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Simandou 2040 Program: Reality or Illusion? Heated Debate Among Guinea’s Leaders

23rd February, 2025 at 23:40
By Adekunle Oluwaseun

Guinea, Conakry:The Simandou 2040 program has ignited a fiery debate within Guinea’s political and economic landscape, following a controversial statement by Honorable Hamidou Camara, president of the

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Guinea, Conakry:The Simandou 2040 program has ignited a fiery debate within Guinea’s political and economic landscape, following a controversial statement by Honorable Hamidou Camara, president of the Commission for Planning, Financial Affairs, and Budget Control (CPAFCB) of the National Transitional Council (CNT). His remarks, questioning the very existence of the program, have drawn sharp responses from high-ranking government officials, further fueling public discourse. 

 

Speaking at the Émergence Magazine Economic Forum, Camara declared that, as of now, the cost of the Simandou 2040 program remains unknown, stating, “For us, it is a program that does not exist.” His claim that the widely publicized initiative has not been formally drafted or financially evaluated has stirred significant controversy, prompting a swift rebuttal from General Amara Camara, Minister Secretary General of the Presidency and close collaborator of General Mamadi Doumbouya.

In a pointed response, Amara Camara sought to clarify the distinction between the Simandou project and the Simandou 2040 program, refuting any notion that the ambitious plan is an illusion. “Speaking of the Simandou project, I want to take a moment to remind one of our elders that the Simandou project is not an illusion, but a reality. The illusion consists in confusing the Simandou project, which is nothing other than a mining project with four components – the port, the rails, the mines, and the steel mill – and the Simandou 2040 program, which is the socio-economic development program of our country for the next 15 years,” he asserted.

 

Hamidou Camara, however, remained steadfast in his criticism, insisting that despite its extensive promotion, the Simandou 2040 program has not been officially documented. “It is a program that has not even been written since it is neither quantified nor valued,” he emphasized, reinforcing his argument that its feasibility remains uncertain.

Refusing to back down, Amara Camara responded with an air of confidence, dismissing the assertion as a misinterpretation of strategic governance. “It is natural to know that when we talk about a program, it means that strategic choices have been made. The only similarity between the Simandou project and the Simandou 2040 program is the name Simandou. We agree that we are being lectured, but we are also very intelligent: that the lecturer himself has learned his lessons correctly,” he retorted. 

 

The debate underscores the broader challenges of governance and economic planning in Guinea. The Simandou project, one of the world's largest untapped iron ore reserves, holds immense potential for the nation's economic future. However, concerns regarding transparency, planning, and execution continue to dominate public discussions, with calls for clearer documentation and financial clarity.

As Guinea moves forward with its ambitious development agenda, the government will need to address these concerns head-on, ensuring that both the Simandou project and the Simandou 2040 program translate into tangible benefits for the nation. In the meantime, the political and economic ramifications of this heated exchange are likely to persist, shaping the discourse around one of the country’s most significant undertakings.

Libya's Political Turmoil: Power Struggles, Economic Shifts, and International Scrutiny

23rd February, 2025 at 23:19
By Our Reporter

 Libya's political landscape remains complex and multifaceted, marked by internal divisions, international engagements, and ongoing efforts toward stabilization. 

 

Governmental Structure and Political

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 Libya's political landscape remains complex and multifaceted, marked by internal divisions, international engagements, and ongoing efforts toward stabilization. 

 

Governmental Structure and Political Divisions

Libya continues to experience a dual governance system, with the Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, and the rival Government of National Stability (GNS) operating from Sirte under Prime Minister Osama Hammad. This bifurcation has persisted since the House of Representatives' no-confidence motion against the GNU in September 2021 and the subsequent establishment of the GNS in March 2022. Efforts to unify the country's political institutions have faced significant challenges, contributing to ongoing instability.

 

International Relations and UN Engagement

On February 20, 2025, Prime Minister Dbeibeh met with Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, the newly appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). During their meeting in Tripoli, Dbeibeh reaffirmed his government's support for UN initiatives aimed at enhancing stability in Libya, emphasizing the importance of holding elections and concluding transitional phases. Tetteh expressed the UN's commitment to assisting the Libyan people in achieving their aspirations for stability and development.

