mane Question Answered As Coaches Start Naming Africa's Teams for World Cup
Cape Town — With just over a week left before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, coaches of African teams are deep into preparing their final squads. The head coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon Rigobert Song Bahanag has named two home-based players in his 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which will kick-off in Qatar this month. Song made public his squad in Yaounde after his side's 1-1 draw with Jamaica in a friendly game.
Cameroon: How Cameroon's Traditional Rulers are Leading Communities on the Climate Crisis #AfricaClimateHope
Where are the areas on earth with the most biodiversity? The answer might surprise you. It's places cared for and protected by indigenous peoples. This is because the way of life of native groups are intertwined with the rhythms and flow of their surroundings as their source of sustenance. Despite having been removed from most of their ancestral lands, indigenous practices are still the most effective way to care for our environment.
Mali: Plans Afoot to Militarise Police Force Again If New Bill Passed
The national police will once again become a military body and undergo the same training according to proposals from the government, if a new Bill is approved by the National Transitional Council. In January 1973 the national police became a military body in Mali. In August 1991 18 years later, the national conference held after the fall of General Moussa Traoré, demanded more public liberty. As a result, the police force was demilitarised.
Cameroon: Soccer Authorities Slam Allegations of Magic in National Team
According to Radio France Internationale, Cameroon's national soccer team and the soccer federation are using spells and magic. The October 6 report alleges that most Cameroonian footballers rush to remote villages deep in the equatorial forest, in search of traditional healers. Cameroon's Football Association President Samuel Eto'o has described the allegations as ridiculous and defamatory.
Coup fear in Burkina Faso as gunfire rocks capital Ouagadougou
The sound of gunfire in the capital Ouagadougou has raised fears of yet another coup in Burkina Faso. Residents were woken on 30 September, 2022 by weapons fired in various camps in the capital. Soldiers reportedly fired heavy weapons at the Baba Sy Ouaga 2000 camp, witnesses said. Several roads in the capital have been cordoned off by men in uniform, and the national television signal has been cut off.
Burkina Faso: Fears of Another Coup as Gunfire Heard In Capital Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso: Fears of Another Coup as Gunfire Heard In Capital Ouagadougou By Michael Tantoh The sound of gunfire in the capital Ouagadougou has raised fears of yet another coup. Residents were woken on September 30, 2022 by weapons fired in various camps in the capital. Soldiers reportedly fired heavy weapons at the Baba Sy Ouaga 2000 camp, witnesses said. Several roads in the capital have been cordoned off by men in uniform, and the national television signal has been cut off.
Gabon: Opposition Leader Arrested With Suitcases Full of Banknotes
Cape Town — The former president of the Gabonese National Assembly, Guy Nzouba-Ndama, was arrested on Saturday, September 17, with suitcases filled more than a billion CFA francs, according to the government daily L'Union. Nzouba-Ndama joined the opposition in 2016 after leaving the ruling party. He was placed under police custody in Franceville in the South-East of the country, after his arrest at the border between Gabon and Congo-Brazzaville.
Mali Responds to Ivorian Threats Over Detained Soldiers
Cape Town — Bamako has responded to Abidjan's call for the Economic Community of West African States to get involved in the row between Cote d'Ivoire and Mali concerning Ivorian soldiers detained in Mali. Abidjan recently requested a quick meeting of the sub-regional body, while the Malian junta has made known its inflexible position through a press release published on Thursday, September 15.
Mali: Abidjan Pulls Out All Stops to Bring Home Soldiers Held In Mali
The National Security Council (CNS) held an an extraordinary meeting in Abidjan, chaired by President Alassane Ouattara on September 14, 2022. The meeting agenda centred on the detention of 46 Cote d' Ivorian soldiers in Mali. The CNS slammed as unacceptable blackmail, the request for the extradition of certain Mali citizens in exile in Côte d'Ivoire, in exchange for the detained soldiers.
Cameroon: Separatist Movement Gets New Leader
Chris Anu, a long-time spokesperson for Cameroon's self-declared Republic of Ambazonia, has said that he was elected president of the separatist movement on September 10, 2022. Anu's election comes at a time when the movement appears to be losing support among southern Cameroonians, due to allegations of infighting, corruption and human rights abuses.
