Africa
Canadian troops deploy to Mali to prop up pro-Western puppet government
By Felix Gauthier, 30 August 2018
Presented as an act of humanitarian charity, Canada’s intervention in Mali is aimed at laying claim to huge swathes of Africa’s mineral riches.
Two migrants die as Morocco unleashes crackdown on behalf of Spain and the European Union
By Alejandro López, 24 August 2018
The catastrophe unfolding in Morocco is a direct result of the EU’s “Fortress Europe” policy and shutdown of other entry routes into Europe.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Railworkers strike in UK while Iranian rail strike continues
10 August 2018
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Zimbabwe: Violence follows disputed re-election of President Mnangagwa
By Chris Marsden, 6 August 2018
Mnangagwa, who came to power in a coup against President Robert Mugabe last November, advances himself as the strongman required to restore the order necessary for resumed investment by the major corporations.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
4 August 2018
Some 10,000 footwear workers in south Africa are in the third week of a bitter strike over wage demands.
Strike by South African footwear workers as South African and Nigerian telecom workers walkout
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
21 July 2018
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Air pollution leading cause of death among children in sub-Saharan Africa
By Eddie Haywood, 2 July 2018
Recent reports have confirmed the deadly effects of pervasive air pollution, which is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of children across Africa every year.
Egyptian dictator el-Sisi intensifies state repression
By Jean Shaoul, 25 June 2018
President el-Sisi has unleashed an extensive crackdown on all forms of dissent and political expression that far exceeds the worst excesses of Hosni Mubarak, who was overthrown by the mass uprising in February 2011.
As French airport workers and Iranian lorry drivers strike, class struggle spreads in Africa
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
1 June 2018
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Washington seeks permanent deployment of special forces brigade to Africa
By Eddie Haywood, 16 April 2018
Highlighting the predatory aim of AFRICOM’s presence in the region is the Niger defense minister’s admission that the US forces “wage war when necessary.”
Protests erupt in Ghana over US military agreement
By Eddie Haywood, 31 March 2018
Thousands turned out in the capital Accra to oppose a deal that would allow for a significant expansion of the US military’s presence in the West African nation.
US carries out first drone strike in southern Libya
By Eddie Haywood, 28 March 2018
AFRICOM has been preparing for a massive escalation of armed drone flights conducted across the African continent from its recently constructed base in neighboring Niger.
Canada deploys “peacekeepers” to wage war in Mali
By Roger Jordan, 21 March 2018
Canadian mining companies have more than $1 billion invested in Mali and according to a 2014 estimate, more than $30 billion invested across Africa.
Pentagon concealed role of US special forces in deadly Niger offensive
By Eddie Haywood, 17 March 2018
On December 6 last year, Green Berets coordinating a military operation with Nigerien forces, killed 11 militants near the town of Diffa, close to the Nigerian border.
Argentine teachers, public workers unions call another limited strike
Workers Struggles: The Americas
13 March 2018
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Kenyan universities petition court to declare lecturers strike illegal
By Eddie Haywood, 12 March 2018
At the heart of the walkout are lecturers’ low salaries and overall deteriorating conditions of the Kenyan public university system.
After Burkina Faso bombing, France pledges to step up war in Sahel
By Francis Dubois, 8 March 2018
The capital of Ouagadougou was shaken on March 2 by an attack by two commando squads on the French embassy and Burkinabe army headquarters.
The inauguration of Ramaphosa and the degeneration of the ANC
By Chris Marsden, 17 February 2018
Two things recommend Ramaphosa to the world’s bourgeoisie—his fabulous wealth and the fact that he earned it through a readiness to deal ruthlessly with the working class.
Ramaphosa installed as South African president
By Nick Beams, 16 February 2018
The Johannesburg stock market welcomed the new regime with a surge of more than 3 percent, as the rand hit a three-year high against the US dollar.
South Africa’s ANC votes to remove President Jacob Zuma
By Eddie Haywood, 14 February 2018
The Zuma government has been characterized by corruption and nepotism while presiding over a deteriorating economy, conditions which have made foreign investors nervous.
