Africa

US Special Forces will wage war in Africa “for at least a generation”

By Thomas Gaist and Eddie Haywood, 17 June 2017

US military commandos are presently involved in over 100 missions simultaneously across the African continent, according to internal Pentagon documents.

German government hosts major conference on Africa

By Johannes Stern, 16 June 2017

Ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg in July, the German government is working systematically to expand its global political and economic relations.

Tensions between US and China threaten catastrophe for Africa

By Eddie Haywood and Thomas Gaist, 8 June 2017

China’s expansion of economic investment in Africa is part of its “One Belt, One Road” initiative, through which Beijing seeks to revive a modern day Silk Road connecting China and Asia with Europe.

Discovery of mass graves highlights bloody scramble for Congo’s resources

By Eddie Haywood, 27 April 2017

Conflict between the Congolese military and a local militia has resulted in a mass internal displacement in the Kasai Province, with millions fleeing the region for Angola and other areas of the Congo.

US prepares military response to world-historic famine in sub-Saharan Africa, Arabian Peninsula

By Thomas Gaist, 24 April 2017

The American military is “war-gaming procedures to work in a famine-type environment,” according to AFRICOM commander General Thomas Waldhauser.

US intensifies military training operations across Africa

By Eddie Haywood, 8 April 2017

The growing number of training exercises and operations coordinated by AFRICOM point to a “pivot to Africa” and make clear Washington’s aim of imperialist domination of the African continent.

Trump administration plans economic and military offensive against Africa

By Thomas Gaist, 3 April 2017

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at the center of the US government’s neocolonial agenda for Africa.

Canadian Armed Forces’ document calls for “heavier weapons” to confront child soldiers in Africa

By Laurent Lafrance, 25 March 2017

The document says soldiers need “heavy weapons” to confront child soldiers and must be psychologically hardened so as to be ready to kill them.

Reports expose widespread use of child labor in the Congo

By Eddie Haywood, 23 March 2017

The horrific labor practices uncovered in the DRC are not an isolated occurrence but rather the predominant reality inflicted by the capitalist system on workers around the globe.

Union sells out striking Kenyan doctors

By Eddie Haywood, 21 March 2017

Few details have been released of the “Return to Work Formula,” which is merely a draft proposal and not a binding agreement.

AFRICOM spearheads escalation of US “scramble for Africa”

By Eddie Haywood, 16 March 2017

The head of the African command warned the US Senate that more military resources are needed to pursue Washington’s predatory interests on the continent.

Imperialist wars and interventions fuel refugee crisis in Africa

By Thomas Gaist, 9 March 2017

Wars waged or organized by the American government in numerous African countries, including Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Mali, have turned millions into refugees.

Doctors strike highlights catastrophic health care crisis in Kenya

By Eddie Haywood, 7 March 2017

Five thousand doctors employed in public hospitals across Kenya have been on strike since December, citing low pay and dreadful working conditions.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

3 March 2017

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South Sudan civil war causing widespread famine

By Thomas Gaist, 1 March 2017

Six years after the US-backed partition of Sudan, the newly autonomous, oil-wealthy South Sudan is beset by spreading famine and a raging civil war.

Famine threatens millions in the Horn of Africa as Washington prepares expanded war in Somalia

By Thomas Gaist, 21 February 2017

Starvation and malnutrition are menacing the lives of 10-15 million people in the Horn of Africa countries of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

By our reporters, 17 February 2017

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27 January 2017

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20 January 2017

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6 January 2017

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US Special Operations troop deployments in Africa surged in 2016

By Eddie Haywood, 3 January 2017

The US deployed at least 1,700 elite soldiers to 33 nations across the African continent in 2016, more than twice the number deployed in 2014.

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30 December 2016

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23 December 2016

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The Gambia president refuses to accept election result

By Eddie Heywood, 13 December 2016

After conceding defeat following the December 1 presidential election, incumbent President Yahya Jammeh reversed course, announcing that he now rejects the results.

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2 December 2016

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Canada’s plans to wage war in Africa take shape

By Laurent Lafrance, 16 November 2016

Canada’s defence minister travelled to Mali and Senegal last week to finalize plans for Canada to join French-led counter-insurgency operations in France’s former African colonies.

Canada to partner with France in waging war in Africa

By Laurent Lafrance, 24 October 2016

Under the guise of promoting peace and fighting “Islamist terror,” Canadian imperialism is preparing to advance its growing economic and geopolitical interests in Africa.

Merkel promotes the return of German militarism to Africa

By Johannes Stern, 11 October 2016

The official propaganda cannot disguise the fact the German ruling class is pursing its economic and geostrategic interests in Africa, which is rich in raw materials.

Unrest in the Congo: Political turmoil rocks Kinshasa

By Eddie Haywood, 24 September 2016

Washington’s concern is for the vast mineral wealth of the Congo, and for the existence of a reliable and pliant regime in Kinshasa to facilitate its exploitation.

Ethiopian government kills 100 civilians as protests sweep country

By Joe Williams, 26 August 2016

A protest at the Olympics by marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa drew attention to the ongoing government repression in Ethiopia.

