NewsBrief, 8-14 July 2013
- Mali: Concern over Kidal as presidential campaign gears up
- Togo: Legislative elections rescheduled for 25 July
- GIABA urges strong instruments against money laundering
- UEMOA: Local councillors seek tools for economic revival
- AU names Alpha Oumar Konaré chief mediator for Egypt
- UEMOA ministers adopt draft artisanal code
- Cape Verde and Italy boost co-operation against transnational crime
- BOAD plans CFA francs 240 billion in investments in Guinea-Bissau
- Nigeria and China sign USD 1.1 billion loan
- Côte d'Ivoire lowers costs for entry visas
Mali: Concern over Kidal as presidential campaign gears up
Some two dozen candidates in the Malian presidential election activated their campaigns ahead of the 28 July vote. Despite requests for a postponement, the Malian government remained firm on the date, while requesting patience from politicians and the general public over the imperfections that may occur. Receiving candidates on 9 July, Interim President Dioncounda Traoré defended his government's decision to proceed with the election. "There can be no perfect election, much less in a country emerging from conflict and for which, in fact, the election is a means of existing that crisis in the shortest possible time," he said. "The shortcomings of the electoral process can be compensated by the civic-mindedness of the candidates and the voters." The main political parties contesting the election have agreed to the timetable. The election campaign officially began on 7 July and will end on 26 July. In the event a second round is necessary, voters will be called back to the polls on 11 August. The first week of the campaign unfolded in a peaceful atmosphere, with presidential candidates holding rallies and other large gatherings. While in the rest of the country the campaign appears to be in full swing, the city of Kidal, until recently controlled by Tuareg rebels, remains a major concern. The governor of the region, who returned on 12 July to inquire about the evolution of the situation on the ground, left the same day for Bamako. He said he would return shortly to work toward improving the organisation of the election and accelerating the delivery of voter cards. Malians will elect their president in accordance with the roadmap adopted by authorities in January to end the period of transition. The country is trying, with the help of the international community, to restore democracy after overcoming a year and a half of conflict marked by a military coup in March 2012.
Article in French: http://maliactu.net/presidentielle-au-mali-un-des-principaux-candidats-se-rend-a-kidal/
Article in English: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/12/us-mali-election-idUSBRE96B0G420130712
Togo: Legislative elections rescheduled for 25 July
The Togolese government postponed until to 25 July parliamentary elections previously scheduled for 21 July. The decision, announced on 9 July, comes following discussions between the government and opposition leaders from the Save Togo Collective and the Rainbow Coalition. The talks were held under the mediation of Bishop Nicodème Barrigah-Benissan, the president of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission and Robert Whitehead, the US ambassador to Togo. The two sides were in disaccord for several months, with tensions escalating after the arrest of some opposition politicians in connection with market fires in Kara and Lome. The opposition demanded the lifting of the charges and restrictive measures against its members. A government statement dated 9 July said the demands have been met "in order to reinforce the de-escalation of tensions and allow the parliamentary elections to take place in an atmosphere of peace and serenity." Candidates for the 91 seats in the legislature are competing for the support of about 3 million registered voters. Togo has been trying to organise elections Since October 2012, with repeated delays due to the tense political climate. The National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH), in a statement issued on 12 July, called on all political actors to avoid actions and behaviours that could disrupt the tranquillity of the vote.