Surging violence and political crisis in Congo
By Thomas Gaist and Eddie Haywood, 6 February 2018
The year-old civil war in central Congo’s Kasai provinces is now producing more refugees than the wars in Iraq and Syria.
Cape Town, South Africa to become first city in the developed world to run out of water
By Genevieve Leigh, 29 January 2018
Local government in Cape Town, South Africa continues to implement drastic water saving measures in a last-ditch attempt to stave off a complete water shutoff.
US AFRICOM blacklists reporter Nick Turse as “not a legitimate journalist”
By Eddie Haywood, 15 January 2018
The move is of a piece with the global effort to censor oppositional and alternative viewpoints on the Internet.
Zimbabwe graphite miners strike at former German-owned mine
By Dietmar Henning, 8 January 2018
More than 200 miners in northern Zimbabwe have been on strike since the end of December protesting the fact they have not received their wages for more than a year.
Regional transport workers strike in Netherlands
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
5 January 2018
A 24-hour strike involving some 12,000 workers hit bus and train service on Thursday in the Netherlands to demand better pay and working conditions.
Protests erupt in Morocco after two die working in abandoned mine
By Alex Lantier, 30 December 2017
Poverty and mass unemployment force thousands in eastern Morocco to risk their lives in abandoned coal mines, which Jerada residents call the “mines of death.”
Israeli workers protest job cuts
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
29 December 2017
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South Africa’s ANC taps multi-millionaire ex-union chief Cyril Ramaphosa as leader
By Eddie Haywood, 21 December 2017
Since coming to power in 1994, the ANC has represented a corrupt layer of the black elite, ruling at the expense of the masses of workers.
AFRICOM envisions two years of open-ended warfare in Somalia
By Eddie Haywood, 16 December 2017
The announcement marks a further escalation of Washington’s military offensive in Somalia which has been ramped up over the last year, including the deployment of 500 special forces personnel.
Amnesty International report exposes EU role in mass torture of refugees in Libya
By Alex Lantier, 13 December 2017
The EU is helping build and equip a vast network of prison camps in which refugees are arbitrarily detained, beaten, tortured, sold into slavery and murdered.
At Abidjan summit, EU and France intensify neo-colonial scramble for Africa
By Francis Dubois, 2 December 2017
Faced with the disastrous results of the imperialist wars in Libya and the Sahel, the European Union is proposing to intensify its neo-colonialist and military interventions.
IMF lays down the law for Zimbabwe post-Mugabe
By Chris Marsden, 27 November 2017
The International Monetary Fund is demanding that Zimbabwe curb “excessive government spending” and impose massive austerity cuts to “restore fiscal and debt sustainability.”
Terror attack on Egyptian mosque kills at least 235 worshippers
By Niles Niemuth, 25 November 2017
The Egyptian government has declared that the attack in the northern Sinai is the deadliest in the country’s modern history.
The way forward in Zimbabwe after Mugabe
By Chris Marsden, 24 November 2017
The goal of the new Zimbabwean president, Mnangagwa, is to impose an adrenalized version of the capitalist policies that have already created so much suffering.
US expands military offensive in Somalia
By Eddie Haywood, 24 November 2017
The official US military deployment in Somalia has increased to more than 500, the largest contingent of soldiers in the country since 1993.
Zimbabwe: Defying calls to step down, Mugabe faces impeachment
By Eddie Haywood, 21 November 2017
The Zimbabwean military appears anxious to avoid its intervention provoking any popular movement among the masses.
Campaign to force out Mugabe escalates in Zimbabwe
By Chris Marsden, 18 November 2017
It is China's support for the coup, rather than a supposed desire for a "democratic transformation," that accounts for the cautious reaction in the United States, Britain and other Western powers.
France intensifies intervention in West Africa with launch of Sahel G5 force
By Kumaran Ira, 18 November 2017
The spreading war in the Sahel, which flows from the 2011 NATO war in Libya, threatens to plunge the entire region into a broader war and humanitarian crisis.
Bubonic plague ravages Madagascar
By Eddie Haywood, 17 November 2017
Poverty and the lack of access to health care plays the largest role in the severity of the current epidemic.
“They are waging war when necessary”
Niger defense minister exposes US military role in West Africa
By Eddie Haywood, 2 November 2017
Washington has claimed that the 800 US special forces personnel stationed in Niger are restricted to providing training and surveillance assistance.
