Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- December 4, 2024
- 67 views
TRUMP SEEKS TO OVERTURN BIDEN’S PARDON OF SON
TRUMP SEEKS TO OVERTURN BIDEN’S PARDON OF SON Donald Trump’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss his historic criminal fraud conviction, citing President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. The 69-page filing argues that Biden’s rationale for pardoning Hunter—a claim of selective and unfair prosecution—mirrors Trump’s allegations of politically motivated legal actions by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Hunter Biden was pardoned on Sunday after being convicted of tax evasion and illegal firearm possession earlier this year. President Biden justified the move, stating that his son’s prosecution was politically motivated due to his familial ties. Trump Invokes Hunter Biden Pardon in Hush Money Case Dismissal BidFlanked by his attorneys Todd Blanche, left, and Emil Bove, former President Donald Trump awaits the start of proceedings in Manhattan Criminal Court, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in New York. (Justin Lane/Pool Photo via AP)Trump’s attorneys seized on these remarks, arguing they undermine the credibility of the same DOJ that prosecuted Trump. The brief also cited presidential immunity and the Presidential Transition Act as grounds for dismissing the conviction. In May, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The charges stem from a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence claims of an alleged extramarital affair—claims Trump denies. Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg argued the payments were an effort to protect Trump’s campaign by avoiding scandal, which the jury found compelling enough to convict. The case now lies in the hands of Judge Juan Merchan, who postponed Trump’s sentencing after his presidential election win on November 5. Trump’s team is requesting either a dismissal of the charges or a suspension of legal consequences until after his upcoming presidential term, which begins on January 20. Prosecutor Alvin Bragg has supported delaying sentencing, citing the “unprecedented circumstances” of Trump’s electoral victory. This legal battle underscores tensions surrounding the DOJ’s impartiality, with Trump’s team alleging bias and election interference. Biden’s pardon of Hunter has added a new dimension, highlighting the complex interplay between politics and justice in the United States.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 4, 2024
- 40 views
NAMIBIA ELECTS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT
NAMIBIA ELECTS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the governing South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), has been voted in as Namibia’s first female president after last week’s disputed election. The electoral commission said she had won more than 57% of vote, with her closest rival Panduleni Itula, getting 26%. Following logistical problems and a three-day extension to polling in some parts of the country, Itula said the electoral process was “deeply flawed”. His Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party said it would challenge the results in court. Most opposition parties boycotted the results announcement on Tuesday evening in the capital, Windhoek, the Namibian newspaper reports. Windhoek is reported to be calm on Wednesday, with neither celebrations nor protests and people carrying on with their normal lives. After the announcement of her victory, Nandi Ndaitwah said: “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.” Swapo has been in power in the large but sparsely populated southern African country since independence in 1990. A party stalwart, Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is currently the vice-president, is a trusted leader having served in high government office for a quarter of a century. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his congratulations to Nandi-Ndaitwah on X on Wednesday. “Your election as fifth President of the Republic and the first woman in our region to hold this high office is a testament to democracy and its ability to transform our societies,” his statement read. Once sworn in, she will join an exclusive club as at the moment Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan is Africa’s only female president. In the parliamentary elections held at the same time, Swapo narrowly held on to its majority, winning 51 of the 96 elected seats – a loss of 12. The IPC won 20 seats, and will be the official opposition. Tirivangani Masawi, a political journalist based in Windhoek, told the BBC Newsday programme the election was Swapo’s “worst performance since independence”. A trained dentist, Itula is seen as more charismatic than Nandi-Ndaitwah and managed to dent Swapo’s popularity in the last presidential election in 2019, reducing its vote share to 56% from 87% five years earlier. The IPC said it would “pursue justice through the courts” and has encouraged people who felt that they had been unable to vote because of mismanagement by the electoral commission to go to the police to make a statement. Claus Goldbeck, from the IPC, told the BBC voting was an “organisational mess”. Some people were sent home after standing in line for 14 hours because there weren’t enough ballot papers, and scanners broke down at numerous polling stations. “The Electoral Commission of Namibia [ECN] had four years to fix things,” he said. The ECN admitted to failures in the organisation of the votes and ballot shortages. But the chairperson, Elsie Nghikembua, denied any allegations of fraud. “I urge all Namibians to embrace the results with the spirit of unity, diversity, understanding and reconciliation,” she said. Swapo led the struggle for nationhood against apartheid South Africa. Ahead of last Wednesday’s general election there had been some speculation that it would suffer the fate of other liberation parties in the region. South Africa’s African National Congress lost its outright parliamentary majority in May and the Botswana Democratic Party was kicked out of power after nearly six decades following October’s election.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 4, 2024