Guinea: Junta Sued for Death of Demonstrators
The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) and the families of the victims of the demonstrations of July and August 2022 have filed a complaint against the president of the transition before the French courts. They accuse Mamadi Doumbouya of "complicity in homicides and torture" following the assassination of at least ten young people during demonstrations organised by the FNDC in Conakry.
Chad: Will The National Dialogue Resume?
Chad: Will The National Dialogue Resume? By Michael Tantoh There are doubts that the inclusive national dialogue will resume today, after being suspended since Saturday due to unrest in Ndjamena. The party which boycotted the Inclusive National Dialogue had intended to organize a rally on Saturday, but was prevented from doing so. Hundreds of activists were arrested.
Central African Republic: Opposition Goes to Court Over Draft Constitution Revision
Central African Republic: Opposition Goes to Court Over Draft Constitution Revision By Michael Tantoh Cape Town — A grouping of the main Central African Republic opposition parties, the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution, was formally approached the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. They are challenging the presidential decree dated August 26, establishing a drafting committee for a new Constitution.
Gabon Striker Aubameyang Robbed In Spain
According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, FC Barcelona striker and Gabonese international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 33, and his wife Alysha Behague, 36, were violently attacked in their home, in the early hours of Monday August 29, 2022. According to the newspaper, at least four people armed with firearms and iron bars entered his home in Castelldefels, a town south of Barcelona. His intruders managed to open a safe and fled with jewellery. Catalan police are yet to make arrests.
Chad: National Dialogue Hits a Snag In Chad
Cape Town — Chad's national dialogue that began a week ago, hit a snag on August 28, 2022 when the list of the presidium, which was supposed to direct the work of the forum, was contested. With the announcement that Gali Ngoté, an opponent of late president Idriss Déby appeared on the list, several participants protested and withdrew from the dialogue, saying they sense deception. Invited organizations decided to leave after the proclamation of the list, saying that the process was faulty.
Guinea: National Truth and Forgiveness Commission Ends Work With 45 Recommendations
Cape Town — The National Truth and Forgiveness Commission delivered its report on August 24 to Colonel and Interim President Mamadi Doumbouya after hearings in which thousands of Guineans took part. The commission was initiated by Doumbouya, and closed at the end of April.
Chad: Sovereign National Dialogue Opens
After the opening ceremony last Saturday and a subsequent postponement of a few days, the work of the inclusive and sovereign national dialogue was scheduled to restart on Wednesday, August 24 to run till the end of the week. Participants will first work on setting up the dialogue bodies, with the adoption of rules of procedure and the installation of a presidium. Among the approximately 1,400 participants are civil society organisations.
Cote d'Ivoire: Former First Lady Simone Gbagbo Launches Political Party
Cote d'Ivoire: Former First Lady Simone Gbagbo Launches Political Party By Michael Tantoh The Movement of Capable Generation (MGC), a coalition of supporters of Simone Gbagbo, has been transformed into a political party. The former first lady Simone Gbagbo was elected president, with 100% of the votes. The MGC, a social-democratic party will aim to participate in the next elections. "When an organization declares itself a party, it means that it intends to lead the fight to gain power.
Congo-Brazzaville: President's Son Suspected of Money Laundering in France
According to Mediapart, French authorities have seized a mansion, in the upscale suburbs of Paris at the end of June, suspected of belonging to Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso son of the Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso. The mansion is occupied by Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso and his family according to the investigation report. This is a new twist in the so-called "ill-gotten gains" affair.
Burkina Faso: French Diplomat's Comments Raises Ire In Burkina Faso
Remarks by the French ambassador in Burkina Faso, Luc Hollade has caused anger and controversy to such an extent, that certain civil society organisations and political players are demanding his departure. Reporting to senators in France on July 5th, 2022 Hollade said: "the absence of results is causing strong frustrations in the country and the conflict is in reality, a civil war. He added that "a part of the population has rebelled against the state and seeks to overthrow it".
Burkina Faso: Blaise Compaoré Returns After Almost 8 Years, Free Despite Sankara Verdict
A plane carrying Blaiselanded at 2 p.m. at an airbase in Ouagadougou on July 7, 2022 and was airlifted to an unknown destination. A few hundred of his supporters were at the Ouagadougou airport to see their leader return to the country after almost 8 years in exile. "We are really happy. We are going to welcome our ex-president for all he has done for our country," said a supporter. "We are happy that Blaise Compaoré is coming to Burkina Faso," rejoiced another.