General lets slip US escalation in Syria
By Bill Van Auken, 2 November 2017
The general’s “slip of the tongue” served only to further expose the military escalation being carried out behind the backs of the American people.
Kenyan president declared winner in election re-run amid low turnout
By Eddie Haywood, 31 October 2017
The poll took place within an atmosphere of police violence and acts of intimidation, which almost certainly originated with forces loyal to incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta.
UN Ambassador Haley visits Africa amid US military escalation, social catastrophe
By Eddie Haywood, 28 October 2017
The tour happened against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s expansion of US military operations on the continent.
Washington exploiting Green Beret deaths to escalate Africa intervention
By Bill Van Auken, 27 October 2017
American imperialism is preparing to inflict upon the African continent the levels of carnage that it has already wrought upon the Middle East, where entire societies have been shattered.
Trump, Pentagon shaken by mounting crisis over Niger deaths
By Patrick Martin, 24 October 2017
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, held an hour-long press briefing Monday in an effort at damage control.
US and European military operations in West Africa set the stage for broader war
By Eddie Haywood, 20 October 2017
Underpinning the operations of American, French and German forces in West Africa is the desire to control the region's deposits of uranium, minerals and oil.
Bombings kill hundreds in Somali capital
By Eddie Haywood and Thomas Gaist, 17 October 2017
Twin bombings in central areas of Somalia’s capital of MogadishuSaturday killed at least 302 people and injured 300 others, with thedeath toll expected to climb.
Why is the US at war in West Africa?
By Eddie Haywood, 14 October 2017
The October 4 killings of four US Green Berets in Niger has provided a rare glimpse into far-reaching American military operations which have been conducted almost entirely in secret.
Killings of four elite soldiers in Niger highlight vast scale of American military operations in Africa
By Eddie Haywood, 7 October 2017
The deployment of troops to Niger is an element of the “scramble for Africa,” which was commenced by Obama and is being continued under Trump.
Trump adds Chad to renewed travel ban
By Eddie Haywood, 30 September 2017
The inclusion of Chad represents an escalation of Washington’s imperialist offensive in the Sahel region and across the African continent.
Trump outlines Washington’s “scramble for Africa” during UN luncheon with African heads of state
By Eddie Haywood, 22 September 2017
Trump addressed the assembled African leaders on behalf of the American financial oligarchy to which he belongs.
Kenyan Supreme Court voids presidential election, ordering new poll
By Eddie Haywood, 4 September 2017
The unprecedented ruling marked the first time a high court anywhere in Africa has overturned a presidential election result.
Kenyan police violently quell opposition to disputed election
By Eddie Haywood, 16 August 2017
Twenty-four people have been killed by police since Friday’s announcement declaring President Uhuru Kenyatta the winner over his challenger, Raila Odinga.
Kenyan elections take place under threat of crackdown
By Eddie Haywood, 12 August 2017
The hotly-contested election for president has been marked by allegations of election fraud and an intensified police state atmosphere.
Mali war spilling into Burkina Faso, Niger
By Thomas Gaist, 18 July 2017
The imperialist war in Mali, spearheaded by France, is aimed at seizing control of the massive energy reserves in the West African country.
China establishes military base in Djibouti
By Peter Symonds, 17 July 2017
China’s military involvement in Africa takes place amid rising geo-political rivalries that threaten its considerable investment in, and trade with, Africa.
Trump escalates US drone war in Somalia
By Timotheos Gaist, 8 July 2017
Calls are growing in US ruling circles for wider war in the desperately impoverished, immensely strategic Horn of Africa nation.
“The measures we are taking are intended to safeguard the IMF program”
Zambian President Edgar Lungu seizes emergency powers
By David Brown, 7 July 2017
Lungu has enacted dictatorial measures in order to suppress social opposition to upcoming IMF austerity measures.
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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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
27 January 2017
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
20 January 2017
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
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.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
30 December 2016
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
23 December 2016
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The Gambia president refuses to accept election result
By Eddie Haywood, 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.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
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.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
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.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
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.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
24 June 2016
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Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
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.
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
10 June 2016
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