标签： Africa

Guinea’s military government has imposed sweeping restrictions on major social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook as the nation awaits final results from Sunday’s contentious presidential election. Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks confirmed widespread disruptions affecting primary service providers Orange and MTN.

Initial results released Monday evening reveal junta leader General Mamady Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup, commanding a substantial lead in the presidential race. According to AFP reports, the 41-year-old general has secured over 80% of votes across multiple districts in the capital Conakry, with similar dominance reported in western regions including Boffa and Fria, northwestern Gaoual, northern Koundara and Labe, and southeastern Nzerekore.

The electoral process has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations. Main opposition parties RPG Arc en Ciel and UFDG were barred from participation, leaving eight alternative candidates with limited political footing. A civil society coalition advocating for civilian rule condemned the election as a ‘charade,’ citing numerous irregularities.

General Doumbouya’s candidacy represents a direct reversal of his previous commitment. Following his overthrow of 83-year-old President Alpha Condé in 2021, he explicitly promised: ‘Neither I nor any member of this transition will be a candidate for anything… As soldiers, we value our word very much.’ His reversal became possible through a new constitution implemented in September that permitted his electoral participation.

Critics interpret the social media restrictions as a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent and scrutiny of the electoral process. The junta has previously faced condemnation for restricting opposition activities, banning protests, and curtailing press freedom in the pre-election period.

Paradoxically, General Doumbouya justified his 2021 coup using similar grievances—citing Condé’s alleged corruption, human rights violations, and economic mismanagement. Despite Guinea possessing the world’s largest bauxite reserves and recently launching the massive Simandou iron-ore project, World Bank data indicates over half the population lives in poverty.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Massive demonstrations erupted across Somalia on Tuesday as tens of thousands of citizens united in protest against Israel’s unprecedented recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The controversial diplomatic move has ignited a firestorm of international condemnation and raised concerns about regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

In the capital Mogadishu, protesters filled the national stadium waving Somali flags and chanting slogans rejecting what they perceive as an assault on their nation’s sovereignty. Religious leader Sheikh Mohamud Sheikh Abulbari addressed the crowd, condemning Israel’s action as “unacceptable” given its treatment of Palestinians and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. Similar large-scale protests were documented in Baidoa, Guriel, Dhusamareeb, Lasanod, and Buhoodle, marking the largest public mobilization since Israel’s declaration.

Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a strategic diplomatic mission to Turkey, meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Both leaders delivered strong statements against Israel’s recognition, with Mohamud characterizing it as a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and African Union principles. “This sets a dangerous precedent contrary to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mohamud stated alongside his Turkish counterpart.

Erdogan pledged unwavering support for Somalia’s territorial unity, accusing Israel of attempting to destabilize the already fragile Horn of Africa region. The Turkish president emphasized that preserving Somalia’s integrity remains “a priority for us under all circumstances.”

The diplomatic confrontation reached the United Nations Security Council on Monday, where Somalia’s permanent representative Abukar Dahir Osman warned that Israel’s action “poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.” The Israeli delegation countered by accusing Somalia of applying double standards, noting that other nations have recognized Palestinian statehood.

The recognition controversy occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, which signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January 2024 to lease coastline territory for a naval base in exchange for potential recognition. Turkey has emerged as a key mediator in these disputes while strengthening its military and economic presence in Somalia, including operating a military training base in Mogadishu and planning offshore drilling operations by 2026.

Somaliland, with approximately 3 million inhabitants, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during the country’s civil conflict. Despite maintaining its own government and currency for over three decades, no nation had formally recognized its sovereignty until Israel’s surprise announcement last week.

In a groundbreaking diplomatic move that has sent shockwaves through international relations, Israel has become the first nation to officially recognize the breakaway territory of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state. This controversial decision, announced on Friday, has triggered widespread condemnation from numerous countries and international organizations while being hailed by Somaliland’s leadership as a historic milestone.

The recognition follows more than three decades of Somaliland’s de facto independence from Somalia, declared in 1991 following the overthrow of military dictator Siad Barre. Despite maintaining its own government institutions, currency, and security forces, the semi-desert territory along the Gulf of Aden has remained internationally unrecognized until Israel’s unexpected declaration.

China has emerged among the most vocal critics, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserting that “no country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests.” This condemnation comes ahead of an emergency UN Security Council session convened to address the escalating diplomatic crisis.

Somalia has reacted with fury, characterizing Israel’s move as a direct assault on its territorial integrity. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud labeled the recognition an “existential threat” to national unity, while Somalia’s parliament unanimously rejected what it termed a violation of international law.

Strategic analysts suggest Israel’s motivation extends beyond mere diplomatic recognition. According to research from the Institute for National Security Studies, Somaliland offers Israel a strategic foothold in the Red Sea region, potentially providing operational access near conflict zones involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a phone call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi that the recognition acknowledges Somaliland’s “right of self-determination” and presents “a great opportunity for expanding” bilateral partnership.

The Houthi movement has responded with threats, warning that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered legitimate military targets. This development occurs against the backdrop of reported discussions about potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, though Somaliland has denied any connection between recognition and the Palestinian issue.

Regional powers including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the African Union have joined the condemnation, expressing concern that this recognition could establish a dangerous precedent for separatist movements across the continent. The African Union specifically warned of potential chain reactions where other regions might seek external alliances without central government consent.

Notably, traditional Somaliland allies including the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have maintained cautious silence. Analysis suggests the UAE aligns with Israeli interests in the region, while Ethiopia—which recently secured port access through Somaliland—appears to be adopting a wait-and-see approach despite potentially benefiting from the recognition.

The United States has shown reluctance to follow Israel’s lead, with former President Donald Trump questioning general awareness of Somaliland’s status. The international community remains deeply divided, setting the stage for continued diplomatic confrontation as this unexpected geopolitical realignment unfolds.