Africa: Contemporary Politics

[Marka Ragnos]

I'm aware of the danger and the colonial baggage implicit in referring to "Africa" in a kind of sweeping way as this thread does, but there are of course many unifying and intermingling challenges and histories and cultural traditions that, I feel, justify it.

I started this thread mostly because I didn't see a place to address the recent outbreak of coups in west and central Africa, which are so troubling. The coup is Niger is huge and tragic, toppling a democratically elected leader. But a topic called African Coups is perhaps more problematic than one called Africa: Contemporary Politics.

One thread seems too little to talk about "Africa" and politics, of course. It's so complex a topic. I get that. Consider that we don't have a "North American Politics" or an "Asian Politics" thread, for instance. It may make you wonder, why an "Africa" one? Again, I just think that there is a strong mutually nurtured and shared awareness among large parts of urban Africa, that thread does make sense, despite how what's happening in Pretoria is so different from what's happening in, say, Cairo.

I do feel like this post if not the thread itself also connects the the Global Far Right thread, too, because the crop of new "strongmen" in west and central Africa have made their fondness for people like Putin clear.

Quote

 

I write this as a hostage. Niger is under attack from a military junta that is trying to overthrow our democracy, and I am just one of hundreds of citizens who have been arbitrarily and illegally imprisoned. This coup, launched against my government by a faction in the military on July 26, has no justification whatsoever. If it succeeds, it will have devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world.

Our government came to power through a democratic election in 2021. Any attempt to overthrow a lawful government must be opposed, and we appreciate the strong and unequivocal condemnations of this cynical effort to undermine the remarkable progress Niger has made under democracy. The United States, the African and European Unions, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been loud and clear: This coup must end, and the junta must free everyone they have unlawfully arrested.

 

 

Edited August 4, 2023 by Marka Ragnos

[Rustibrooks]

As someone who’s mothers side comes from Tanzania originally, I’m not totally surprised at the coups and possible future ones happening. 
 

It’s not necessarily Russian influence that is causing the coups and a bit of the anti western narrative right now. Remember most of the countries staging coups are some of the poorest countries in the world by GDP, but have some of the most valuable resources in the world. I saw a graphic of the top 40 poorest countries in the world 18 of them are former French colonies with most of them being African countries. For me, countries that are producing the things we need to operate our day to day should be some of the richest in the world.
 

I feel that most of the world now see the value in their own resources and just don’t want to risk getting exploited by some of these western countries predominantly. China’s recent involvement with Africa and the Caribbean has its own issues with stories of Chinese companies threatening locals with force/banning locals from areas etc. So again they are not really the beacon of fairness, but the general feeling I get from family and friend is that these countries would rather try their luck with China/Russia/BRICS.

[sne]

The situation between Egypt (Sudan) and Ethiopia and the dam they are building on the Nile might turn into something nasty. 

[Marka Ragnos]

49 minutes ago, Rustibrooks said:

As someone who’s mothers side comes from Tanzania originally, I’m not totally surprised at the coups and possible future ones happening. 
 

It’s not necessarily Russian influence that is causing the coups and a bit of the anti western narrative right now. Remember most of the countries staging coups are some of the poorest countries in the world by GDP, but have some of the most valuable resources in the world. I saw a graphic of the top 40 poorest countries in the world 18 of them are former French colonies with most of them being African countries. For me, countries that are producing the things we need to operate our day to day should be some of the richest in the world.
 

I feel that most of the world now see the value in their own resources and just don’t want to risk getting exploited by some of these western countries predominantly. China’s recent involvement with Africa and the Caribbean has its own issues with stories of Chinese companies threatening locals with force/banning locals from areas etc. So again they are not really the beacon of fairness, but the general feeling I get from family and friend is that these countries would rather try their luck with China/Russia/BRICS.

Really interesting country. I have been reading a book about the Zanzibar Revolution (or Zanzibar genocide, depending on how you think of it), and reflecting on the forgotten horror of all that. We have a lot of connections to east Africa. I do feel like what we're seeing today in Burkina Faso, C.A.R., Niger, etc. is almost almost a resumption of Cold War strongman political dynamics with the sometimes cynical pretense of "socialism" simply tossed aside?

[Rustibrooks]

31 minutes ago, Marka Ragnos said:

Really interesting country. I have been reading a book about the Zanzibar Revolution (or Zanzibar genocide, depending on how you think of it), and reflecting on the forgotten horror of all that. We have a lot of connections to east Africa. I do feel like what we're seeing today in Burkina Faso, C.A.R., Niger, etc. is almost almost a resumption of Cold War strongman political dynamics with the sometimes cynical pretense of "socialism" simply tossed aside?

