Opinion
Russia Turns to Africa for Trade Amid US, EU Sanctions
As United States and European sanctions broaden due to special military operation, largely directed at demilitarization and denazification in Ukraine, Russians are now diversifying both exports and imports in Africa’s direction. After the first summit held 2019 in Sochi where a mountain of pledges incorporated in a joint declaration, but have not been given serious attention as expected.
Russia and Ukraine share common border, both are former Soviet republics struggling to move unto the global stage. Russia was angered because Ukraine’s ambition to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. With the conflict that began February 24, and amid Western and European sanctions, Russia plans to expand its network of trade missions in Africa, according to Vladimir Padalko, Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The meeting held March 4 at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry building was really to re-examine how import-export trade be intensified and map out possible support for Russian enterprises and organizations in entering the African market, in practical terms, for mutually beneficial support and benefits in the light of Russia-Ukraine crisis. State support and business facilitation have been on the agenda these several years, and was exhaustively discussed during a panel session in Sochi.
“During the meeting, the participants voiced a proposal to expand the network of trade missions in Africa in the countries, which are priority for trade. It was agreed that the Industry and Trade Ministry would work on this issue together with the Foreign Ministry and the Economic Development Ministry,” Padalko said.
According to official reports, the popular Russian perception is that Africa is a promising market for Russia and information data obtained from the Industry and Trade Ministry, Russia has only four trade missions in Africa – in Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and South Africa. In addition, several interviews and research indicated that the Russian expert community advocates for strengthening business relations with Africa, and for example sees fruits, tea, coffee from the EU countries can be replaced with products from African countries.
Deputy Director of the Department of Asia, Africa and Latin America of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Alexander Dianov, spoke about the non-financial support measures for Russian companies operating within the department.
On the other hand, he said: “There are trade missions only in four African countries, and if you take sub-Saharan African countries, the trade mission operates effectively only in South Africa. It is obvious that there is something to work on in terms of developing the infrastructure to support Russian businesses. If there is a serious request from the business community, we are ready to expand the geography of our presence.”
Senator Igor Morozov, Head of the Coordinating Committee on Economic Cooperation with Africa (AfroCom), business lobbying group established back in 2009, expressed his views posted to the website: “It is impossible to grow the national economy without developing new markets. Only more than 20 companies are working on raw materials projects in different parts of the continent, there are traditional deliveries through the military-technical cooperation, export of grain, mineral fertilizers, oil products with a total turnover of US$17 billion (2020)!”
Morozov argued that “it is necessary to involve large-scale involvement of small and medium-sized businesses from the Russian regions in the African direction. It is necessary to reconsider the entire range of the export potential of the regional economy: the transport industry, agricultural machinery and units, mechanical engineering and navigation equipment, the mining sector, water treatment, and information technology.”
According to his interpretation, the geopolitical situation is rapidly changing and especially in such desperate condition of sanctions pressure, the outlook for new markets, new partners and allies are important for Russia. “This predetermines the return of Russia to Africa, makes this direction a priority both from the point of view of geopolitical influence, and in the trade and economic context. It is important for us to expand and improve competitive government support instruments for business. It is obvious that over the thirty years Russia left Africa. There are foreign players such as China, India, the United States and the European Union that have significantly increased their investment opportunities,” Morozov stressed.
Africa is one of the most promising and fastest-growing regions of the world, with leading powers actively competing with one another, the Senator further frankly acknowledged, and added that there is nothing surprising in the fact that the European Union is increasing its trade turnover with African countries, and it amounts to more than US$300 billion a year. For instance, the United States, implementing the Prosper Africa Programme, continues to push American investments and high-tech products to priority African markets.
In this regard, in order to promote Russian goods, it is necessary to create conditions that would be competitive for exporters. It is obvious that the Russian Export Center (REC) does not have a direct investment fund in the system of financing African projects. Successful practice in Africa clearly demonstrates the widespread use of such funds by China, India, France and many other players.
