Africa

The Rhapsody of Ramaphosa: Normalising Relations with Rwanda, Uniting Africa

Published

7 years ago

March 22, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

History was made in Kigali when the one month old President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa joined 40 other African heads of states to sign a free trade agreement that tends to facilitate free movement of business related assignments across the continent without hindrance, or to put it succinctly –the rigours of procuring a visa.

That was a part, and second most important aspect of the Kigali history making event. The one the people of Rwanda and South Africa hold dear, and attached excess importance remains the reunification or the normalization of the two countries relation after almost a decade of antagonism and mutual suspicion.

The time was eight years ago; the year was 2010. The relationship between the South Africa and the Republic of Rwanda was on the verge of collapse, albeit irreversibly. Relations have been strained since 2010 after Rwanda accused South Africa of harbouring Rwandan opposition leaders. The clear case of mutual suspicion resulted in 2014 to the expulsion of diplomats on both sides. That was not all; South Africa’s visa office closed down when former Rwandan intelligence head, Vincent Karegeya was found murdered in Johannesburg.

Despite reports about improving relations over the past two years, the countries, which incidentally originate from the region, remained friends at bay as uneasy calm pervades the atmosphere. A trace of settlement was even made more difficult with South Africa’s Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, whom Rwandans believe was too close to opposition defector, former Rwandan Armed Forces chief of staff, General Kayumba Nyamwasa, still the foreign minister. They both served in diplomatic postings in India more than a decade ago.

But all that has changed today with the intimidating signature of Ramaphosa on the Kigali Declaration document. In his excitement, the South African president relapsed to the freedom fighter trance and made a raphsodised declaration that was not short of emotion.

Hear him: “I wanted to let you all know that I am here. If I don’t tell them myself, tell them on my behalf.

Tell my daughter and my son that their father was there, on the day our continent signed the African Continental Free Trade Area, in Kigali.

Tell them Paul Kagame, Amadou Issoufou, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Moussa Faki Mahamat were there too.

Tell them their father was proud on the day African boarders were removed; tell them they live in a proud, vibrant and prosperous continent, because you, their uncles and aunts were vanguard pan-Africanists who brought down the walls left by colonialists, maintained by imperialists.

Tell them, if their grandparents fought for their political independence, you achieved their economic freedom.

Tell them to be proud and free, tell them to live where they wish, from Lagos to Addis Ababa, Durban to Cassablanca: unhindered,

Tell them that Kigali isn’t their home, but only their place of origin; Africa is!

Tell them their father would have wished them to speak Igbo and Wolof and Kiswahili and Amharic and Zulu.

Tell them he would have wished them to know how to cook Jolof, Pap/fufu/ugali, and Thieboudienne.

Tell them he would have loved them to dance Rumba, guhamiriza and makossa.

Tell them to welcome all Africans to Rwanda, and travel, preferably by land, from Cape to Cairo, from Mombasa to Hergeisa.

For, thanks to you their aunts and uncles, Africa is theirs to enjoy. Amandla!”

Ramaphosa showed why he is truly an African, incorporating all facets of Africanism in his declaration. He represented tribes including the Igbo of Nigeria, food, dance and many more. He, in a few words, expressed the oneness of Africa; Africa without barriers.

As Ramaphosa, who could very well be described as the president of moment, strolled into the closing session of the African Continental Free Trade Area Business Forum, there was a mild case of continental Ramaphoria in the audience of African businesspeople, politicians, officials and hangers-on. He declared the issue of visas for Rwandese to South Africa as a matter that is solved, and got applause.

Even a Nigerian delegated remarked that the continent shared in the South Africans’ relief at the transition, admitting that ‘Change is in the air!’

Ramaphosa has clearly taking a positive step in his foreign policy path with the normalisation of relations with Rwanda.

He said: “I was talking earlier with President Kagame, and we have decided that we are going to put the relationship between South Africa and Rwanda on a much better footing.”

This he said will even be made more possible with the presence of two ‘very outstanding, beautiful ministers of international relations’, Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo and South Africa’s Lindiwe Sisulu.

Arriving at the nick of time for the signing of the historic agreement, Ramaphosa hinted that: “This is a moment for the African continent. The free trade area for Africa is going to be like a flood, a free trade flood that is going to lift all the boats. It’s not so much about South Africa, but much more about all of us as countries of Africa.”