 

Economic Developments and Oil Sector Dynamics

In a significant shift within Libya's oil industry, Arkenu Oil Company, a privately owned firm established in 2023, has emerged, challenging the National Oil Corporation's (NOC) longstanding monopoly. Since May 2024, Arkenu has exported oil valued at approximately $600 million, with major international companies such as Exxon Mobil and China's Sinopec among its clients. Notably, revenues from these exports have been directed to banks in Dubai and Geneva, bypassing Libya's Central Bank. This development underscores the growing influence of military commander Khalifa Haftar's forces, which control eastern Libya's oilfields, and raises concerns about the equitable distribution of the nation's oil wealth. 

 

Judicial Proceedings and International Relations

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is currently on trial over allegations of illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign by Libya. Sarkozy has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them as a "plot" orchestrated by "liars and crooks," including members of the Gadhafi regime. The trial, which commenced on January 6, 2025, is expected to conclude on April 10. If convicted, Sarkozy faces up to 10 years in prison.  

 

Human Rights and Migration Issues

Human rights activist David Yambio, who has provided evidence to the International Criminal Court regarding abuses in Libyan detention camps, was recently informed by Apple that his phone was targeted by spyware. Yambio, a critic of Italy's migrant pact with Libya, has condemned the release of Osama Najim, a Libyan prison official accused of war crimes. The use of spyware, reportedly developed by Israeli company Paragon Solutions, raises significant concerns about the safety of human rights defenders and the broader implications for privacy and security.

 

Reconstruction Efforts and Regional Influence

In the aftermath of the catastrophic floods in Derna caused by Storm Daniel in September 2023, reconstruction efforts have been underway. The Development and Reconstruction Fund, led by Belgacem Haftar, son of Khalifa Haftar, has been allocated 10 billion Libyan dinars for rebuilding the city. However, these efforts have been marred by allegations of fund mismanagement and nepotism, with claims that the Haftar family is benefiting disproportionately. The reconstruction process has also seen significant involvement from Egyptian companies, highlighting regional geopolitical dynamics. 

 

Overall, Libya's political environment remains in flux, with internal divisions, economic challenges, and complex international relationships continuing to shape the nation's trajectory.

Political Uncertainty and Economic Challenges in Guinea-Bissau Amid Post-Coup Tensions

23rd February, 2025 at 21:07
By Our Reporter

As of February 2025, Guinea-Bissau continues to navigate a complex political landscape marked by recent upheavals and ongoing efforts toward stabilization. 


 Political Developments

In December 2023, Pre

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As of February 2025, Guinea-Bissau continues to navigate a complex political landscape marked by recent upheavals and ongoing efforts toward stabilization. 


 Political Developments

In December 2023, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló dissolved the National People's Assembly following clashes between the National Guard and presidential guard forces, which he described as an "attempted coup." This action led to heightened tensions between the executive branch and opposition parties. Subsequently, in December 2024, President Embaló postponed the scheduled parliamentary elections indefinitely, citing organizational challenges and the need for political stability. This postponement has been a point of contention among opposition groups and international observers.

 
In September 2024, President Embaló announced that he would not seek a second term in the presidential elections slated for November 2025. This decision has introduced uncertainty into the political arena, as potential successors and opposition figures prepare for the upcoming electoral contest. Despite his earlier announcement, reports in November 2024 indicated that Embaló expressed intentions to remain in office beyond 2030, leading to confusion and debate regarding his political future. 
International Relations
On February 23, 2025, Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad of Qatar held a virtual meeting with Guinea-Bissau's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fatima Djau. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations. During the meeting, Minister Al Misnad extended condolences for the losses incurred from a recent fire in the central market of the Gabu region and announced financial assistance to support the victims, particularly those displaced by the incident. 
Socio-Economic Context
Guinea-Bissau remains one of the world's most fragile economies, grappling with political instability and economic challenges. The World Bank continues to engage with the country, focusing on projects aimed at rural development, infrastructure rehabilitation, and coastal and biodiversity management. These initiatives are designed to address systemic issues and promote sustainable development. 
The nation's political dynamics, characterized by frequent power struggles and institutional conflicts, continue to impact its socio-economic progress. The indefinite postponement of parliamentary elections and ambiguity surrounding the presidential succession have further complicated the political environment. As Guinea-Bissau approaches the rescheduled presidential elections in November 2025, the interplay between political factions, governance structures, and international partnerships will be critical in shaping the country's trajectory toward stability and development.

