India’s trade ties in the Indian Ocean Region got a leg up with the conclusion of FTA with Oman, which will be India’s second free trade pact in the region after UAE. The FTA will be signed after the Indian general elections. India made a strong statement through its presence at the 30th remembrance of the Rwandan genocide. Meanwhile, in the Indian Ocean State of South Africa, election process is gathering steam with the former President Zuma’s party set to play role of a spoiler. In the election season, former South African defence minister is facing bribery charges. South Africa is also facing questions from the USA for its close ties with Russia and support for Hamas. Mozambique is all set to get support from Rwanda to fight terrorism that has impacted its revenues from the energy resources.
India, Oman conclude trade talks; to sign deal after elections
The Mint | 7th April 2024
Negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Oman have concluded, and it’s likely to be signed after the formation of a new central government in the coming months, two people aware of the matter said. The pact, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), will boost Indian exports to the West Asian country by eliminating duties, especially on petroleum products, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and iron and steel.
Economic relations secretary in MEA to visit Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya
The Economic Times | 6th April 2024
Dammu Ravi, secretary, economic relations in the MEA, will visit Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya from April 7-12, as a “reaffirmation of India’s commitment” to further strengthen its ties of friendship with the three African countries. The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement on Saturday (April 6), said the visit seeks to “maintain the momentum of high-level contacts” between India and countries in Africa, post the entry of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 during the Indian Presidency of the grouping.
Can Jacob Zuma and his MK party unseat the ANC in South Africa’s election?
Aljazeera | 5th April 2024
“We need change and we need change now,” said Princess Nozwe Zulu, sitting in her home in a low-income government housing project in Savannah Park, 18km west of the South African port city of Durban.“Black people cannot be slaves in their own country forever … that’s why we are voting for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party to drive that change,” the 51-year-old said, declaring her support for the new wildcard political party recently endorsed by controversial former President Jacob Zuma. South Africans go to the polls on May 29 in a crucial election for the ANC, which has been in power since the country’s first post-apartheid elections 30 years ago. Considered the party that liberated South Africa from apartheid, the ANC has recently been shedding support, with polls predicting it could fall below 50 percent vote share for the first time. If it fails to win a majority, opposition parties could pool together to dethrone the ANC.
US concerned over South Africa’s growing ties with Russia, Iran and Hamas: ‘Fallen’ for propaganda
Fox News | 6th April 2024
South Africa’s support for the Palestinian cause is the culmination of a confused and increasingly troubling diplomatic trend for a country with whom the U.S. now questions its bilateral cooperation, critics have claimed. “The South African government has fallen hook, line and sinker for Russian propaganda,” Peter Doran, an adjunct senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and former president of the Center for European Policy Analysis, told Fox News Digital.
South Africa Speaker Resigns Amid Corruption Probe
DW | 3rd April 2024
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is accused of soliciting bribes during her time as defense minister before she became the speaker of parliament. The resignation comes ahead of a general election scheduled for late May. Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigned Wednesday (April 3), a day after losing a court bid that would block her arrest over allegations of corruption.
Mozambique: Rwanda promises more troops for Cabo Delgado – AIM
Club of Mozambique | 7th April 2024
Rwanda intends to send more troops to the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, according to Brig-Gen Patrick Karuretwa, head of international cooperation in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). Speaking to journalists in Kigali, and cited by the South African portal “News 24”, Karuretwa said the fresh Rwandan troops would fill the gap left by the withdrawal of the SADC Military Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
