Kenya-France military cooperation | DRC: Erik Prince’s men | Colombia’s Africa strategy

More news: Chad, Mauritania, Rwanda

Monday 2 February Read this issue     Spotlight | Kenya Nairobi and Paris set to launch landmark defence agreement   France and Kenya are about to ratify their first military cooperation agreement. This will see French forces train the Kenyan army, strengthen maritime security and organise exercises in a country whose traditional allies have been Washington and London.   Subscribers only | Defence     Central Africa     Chad Mahamat Idriss Déby loyalists behind reconciliation with Paris The Chadian President's official visit to the French capital was intended to ease tensions and formalise a resumption of relations between the two countries. It may prove strategically useful for N'Djamena, which is seeking to reconnect with its historic partner while setting clear conditions.   Subscribers only | Diplomacy       DRC The low-key role played by Erik Prince's men in military operations in Uvira   The American billionaire who heads the private firm Vectus Global agreed in January to support operations carried out by the DRC armed forces aimed at retaking South Kivu's second largest city. Several of his men were present on the front line alongside Congolese soldiers.   Subscribers only | Defence       DRC President Tshisekedi due in Abu Dhabi ahead of US trip     The Congolese leader, who is due in Washington next week to attend the National Prayer Breakfast, plans to visit the United Arab Emirates beforehand, where he is scheduled to meet with his Emirati counterpart Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.   Subscribers only | Mining, Diplomacy     West Africa     Mauritania, Senegal As TotalEnergies withdraws, Energean seeks to position itself on BirAllah and Yakaar-Teranga gas fields With its significant financial weight, the firm listed in London and Tel Aviv is attempting to establish itself in West Africa, while continuing to explore opportunities in Central Africa.   Subscribers only | Energy       Africa Bogotá hones its strategy for the continent     Colombian President Gustavo Petro wants to strengthen his country's diplomatic presence in Africa by opening new embassies. His vice president completed a regional tour a month ago of Lomé, Dakar and Accra.   Subscribers only | Diplomacy     Eastern Africa and the Horn     In brief Rwanda Delegations from French companies prepare a visit to Kigali   Subscribers only | Diplomacy     Southern Africa and islands     In brief Botswana Gaborone enlists the services of a new US-based lobbyist   Subscribers only | Business     North Africa     Morocco Parliamentary dialogue with Paris disrupted by the cost of French schools   With the French-speaking elite's unwavering fondness for French international schools, the increase in tuition fees at these institutions is taking on diplomatic proportions.   Subscribers only | Diplomacy       Libya CMA CGM has new ambitions in the Misurata Free Zone   After missing out on the tender for the operation of the two MFZ container docks, Rodolphe Saadé's French maritime group is seeking to position itself on future lots in the free zone.   Subscribers only | Business

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