On May 25, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong attended and addressed the Africa Day reception jointly held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the African diplomatic corps in China.

Chen Xiaodong extended holiday greetings to African friends, saying that strengthening solidarity and cooperation with Africa is China’s unswerving strategic choice. No matter how the international landscape changes, the Chinese and African people always stand together and help each other, and the traditional friendship between China and Africa has grown stronger. This year is a great year for China-Africa relations, and a new summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held. The Chinese side is ready to work with the African side to take the summit of FOCAC as an opportunity to continuously deepen China-Africa cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives, so as to jointly write a new chapter in China-Africa friendship and build a higher-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

Martin Mpana, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China and Ambassador of Cameroon to China, delivered remarks on behalf of the African diplomatic corps in China, praising the great achievements China has made under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and thanking China for its long-term valuable support to Africa’s development and revitalization. He expressed the willingness of the African side to maintain close collaboration with the Chinese side in jointly preparing for the new summit of the FOCAC, promoting the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives, and advancing the building of a community of with a shared future for mankind. The African side reiterates its firm commitment to the one-China principle.

A video speech on Africa Day from the rotating chairperson of the African Union and President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani was also played on the spot.

Nearly 500 people from relevant Chinese ministries and academic institutions, entrepreneur representatives of China and Africa, and diplomatic envoys of African countries in China were present.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

The Democratic Republic of Congo government should ensure that those who took part in an attempted coup are prosecuted in fair trials, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should also thoroughly and impartially investigate and appropriately prosecute security forces’ alleged extrajudicial killings of coup participants.

Details are still emerging about the attempted coup by a group of about 50 Congolese and foreigners in Kinshasa, the capital, on May 19, 2024. Media reports indicate the attempted coup led to the deaths of at least two security guards and one civilian and that the security forces killed several coup participants. At least two coup participants may have been killed while trying to escape custody.

“The government both has a responsibility to ensure the security of the country and to hold those responsible for the coup attempt accountable, based on international fair trial standards,” said Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The government’s response needs to be rights-respecting, which includes impartially investigating possible security force involvement in alleged summary executions.”

Christian Malanga, a US-based Congolese opponent of the government, the self-proclaimed “President of New Zaire,” and head of a government in exile, allegedly led the coup. Malanga, his son, and other coup participants breached the Palais de la Nation (Palace of the Nation) in Kinshasa, which serves as the president’s office. The coup participants allegedly attacked the residences of the prime minister, the defense minister, and another senior politician.

Congolese security forces killed Malanga in unclear circumstances hours after he seized the Palais de la Nation.

President Félix Tshisekedi was sworn in on January 20 for a second term, after December 2023 elections marred by logistical issues, irregularities, and violence. Tshisekedi has since been unable to form a government despite holding a majority in parliament.

Media reports indicate that at least three US nationals, including Malanga’s son Marcel, participated in the failed coup. US Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), said that the US will “cooperate with the DRC authorities to the fullest extent as they investigate these criminal acts and hold accountable any US citizen.” US authorities should also investigate and appropriately prosecute any coup participant who may have violated US law, Human Rights Watch said.

Malanga livestreamed the attack on the Palais de la Nation on his Facebook account. The original livestream is no longer available. However, Human Rights Watch verified a copy of the livestream shared elsewhere online and geolocated it to the palace. It shows Malanga and a small group of armed men walking around the grounds issuing proclamations.

Human Rights Watch also geolocated two videos taken by Congolese soldiers and shared widely on social media on May 21. Human Rights Watch determined that one showed an area on the banks of the Congo River approximately 185 meters from the dock leading to the Palais de la Nation. In it, seven men in civilian dress or without clothing, including one Caucasian man without clothing who is believed to be a foreigner participating in the coup, are in and around a boat, along with six men in Congolese military fatigues. A soldier shoots twice at one of the presumed coup participants, who then lies motionless. One of the men jumps into the river in an attempt to flee. The soldiers shoot at him several dozen times until a pool of blood appears in the water and he no longer comes up for air. A soldier shouts: “He is dead!” and the firing stops.

In the second video, filmed on a dock outside the Palais de la Nation, seven soldiers, six of whom are wearing red berets associated with the Republican Guard, the presidential security detail, lead a bloodied foreigner and Malanga’s son toward the palace. The Caucasian man, who is wearing clothes, repeatedly says “no weapon” as the soldiers search him.

