Africa must fight against a slide towards strongman authoritarianism that has resulted in a series of military coups and a clampdown on civil society in many countries, Sudanese-British billionaire Mo Ibrahim said. Ibrahim's foundation launched its Index of African Governance (IIAG) on Wednesday, which warned that advances in human development and economic opportunities were undermined by worsening security and widespread democratic backsliding.
Mali's junta leader has pardoned 49 Ivorian soldiers arrested in July and accused of conspiring against the Malian government, the presidency said in a statement on Friday. The soldiers' arrest sparked a diplomatic dispute between Mali and neighbouring Ivory Coast, and widespread condemnation from regional leaders against a country already at odds with the international community.
The French still have several hundred special forces troops based in Burkina Faso.Hallades expulsion comes one year after Malis junta also ejected Frances ambassador there.While Burkina Fasos military leaders list restoring security as their chief priority, extremist attacks have continued and are escalating.Last week at least ten people were killed when a bus hit a roadside bomb in the east.
Chinese trade with Africa is about four times that of the United States, and Beijing has become an important creditor by offering cheaper loans - often with opaque terms and collateral requirements - than Western lenders. SEAT AT THE TABLE Adding the African Union to the Group of 20 major economies will give one of the fastest-growing regions of the world a bigger voice in the body. The G20 has set up a common framework for helping heavily indebted poor countries restructure their debt - much of which is held by China - but that process has moved at a glacial pace.