- 34 views
SOUTH AFRICA RELAXES VISA RULES FOR NIGERIAN INVESTORS, TOURISTS
SOUTH AFRICA RELAXES VISA RULES FOR NIGERIAN INVESTORS, TOURISTS Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, has announced a new visa policy for Nigerians, saying investors and tourists could apply for a visa without submitting passport. The South African President revealed this on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which President Bola Tinubu attended. According to him, South Africa has simplified its visa processes to facilitate travel for Nigerian business people and tourists, with measures such as five-year multiple entry visas. He noted that the gesture was to create a favourable environment, especially to simplify visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. “Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he said. He also pledged South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries. “As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation. “Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country. “But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced. Ramaphosa also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa. He said his administration will continue with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors. “We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he said. The South African leader said Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South would be firmly placed on the G20 agenda. “It will be the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil. We will seek to galvanise support for the AU’s Agenda 2063 as we pursue an inclusive global agenda. “For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind,” he said.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 2, 2024
- 111 views
TRUMP APPOINTS NIGERIA-LEBANESE BUSINESSMAN ADVISOR ON ARAB MIDDLE EASTERN AFFAIRS
TRUMP APPOINTS NIGERIA-LEBANESE BUSINESSMAN ADVISOR ON ARAB, MIDDLE EASTERN AFFAIRS President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Nigerian-Lebanese businessman Massad Boulos will serve as his senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The decision, made public on Trump’s Truth Social platform, highlights Boulos’ influential ties to the Middle East and his extensive business dealings in Nigeria, a key African economy. Boulos, who is married to Tiffany Trump, Trump’s youngest daughter, has spent years fostering relationships across the political and economic landscapes of Nigeria and Lebanon. Known for his ability to navigate complex political environments, Boulos has reportedly met with Arab and Muslim leaders, as well as Lebanese stakeholders, during Trump’s campaign, strengthening support for Trump’s re-election bid. Business and Political Influence in Nigeria Born in Lebanon, Boulos moved to Nigeria as a young man, where his family established a thriving business empire. The Boulos Enterprises Group, a name synonymous with Nigeria’s industrial growth, has contributed significantly to the country’s economic development through manufacturing, importation, and distribution of goods. His long-standing ties to Nigeria’s business community have earned him respect as a bridge between African and Middle Eastern markets. Boulos’ Nigerian connection also helped foster an African narrative in Trump’s re-election campaign, with outreach to Nigerian-American communities in key swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. This strategy resonated with conservative voters concerned about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and African economic partnerships under the Biden administration. Bridging Divides in Lebanon In Lebanon, Boulos is known for maintaining relationships with factions across the country’s deeply divided political spectrum. While he has ties to Hezbollah-linked Christian allies such as Suleiman Frangieh, he also engages with groups like the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces Party. Such rare versatility has made him an influential figure in Lebanese politics. However, his Lebanese political ambitions have been limited by the sectarian structure of the country’s government. As a Greek Orthodox Christian, his path to higher office has been capped at positions like deputy speaker of parliament. Nevertheless, his new advisory role in Trump’s administration could give him the political leverage that eluded him in Lebanon. Impact on Trump’s Campaign Boulos played a critical role in mobilizing Arab and Muslim voters during Trump’s campaign, particularly in Michigan, where Arab-American and Muslim populations are significant. Campaign officials credited Boulos with flipping voter blocs that had previously leaned Democratic by addressing concerns over U.S. policies in Lebanon and Gaza. Boulos also spearheaded efforts to connect with African and Middle Eastern immigrant communities, organizing meetings and private events to build trust in Trump’s vision for international diplomacy. His Nigerian connections helped engage voters of African descent, emphasizing economic growth and anti-war policies. A New Opportunity Boulos’ appointment has sparked optimism among some in Lebanon and Nigeria who see his role as a potential bridge to influence U.S. policies favorably toward their regions. His deep business roots in Nigeria and connections to Lebanon’s political elite position him as a unique player in Trump’s team, blending African, Middle Eastern, and American perspectives. For now, the appointment reflects Trump’s strategy of leaning on family ties and trusted allies as he prepares for a potential return to the White House. Whether Massad Boulos’ Nigerian and Lebanese ties will bring tangible benefits to these regions remains to be seen, but his diverse background offers an intriguing element to Trump’s advisory circle.