Angola: Former President Dos Santos in Intensive Care in Spain
Former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos is in a critical condition after being hospitalized in Spain, RFI reports. His daughter Tchizé dos Santos filed a complaint on Tuesday July 5 with the Catalan regional police for attempted homicide against her father. She is accusing her mother-in-law Ana Paula dos Santos and her personal doctor of being responsible.
Africa: Anglo-Swiss Firm Glencore Pleads Guilty to Massive Bribery in Africa
On May 24, 2022 Swiss oil trading giant Glencore admitted to American justice that it had paid nearly one hundred million dollars in bribes to officials and public agents in eight countries around the world. In Africa the goal was to obtain and retain contracts with public and state-controlled entities in the West African countries of Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon In Cameroon, officials of National Hydrocarbons Corporation (NSH) were implicated.
Mali: Army Officials Arrested for Attempted Coup
Mali: Army Officials Arrested for Attempted Coup By Michael Tantoh Cape Town — Africa Confidential revealed in today's electronic edition that a dozen officers involved in an attempted coup against the military junta in power in Mali have been arrested. Among then is General Moussa Bemba Keita, the former chief of staff and former minister of security who have been placed under arrest by Mali authorities.
Cote d'Ivoire: Koné Tiémoko Meyliet Sworn In as New Vice President
Cape Town — Cote d'Ivoire has a new vice president in Koné Tiémoko Meyliet, who was sworn in on April 20, 2022, at the presidential palace in Abidjan-Plateau, before the Constitutional Council. Meyliet expressed his gratitude towards President Alassane Ouattara, for entrusting him with the position, saying, "I would like to express to you my deep gratitude and my infinite gratitude for the great confidence thus placed in my person".
Libya: Khalifa Haftar Loyalists Suspend Participation in Dialogue
Cape Town — There has been mixed reactions following the decision by soldiers loyal to Khalifa Haftar to suspend their participation in the 5+5 committee. The military committee was set up at the Berlin political agreement and is one of the three dialogue processes which led to the ceasefire in Tripoli in 2020.
Africa: Bolloré Africa Logistics Group Pulls Plug on Business on the Continent
Cape Town — The Bolloré Africa Logistics group has confirmed the sale of its activities in Africa to Franco-Swiss shipowner MSC for a record amount of € 5.7 billion. In addition to its port activities, the group operates three railway lines on the continent. Africa has been at the base of the logistics firm's business.
South Sudan: Leaders Agree on Key Provision of the 2018 Peace Deal
Cape Town — Four years after the signing of a peace agreement to end the conflict in South Sudan, numerous blockages and weeks of tension raised fears of a resumption of hostilities. Now the peace process seems to have taken a step forward, thanks to the mediation of neighbouring Sudan. President Salva Kiir and his former rival, Vice-President Riek Machar, signed a key military agreement on April 3, 2022, as part of the 2018 peace agreement, over which negotiations were stalled for weeks.
Burkina Faso: Verdict on Thomas Sankara's Assassination Expected Soon
Cape Town — Fourteen defendants who were prosecuted on October 25, 2021 for the assassination of Burkina Faso leader Thomas Sankara in a 1987 coup, will know their fate on April 6, 2022. The trial is before the Ouagadougou military court. Twelve of the fourteen people present in court, include General Gilbert Diendéré, 61, one of the main army leaders during the coup.
West Africa: Junta Reacts to ECOWAS Concerns on Transition
The Burkinabè government has responded to concerns raised at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) heads of state summit held in Accra on March 25, 2022. In a press release, ECOWAS said they were very concerned about the duration of the transition set at 36 months and also called for the immediate and unconditional release of former president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.
Cameroon: Gunfire Ahead of AFCON Games in Restive Aglophone Region
There have been reports that the Malian team has suspended training in the restive south West region of Buea after sporadic shooting this morning between the military and separatists fighters. The team was training at the Molyko stadium in Buea. Separatists vowed the AFCON games will not be held in the region. Two games are scheduled for Limbe on Sunday. There was also deep emotion after the brutal murder of Henry Kemende Gamsey, a Cameroonian senator from the north West region of the country.
Sudan: Thousands March Despite PM Hamdok's Promises
Cape Town — Thousands of citizens are marching across the country, despite assurances from Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok that he will step down if the Sudanese people see that the political agreement does not serve their interests. Rayan Ma'mon from the Khartoum Resistance Commitee said people are still as committed "to take down the militia rule", especially after promises of no force during the protests were not kept.