I’d highly recommend visiting either Tanzania or Zanzibar, both are really beautiful with really friendly residents! But yeah the Zanzibar Revolution/Genocide is a touchy subject especially when I’ve asked my grandparents about it, they don’t really say much or just feel uncomfortable to talk about it.

In regards to the situations in West and Central Africa, it does feel like we are getting another proxy war this year. It will be western influenced political parties/militias vs pro-east parties/militias with both backed by the West and Russia.

I just want there to be one day that countries in Africa can be allowed to grow their countries with barely any issues, that day could come because the younger generation are not as corrupt in their views. But who knows

[sidcow]

On 04/08/2023 at 16:47, Rustibrooks said:

As someone who’s mothers side comes from Tanzania originally, I’m not totally surprised at the coups and possible future ones happening. 
 

It’s not necessarily Russian influence that is causing the coups and a bit of the anti western narrative right now. Remember most of the countries staging coups are some of the poorest countries in the world by GDP, but have some of the most valuable resources in the world. I saw a graphic of the top 40 poorest countries in the world 18 of them are former French colonies with most of them being African countries. For me, countries that are producing the things we need to operate our day to day should be some of the richest in the world.
 

I feel that most of the world now see the value in their own resources and just don’t want to risk getting exploited by some of these western countries predominantly. China’s recent involvement with Africa and the Caribbean has its own issues with stories of Chinese companies threatening locals with force/banning locals from areas etc. So again they are not really the beacon of fairness, but the general feeling I get from family and friend is that these countries would rather try their luck with China/Russia/BRICS.

It's obviously known that Wagner has been operating heavily in a lot of African Countries. But surely in a bullying/stealing of wealth kind of way? 

The BBC carried a story the other day about the number of Russian flags flying in the crowd in Niger and met a tailor who was making masses of them due to demand. 

The rhetoric is that The West, particularly former colonial master France are to blame for their woes and they felt Russia would help them more. 

I don't know anything about African politics or how The West has treated Niger (I would guess pretty shoddily) but seeing Russia as some kind of saviour seems highly suspicious. 

They are currently doing their utmost to starve Africa of Grain and Wagner stealing wealth. 

Once again I smell social media rabbit holes and traps. Russia has been so so good at this and has totally caught the West on the hop. 

It's a classic well used and successful playbook. Infiltrate the masses with a populist message, blame someone for their ills and bad lot in life and that the current regime are to blame and popularising alternative ways which will improve your everyday life. 

We've seen it in almost every country.  I think the West are spending a lot of money on direct cyber hacking and the like but are blindsided by the total destabilisation of society by social media influence. 

Something isn't right if the average African honestly believes Russia will look after them. 

Obviously the poorer a country are and the higher number of people in poverty makes it that much easier to pull levers.  So many people have internet access now, even very poor that mass messaging to them is so easy. 

 

Edited August 13, 2023 by sidcow

[rjw63]

To quote Private Eye, does this thread include “Ugandan Affairs “?

[Rustibrooks]

On 13/08/2023 at 09:16, sidcow said:

It's obviously known that Wagner has been operating heavily in a lot of African Countries. But surely in a bullying/stealing of wealth kind of way? 

The BBC carried a story the other day about the number of Russian flags flying in the crowd in Niger and met a tailor who was making masses of them due to demand. 

The rhetoric is that The West, particularly former colonial master France are to blame for their woes and they felt Russia would help them more. 

I don't know anything about African politics or how The West has treated Niger (I would guess pretty shoddily) but seeing Russia as some kind of saviour seems highly suspicious. 

They are currently doing their utmost to starve Africa of Grain and Wagner stealing wealth. 

Once again I smell social media rabbit holes and traps. Russia has been so so good at this and has totally caught the West on the hop. 

It's a classic well used and successful playbook. Infiltrate the masses with a populist message, blame someone for their ills and bad lot in life and that the current regime are to blame and popularising alternative ways which will improve your everyday life. 

We've seen it in almost every country.  I think the West are spending a lot of money on direct cyber hacking and the like but are blindsided by the total destabilisation of society by social media influence. 

Something isn't right if the average African honestly believes Russia will look after them. 

Obviously the poorer a country are and the higher number of people in poverty makes it that much easier to pull levers.  So many people have internet access now, even very poor that mass messaging to them is so easy. 

 

Sorry I should’ve replied to this sooner I think I got caught up in the transfer hype lol. Might be a fairly long reply but I’ll try and break it down as much as I can.

But you’re right to some degree, Russia being in western and central Africa is highly suspicious. The thing is the people in most parts of Africa are willing to see if trading with Russia will be better for the countries in question due to the exploitation of western countries. Most of the people on the continent now are becoming more privy to what’s happening around the world and what the world needs. A lot of those materials are on the African continent especially materials that are for greener energy sources.