Russian Export Center says despite the emerging challenges the market is potentially the largest, Africa – is the continent of the future, but currently, the demand is generally limited. Speaking about Africa, there is the need to distinguish the countries of the continent into two groups: the northern and southern parts.
“We note an increase in the number of requests to find a Russian supplier from sub-Saharan Africa. Companies from such countries as South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Benin are most interested in increasing imports. We frequently receive requests to search for suppliers in such industries as mineral fertilizers, food products and the rest,” explains an official from Russian Export Center.
In such Russia-Ukraine paradigm, Russian enterprises and importers still need to understand a set of priority problems and barriers, especially now when showing searching for alternatives for European suppliers, and interested in establishing stable long-term with African partners.
Polina Slyusarchuk, Head of Intexpertise (St. Petersburg-based African focused Consultancy Group), has questioned whether Russia has a long-term strategy in there. “Today, Russia wants to deepen its understanding of the business climate and explore trade and partnership opportunities in Africa. Now at this critical time, Russians have to decide what they can offer that foreign players haven’t yet been made available in the African market in exchange for needed importable consumables,” she underscored.
The Maghreb region is an important gateway to Europe and to sub-Saharan Africa. In the past few years, Russian companies have taken active steps to increase both imports and exports of agricultural products. South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and a few others have been delivering fruits, described as marginal quality though, in the Russian market.
In an interview discussion for this article, Dr. Chtatou Mohamed, a senior professor of Middle Eastern politics at the International University of Rabat, emphasized that, on the geo-economic level, the five Arab countries present themselves as an unavoidable interface to enter the African continent, these are rich in raw materials and present as the great consumer market.
“While the context between Russia and Western countries is highly troubled, and characterized in particular by a regime of sanctions and counter-sanctions, it is to better serve the interests of their peoples and find solutions by exploiting the opportunities. Moscow has more room for turn round export-import business with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa,” he pointed out.
Currently the geopolitical relations of most Mediterranean Arab countries with Russia are good, even for those who were allies of the United States during the period of world bipolarity along the years of the Cold War (the case of Egypt and from Morocco).
Members of African diplomatic missions informed the greatly unrealized potential of cooperation between Russia and African countries, and interest in attracting investments in agro-industry infrastructure, education and many other sectors, and unreservedly called for a wider interaction between African business circles and Russian businesses.
During the early March discussion, the participants mentioned high import duties, complicated certification procedures, high cost of products, expensive logistics, security and guarantee issues, and information vacuum as some of the barriers to Russian-African trade and economic cooperation. As always, the participants agreed on the need to develop a comprehensive strategy for Russia to work with Africa.
Indeed, Russia is already one of the ten largest food suppliers to Africa. Removing barriers could help export-import collaboration reach an entirely new level. Russian and African business communities lack of awareness regarding the current state of markets, along with trade and investment opportunities. There is an insufficient level of trust towards potential partners. These issues swiftly have to be resolved through establishing an effective system of communication to guarantee their reliability and integrity between public business associations in Russia and Africa.
In the meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to restrict or prohibit import and export of certain products and raw materials from Russia in 2022, according to the decree on special foreign economic measures aimed to ensure Russia’s security.
“Ensure implementation of the following special economic measures until December 31, 2022: export and import ban of products and/or raw materials in accordance with lists to be defined by the government of the Russian Federation,” the document says, adding that a separate list will define goods, whose export and import will be restricted. The decree becomes necessary in order to ensure Russia’s security and uninterrupted operation of agriculture and industry.
On March 9, Putin and his Senegalese counterpart, Chair of the African Union, President Macky Sall held a telephone conversation to discuss the situation covering Russia’s special military operation to protect Donbass and the development of ties between Moscow and Africa.
“At the request of President Sall, Vladimir Putin informed him on the main aspects of the special military operation to protect the breakaway republics with an emphasis on the humanitarian element. In particular, it was stressed that Russian military personnel take every possible measure to safely evacuate foreign citizens,” the Kremlin press service said in a statement circulated after the conversation.