Somalia: State of Emergency Declared as Drought Worsens
Cape Town — Somalia's government has declared a state of emergency in the country following a report submitted by a committee set up to evaluate the drought situation in the country. In a statement, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble called on the Somali people, clerics, businesses and the international community to come to the aid of those affected.
Cape Verde: Former Prime Minister Neves Wins Presidential Elections
Cape Town — According to provisional results, former prime minister José Maria Neves won the presidential election in the first round the candidate of the historic Left Party in Cape Verde (PAICV). The results were made public on Sunday, October 17. He won with 51.5% of the vote, the absolute majority required to be elected in the first round. Neves, 61, was prime minister from 2001 to 2016. The elections saw a 97% of citizens participating, according to authorities.
Chad: Former President Hissène Habré Dies
Dakar — Read original article in French Reports from Senegalese media say former Chadian President Hissène Habré is dead. He reportedly died on August 24, 2021, after complications caused by the novel coronavirus, Covid-19. Fatimé Raymonne Habré had earlier indicated that her husband was still conscious and that doctors moved quickly to take care of him. Mrs Habré also said President Macky Sall assisted with getting care for the former leader.
West Africa: Factoring Offers an Alternative to Financing for SMEs - Central Bank of West African States
Factoring, which is a financial management technique allowing a company to liquidate its receivables and recover cash, can be an alternative and complementary solution to financing, in particular for SMEs and SMIs the Governor of the Central Bank of West African States (Bceao), Tiémoko Meyliet Koné said at the official opening, on Tuesday, July 13, of the series of joint BCEAO-AFREXIMBANK-FCI webinars on the theme "factoring and financing of receivables in Africa".
Burkina Faso: Former President Compaore Charged in Thomas Sankara Murder
Cape Town — A military tribunal in Burkina Faso has charged former president Blaise Compaore with complicity in the 1987 assassination of then-president Thomas Sankara, Sankara was murdered during a coup led by Compaore, a former friend of his who ruled Burkina Faso for the following 27 years. Thirteen other people were charged in connection with the killing, including Compaore’s former right-hand man, Gen. Gilbert Diendere.
Congo-Brazzaville: Opposition Leader Guy-Brice Parfait Kolélas Has Died
Opposition leader Guy-Brice Parfait Kolélas has died after contracting Covid-19. Kolélas died in the plane on his way to France where he was to receive treatment. The 60 year old had been diagnosed positive for Covid-19 just before the weekend which prevented him from having his final presidential campaign rally in Brazzaville.
Cote d'Ivoire: Prime Minister Dies in Germany
Cape Town — Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko died in a German hospital on March 10, 2021 at the age of 56. Bakayoko left Abidjan on February 18, 2021 for treatment at the American Hospital of Paris, France. Two weeks later on March 6, 2021 he was transferred to Germany. Hamed Bakayoko was born March 8, 1965 in Abidjan. President Alassane Ouattara, said in a press release, that "Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko served Côte d'Ivoire with dedication and self-sacrifice.
Senegal: Clashes Between Police and Protesters Continue in Dakar
Cape Town — Violence hit Dakar once again as tensions rose around the arrest of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko. RFI reported clashes breaking out between demonstrators and the police, in Dakar and other parts of the country, and in particular at the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. There has been no reliable report on the number of casualties. Youths threw bricks and sticks, while security forces retaliated by firing teargas, grenades, and rubber bullets, according to RFI.
Senegal: Army Regains Control of Four Rebel Bases
Operations to secure and restore state authority in the south of Ziguinchor which lasted for more than 10 days have enabled the Senegalese army to regain control of four major rebel strongholds hitherto held by the fighters of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (Mfdc). The army has started a vast security operation in the south of the department of Ziguinchor, in the border line with Guinea-Bissau on January 25. The military says they have four rebel bases since then.
Ghana: Former President Jerry Rawlings Dies
Cape Town — Former Ghananian president Jerry Rawlings, 73, is dead. According to CitiNewsRoom, he died at at the Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Rawlings was a retired Ghanaian military officer and politician who led the country from 1981 to 2001, and also for a brief period in 1979. He led a military junta until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected President of Ghana.
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