- France’s New African Ally – 11.12.2024
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Paris for the first state visit by a Nigerian leader in over 20 years. This visit is part of France’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with non-Francophone African countries, following its expulsion from several former colonies led by military juntas, including Mali and Niger. France has recently courted African nations such as South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya, with Macron visiting South Africa in 2021 and Kenya in 2019.
However, recent moves by France’s former allies, Chad and Senegal, to terminate military agreements reflect shifting dynamics in the region. Chad’s decision to withdraw French military assets has been seen as political maneuvering by President Mahamat Idriss Déby, while Senegalese leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye has openly criticized France’s influence, aligning with Sahelian countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Faye, who is negotiating the return of these nations to the ECOWAS bloc, also expressed his desire to combat France’s economic influence in Senegal, with China now being Senegal’s largest trading partner.
During Tinubu’s visit, a French military band performed a rendition of Nigerian Afrobeats music, which sparked controversy due to the band’s use of fake Nigerian accents, highlighting the tension between the Nigerian government and France. Tinubu, facing a struggling economy and a falling currency, signed a critical minerals deal with France, which drew criticism from Nigerians who questioned France’s history of exploiting African resources. The deal, which includes investments in infrastructure and agriculture, led Tinubu’s advisor to clarify that the agreement did not involve giving away Nigeria’s mining rights to France.
While Macron’s efforts to court English-speaking African leaders might succeed diplomatically, public sentiment in many African countries remains wary of France, potentially complicating the political situation for Tinubu in upcoming elections. His relationship with France could harm his chances in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race, especially with northern states—decisive in elections—holding views similar to neighboring Niger.
- One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again – 15.12.2024
Following the unexpected fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, rebels took control of Damascus, including key institutions like the airport. One of the new leaders, Maj Hamza al-Ahmed, reassured staff who had long been silenced under Assad’s regime, promising cooperation and a fresh start. Despite the challenges of rebuilding a war-torn country, the transition has been relatively smooth with minimal violence, looting, or reprisals. Rebels, especially from the northwest Idlib region, are now tasked with managing the capital, and they’ve started replicating the governance model from Idlib.
However, tensions persist. Many Damascus residents remain cautious about the rebels, particularly due to some fighters’ Islamist views and concerns about minority rights. The insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, emphasize pluralism and tolerance, but fears about revenge killings and the return of hardline elements linger.
In the early days of the transition, the rebels imposed order by banning celebratory gunfire and curfews. People began to emerge, visiting prisons to search for loved ones who had disappeared under Assad’s regime. Despite the initial chaos, the new administration reassured the public, urging them to return to work and promising the rehabilitation of security forces to prevent the return of loyalists.
While some improvements were seen, like a drop in food prices due to fewer bribes and customs fees, the country’s economic struggles persist, with fuel shortages and blackouts. The airport is being prepared for reopening, but the challenges of reconstruction and economic recovery remain significant.
- Ukraine war briefing: North Korean troops join Russian assaults in ‘significant’ numbers, Kyiv says – 15.12.2024
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia has begun using North Korean soldiers in significant numbers for the first time in assaults on Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, marking a new escalation in the conflict. While North Koreans have not fought on Ukrainian soil, they are already suffering losses in Russia’s combined units. Zelenskyy called for a global response, urging Western allies to strengthen support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air defenses destroyed a significant number of Russian drones, and Ukrainian forces launched an attack on an oil facility in Russia’s Oryol region. In Russia’s Belgorod region, a drone strike killed a child and wounded his family. Additionally, a former FBI informant who falsely claimed Joe and Hunter Biden were involved in Ukrainian bribery has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges.
- Israel plans to expand Golan settlements after fall of Assad – 15.12.2024
Israel’s government has approved a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aiming to double the region’s population. Netanyahu argued that the recent changes in Syria’s leadership following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad created a “new front” on Israel’s border with Syria, making settlement expansion necessary. Israel has over 30 settlements in the Golan Heights, home to around 20,000 Israelis, alongside 20,000 Druze Syrians who remained after Israel’s occupation in 1967. Although Netanyahu insists Israel does not want conflict with Syria, he affirmed that Israel would continue to hold and settle the Golan Heights.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticized the expansion, questioning why Israel would escalate tensions with Syria when Netanyahu claimed not to seek conflict. Meanwhile, Israel’s air strikes on military targets in Syria have escalated, with more than 450 strikes recorded since December 8, drawing criticism from Syria’s new de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who warned of the risk of escalation but emphasized that Syria was not seeking conflict.
In related developments, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the U.S. had made direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group leading Syria’s transitional government. UN Syria envoy Geir Pedersen called for the end of sanctions to facilitate Syria’s economic recovery. Additionally, Turkey expressed readiness to support Syria’s new government, signaling its willingness to assist HTS as they form the country’s transitional leadership.
- Two arrested after ‘hazardous drone operation’ near Boston airport – 15.12.2024
Two men, Robert Duffy and Jeremy Folcik, were arrested near Logan International Airport in Boston for allegedly conducting a “hazardous drone operation” close to the airport. The arrests followed recent drone sightings across the US northeast, though no link has been established. The two suspects were charged with trespassing, and the FBI’s counter-terrorism agents assisted in the investigation due to the proximity of the drones to the airport. The third suspect fled by boat and remains at large. Officials have reassured residents that no national security threats have been identified from the drone sightings, which have occurred in multiple states. Homeland Security is working with local authorities to address the issue, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called for more powers to tackle drones.
- South Korea court begins review of Yoon impeachment – 16.12.2024
South Korea’s Constitutional Court has begun reviewing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his December 3 martial law declaration, following the opposition-controlled parliament’s decision to impeach him. The court, which has up to six months to reach a verdict, will hold its first preparatory hearing on December 27 to outline key legal issues. Yoon and senior officials face charges of insurrection for the short-lived martial law, with questioning scheduled for December 13. The impeachment has caused political turmoil, financial uncertainty, and concerns about South Korea’s preparedness for a potential second Donald Trump presidency in the U.S. The ruling People Power Party is in disarray, with its leader resigning after members voted in favor of impeachment, while the government works to reassure investors and stabilize markets.
- Xi Defends Purges as Part of ‘Inevitable’ Internal Party Strife – 16.12.2024
Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged that internal divisions within the Communist Party are inevitable while emphasizing the need to strengthen discipline. Xi stated that changes in party membership and external developments would lead to internal issues, which must be addressed in a timely manner. His remarks highlight the challenges faced by the leader, who has been trying to consolidate control within the party. Since taking office in 2012, China’s most powerful leader has deepened his anti-corruption campaign, targeting political rivals and corrupt officials. This campaign has led to the removal of many senior officials. Most recently, the dismissal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang and former Defense Minister Li Shangfu has resulted in calls from top leaders for more innovation to counter bureaucratic paralysis and economic slowdown in China.
- https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/12/11/frances-new-african-ally/
- https://apnews.com/article/syria-week-one-transitional-government-c06673aa3317a194619710948264cdf1
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/15/ukraine-war-briefing-north-korean-troops-join-russian-assaults-in-significant-numbers-kyiv-says
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6lgln128xo
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyvnnj8g34o
- https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-court-begins-review-yoon-impeachment-2024-12-16/
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-16/xi-says-inevitable-for-ruling-party-to-have-internal-conflicts
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