标签： Africa

In a significant hardening of European migration policy, Greece has joined forces with four other EU member states to establish deportation facilities in third countries, with African nations emerging as the preferred location. Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris confirmed the collaborative effort with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark during a national television broadcast on Wednesday.

The initiative, described as moving from theoretical discussion to practical implementation, aims to create ‘return hubs’ for migrants whose asylum claims have been denied and whose countries of origin refuse repatriation. Minister Plevris revealed that technical teams from the five nations will convene next week to advance the plan, following preliminary ministerial discussions. While emphasizing the African continent as the preferred location, Plevris noted this selection remains ‘not binding’ and indicated that larger European partners are leading negotiations with potential host countries.

The proposed centers would serve dual purposes: processing individuals ineligible for asylum while simultaneously functioning as a deterrent to prospective migrants with weak protection claims. Although the minister projected an initial framework within months, specific operational timelines remain undetermined.

This development occurs against the backdrop of Greece’s strategic position as a primary EU entry point for those fleeing conflict and poverty across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Tens of thousands undertake perilous sea journeys annually, either from Turkey to nearby Aegean islands or via the longer Mediterranean route from North Africa to southern Greek islands.

Athens has increasingly adopted stringent migration measures, despite allegations from human rights organizations regarding illegal pushback operations—claims the government vehemently denies. Minister Plevris cited a 21% reduction in illegal arrivals for 2025 compared to 2024, representing 13,000 fewer migrants, alongside a 40% decrease over the past five months.

The European context further solidified last week when EU lawmakers approved new immigration policies permitting member states to deny asylum and deport migrants originating from designated safe countries or those who could seek protection in nations outside the bloc.

With Greece currently processing 5,000-7,000 annual returns against 40,000-50,000 new arrivals—approximately half resulting in rejected applications—Plevris acknowledged existing repatriation rates as insufficient. The minister will travel to Rome next week for trilateral discussions with Italian and Spanish counterparts, including a scheduled meeting with Pakistani officials to enhance cooperation with countries of origin.

Somalia’s military campaign against the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab militant group has gained significant momentum through a combination of U.S.-backed airstrikes and expanded ground operations, according to government officials. The offensive comes at a critical juncture as African Union peacekeeping forces gradually withdraw, transferring security responsibility to Somali national forces after nearly two decades of insurgency.

The conflict’s trajectory has shifted notably through strategic operations targeting al-Shabab’s leadership hierarchy, bomb-making infrastructure, and territorial strongholds. Somali defense officials report successful reclaiming of territories in multiple regions including Lower Shabelle, Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and parts of Jubbaland that had remained under militant control for years. Key locations such as Jilib Marka, Gendershe, and Dhanaane—previously considered al-Shabab strongholds—have reportedly been secured by government forces.

The United States has played a crucial role in this tactical turnaround through AFRICOM’s precision airstrikes targeting training facilities, weapons depots, and senior leadership figures. Recent air operations have specifically focused on destroying improvised explosive device manufacturing sites and neutralizing vehicle-borne explosives before deployment. Somali intelligence services provide verified targeting information to minimize civilian casualties, though past strikes have drawn criticism from human rights organizations.

Security analysts note that expanded aerial surveillance and strike capabilities have fundamentally altered the battlefield dynamics. Drone coverage has enabled identification of previously inaccessible underground hideouts and supply routes, allowing government troops to advance into areas that were once al-Shabab sanctuaries. The technology also provides early warnings of militant movements near the capital Mogadishu, where security remains tight despite continued bombing attempts.

The timing of this offensive coincides with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia gradually reducing its footprint, making international intelligence coordination and air support increasingly critical. However, Somalia faces overlapping challenges including climate-induced drought, political tensions between federal and regional authorities, and funding shortages affecting both security and humanitarian operations.

Experts caution that military gains must be consolidated through effective governance and service delivery to prevent al-Shabab from reestablishing control in vacated territories. The government has announced plans to rebuild homes and deliver aid in newly captured areas, recognizing that lasting stability depends on Somalia’s ability to secure and govern territory independently as international support scales back.

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — An explosive government investigation obtained exclusively by The Associated Press and The Gecko Project reveals systematic illegal construction of luxury mansions within Sierra Leone’s Western Area Peninsula National Park, with evidence indicating complicity by senior government officials. Nearly four years after President Julius Maada Bio commissioned the probe, its findings remain concealed from the public despite identifying an “environmental time bomb” threatening the capital’s water supply and ecosystem.

The investigation uncovered that at least 50 extravagant homes have been constructed or are underway within the park boundaries in the Bio Barray neighborhood, where rainforest stood as recently as 2019. Satellite imagery analysis confirms ongoing construction despite legal prohibitions against development in protected areas.

Critical findings indicate that former Lands Minister Denis Sandy signed approximately 175 documents granting land leases to private individuals—a move described as “flagrant violation” of environmental protections. The committee recommended punitive measures against Sandy and 16 other named officials, but no substantive action has been taken.

The environmental implications are severe: the threatened national park serves as both a vital watershed for Freetown—providing 90% of the city’s water through an adjacent reservoir—and a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deforestation increases risks of catastrophic landslides and water shortage crises, reminiscent of a 2017 landslide that killed over 1,000 people.

Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, an environmentalist and presidential aspirant, stated unequivocally that the government is “fully aware of what is going on,” alleging that powerful residents receive explicit permission to ignore environmental laws.

Despite President Bio’s public commitment that “nobody is above the law” and promises to act on the findings, current Chief Minister David Sengeh provided vague responses regarding implementation. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission claims it never received the report, and the National Protected Area Authority’s former director asserted all encroachment had ceased—contradicted by AP’s on-the-ground observations.

The investigation identified 876 landowners within park boundaries, with AP verification confirming 46 villas inside protected territory. At least 14 property owners hold government positions, including within the presidential office, land ministry, and Environment Protection Agency, raising serious questions about institutional corruption and environmental governance.