标签： Africa

In a recent court hearing in Maryland, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sought assurances from the government that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, would not be deported to Liberia before she lifts an injunction preventing his removal. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had announced plans to deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia as early as Friday, marking the latest in a series of African countries considered for his deportation. Abrego Garcia, who has lived in Maryland for years with his American wife and child, initially entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection from deportation to El Salvador, where he faces a credible threat of gang violence. Earlier this year, his mistaken deportation to El Salvador, where he was detained in a notorious prison despite having no criminal record, sparked public outrage and led to his return to the U.S. in June. During the hearing, Judge Xinis questioned why the government is not deporting Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, a country he is willing to go to, rather than Liberia. She noted the significant resources being expended in the legal battle over his deportation. Government attorneys did not provide a clear answer but indicated that details might be included in an upcoming court filing. Abrego Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, expressed concerns about the assurances provided by the Liberian government, hinting that they might only agree to host him temporarily. The case highlights ongoing controversies over the Trump administration’s deportation agreements with third countries, which advocacy groups argue violate due process rights. Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia has applied for asylum in the U.S. and faces separate charges of human smuggling in Tennessee, which he denies.

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has clinched a fourth term in office, according to provisional election results released on Monday. The 83-year-old leader secured a staggering 89.8% of the vote, while his closest competitor, businessman Jeal-Louis Billon, trailed far behind with just 3.09%. The election was marred by controversy, as two prominent opposition figures—former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam—were barred from running and subsequently called for a boycott. Voter turnout was notably low at 50.1%, reflecting widespread discontent. The opposition coalition, led by Gbagbo and Thiam, has labeled the election a ‘civilian coup d’etat’ and vowed not to recognize Ouattara’s victory. Ouattara first came to power in 2011 after Gbagbo was arrested for refusing to concede defeat in the 2010 election. Despite a constitutional two-term limit, a 2016 amendment allowed Ouattara to run again in 2020, a move that also faced opposition boycotts. The final results will be confirmed by the Constitutional Council after reviewing any election petitions.

Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has been reelected for a fourth term, according to provisional results announced on Monday. The 83-year-old leader, who first assumed office in 2011, secured an overwhelming 89.7% of the vote in an election marked by low voter turnout and subdued activity in the economic hub of Abidjan. Jean-Louis Billon, a former commerce minister, trailed far behind with 3% of the vote, while Simone Gbagbo, a former first lady, garnered 2.4%. Final results are expected by early November, though they may be announced sooner. Approximately 8.5 million people were registered to vote, with turnout hovering around 50%. Billon had already congratulated Ouattara on Sunday evening based on early results. Ouattara’s initial rise to power in 2010 followed a contentious election against his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, which sparked deadly unrest claiming at least 3,000 lives. Backed by U.N. and French forces, Ouattara eventually took control. Since then, his supporters have lauded him for revitalizing the conflict-ravaged economy of the world’s largest cocoa producer, while critics accuse him of consolidating power. The 2023 election saw a weakened opposition, as major candidates like Tidjane Thiam and Laurent Gbagbo were excluded from the race. Analysts, including Mucahid Durmaz of Verisk Maplecroft, attribute Ouattara’s victory to his dominance over state institutions and his pivotal role in post-civil war reconstruction. Ouattara’s reelection has reignited debates about constitutional manipulation and democratic erosion in West Africa. His tenure has been marked by economic growth, with a 6% annual rate driven by cocoa exports, yet 37.5% of the population remains in poverty, and youth unemployment persists. Additionally, Ouattara has faced tensions with Sahelian nations like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso over his alleged support for France, which regional juntas blame for worsening security.

Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has been declared the winner of a highly contentious presidential election, securing an unprecedented eighth term in office. The Constitutional Council announced that Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, garnered 53.7% of the vote, while opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary trailed with 35.2%. The election, held on October 12, has been overshadowed by widespread violence and allegations of electoral fraud. Tchiroma Bakary, a former ally of Biya, had earlier claimed victory, but his assertions were dismissed by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). In the days following the election, deadly clashes erupted between Bakary’s supporters and security forces in cities like Douala and Garoua, resulting in multiple fatalities. Protesters accused the CPDM of orchestrating a plan to “steal the victory” from the opposition. The unrest has paralyzed the capital, Yaoundé, with schools and businesses shuttered and civil servants staying home. Voter turnout stood at 58%, and at least 10 petitions alleging electoral malpractice were rejected by the Constitutional Council. Biya, who has been in power since 1982, has yet to address the nation publicly, but his party has celebrated his re-election as a sign of “greatness and hope.” Critics, however, point to his prolonged absences, advanced age, and the country’s economic and social challenges, including a 40% youth unemployment rate and a decade-long separatist insurgency in the English-speaking regions. Analysts warn that Cameroon risks descending into political turmoil if the election results are perceived as illegitimate. Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at the International Crisis Group, urged Biya to initiate national mediation to prevent further escalation.