- Foreign Affairs
- December 1, 2024
- 96 views
A HISTORY OF ZIONIST ATROCITIES, BY FEMI FANI-KAYODE
.A HISTORY OF ZIONIST ATROCITIES I am not anti-semitic and I have many Jewish friends who I hold in high esteem. I recognise the fact that there are millions of Jews all over the world, particularly in Europe, Russia, Iran, Ethiopia and even in the United States of America itself, who have publicly renounced the excesses and atrocities of the Zionists and who seek nothing but peace, fellowship, love, fraternity and mutual respect with their non-Jewish neighbours. Riding Motorbike Alone Across Laos – Beautiful Memories from LAOS – Nếm TV Having said this I must also put on record my utter disgust and disdain for the Zionists and for Zionism itself which is a political construct and philosophy that I consider to be akin to apartheid and therefore evil. It is a philosophy that is espoused by those that can best be described as intellectual barbarians and cultural hegemons. Tax reform: For whose gain? ‘Why proposed legislations are generating controversy’The Restless Writer: Lessons from My JourneyTo add to this I feel nothing but repugnance, contempt and revulsion for the racism and fanaticism of the Ashkenazi Jews, the progenitors and primary promoters of Zionism, who the Allied powers of World War 11, at the behest and with the money of the stupendously wealthy Rothschild family, established Israel for and handed her over to in 1948. The Ashkenazi were and still are essentially proxies and agents of the Rothschilds and the Western powers, the enforcers of their purpose and collective will in the Middle East and the protectors of their numerous interests in that region. From inception they constituted themselves into the rich, elite and all-powerful ruling political class of the Jewish State despite the fact that they were nothing but a bunch of non-semitic white primarily Eastern European colonial settlers and immigrants, who were not even originally Jewish but only converted to Judaism in the 18th century and who saw and still see every other true Jew including the Sephardic Jews and the real Semites (including the Palestinians) as being inferior to them and unfit to lead their nation. In a clumsy attempt to cover their non-semitic origins and obscure the fact that they have no genetic link with the people of the Middle East from the outset they banned all DNA testing in Israel and that remains the case till today. This is because the Askenazi cannot legitimately trace their ancestry back to Israel for more than two generations! That is how crafty they are! To get a clear picture of precisely what the world is up against this contribution will focus on not just the atrocities of the Zionists and the Zionist state of Israel but will also offer a small glimpse into the dark and frightful history of Jewry generally. It is not designed or intended to offend or to be an attack on the Jews but rather a historical analysis of some of the unspeakable crimes and injustices they have committed and indulged in over the years that have shaken the foundations of humanity and brought pain and sorrow to millions all over the world. Let us begin with the most significant event of all which took place 2000 years ago in Jerusalem when the Jews murdered the Son of God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by insisting on his crucifiction. He was hanged on a cross and crucified like a common criminal, inflicting more pain on Him than the human mind can possibly comprehend. As He bled and suffered, offering no complaint or resistance and instead asking God the Father to “forgive them for their sins”, they continued to scream in a rabid frenzy with hate and rage shouting, “let His blood be upon us and our children”.…
- Foreign Affairs
- November 29, 2024
- 57 views
TINUBU ASSURES OKONJO-IWEALA OF NIGERIA’S SUPPORT ON REAPPOINTMENT AS WTO DIRECTOR GENERAL
TINUBU ASSURES OKONJO-IWEALA OF NIGERIA’S SUPPORT ON REAPPOINTMENT AS WTO DIRECTOR GENERAL President Bola Tinubu has assured the reappointed Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s continued support. Tinubu gave the assurance while congratulating Okonjo-Iweala on her unanimous re-election as WTO DG. Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO. Her first term as the seventh Director-General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while her second term begins on September 1. Tinubu said Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership. He disclosed this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga. The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election today as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). “The renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO. “Her first term as the seventh Director-General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September 1. “The Nigerian leader notes with delight that Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates the trust and confidence the international community places in her leadership to advance multilateral trade for sustainable global development. “President Tinubu is confident that her continued leadership will strengthen the international economic organisation’s role as a critical pillar of inclusive global economic growth and good governance in the next four years. “As a committed member of the WTO, ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria will continue to support the WTO’s mission to foster a fair, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system. “President Tinubu assures Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria’s steadfast support as she consolidates her bold reforms, dedication to equitable global trade practices, and tireless efforts to promote international cooperation.”
- Foreign Affairs
- November 28, 2024
- 171 views
FINISH COURT FIXES MAY 2025 DATE AS SIMON EKPA’S TRIAL
Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is scheduled to face charges in May 2025 potentially, according to Finnish authorities. A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed to The PUNCH via email on Tuesday that the district court had set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present possible charges against Ekpa. The Finnish government had last week announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities. According to local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The publication reported that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement last Thursday, noting that the other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities. Giving an update on the case in response to The PUNCH enquiries, detective Laaksonen noted that the investigation was ongoing, and no further details could be disclosed. Asked when Ekpa’s case would come up in court, he replied, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed. “The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.” He noted that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation after two weeks. “In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained. The case has drawn significant international attention, with Finnish authorities confirming that cross-border cooperation is integral to the investigation. However, officials have refrained from providing further information about the nature or extent of the international collaboration. “International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated. Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents. He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents. The suspect’s activities prompted global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa. Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.” Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism. As a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, he has championed a controversial call for an independent Biafran state. His rhetoric escalated in recent years, with explicit endorsements of violence and disruptions to Nigerian elections. Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and the security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021. His use of social media as a platform for incitement and fundraising is a central element of the case. The sit-at-home orders enforced by the ESN had caused devastating economic consequences in the South-East. According to reports, the region has lost over ₦4trn in two years due to these activities…
- Foreign Affairs
- November 25, 2024
- 86 views
CONCERN OVER PUTIN’S HEALTH, HAS NOT BEEN SEEN FOR TWO WEEKS
CONCERN OVER PUTIN’S HEALTH, HAS NOT BEEN SEEN FOR TWO WEEKS President Vladimir Putin has not been seen in public for 13 days following claims of ill health, while the Kremlin is accused of releasing pre-recorded meetings.The Russian president appears to have mysteriously disappeared – with his last public appearance being nearly two weeks ago at a conference in Sochi.According to the Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, Putin has been undergoing health treatments: “Indeed, Putin has been absent from work recently and receives all reports exclusively via special communications.”Those close to him are given the same standard answer in such cases: “He is undergoing a medical examination and a regular course of general health improvement.”The channel added that nobody actually knows what the real answer is or where he is.This is not the first time speculation have grown regarding the Russian president’s health.Some claim he has appeared overly tired, having difficulty walking and strongly gripping tables in meetings – sparking rumours of Parkinson’s disease.He was also said to have cancer several times in 2014, 2020 and 2022, and reportedly travels with an entourage of doctors to assist him in case of a medical emergency.There are also reports of Putin using body doubles, who are said to have gone through intense plastic surgery to look identical to the president.Speaking to The Sun, Russia expert Keir Giles said: “If you watch Putin closely, it’s hard to avoid the suspicion that often some of the appearances you’re seeing are not, in fact, the same person.”He also noted the stark differences in the Russian president’s appearance – from looking healthy at one event to looking sick at the next.