South Sudan government approves 4,000-strong UN force

By Thomas Gaist, 16 August 2016

The military operation is empowered to conduct offensive operations against units loyal to both the government and the opposition.

Canada’s defence minister tours Africa to lay groundwork for military intervention

By Roger Jordan, 16 August 2016

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has confirmed that Canada will soon announce a major military intervention of “long-duration” in one or more African countries.

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12 August 2016

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India and US deepen strategic collaboration in Africa

By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 6 August 2016

The Indian and US militaries are partnering in the training of African officers to lead and train troops deployed on UN “peacekeeping” missions.

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5 August 2016

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More airstrikes in new US war in Libya

By Peter Symonds, 3 August 2016

While nominally directed against ISIS, the fresh eruption of American militarism is more broadly aimed at stamping US dominance throughout the region.

Japan exploits violence in South Sudan to dispatch military

By Ben McGrath, 16 July 2016

While portrayed as a rescue mission, the deployment of additional Japanese troops to Africa marks an expansion of Japan’s role on the continent.

European Union working with African despots to deter refugees

By Martin Kreickenbaum, 11 July 2016

At their latest meeting in the Slovakian capital Bratislava, EU interior ministers agreed on speedier deportation of refugees and closer cooperation with African dictatorships.

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24 June 2016

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17 June 2016

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European Union seeks agreements with African dictators to deter refugees

By Martin Kreickenbaum, 16 June 2016

In exchange for financial assistance, despotic regimes in Africa are to seal off escape routes and detain and deport refugees.

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10 June 2016

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27 May 2016

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US forces in combat in Somalia as AFRICOM plans for war across continent

By Thomas Gaist, 18 May 2016

Washington is preparing interventions throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where the US military’s Africa Command is currently examining a dozen locations for new bases.

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13 May 2016

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US, NATO preparing new air and ground attacks against Libya

By Thomas Gaist, 5 April 2016

Barely five years after destroying Libya as a functioning society, the imperialist powers are preparing a new bombing campaign and ground invasion.

US airstrike massacres 150 at al-Shabaab training camp in Somalia

By Joseph Kishore, 8 March 2016

The attack north of the Somali capital of Mogadishu marks a significant escalation of US operations in the Horn of Africa, which lies next to critical oil routes leading into the Indian Ocean.

Western powers move closer to new military intervention in Libya

By Marianne Arens, 19 February 2016

The main task of the national unity government in Libya will be to give the green light to a new military intervention in the oil rich North African country.

ANC in crisis as President Zuma struggles to reassure big capital

By G.T. Maqhubela, 16 February 2016

The Economic Freedom Fighters, led by Julius Malema, are making political capital from the crisis confronting the ANC by posturing as a “left” anti-corruption alternative.

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12 February 2016

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France gives €1 billion aid to Tunisia in bid to halt mass protests over jobs

By Kumaran Ira, 26 January 2016

Amid growing social unrest, Washington and Paris are boosting military aid to Tunisia to prepare to suppress social opposition in the working class.

Chinese president seeks to shore up relations with Africa

By Peter Symonds, 7 December 2015

Like every part of the globe, Africa has been transformed into an arena for geo-political rivalry.

After Paris attacks, Spain offers to reinforce French troops in Africa

By James Lerner and Alejandro López, 24 November 2015

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy has offered to replace French troops deployed in missions in Africa so Paris can free up more forces for the fight against Islamic State (IS), both in France itself and in Syria and Iraq.

US Special Forces deploy to Mali in wake of Bamako hotel attack

By Thomas Gaist, 21 November 2015

There are already signs that the United States and France are seizing on the attack to intensify their military operations on the continent.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

23 October 2015

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Obama deploys hundreds of US troops to Cameroon

By Thomas Gaist, 17 October 2015

The drive for enhanced US military-political control over Africa is aimed at countering Chinese economic influence and gaining leverage over Washington’s European “partners.”

South Africa: Unite Against Corruption marches seek to exploit working-class anger at ANC

By G.T. Maqhubela, 12 October 2015

The intention of the UAC and other formations like it is to oppose a socialist alternative to ANC rule.

France, US back purge of leaders of failed Burkina Faso coup

By Stéphane Hugues, 8 October 2015

US officials who view Burkina Faso as strategically central to their military operations in Africa demand that the country be “calm.”

Bodies of at least 95 refugees found on Libyan shores

By Oscar Grenfell, 5 October 2015

The latest tragedy marks a continuation of the humanitarian crisis caused by imperialist wars in North Africa and the Middle-East, and the repression of asylum-seekers.

German politicians and the media push for new wars in Africa

By Christoph Dreier, 27 August 2015

Various media outlets have spoken out in recent days for military interventions in Africa to enforce German economic interests.

Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa

7 August 2015

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US preparing new drone deployments to North Africa

By Thomas Gaist, 14 July 2015

The US military’s Africa Command is preparing to develop at least one new US drone and Special Forces base in North Africa.

Eritrea faces societal collapse

By Jean Shaoul, 22 June 2015

Eritreans are the victims of brutal wars stoked by US imperialism and its European allies to control the region’s energy resources.

