Focus Indian Ocean Rim 10th April, 2023

Bonding was visible among two key island states in the Indian Ocean Region countries when Seychelles during the past week decided to back Mauritius’ bid to secure a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2025-2026. In key SE African country Tanzania that is situated along the Indian Ocean Region, US has announced a long-term commitment in the backdrop of Tanzania’s balanced foreign policy approach. Mozambique in curious decision has legalized creation of local militias under the military to help fight Islamist militants in the northern Cabo Delgado province. Kenya, meanwhile, limped back to normalcy after two weeks of anti-government protests called by the opposition. Meanwhile, Gupta brothers got reprieve as South Africa’s efforts to extradite them from UAE failed. 

Seychelles to support Mauritius for seat at UN Security Council

Seychelles News Agency | 6^th April 2023

Seychelles will support Mauritius’ bid to secure a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2025-2026 as well as and its candidature for the Executive Board of UNESCO for the term 2023-2027, said a top official on Thursday. Foreign affairs minister Sylvestre Radegonde made the statement at the end of the 13th Session of the Seychelles-Mauritius Commission on Bilateral Cooperation.

Kenya Calm After Two Weeks of Anti-Government Protests – Opposition Demands ‘Meaningful Engagement’

AllAfrica.com | 6^th April 2023

The situation in Kenya is calm after two weeks of anti-government protests called by the opposition. While both parties have decided to give dialogue a chance, President William Ruto has yet to say how his administration will fight the high cost of living, one issue that sparked the demonstrations. Four days after President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga agreed to a temporary truce, some Kenyans have expressed a huge sigh of relief. The protests were paralyzing streets in Nairobi and other major cities and starting to hurt the country’s already fragile economy.

Mozambique: Govt Legalizes Local Militias to Help Fight Northern Insurgents

AllAfrica.com | 6^th April 2023

Mozambique has legalized creation of local militias under the military to help fight Islamist militants in the northern Cabo Delgado province. A decree was approved and announced Wednesday, after a Cabinet meeting in Maputo late that day. The government had secured parliamentary approval for the move in November, after the Defense Ministry admitted the Mozambican army could not deal with the militants alone. The self-defense local militias already help the Mozambican armed forces and military contingents from Rwanda and some Southern African Development Community countries in the fight in oil-rich Cabo Delgado.

US pledges $1.5 billion support for Tanzania over next five years

The Citizen | 7^th April 2023

The US plans to inject at least $1.5 billion in the country, a move intended to promote and strengthen cooperation with her key partner in promoting peace and regional stability in East Africa. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on April 6, 2023, the US ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Michael Battle, said that the partnership between the two countries was rooted in more than six decades of economic, development, health, and security cooperation.

Interpol red notice for Gupta brothers lapses, South Africa’s extradition request dismissed by UAE

TimesLive | 7^th April 2023

The Gupta brothers Rajesh and Atul no longer have Interpol red notices attached to their names which would have paved the way for their arrest to face fraud and money laundering charges in South Africa. This was revealed during a justice department media briefing on Friday, where minister Ronald Lamola announced the application to extradite the two “fugitives” from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had been unsuccessful.