Sputnik news agency and radio broadcaster held a roundtable Moscow – Johannesburg – Cairo – Addis Ababa – Eldoret on the theme: “Russia – African Union: topical issues of cooperation”. Among the participants were Beyene Petros, Director General of the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) (Ethiopia); Mahasha Rampedi, African Times Editor-in-Chief (South Africa); Frank Masese, Director of Linkages and collaboration at Eldoret University (Kenya); Mostafa Ahmed, Senior Researcher at Al Habtoor Research Centre (Egypt); Alexander Shchipin, Head of Information, Sputnik Africa in Ethiopia; Valens Maniragena, Senior Lecturer…

In an inspirational speech in 1996, then South African Deputy President Thabo Mbeki said, “Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now! Whatever the difficulties, Africa shall be at peace! However improbable it may sound to the sceptics, Africa will prosper!”   The 37th African Union (AU) Summit was convened in Addis Ababa on 17 February, where leaders from across Africa converged to deliberate on pressing issues and chart a course for the future of the continent. The…

The MK Party has strongly condemned the DA’s claims that it poses a threat to national security, labelling the official opposition’s call for the US to intervene in South Africa’s upcoming general elections a “treasonous act.” The newly launched political party led by former President Jacob Zuma threatened legal action against the DA unless it withdrew the “derogatory” allegations against it. South Africa’s independent elections body, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), also expressed reservations about the DA’s unorthodox approach which…

The dawn of 2024 marked a significant milestone in the geopolitical landscape as Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially joined the BRICS grouping. This expansion, the second phase of the growth for the grouping since South Africa’s inclusion in 2011, signals a pivotal moment for the developing world.  As the current chair of the grouping, the Russian Federation is set to host the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, the capital city of the Republic…

Believe it or not, the African continent usually picks its political strength from South Africa’s leadership. When South Africa is weak, it replicates across the Continent. Who will lead in this direction? Is South Africa failing as a pioneer strong state? In the Federalist Paper no 51, one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, wrote: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, no checks and balances on government would be necessary. In framing…

The second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture (FOCACA) held in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, from 13 to 15 November 2023 has emerged as a catalyst for enhanced food cooperation between China and Africa. The outcomes of this pivotal event deepened the commitment of the two sides to cooperation, focusing on mutual benefit, sustainable development, and common prosperity. China’s exemplary development journey, marked by lifting millions out of poverty through a people-centred approach, serves as a beacon for Africa’s…

It is truly remarkable to see the substantial progress that the African Union has achieved in implementing the Agenda 2063 in its initial decade from 2014 to 2023. This period has witnessed significant accomplishments that have laid the foundation for Africa’s development, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.   One of the most noteworthy achievements during this timeframe is the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This visionary initiative, incorporated within the Agenda 2063 framework, is a pivotal stride towards…

The mutual friendship between China and Africa is founded on shared history, values and a desire for prosperity for humankind. It is a history of the fight against imperialism, colonialism, hegemony and dispossession. China’s engagement with Africa is one of equals as developing nations with the quest for a shared future characterised by social justice, freedom, equality, peaceful co-existence and shared prosperity.   The recent 15th BRICS Summit, hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as all associated events…

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) — China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has boosted infrastructure connectivity and integration across Africa, a senior African Union (AU)official has said. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Initiative. “In those ten years, when we look at the landscape of Africa, we find very concrete evidence of the BRI,” said Albert Muchanga, AU commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals. “You have got transportation networks, communication networks,…

MOGADISHU, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) — The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) has endorsed a request by Somalia for a three-month pause in the withdrawal of 3,000 troops stationed in the country, the AU mission said on Thursday. The PSC, which is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts, also welcomed the commitment by troop-contributing countries (TCCs) of Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti, and Uganda to work with Somalia…