Fairly recent, western countries like France and America have been visiting African countries to renegotiate deals and build better relationships. However, most African countries naturally have a lack of trust of western countries for many reasons. Personally I can see the same scenario play out with Russia in the long term once the war is over and Russia can rebuild itself.

The thing is, most of the world look at the situation in Africa and think these coups are not what the people want. When in fact most of these people in those countries are supporting them as well. I don’t think it’s so much as 'Russia are our saviours yay' but more about getting out of a dodgy bond some of the west. China have also been in Africa for a fair few years now cutting deals etc. There’s been issues and concerns between China and African countries trade deals, some people think it’s just neo-colonial economics again. Whereas others believe they are the best of the bad bunch and can cut fairer deals. I’ve seen the impact of China in Africa when I visit family in Tanzania. There’s a lot more infrastructure that has been set up by Chinese companies that have offered out more jobs etc for local people and it seems like it’s not stopping anytime soon.

Niger recently have put the prices of exporting uranium to the same prices Canada has. When France still had a say on Niger I think they were getting Uranium at a stupid price in comparison to other countries. Things like this can help Niger for example to maybe get out of their deep poverty. 
 

 

[sidcow]

24 minutes ago, Rustibrooks said:

Sorry I should’ve replied to this sooner I think I got caught up in the transfer hype lol. Might be a fairly long reply but I’ll try and break it down as much as I can.

But you’re right to some degree, Russia being in western and central Africa is highly suspicious. The thing is the people in most parts of Africa are willing to see if trading with Russia will be better for the countries in question due to the exploitation of western countries. Most of the people on the continent now are becoming more privy to what’s happening around the world and what the world needs. A lot of those materials are on the African continent especially materials that are for greener energy sources.

Fairly recent, western countries like France and America have been visiting African countries to renegotiate deals and build better relationships. However, most African countries naturally have a lack of trust of western countries for many reasons. Personally I can see the same scenario play out with Russia in the long term once the war is over and Russia can rebuild itself.

The thing is, most of the world look at the situation in Africa and think these coups are not what the people want. When in fact most of these people in those countries are supporting them as well. I don’t think it’s so much as 'Russia are our saviours yay' but more about getting out of a dodgy bond some of the west. China have also been in Africa for a fair few years now cutting deals etc. There’s been issues and concerns between China and African countries trade deals, some people think it’s just neo-colonial economics again. Whereas others believe they are the best of the bad bunch and can cut fairer deals. I’ve seen the impact of China in Africa when I visit family in Tanzania. There’s a lot more infrastructure that has been set up by Chinese companies that have offered out more jobs etc for local people and it seems like it’s not stopping anytime soon.

Niger recently have put the prices of exporting uranium to the same prices Canada has. When France still had a say on Niger I think they were getting Uranium at a stupid price in comparison to other countries. Things like this can help Niger for example to maybe get out of their deep poverty. 
 

 

Thanks for the insight.  I was going to add but forgot at the time that The west also needs to end exploitation of Africa as I'm sure they've been doing for years.  

It's a 2 way stick right now.  The West treats them badly and Russia stokes firebrands on social media reinforcing this and also promises a better future.

China have been "buying" influence all over the pacific and Africa for some time.  Imperial expansion by investment rather than conquest.

[Rustibrooks]

9 minutes ago, sidcow said:

Thanks for the insight.  I was going to add but forgot at the time that The west also needs to end exploitation of Africa as I'm sure they've been doing for years.  

It's a 2 way stick right now.  The West treats them badly and Russia stokes firebrands on social media reinforcing this and also promises a better future.

China have been "buying" influence all over the pacific and Africa for some time.  Imperial expansion by investment rather than conquest.

No worries, I’m not an expert but I can tell you the pov from some African countries.

 Definitely! And that’s the thing, there’s stories of Chinese investors in Nigeria not allowing locals to be in their place of business. Or they still abuse workers in the mines.

At the end of the day I don’t think it’s possible for any country to completely exclude one side of the world. I say this because a lot of people (not you) think that if Africa become anti west they won’t trade with them which isn’t true. They just want fair prices on their exports, they’ll continue to trade with the west for as long as humans are still on this planet 

Edited September 14, 2023 by Rustibrooks

[maqroll]

On 03/08/2023 at 20:40, Marka Ragnos said:

I'm aware of the danger and the colonial baggage implicit in referring to "Africa" in a kind of sweeping way as this thread does, but there are of course many unifying and intermingling challenges and histories and cultural traditions that, I feel, justify it.

I started this thread mostly because I didn't see a place to address the recent outbreak of coups in west and central Africa, which are so troubling. The coup is Niger is huge and tragic, toppling a democratically elected leader. But a topic called African Coups is perhaps more problematic than one called Africa: Contemporary Politics.