“There are some times when he looks really quite frail, bloated, puffy, shaking, having to grip onto the table and only giving very short five-minute speeches even on major public events,” Giles said.And then there are times when he appears to bounce back as a much healthier individual who is standing up and speaking for 40 minutes.”He added that the state of Putin’s health was a “mystery to us all.” The government has previously denied that Putin’s health is failing.In October, Putin admitted in a televised meeting that he regularly undergoes medical examinations at the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow.After this comment, his aides quickly dispelled any rumours that the president was ill. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “He meant routine medical examinations.”The state news agency TASS also insists Putin “has no health problems.”Regardless of the rumours, the Russian president seems to have no intention of slowing down, having won an election that permits him to continue ruling until 2030.He has continued to lead Russia and its war on Ukraine.
- Foreign Affairs
- November 24, 2024
- 80 views
FOUR FACTS THAT MAKE SOUTH AFRICA THE TRUE GIANT OF AFRICA
FOUR FACTS THAT MAKE SOUTH AFRICA THE TRUE GIANT OF AFRICA The title giant of Africa has for many years been attributed to Nigeria, the most populous and generally the richest African country in recent times. But the facts have changed between South Africa and Nigeria about who the true giant of Africa is. Nigeria in the last decade, has witnessed tremendous downturn in what has made it the giant of Africa, the country has been poorly managed by its political leaders, turning it into a shadow of its former self. A new force has always followed suit and, for many years, has been regarded as the underdog of development in Africa. South Africa is now ready to finally leave the underdog tag and is already taking Africa by storm. These four data-driven facts show it is now the true giant of Africa, surpassing Nigeria, and it may remain that way for many years to come unless Nigeria does something quickly and positively. Economy According to Statista 2024 ranking, South Africa has the largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa, edging Nigeria in the first thing that matters. South Africa’s GDP amounted to just over 373 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, the highest in Africa. Egypt followed, with a GDP worth around 347.6 billion U.S. dollars and ranked as the second-highest on the continent. Algeria ranked third, with about 266.8 billion U.S. dollars. Nigeria comes a distant fourth in the ranking, with a GDP of 252.74 billion U.S. dollars. These African economies are among some of the fastest-growing economies worldwide, yet Nigeria is currently regressing in the scheme of things, the currency rate is a testament to this troubling issue. Education South Africa emerged as a front-runner in the latest Student Satisfaction report, outperforming both Nigeria and Egypt in several areas of education. Going by the information from the 2023 Global Student Satisfaction Awards (GSSA) report provides insights into the experiences of students from over 200 nationalities at 3,661 institutions, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. According to the report, South Africa achieved an impressive overall student satisfaction score of 3.98, a remarkable feat that outpaces the global average of 4.21. Furthermore, South African institutions also demonstrated excellence in enriching student life, scoring above the global average of 4.33. This achievement firmly places South Africa in the vanguard of education in Africa. Nigeria received a lower overall satisfaction score of 3.77, falling short of the global average due to voiced concerns about the frequent and extended lecturer strikes, alongside the quality of teaching and available facilities. Those in South Africa who responded cited crime as their main challenge. These concerns contributed to a low score of 3.45 for Nigeria in quality of student life against a global average of 4.33. During the assessment, one Nigerian student said, “There are never-ending strikes, outdated curricula, and a persistent lack of adequate teaching facilities. Although my university is ranked as one of the best institutions of higher learning in the country, the teaching methods employed by the lecturers still have a long way to go,” a true summary of what the education system has become, but not a true reflection of the brilliance of Nigeria students. Health If history is to go by, Nigeria should edge this very important aspect of existence. There was once a time when foreigners from around the world visited Nigeria for quality health care; fast forward to 2024, and all these have fallen apart. According to worlddata.info, a 2024 comparison between the two African countries showed South Africa has gone beyond the reach of Nigeria’s grasp in quality health care. Hospital beds per 1000 inh.: 0.50. 