Article in French: http://www.togoactu24.com/le-scrutin-au-jeudi-25-juillet-2013-jour-fri-1239.html
Article in English: http://en.starafrica.com/news/togo-legislative-polls-moved-to-25-july.html
GIABA urges strong instruments against money laundering
The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) held its 4th annual Briefing Session for ECOWAS Ambassadors and partners on 11 July in Dakar. The directorate general presented the organisation's 2012 report, which highlights a low level of compliance with international standards. About USD 900 million dollars are laundered each year in West Africa, profits from cocaine trafficking, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Faced with these difficulties, GIABA intends to continue providing technical assistance to member states to enable them to fill gaps in their legal and enforcement mechanisms relating to money laundering to make them fully compliant with the standards of the Financial Action Task Force. Addressing the ambassadors, GIABA Director General Abdullahi Shehu urged political leaders to show a strong will and sustained commitment and provide member states with robust legal and structural frameworks to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
Article in French: http://www.aps.sn/articles.php?id_article=115956
Press release in English: http://www.giaba.org/press/view_139.html
UEMOA: Local councillors seek tools for economic revival
Finding innovative mechanisms for the economic revival of local communities. This was the issue that brought together 48 local councillors for the 3rd Assembly General of the UEMOA Council of Territorial Communities (CCT), held from 9-11 July in Ouagadougou. The meeting focused on the financial devices proposed by the CCT's committee on economic and financial affairs and marks the beginning of the implementation of the programme drafted following the inauguration of the group's leaders 18 months ago. The councillors reviewed a diagnostic report on fiscal decentralisation in the Union and proposed funding mechanisms for local authorities, matters of paramount importance for the CCT, which represents the 3 230 local authorities that make up the UEMOA zone. Their proposals will be submitted to the UEMOA Commission, which has been asked to pay particular attention to the programmes for convergence in the area of financial decentralisation and for community access to borrowing. According to CCT President François Albert Amichia, there is no lack of political will at the local level. "Rather we need financial resources, both in terms of subsidies and repayable loans to implement structural policies in support of agricultural production, job creation for the youth and for the establishment of basic social services."
AU names Alpha Oumar Konaré chief mediator for Egypt
Former Malian President Alpha Oumar Konaré was appointed to lead the AU High Level Panel for Egypt. Konaré will chair the panel, which also includes two other former heads of state, Botswana's Festus Mogae and and Dileita Mohamed Dileita of Djibouti. Their mandate is to "interact with the ruling authorities and other Egyptian stakeholders to establish a constructive political dialogue aimed at national reconciliation." Having served as chairman of the AU Commission from 2003 to 2008, Konaré is familiar with this type of mission. The AU High Level Panel will also support Egyptian efforts "towards a transition that would lead to an early return to constitutional order, preserve the gains of the January-February 2011 Revolution and consolidate the democratic process in their country," according to a statement from the AU Peace and Security Department. Konaré's team will meet initially at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa before traveling to meet the main actors in the socio-political crisis in Egypt.
Article in French: http://www.lanouvelletribune.info/index.php/politique14/15083-alpha-oumar-konare-mediateur-en-chef-de-l-ua-pour-l-egypte
UEMOA ministers adopt draft artisanal code
UEMOA ministers responsible for artisan crafts adopted a draft Community code governing the sector on 12 July. This is an important step in the harmonisation of the institutional and regulatory framework for artisanal activities, a major policy objective for promoting crafts industries. Until now, the Union has lacked an appropriate institutional framework to improve conditions for artisanal workers and enhance value in the sector. "The Artisanal Code is developed to provide a solution to the weak legal and institutional frameworks in member states of the Union," said Guy Amédée Adjanahoun, UEMOA Commissioner in charge of business development, energy, telecommunications and tourism. "An analysis of the situation of the sector has revealed that national legislation, for the most part, does not cover all areas of the sector. These texts must be reviewed to adapt to changes in the environment." Although the West African crafts sector suffers from a lack of data, it is estimated that it accounts for 10-20% of the region's GDP, generates between 100 000 and 500 000 jobs and provides for 54 000 to 144 000 apprenticeships. According to the UEMOA department of tourism and handicrafts, the sector supports job creation, practical training for young people, the development of local resources as well as the promotion of cultural heritage and tourism development.
Final report in French: http://www.portailouestafrique.org/files/Rapport%20final_Conseil%20Ministres%20Artisanat_juil20130001.pdf
Cape Verde and Italy boost co-operation against transnational crime
The Cape Verdean foreign minister signed an agreement with the Italian ambassador on 8 July to strengthen police and judicial co-operation between the two countries. Cape Verde and Italy have maintained a working relationship for some time but lacked a legal framework, according to Ambassador Arturo Luzzi. The aim is to give a new impetus to bilateral relations in the legal field. To that end, the two sides are expected to sign two agreements by the end of the year, covering extradition and judicial assistance in criminal matters. For Cape Verde, the aim is to enhance its ability to fight transnational organised crime, drug trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Territorial control is a challenge for Cape Verde, which consists of several islands. Its shores are targeted by criminal organisations operating between South America and Europe. Cape Verde is engaged in international and sub-regional initiatives to track border crimes such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism. The country has ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. In 2010, the United States established a maritime security control centre in Cape Verde, with the aim of combatting drug trafficking.