European Union squabbles over refugee quotas

By Martin Kreickenbaum, 30 May 2015

While military intervention on the coast of Libya to destroy refugee boats is welcomed by all member states, the question of accepting refugees has unleashed a fierce dispute.

US preparing direct military intervention in Nigeria

By Thomas Gaist, 30 May 2015

The US Defense Department may soon deploy military teams, including advisers and intelligence and logistics personnel, to Africa’s leading economy and largest oil producer.

ANC whips up racism amid xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Part 1

By G. T. Maqhubela, 28 May 2015

The anti-immigrant agitation is aimed at diverting attention from the disastrous impact of the pro-capitalist policies pursued by the ANC and its partners since coming to power in 1994.

Call for new international economic order at Asia-Africa summit

By Nick Beams, 23 April 2015

Japanese Prime Minister Abe did not include a significant phrase offered in previous apologies for Japanese war crimes in his remarks to the Asia-Africa summit meeting.

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17 April 2015

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US-backed Chadian forces invade Nigeria as Pentagon prepares broader war in West Africa

By Thomas Gaist, 11 March 2015

Thousands of Chadian troops, including elite units trained and equipped by the US military, occupied portions of northern Nigeria this week.

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6 March 2015

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US-NATO war games prepare massive military escalation in West Africa

By Thomas Gaist, 17 February 2015

Operation Flintlock 2015, encompassing Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Tunisia, is being used by the US and European powers to escalate their military presence in the oil-rich region.

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13 February 2015

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6 February 2015

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US AFRICOM commander calls for “huge” military campaign in West Africa

By Thomas Gaist, 2 February 2015

The US to moving to massively expand its military operations in the resource-rich region, as it combats the influence of China and other powers.

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30 January 2015

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South Africa’s politically connected elites profit amid power outages

By Thabo Seseane Jr., 29 January 2015

On Monday, ESKOM, the largest South African power utility, began implementing “managed” blackouts, cutting 2,000 megawatts from its grid.

Boko Haram and the return of German imperialism to Africa

By Johannes Stern, 22 January 2015

Earlier this week, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced German support for the fight against Boko Haram in West and Central Africa.

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16 January 2015

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Boko Haram escalates offensive in Nigeria’s Borno State

By Thomas Gaist, 12 January 2015

Boko Haram now controls 11 local governmental units, including some 20,000 square miles in the northern states of Yobe and Borno.

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9 January 2015

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Ebola epidemic: West African governments prohibit public Christmas celebrations

By Bernd Sackow, 27 December 2014

The measures taken are more akin to those used by a police state to control the population and they symbolise the inadequacy of the medical measures to fight the Ebola epidemic.

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19 December 2014

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12 December 2014

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5 December 2014

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21 November 2014

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French-backed army junta sets up figurehead regime in Burkina Faso

By Antoine Lerougetel and Alex Lantier, 20 November 2014

A few days after his nomination by the army, transitional president Michel Kafando named junta leader Colonel Isaac Zida as prime minister yesterday.

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14 November 2014

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Imperialist powers, bourgeois “opposition” reach out to military junta in Burkina Faso

By Antoine Lerougetel, 8 November 2014

France and its allies are pushing to give a civilian façade to the Burkinabé regime after mass protests last week led to a military coup.

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7 November 2014

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South Africans under 60 disqualified from state-funded housing

By Thabo Seseane Jr., 4 November 2014

Having failed over 20 years to reduce the housing backlog, the government is now excluding younger South Africans from state-funded housing.

Military launches coup amid mass protests in Burkina Faso

By Antoine Lerougetel, 3 November 2014

The army took power in Burkina Faso after protests erupted against President Blaise Campaoré’s attempt to modify the constitution so he could again run for the presidency.

Ebola nurse treated “like a criminal” in New Jersey quarantine

By Patrick Martin, 28 October 2014

Kaci Hickox was detained on the orders of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, despite having no symptoms of disease.

Government indifference compounds Ebola disaster

By Kate Randall, 18 October 2014

A UN trust fund for Ebola has only $100,000 on hand, a fraction of the nearly $1 billion the world body says is needed to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

South Africa: ANC and unions exploit popular anger over electronic toll collections

By Thabo Seseane Jr., 14 October 2014

In its efforts to limit its losses in the municipal elections due in 2016, the Gauteng ANC is relying on the services of COSATU.

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10 October 2014

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South Africa’s education department maintains apartheid-era victimisation of blacks

By Thabo Seseane Jr., 7 October 2014

While forming almost 80 percent of overall population at the last census in 2011, blacks made up only 8.3 percent of those with a tertiary qualification.

US exploiting West Africa Ebola outbreak to establish military foothold

By Niles Williamson, 4 October 2014

More than 7,000 have fallen ill and more than 3,300 have died in the current epidemic, the most widespread outbreak since the disease was first identified 28 years ago.

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3 October 2014

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Imperialism and the Ebola catastrophe

By Patrick Martin, 26 September 2014

The epidemic now devastating West Africa is not a natural calamity, but a social one: it is a product of colonialism and imperialist oppression.

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26 September 2014

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