Struggle for Influence in Africa

BERLIN (Own report) – Overshadowed by the dispute on free trade and the Paris Climate Agreement, the German government has found acceptance for its Africa policy initiatives at the G20 summit in Hamburg. The G20 states in Hamburg have backed the “Compact with Africa” initiative, Berlin seeks to use for gaining new influence on the African continent. The “Compact” includes measures enabling industrial nations, such as Germany, to set their preferred conditions for investments in individual African countries. The German government has chosen Tunisia, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire as its partners. Whereas Tunisia already serves as a low-wage site for German enterprises, Côte d’Ivoire is still under decisive French influence, something Berlin would like to change with the help of its “Compact for Africa.” In general, “Compact” is intended to help Germany intensify its economic influence in Africa, following all the failed attempts over the past few years. From the perspective of Germany’s establishment, time is running out because China, the rival on the global stage, has already risen to become the most important economic partner for numerous African countries.

Saudi Arabia forms anti-terror military alliance

If it’s not limited to ISIS, then this could also be perceived as a hedge against Iran and possibly a new bloc opposed to Israel.

 

“The countries here mentioned have decided on the formation of a military alliance led by Saudi Arabia to fight terrorism, with a joint operations center based in Riyadh to coordinate and support military operations,” the statement said.