2.80 Physicians per 1000 Inh.: 0.40 0.81 Malaria cases: 292.217 ‰ 0.049 ‰ Rabies deaths:…
- Foreign Affairs
- November 24, 2024
- 61 views
140 YEARS AFTER THE BERLIN WEST AFRICA CONFERENCE BY CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU & CHEPKORIR SAMBU
140 YEARS AFTER THE BERLIN WEST AFRICA CONFERENCE BY CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU & CHEPKORIR SAMBU Described by one scholar on its centenary as “perhaps the greatest historical movement of modern times”, the Berlin Conference West Africa Conference began shortly after noon on 15 November 1884. Interrupted only by a short break at the end of the year and the beginning of the next, historian, Adu Boahen,records that the conference ended on 31 January 1884. On 26 February 1885, the powers gathered at the conference ratified the General Act of the Berlin Conference, which embodied their agreements. The week before the ratification of the General Act, according to historian, Godfrey Uzoigwe, the Lagos Observer newspaper lamented that “the world had, perhaps, never witnessed a robbery on so large ascale.” Among the six goals identified by the General Act, the over-arching provisions set out “rules for future occupation of the coast of the African continent.” Of the 15 countries that attended the conference, 14 were European: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Sweden-Norway, and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). All the European powers signed on to the General Act. The United States of America was the only non-European country at the table and also the only participating country that did not officially ratify the resulting treaty. From Africa, the Sultan of Zanzibar had equally sought representation at the conference but had his ambition derisorily blocked by the United Kingdom. Otto von Bismark, Chancellor of Germany which attained unification only 13 years earlier in 1871, hosted the Berlin Conference. Six years earlier, he had similarly played host to the Congress of Berlin called to stabilize the Balkan Peninsula at the end of the Russo-Turkish War in 1878. There was an irony to the fact that the same venue was to serve as the site of a conference to Balkanise a distant continent of about 30,302,861 square kilometres. For context, this is territory big enough to contain all of the U.S.A., India, Europe, Argentina and New Zealandcombined with some room to spare. The Scramble for Africa preceded the Berlin Conference but the conference crystallised rules and doctrines that would govern the colonial occupation of Africa in its wake. In opening the conference, Bismark hoped that it would agree rules to regulate “the terms for the development of trade and civilization in certain regions of Africa”; assure free navigation of the Rivers Congo and the Niger; anticipate and avoid disputes as to new acts of territorial occupation in Africa and “further the moral and material wellbeing of the native population.” The aftermath is controversial for predictable reasons. The continent lives with the consequences of decisions in which it did not participate and whose records are also outside its control. While the lingering consequences of Berlin continue to be debated, a few deserve to be highlighted. First, as is evident from Bismark’s stipulations, the conference objectives and outcomes infantilized Africa and its peoples and habituated the world to the continent as lacking in agency and its territories as lacking in history or civilization prior to the occupation that followed in the wake of Berlin. These ideas were to be subsequently embodied in doctrine,jurisprudence and treaty law. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruled in 1918 that African territories were “so low in the scale of social organization that their usages and conceptions of rights and duties are not to be reconciled with the institutions or the legal ideas of civilized society.” The court offered no authority or support for this decision; there was none. This jurisprudence made its way into the provisions of Article 22 of the League of Nations Covenant which referred to these territories as being “inhabited by peoples not…