The Kremlin further stressed that the leaders confirmed the importance of the consistent implementation of the agreements reached at the first Russia-Africa summit in Sochi in 2019 and the further development of diverse ties in various economic spheres between Russia and African countries.
According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the preparations for the Russia-Africa summit are in the active stage. The dates of the summit have not been determined yet. The first Russia-Africa summit took place in October 2019, and it was co-chaired by Russian and Egyptian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The next summit scheduled for autumn 2022.
Via ModernDiplomacy
IT & Telecom
Analyzing the US Justice Department’s Lawsuit Against Apple: Unpacking the Alleged Smartphone Monopoly
In a significant move, the US Justice Department, along with fifteen states and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit against tech giant Apple, accusing the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market. This legal action marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing antitrust scrutiny faced by major tech companies and signals a new chapter in regulatory efforts under the Biden administration.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Allegations
The core of the lawsuit revolves around the claim that Apple has established an unlawful monopoly in the smartphone industry, particularly concerning its iPhone products. The Justice Department and participating states argue that Apple’s control over key aspects of its ecosystem, such as the App Store and app distribution, stifles competition and harms consumers by limiting choice and potentially driving up prices.
Impact on Consumers and Competition
The implications of this legal battle extend beyond Apple and have broader implications for consumers and the competitive landscape of the tech industry. If the allegations hold, it could lead to significant changes in how smartphones are marketed, sold, and used, potentially opening up opportunities for increased competition and innovation.
Legal Precedents and Antitrust Regulations
Antitrust laws are designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices that harm consumers or stifle innovation. By examining past cases and legal precedents, we can gain insights into how this lawsuit against Apple fits within the broader framework of antitrust regulations and enforcement.
Apple’s Response and Defense Strategies
As expected, Apple has vehemently denied the allegations put forth by the Justice Department and states involved in the lawsuit. The company is likely to deploy a range of defence strategies to counter these claims, including highlighting its contributions to innovation, consumer choice, and economic growth.
The Role of Regulatory Bodies in Tech Industry Oversight
The lawsuit against Apple underscores the growing role of regulatory bodies in overseeing tech companies’ practices and ensuring compliance with antitrust laws. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, regulators face the challenge of balancing innovation with fair competition to protect consumers’ interests.
Future Implications for Tech Industry Dynamics
The outcome of this legal battle will have far-reaching implications for not only Apple but also other tech giants operating in similar markets. Depending on how this case unfolds, we may witness shifts in industry dynamics, regulatory approaches, and consumer preferences that could reshape the tech landscape for years to come.
Analysis
Unraveling the Political Turmoil: The Call for Change in Israel – Analysis of Netanyahu’s Leadership Amidst International Pressure”
Table of Contents
Introduction:
In recent times, the political landscape in Israel has been tumultuous, with growing international pressure on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to step down. This article delves into the complexities surrounding this situation, examining the implications of America’s stance, the criticisms faced by Netanyahu, and the potential risks and opportunities associated with his exit.
America’s Push for Change:
The rift between Israel and America has widened, particularly concerning Israel’s handling of civilian provisions in Gaza. Key figures like Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden have openly criticized Netanyahu, calling for early elections. Explore the significance of America’s influence on Israeli politics and the implications of their support for a leadership change.
Netanyahu’s Leadership Under Scrutiny:
Analyze the accusations leveled against Binyamin Netanyahu, focusing on his alleged tolerance of civilian casualties in Gaza and its impact on global perceptions of Israel. Examine how these criticisms have affected his standing both domestically and internationally.
The Dangers of Transition:
Discuss the potential risks involved in Netanyahu’s departure, considering factors such as political instability, security concerns, and the implications for Israel’s foreign relations. Evaluate the challenges that may arise during a leadership transition and how they could impact the country’s future.
