Author: Emmanuel Mbala

A gesture wrapped in velvet diplomacy When President Lazarus Chakwera dispatched former foreign minister Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka to the Moroccan capital this week, the choreography was as telling as the communiqué. The special envoy carried a personal message to King Mohammed VI and emerged from Rabat’s foreign ministry studios to proclaim, once again, that “no solution can be considered outside the framework of Morocco’s territorial integrity.” Those words, echoed previously by Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, matter precisely because they collide with the African Union’s official posture of neutrality and the UN doctrine of self-determination. In the choreography…

An unexpected ballot upset in Abuja In a closed-door vote on 22 June in Abuja, delegates to the 67th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission defied the long-standing convention of linguistic alternation. The Sierra Leonean head of state, Julius Maada Bio, secured a simple majority, edging out Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whose candidacy had been widely regarded as a fait accompli by analysts and diplomats alike (Reuters, ECOWAS communiqué). The scene was almost theatrical: moments after touching down in the Nigerian capital, Faye was being congratulated for a victory that never materialised. Francophonie’s waning…

Colonial Partition and the Berlin Conference The enigmatic existence of two Congos, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, primarily stems from a colonial legacy that saw the division of the African continent amongst European powers in the late 19th century. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 was a pivotal event that formalized this division, allocating vast African territories to European colonial rule. The Congo River basin, nestled in the heart of Central Africa, became a focal point due to its immense natural resources and strategic geographic significance. The subsequent partitioning of this area by France…

Strategic Arrival in Austria Embracing her diplomatic responsibilities with commendable zeal, Édith Itoua, the vigilant Congolese ambassador residing in Berlin, embarked on a pivotal voyage to Vienna. Her visit coincided strategically with the dispatch from the Ministry of Special Economic Zones and Economic Diversification, accompanied by a parallel mission from the Forestry Economy Ministry. In doing so, Édith Itoua aims to fortify diplomatic ties within her jurisdiction. A Diplomatic Mosaic in Vienna In the bustling corridors of Vienna, an intricate dance of diplomacy unfolds. Édith Itoua, representing Congolese interests, seamlessly navigates the nuanced spheres of political, cultural, and economic diplomacy.…

Diplomatic Journey into the Shadows In what appears to be a captivating blend of diplomacy and intrigue, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is reportedly preparing to send a team of its experts to Algeria. This visit aims to scrutinize the nation’s handling of radioactive waste, specifically from its nuclear medicine sector, amidst unsettling allegations of covert shipments to Iran, raising alarms over potential ‘dirty bomb’ manufacturing. The focus remains strictly diplomatic, framing a delicate balance between international scrutiny and local governance. Focus on Radioactive Waste Management The inspectors’ mission is not merely procedural but pivotal, given the opaque militarized…

Legacy of Resistance In the pulsating heart of Nairobi, Kenya’s Generation Z gathers in solidarity, marking the anniversary of last year’s protest that resulted in the devastating loss of life. Their resolve, undeterred, channels both commemoration and a powerful call to action. As they rally, familiar chants of ‘justice’ and ‘democracy’ reverberate through the urban landscapes, echoing a year-long narrative of courage and unrest. Demands for Justice The youth, emboldened by their predecessors’ sacrifices, demand accountability for the violence inflicted during the protests. One year ago, the streets were a dramatic theater of conflict as young protesters clashed with security…

The Persistent Shadows of Apartheid In a Cape Flats home, a father’s sorrow is etched into the bullet-riddled walls—an enduring legacy of violence that stains the region. The tragedies that have visited Devon Africa’s family illustrate a broader sociopolitical failure, rooted deeply in the displacement caused by apartheid. This reshuffling isolated non-white communities, entrapping them in cycles of poverty and gang violence. A Stride Toward Peace Despite the formidable odds, individuals like Pastor Craven Engel strive to mediate in gang disputes. His approach prioritizes mediation and community engagement over sheer force, attempting to dismantle the dynasty of violence with dialogue…

A Strategic Move Towards Enhanced Governance On June 24, in a significant diplomatic ceremony held in Brazzaville, Gilbert Mokoki, Minister of State Control, Public Service Quality, and Anti-Corruption efforts, received the finalized Integrated Public Governance Framework document. Adama-Dian Barry, representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), handed over the document, emphasizing that the resilience of a state hinges on robust public services which underpin stability and public trust. The Blueprint for a Resilient State-Citizen Contract This governance tool, crafted collaboratively by the UN agency and national institutions, is envisioned to recalibrate the social contract between the state and its…

Colonial Roots of a Shared Name The existence of two nations both named ‘Congo’ has its origins deeply embedded in the colonial history of Central Africa. The Republic of the Congo, with its capital in Brazzaville, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, centered in Kinshasa, owe their namesake to the Congo River which traverses the heart of the continent. Their histories diverged primarily due to colonial partitions imposed by European powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The French colonized what is today known as the Republic of the Congo, whilst the Belgians laid claim to the…

A Strategic Partnership in the Making The recent agreement signed on June 23 between Mali and Russia marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic narrative of both nations. Under the auspices of President Vladimir Putin and Colonel Assimi Goïta, these agreements aim to foster economic collaboration, with a notable emphasis on nuclear energy, highlighting the strategic interests guiding their relationship. The Role of Nuclear Energy in Bilateral Ties The nuclear energy agreement, cornerstone of the recent accords, underscores Russia’s expertise in nuclear technology and Mali’s pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Such a partnership not only facilitates technological transfer but also…