He highlighted the need for infrastructure and a single African currency, which is an integral part of the free trade area.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is one of the 12 countries whose signatures failed to decorate the historic free trade area agreement. President Muhammadu Buahri was conspicuously absent as a result of what a section of news minders say is ‘unhappiness by businesspeople back home’

Africa

Glo Chairman, Mike Adenuga, Congratulates Mahama on Reelection

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Chairman, Globacom Group, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., has sent a congratulatory message to Ghana’s President-elect, Dr John Mahama, on his victory at the polls to become the next president of Ghana.

Dr. Adenuga, a recipient of the highest honour in Ghana, and second highest honour in Nigeria (GCON), extended his congratulations via a statement he personally signed, and made available to The Boss.

He reflected on the joy and celebration that filled the streets of Ghana at the announcement, saying it is a testament of the “deep love and admiration your people hold for you, as well as the lasting impact of your remarkable legacy as a former President.”

Read the full statement:

DR MIKE ADENUGA JR.CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT MAHAMA*

My Dearest Brother,

On behalf of my family and myself, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your resounding victory in the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana.

The joy and celebration filling the streets of Ghana reflect the deep love and admiration your people hold for you, as well as the lasting impact of your remarkable legacy as a former President.

I will always cherish the unwavering support you extended to investors in Ghana, as well as the profound honor of receiving the highest Ghanaian National Honor from you in 2016.

May this second chapter of your leadership be even more successful and transformative.

God bless Ghana.
With warmest regards,

Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr.
(GCON, CSG, CdrLH)

Africa

Balthasar Sex Scandal: Equatorial Guinea Govt Files Formal Charges

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2024

Eric

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Ebang Engonga, former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), over allegations of misconduct involving a sex scandal.

In an official statement, the government gave reasons why Engonga is being prosecuted, describing his actions as “violations of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”

The lawsuit was announced by Jerónimo Osa Osa, Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, who confirmed that the Attorney General’s Office would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

According to local news platform Ahora EG, “This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married.”

The leaked videos, which have sparked outrage, prompted the government to take a stand on what it deems a violation of public morality and family values.

During an address on Friday, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, tasked with overseeing the case, intends to pursue administrative, civil, and criminal charges against Engonga and any accomplices, reiterated its condemnation of Engonga’s conduct.

The government emphasised the far-reaching impact of the scandal on social and family cohesion, stating, “In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion, and considering the negative impact that this situation has on the good image of our country, tarnishing its reputation, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation to establish responsibilities at the administrative, civil, and criminal levels, given the possibility of a public health impact.”

Meanwhile, the investigation aims to address multiple issues, including the line between personal and public conduct, potential privacy violations, and damages to individuals’ honor and reputation.

The government affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of those affected by the scandal, including the State itself.

Baltasar Engonga has been facing severe backlash after investigators discovered over 400 explicit videos involving him and the wives of prominent national figures.

The scandal surfaced amid a fraud probe into Engonga’s stewardship, leading ANIF officials to search his home and office.

During this search, investigators reportedly uncovered CDs containing the explicit recordings, which have since leaked online, sparking a national outcry and widespread media coverage.

Africa

Coup Attempt in Benin: Govt Arrests Ex-Minister, Commander of Guard

Published

3 months ago

September 26, 2024

Eric

Benin Republic prosecutors say they have foiled a suspected coup attempt scheduled to take place on Friday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Elonm Metonou, special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism, said Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, was caught Tuesday night handing over six bags of cash to Djimon Tevoedjre, Commander of the Republican Guard and Head of President Patrice Talon’s security.

Metonou said the bag contained 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (about $2.5 million).

Authorities said the suspects opened a bank account in Côte d’Ivoire under the commander’s name on August 6, adding that the money was transported in Homeky’s Toyota Prado, which bore fake license plates.

Olivier Boko, businessman and Talon’s longtime friend who was arrested separately on Monday, was in on the plot, according to the statement.

Boko was arrested in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital. The businessman had recently started making known his plans to run for the presidency in 2026, when Talon’s second term in office ends.

According to investigators, Homeky and Boko paid off the military commander to not resist the planned coup.

Metonou said investigations are ongoing to arrest other suspects.

Since 2020, neighboring countries have experienced eight successful military takeovers and several attempts.

Talon, who has led Benin since 2016, faces criticism for what critics say is becoming an increasingly authoritarian rule.

Some observers argue that his policies have eroded democratic standards in the country.