Opportunities for Change:
Highlight the opportunities that a change in leadership could bring to Israel, including potential shifts in policies, diplomatic relations, and public perception. Explore how a new leader could navigate the current challenges facing the nation and work towards rebuilding international support.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the call for Binyamin Netanyahu to step down reflects a critical juncture in Israeli politics, with far-reaching implications for both domestic governance and international relations. As the pressure mounts for change, it remains to be seen how Israel will navigate this period of uncertainty and what lies ahead for its leadership and people.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has been ongoing for decades, with numerous attempts at peace negotiations and ceasefires failing to bring lasting resolution. In recent years, the situation in Gaza has escalated, with Israel being accused of committing war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people. Despite the efforts of the United Nations (UN) to address these allegations, Israel has continued its military operations in the region, leading to the loss of countless lives and the displacement of thousands of civilians.
The failure of the UN to contain Israel’s actions in Gaza has raised questions about the organization’s effectiveness in dealing with conflicts and protecting civilian populations. While the UN has condemned Israel’s actions and called for an end to the violence, it has been unable to enforce its resolutions or hold Israel accountable for its actions. This has led to criticism from many quarters, with some accusing the UN of being biased in favour of Israel and failing to fulfil its mandate to protect human rights.
Despite the challenges, there are still opportunities for the UN to play a more effective role in addressing the conflict in Gaza and holding Israel accountable for its actions. By working with regional partners and engaging in diplomatic efforts, the UN can help to de-escalate tensions and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, this will require a concerted effort from all parties involved and a willingness to put aside political differences in the interest of the greater good.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated in recent years, with Israel being accused of committing war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people.
- The UN has been criticized for its failure to contain Israel’s actions in Gaza and enforce its resolutions.
- Despite the challenges, there are still opportunities for the UN to play a more effective role in addressing the conflict in Gaza and promoting a peaceful resolution.
Historical Context of the Israel-Gaza Conflict
Roots of the Conflict
The Israel-Gaza conflict has its roots in the displacement of Palestinians from their homes during the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. This displacement, also known as the Nakba, resulted in the loss of homes, land, and livelihoods for over 700,000 Palestinians. Since then, the conflict has been characterized by a series of wars, military operations, and violent clashes between Israel and the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank.
The conflict escalated in 2007 when the militant group Hamas seized control of Gaza, leading to a blockade by Israel that has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory. The blockade has had a devastating impact on the economy and infrastructure of Gaza, which is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.
UN Interventions and Resolutions
The United Nations has played a significant role in attempting to resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict, but its efforts have been largely unsuccessful. In 1947, the UN partitioned Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab, but the plan was rejected by the Arab states and led to the first Arab-Israeli war.
Since then, the UN has passed numerous resolutions condemning Israeli actions in the occupied territories and calling for an end to the conflict. However, these resolutions have been largely ignored by Israel and have not led to any significant change on the ground.
In recent years, the UN has attempted to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but these efforts have also been unsuccessful. The UN has also called for an end to the blockade of Gaza, but Israel has refused to lift the restrictions.
Overall, the failure of the UN to contain Israel from committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza has been a major source of frustration and disappointment for those seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Analysis of UN Efforts to Address War Crimes Allegations
The United Nations (UN) has made several attempts to address war crimes allegations against Israel in Gaza. This section analyzes the UN’s efforts and highlights the challenges in international law enforcement.
UN Fact-Finding Missions in Gaza
The UN has conducted several fact-finding missions in Gaza to investigate allegations of war crimes and genocide committed by Israel. In 2009, the UN established the Goldstone Commission to investigate the 2008-2009 Gaza conflict. The commission found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both Israel and Hamas. However, Israel refused to cooperate with the commission, and the report was later retracted by its author, Richard Goldstone.
In 2014, the UN established another commission to investigate the 2014 Gaza conflict. The commission found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel and Hamas. However, Israel again refused to cooperate with the commission, and the report was met with strong opposition from Israel and its allies.