One thread seems too little to talk about "Africa" and politics, of course. It's so complex a topic. I get that. Consider that we don't have a "North American Politics" or an "Asian Politics" thread, for instance. It may make you wonder, why an "Africa" one? Again, I just think that there is a strong mutually nurtured and shared awareness among large parts of urban Africa, that thread does make sense, despite how what's happening in Pretoria is so different from what's happening in, say, Cairo.

I do feel like this post if not the thread itself also connects the the Global Far Right thread, too, because the crop of new "strongmen" in west and central Africa have made their fondness for people like Putin clear.

 

I see nothing wrong with the thread title. We have a Latin America & Caribbean thread and a Middle East thread as well.

I suppose someone could open up a Paraguay thread or a Burkina Faso thread, but a regional catch-all thread makes more sense, IMO. 

Great idea for a thread, too. Africa is so many things and there's a lot to talk about.

Of course, what explains contemporary politics in Africa is inextricably linked to the past, particularly the colonization of North Africa by Arabs and it's subsequent re-colonization by Spain, France and Italy, and then of course the broader European conquest of most of the rest of the continent.

A crippling colonial legacy, neo colonial exploitation, and political corruption are a great hindrance to the continent in general. 

All that said, some of the African nations are pretty stable and where there is stability there is hope and opportunity. 

Young people are online and many of them have university degrees. 

Ghana is an example of stability, democracy and progressive development, with a middle class that has spending power.

Nigeria could be more of a global powerhouse if it were more politically stable. I believe they'll get there in time. Lagos will eventually be probably the biggest city in the world along with Kinshasa given the projected birth rate of sub-Saharan Africans.

 

[Rustibrooks]

Recently in Gabon, they also staged a coup. The previous president’s family have had power in that country for 56 years and when the coup happened it seemed similar to Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali where the people seemed jubilant and seemed to be happy with the coup.

However the coup was staged by that ruling family, they pretty much staged one for the world to see but kept the power within the family. So potentially nothing changed for them and it’s a bit sad that the same corrupt family will stay in power for longer

[Rustibrooks]

Currently there is a humanitarian crisis/a silent genocide happening in east Congo. Congo is one of the richest countries in terms of resources and specifically for resources that allow us to have the technology we use today.
 

This has been going on for a while, Congolese people have had their country disturbed for a couple of centuries now. They had a huge genocide that  killed 10 million people under Leopold II. Now there’s more exploitation happening in Congo for their Cobolt, Lithium and other resources that the world needs to go green. There is a militant group that comes from Rwanada (M23) who has been exploiting and killing people including children to mine Cobalt for them to sell to Tech companies around the world. 
 

There’s not a lot of links on what is happening, a lot of videos surfacing online which shows what has been happening in the mines and villages around. (Some children as young as 6 are being forced to work 18 hours a day for pittance)

https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/02/06/dr-congo-atrocities-rwanda-backed-m23-rebels

Quote

Goma) – The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has committed summary executions and forced recruitment of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch said today. The Congolese army is responding to the M23’s offensive by collaborating with ethnic militias with abusive records.

The warring parties have increasingly appealed to ethnic loyalties, putting civilians in remote areas of North Kivu province at a heightened risk.

“Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in North Kivu are leaving behind a growing trail of war crimes against civilians,” said Thomas Fessy, senior Congo researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Rwanda should end its military support for the M23 while Congolese government troops should prioritize protecting civilians and cease using abusive militias as proxy forces.”

Recent investigations by the United Nations Group of Experts on Congo, as well as Human Rights Watch research, provide significant photographic and other evidence that Rwanda is not only giving logistical support to the M23, but that Rwandan troops are reinforcing or fighting alongside the armed group inside Congo. The Rwandan government has denied supporting the M23 rebels

 

[Rustibrooks]

Another article that suggests up to 6.9 Million people that have been displaced since 1996.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-massive-displacement-in-congo-explained/article67510117.ece/amp/

Quote

The story so far: On October 30, the UN International Organization of Migration (IOM) reported that the number of people who have been internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 6.9 million. In the eastern province of North Kivu, nearly a million people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict with the rebel group, Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23).

What is the conflict in the DRC?

The conflict in the DRC dates back to the 1990s when it went through two civil wars in 1996 and 1998. The conflict erupted in the wake of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 where ethnic Hutu extremists killed nearly one million minority ethnic Tutsis and non-extremist Hutus. Since then, the eastern DRC, bordering Rwanda, has been facing insurgency perpetrated by several rebel militant groups. According to the UN, besides M23, more than 120 insurgent groups are active in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika. Violence by several militant groups over territory and natural resources, extrajudicial killings by security forces and rising tensions with neighbouring countries have killed thousands. Tensions between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda continue to increase as both countries accuse each other of supporting ethnic Tutsi and Hutu-led rebel groups respectively.