标签： Africa

Turkey has temporarily suspended all flights of its C-130 military cargo planes following a tragic crash in neighboring Georgia that claimed the lives of all 20 individuals on board. The incident occurred on November 6, 2025, as the aircraft was returning to Turkey from Azerbaijan. The Turkish Defence Ministry announced the suspension on November 13, stating that operations would only resume after comprehensive technical inspections and safety checks are completed on all C-130 planes. The ill-fated plane had departed from Ganja Airport in western Azerbaijan but crashed shortly after crossing into eastern Georgia. Eyewitness footage, shared by Azerbaijani media, captured the plane spinning horizontally alongside debris as it plummeted. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the ministry emphasizing that the accident investigation team is working diligently to determine the root cause. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders, commonly referred to as the black boxes, have been recovered and sent to Ankara for analysis. The ministry clarified that the plane was carrying personnel and maintenance supplies, with no ammunition on board. Among the victims were maintenance specialists for F-16 fighter jets, who had participated in Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations in Baku. The C-130 aircraft, originally purchased from Saudi Arabia in 2012, underwent maintenance and upgrades before being added to the Turkish air force inventory in 2014. It was modernized and put into service in 2022, with regular maintenance ensuring its operational readiness. The ministry refuted claims that the plane had been decommissioned by its previous operator, stating it was a surplus aircraft.

As Africa grapples with mounting developmental challenges, China has emerged as a pivotal ally in the continent’s modernization efforts, particularly through its collaboration in technical and vocational education. Gilles Fagninou, the regional director for West and Central Africa at the UN Children’s Fund, lauded China as a ‘true partner’ in an exclusive interview with China Daily. He underscored the critical role of China-Africa educational cooperation in addressing Africa’s pressing need for accessible and quality education, with over 100 million school-age children currently out of school. Fagninou highlighted that China’s own developmental journey, marked by overcoming similar hurdles, positions it as an invaluable mentor for African nations. ‘The experience that China has is something that African countries want to learn from,’ he remarked. This partnership is particularly transformative in broadening learning avenues for African youth, equipping them with practical skills through technical, professional, and vocational studies. During a recent visit to Jinhua University of Vocational Technology in Zhejiang province, Fagninou observed firsthand the impact of these programs, where African students are trained to return home and contribute to their communities. Over 20 universities in Zhejiang have established partnerships with African institutions, with Jinhua alone offering educational opportunities to more than 15,000 African students. Fagninou emphasized the tailored approach of China’s cooperation, which respects local realities and adapts to each country’s unique needs. Through digital innovation, this partnership is expanding access to quality education, bringing more children into learning who would otherwise be excluded. Fagninou also noted that China’s contributions are integral to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, with initiatives like the establishment of Luban Workshops and engineering academies offering 60,000 training opportunities, primarily for women and youth. Looking ahead, Fagninou expressed optimism about deepening collaboration on youth employment, with plans to create regional centers of excellence across Africa. Pilot countries are already developing vocational programs that can be scaled continent-wide, providing young people with the skills needed to navigate the job market. ‘When you have vocational or professional study, it helps you access the job market quickly,’ he said, adding that education fosters opportunities that benefit individuals, communities, and the continent as a whole.

Approximately 1,400 African nationals, including around 200 Kenyans, are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to recent statements by Kenyan and Ukrainian authorities. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, revealed that some of these individuals are former members of Kenya’s security forces. Many recruits have allegedly been deceived into joining the war, with promises of substantial financial rewards. Some have been forced to assemble drones and handle hazardous chemicals without proper training or protective gear, raising serious safety and ethical concerns. Kenyan President William Ruto has formally requested the Ukrainian government to secure the release of Kenyan nationals currently held in the conflict zone. The Ukrainian government has also highlighted that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia, targeting vulnerable individuals. Kenya’s embassy in Moscow has documented injuries among some recruits, who were reportedly promised up to $18,000 to cover visa, travel, and accommodation costs. Mudavadi expressed concerns about the broader issue of Kenyans being lured into ‘forced criminality,’ including drug trafficking and forced labor abroad, which he described as a threat to both Kenyan and global security. In September, Kenyan authorities rescued over 20 nationals near Nairobi who were preparing to join the war. A suspected recruiter was arrested and is facing prosecution. Meanwhile, South Africa has launched an investigation into how 17 of its citizens ended up in the war-torn Donbas region. Ukraine has also faced criticism for its attempts to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to fight on its side. The situation underscores the Kremlin’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa, as evidenced by the recruitment of individuals from Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka, who are now held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps.

The upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, marks a pivotal moment for Africa to redefine its role in the global economy. Analysts emphasize that the continent must leverage this platform to advocate for fair trade, industrial transformation, and stable market access. Amid a turbulent global trade system, Africa faces challenges such as rising protectionism and uncertainty over the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has historically granted tariff-free access to the US market for sub-Saharan countries since 2000. The US’s recent imposition of reciprocal tariffs on key African exports, including South Africa’s auto, wine, and citrus industries, has further exacerbated concerns. Trade experts warn that these tariffs, ranging from 10 to 50 percent, threaten industries, jobs, and rural incomes across the continent. Despite these challenges, African leaders remain optimistic about constructive engagement with the US to safeguard historical trade ties. South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, has described ongoing trade talks as ‘very positive,’ with hopes for AGOA’s renewal by year-end. The G20 summit also offers Africa a unique opportunity to advocate for stable, rules-based economic agreements and to strengthen regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Experts urge African leaders to use this platform to demand fair competition, discourage unilateral tariff actions, and promote long-term trade stability. As Africa hosts its first G20 summit, the continent stands at a crossroads, with the potential to shape the global economic agenda and secure its rightful place at the decision-making table.