Article in French: http://notreafrik.com/index.php/actualite/politique/13419-le-cap-vert-et-litalie-signent-un-accord-de-cooperation-policiere.html
BOAD plans CFA francs 240 billion in investments in Guinea-Bissau
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) said it is prepared to invest CFA francs 240 billion (USD 480 million) in Guinea-Bissau, over a period of 5 years. The Director of Rural Development and Infrastructure of the Bank, Modibo Koné, made the announcement on 5 July in Bissau. The funds are intended to support the development of the energy and transport sectors, as well as for the promotion of employment for young people. The Bank could increase its support to provide up to CFA francs 800 billion "if Guinea-Bissau creates a business environment conducive to private sector growth," according Modibo Koné, who spoke at an event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the BOAD, the financing instrument for development initiatives in UEMOA countries. "The support of the BOAD is crucial for the socio-economic development of Guinea-Bissau," according to the Minister of Economy and Regional Integration, Soares Sambu. One of the shareholder countries in the BOAD, Guinea Bissau is also the poorest of the UEMOA member states. It has been under the leadership of a transitional government since the April 2012 military coup. General elections are scheduled for November 2013 to restore constitutional order in the country.
Article in French: http://www.afriquinfos.com/articles/2013/7/5/guinee-bissau-recevra-milliards-fcfa-boad-dici-2018-226169.asp
Nigeria and China sign USD 1.1 billion loan
China has validated a loan of more than USD 1 billion for Nigeria. This is one of the results of the visit by President Goodluck Jonathan to Beijing from 9-12 July. The loan agreement signed by Jonathan and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, is part of a larger USD 3 billion loan agreement and is intended to finance airport, transport and energy infrastructure. The two leaders also discussed the operation of the Nigerian oil interests of China's premier refiner, Sinopec. Due to its demographic and economic potential, some experts say Nigeria, Africa's second largest economy, is a preferred partner for China, the world's second largest economy. Trade between the two countries reached USD 13 billion in 2012, an increase of 11 billion in seven years, according to the Nigerian Ministry of Trade and Investment. Nigeria is now the second largest destination for Chinese investment in Africa, after South Africa. Chinese interests are primarily centred on oil and natural gas as well as telecommunications and construction. The two countries have vowed to pursue a long-term partnership focusing on trade development and increased Chinese investment in Nigeria.
Article in French: http://www.agenceecofin.com/gestion-publique/1207-12389-le-nigeria-obtient-un-pret-chinois-de-plus-d-un-milliard-de-dollars
Article in English: http://premiumtimesng.com/business/140703-nigeria-china-seal-pact-on-financial-cooperation-to-boost-economy.html
Côte d'Ivoire lowers costs for entry visas
The Ivorian government has decided to ease the procedures for issuing biometric visas by Ivorian embassies abroad. The Council of Ministers made the announcement following its meeting on 11 July. "This is in response to reported complaints, including the impossibility of securing long-term visas for Côte d'Ivoire on the one hand, and on the other hand, of obtaining them in airports," the Council said. "Therefore the visas will now be available at airports and at lower cost." Short-stay visas, which cover visits from 3 days to three months, will cost EUR 50 from the embassies and EUR 70 at airports. A long-stay visa, valid for one year, will cost EUR 100 and EUR 130 on arrival. Making visas easier to obtain is seen as move toward revitalising Côte d'Ivoire as a tourist destination by encouraging thousands of international travellers to visit the country. In 2011, the number of tourist arrivals in Côte d'Ivoire was 276 000. The Ivorian tourism promotion agency aims to attract 500 000 tourists annually by 2015.
Meeting minutes in French: http://www.gouv.ci/actualite_1.php?recordID=3686
Article in French: http://www.connectionivoirienne.net/reduction-du-cout-du-visa-ivoirien/comment-page-1/
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