Donald Trump and Cyril Ramophosa Face-off

23rd February, 2025 at 11:40
By Our Reporter

In a sharp escalation of tensions between Washington and Pretoria, the U.S. president signed an executive order on February 7, 2025, that halts all American aid to South Africa and offers refugee stat

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In a sharp escalation of tensions between Washington and Pretoria, the U.S. president signed an executive order on February 7, 2025, that halts all American aid to South Africa and offers refugee status to white South Africans. The order condemns what it calls “government-sponsored race-based discrimination” and accuses the South African government of a “shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights.” It specifically targets policies affecting white Afrikaners—descendants of Dutch settlers who, despite making up only about 7 percent of South Africa’s population, own roughly 70 percent of the nation’s private farmland.

The executive order is a direct response to South Africa’s recently passed Expropriation Act of 2024, enacted last month. The act authorizes the government to seize unused farmland or land deemed to be in the public interest without offering compensation. The law was designed to redress deep-seated historical inequalities dating back to colonial rule and the apartheid era, when discriminatory policies—such as the 1913 Land Act—systematically dispossessed Black South Africans of their land.
The controversy has ignited a fierce debate.  A U.S. ally, Elon Musk (a native of South Africa), has repeatedly accused President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration of anti-white racism. Ramaphosa, however, has consistently denied these allegations. In a recent parliamentary address, he stressed that “there is no single group that faces persecution” in South Africa and vowed that his government “will not be bullied.”
The fallout from the U.S. order is significant. By freezing nearly half a billion dollars a year in aid—which funds the world’s largest HIV/AIDS program (PEPFAR)—the U.S. move threatens to disrupt critical health services for millions. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio later announced a waiver in response to concerns from medical personnel, implementation checks indicate that PEPFAR’s operations remain on hold.
Diplomatically, relations between the two nations have reached a low not seen since sanctions were imposed on apartheid South Africa in 1986. The row is expected to further complicate international engagements, with U.S. officials now signaling a possible absence from the upcoming G20 meeting scheduled for November 2025 in Johannesburg. Rubio confirmed his decision to skip the G20 foreign ministers’ preparatory meeting in protest.
Domestically, the issue unfolds against the backdrop of a fragile coalition government. Seven months into its term, the alliance between the African National Congress (ANC) and the pro-Western Democratic Alliance (DA) is under intense pressure. The ANC’s decision to partner with the DA—a party representing about 90 percent of white voters—has drawn criticism from smaller, predominantly Black opposition groups who argue that the government is not doing enough to address historic land injustices.
Legal challenges are already underway. The DA has taken the South African government to court to review the constitutionality of the Expropriation Act, arguing that while the law aims to rectify past wrongs, its implementation could undermine established private property rights. At the same time, lobbying groups like AfriForum, which once influenced U.S. attention to the issue, have stated their preference to remain in South Africa and contest the changes through the local legal system rather than by appealing to external pressures.
The dispute also touches on broader international issues. The executive order criticizes South Africa not only for its land reform policies but also for its “aggressive positions towards the U.S. and its allies,” citing the country’s support for Iran in commercial, military, and nuclear endeavors, and its controversial stance in international legal forums regarding Israel and Palestine.
Amid the heated exchanges, President Ramaphosa has expressed hope for a resolution. He announced that a delegation would soon travel to Washington in an attempt to ease tensions and invite the U.S. president for a state visit ahead of the G20 summit—a move that now appears increasingly uncertain following the latest diplomatic rebukes.
As both sides dig in, the confrontation over land reform and property rights in South Africa continues to unfold, reflecting long-standing historical grievances and the challenges of addressing inequality in a post-apartheid society.