Challenges in International Law Enforcement
One of the major challenges in international law enforcement is the lack of enforcement mechanisms. The UN has no authority to enforce its decisions, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) can only prosecute individuals, not states. This means that even if the UN or the ICC finds evidence of war crimes or genocide committed by Israel, they cannot compel Israel to comply with their decisions.
Another challenge is the politicization of international law. Israel and its allies have accused the UN and the ICC of bias against Israel, and have used their political influence to undermine the credibility of these institutions. This has made it difficult for the UN and the ICC to conduct impartial investigations and prosecute war crimes and genocide.
In conclusion, the UN has made several attempts to address war crimes allegations against Israel in Gaza but has faced significant challenges in international law enforcement. The lack of enforcement mechanisms and the politicization of international law have made it difficult for the UN and the ICC to prosecute war crimes and genocide.
The Way Forward
Proposed Strategies for Conflict Resolution
The first step towards resolving the conflict between Israel and Gaza is to establish a ceasefire agreement that is respected by both parties. The UN Security Council should take a more active role in mediating this agreement and ensure that it is implemented effectively. The ceasefire should be monitored by a neutral third party to ensure that both sides adhere to the terms of the agreement.
Another proposed strategy is to engage in diplomatic efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table. The UN should work with regional powers such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to facilitate these talks. The negotiations should focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Strengthening International Accountability Mechanisms
The UN should also take steps to strengthen international accountability mechanisms to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. This could include the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of war crimes and genocide committed by Israel in Gaza. The commission should be given the power to subpoena witnesses and collect evidence to ensure a thorough investigation.
In addition, the UN should consider imposing economic sanctions on Israel to pressure it to comply with international law. The UN General Assembly should also consider referring the situation in Gaza to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution of war crimes and genocide.
Overall, the international community should take a more active role in resolving the conflict between Israel and Gaza. The UN should work to establish a lasting ceasefire agreement and engage in diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. Additionally, the UN should strengthen international accountability mechanisms to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. By taking these steps, the international community can work towards lasting peace in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures has the UN taken to address allegations of war crimes in Gaza?
The UN has established several fact-finding missions to investigate allegations of war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. However, these missions have been criticized for their lack of effectiveness due to Israel’s refusal to cooperate with them. Additionally, the UN has passed several resolutions condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, but these have largely been ignored by Israel.
How has the International Court of Justice responded to the situation in Gaza?
The International Court of Justice has issued several advisory opinions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, but it has not taken any concrete action to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. This is largely because Israel is not a party to the court’s jurisdiction.
What are the limitations of the UN in enforcing resolutions against member states?
The UN has limited enforcement mechanisms when it comes to member states that violate its resolutions. The UN can impose economic sanctions, but these are often ineffective and can harm innocent civilians. The UN can also authorize military action, but this is a last resort and requires the approval of the UN Security Council.
What role does the UN Security Council play in the Israel-Palestine conflict?
The UN Security Council has the power to impose sanctions and authorize military action, but its effectiveness is limited by the fact that the United States, a close ally of Israel, has veto power. This has often resulted in the Security Council being unable to pass resolutions that are critical of Israel.
How many resolutions concerning Israel and Palestine has the UN passed, and what has been their impact?
The UN has passed numerous resolutions concerning Israel and Palestine, but their impact has been limited due to Israel’s refusal to comply with them. Many of these resolutions have been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and have called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories, but they have largely been ignored by Israel.
What are the proposed steps for the UN to improve its effectiveness in conflict resolution in the Israel-Palestine situation?
Proposed steps for the UN to improve its effectiveness in conflict resolution in the Israel-Palestine situation include increasing pressure on Israel to comply with UN resolutions, improving the effectiveness of fact-finding missions, and finding ways to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Additionally, the UN could work with other international organizations to develop a comprehensive peace plan for the region.
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