22nd April 2024
Good morning! Niger and Chad further move to cut ties with the US, Belgium presses DRC for legal action against Rwanda border violations, Nigeria seeks Italian defence upgrades and China extends financial support to Zimbabwe.
Here is your daily Roosters Crow:
Niger/Chad cut ties with US
The United States finalized plans to withdraw its troops from Niger, following an agreement reached between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Niger's leadership. With over 1,000 troops stationed there, the move impacts U.S. military operations, particularly its drone base, Air Base 201. Niger's political landscape shifted after a coup last year, leading to the termination of military agreements with Western allies and closer ties with Russia. Chad also ordered a halt to U.S. activities at an air base, complicating regional security dynamics.
Belgium Urges DRC to Pursue Rwanda in Court
Belgium's ambassador to Congo urged the Democratic Republic of Congo to bring Rwanda's border violations to the International Court of Justice amid escalating tensions in eastern Congo. M23 rebels' resurgence in 2022 intensified conflict, displacing 738,000 people this year. Rwanda denies aiding M23, while accusing Congo of supporting the FDLR rebel group. UN reports suggest Rwandan involvement with M23. The envoy's call coincided with humanitarian efforts, seeking $2.6 billion aid for Congo. Meanwhile, ceasefire agreements signed in Ituri aim to halt violence in the region plagued by militia activities.
Nigeria to Modernize Air Force with Italian Fighter Jets
Nigeria intends to procure 24 fighter jets from Italy's Leonardo to modernize its air force, according to Air Force spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet. The jets, arriving in four batches of six, aim to enhance Nigeria's combat capabilities against Boko Haram and ISIS militants. Leonardo will also offer 25 years of maintenance support. The decision follows a meeting between Leonardo's vice president and Nigeria's air force chief in Abuja. Nigeria faces ongoing security challenges, including insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry.
China Forgives Zimbabwe's Loans
China forgave undisclosed amounts of Zimbabwe's interest-free loans and pledged to aid its debt crisis. Zimbabwe's debt hit $17.7 billion, with $12.7 billion external, mainly to China. Debt restructuring talks led by ex-Mozambican president Joachim Chissano and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina lost US support. China, a major creditor, canceled some loans but didn't disclose the figure. Zimbabwe shifted from Mugabe's era to Mnangagwa's borrowing heavily from China. Critics label Chinese lending as "debt-trap diplomacy," while Zimbabwe's debt crisis escalates, risking permanent debt entrapment.