Congolese authorities should enforce the absolute prohibition on torture and ill-treatment of any detainee and investigate possible extrajudicial executions by security forces, Human Rights Watch said. The attempted coup came after a prolonged period during which the Congolese government had significantly repressed the rights to free expression, media freedom, and peaceful assembly. Since 2020, the authorities have increasingly cracked down on journalists, human rights and democracy activists, critics of the government, and opposition party members and officials. Security forces have repeatedly used unnecessary or excessive force, including lethal force, to block or disperse peaceful demonstrations.

The attempted coup occurred at a time when armed conflict in eastern Congo has intensified as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels continue to seize territory around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

West and Central Africa have experienced a spate of coups over the last few years, posing concerns for democratic institutions and upending the peaceful transfer of power. The African Union and several African governments have condemned the attempted coup. The AU Constitutive Act and the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance support sanctions against unconstitutional changes of government.

“Congo and the region have a legacy of coups and attempted coups,” Mudge said. “The Congolese government needs to treat this crisis as an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Chargel, a pioneer in digital freight solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation in GITEX AFRICA 2024 (https://GITEXAFRICA.com), set to take place from May 29th to May 31st in Marrakech. Building on the success of its previous showcase, Chargel returns to GITEX AFRICA for the second year in a row, offering an exclusive opportunity to engage with industry leaders, investors, and potential clients.

Empowering African Logistics with Advanced Technology Solutions

At GITEX AFRICA, Chargel will unveil its state-of-the-art logistics platform, showcasing a mix of telematics, mobile technology, and cutting-edge AI solutions. This blend of innovative technologies has empowered Chargel to revolutionize the logistics landscape in Africa, driving efficiency, transparency, and reliability across the supply chain.

With a focus on leveraging technology to address the unique challenges of logistics operations in Africa, Chargel’s platform incorporates advanced telematics systems to track shipments in real-time, ensuring greater visibility and control over the entire transportation process. Coupled with mobile technology, Chargel offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, empowering clients to manage their logistics operations on the go.

Furthermore, Chargel’s AI-driven algorithms play a pivotal role in optimizing resource allocation, automating driver assignments, and predicting future demand patterns. By utilising the power of AI, Chargel has enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and improved service quality for its clients.

Alioune Ndoye, CTO and Co-founder at Chargel, commented, “At Chargel, we are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation and transformation in the logistics industry. Our platform represents a fusion of telematics, mobile technology, and AI, offering unparalleled efficiency and reliability to our clients across Africa.”

Shaping the Future of African Logistics

Chargel’s participation in GITEX AFRICA underscores its dedication to shaping the future of logistics in Africa through technology-driven solutions. The company aims to inspire industry stakeholders, develop collaboration, and accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies for sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

For media inquiries or to schedule a meeting with the Chargel team at GITEX AFRICA 2024, please contact:
Marie MBOW
marie@chargel.me

Follow Chargel on Linkedin (https://apo-opa.co/3WYmZj8) for the latest updates and insights.

About Chargel:
Chargel is at the forefront of revolutionizing the logistics industry across West Africa with its innovative digital freight solutions. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Chargel provides streamlined and efficient transportation services that empower businesses to thrive in today’s competitive market. With a focus on reliability, transparency, and efficiency, Chargel is reshaping the way goods are transported, making logistics simpler, faster, and more cost-effective for everyone involved.

For more information, please visit Chargel’s Website (https://www.Chargel.me).

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (http://www.EnergyChamber.org).

Africa is witnessing a natural gas drive in Angola that is set to revolutionize the continents natural gas industry. From exploration to production to exports, the Angolan oil and natural gas industry is bustling with new initiatives. This past year alone, international oil companies and the Angolan government partnered to award numerous regional operators with service contracts worth billions of dollars in combined value.

The African Energy Chamber has been particularly pleased to see Angola driving its natural gas industry forward.

In August 2022, solidified plans to develop the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields in the Lower Congo Basin offshore Angola saw Italian multinational oilfield services company Saipem granted USD900 million between three engineering, procurement and construction contracts for both onshore and offshore work associated with the project at three separate sites.

Movement on these endeavors is due in part to the establishment of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) and its relationship with Angola’s National Agency for Oil, Gas&Biofuels. Investment in the NGC is multi-national, with Italian hydrocarbon giant ENI at the helm and France’s TotalEnergies, Britain’s bp, Angola’s Cabinda Gulf Oil Company and Sonangol signed on as shareholders. The NGC expects production at the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields to begin in 2026 and to produce at an estimated rate of four billion cubic meters (bcm) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year.

The Right Approach

This success story, just one among many in Angola, wouldn’t be possible without the welcoming and investment-friendly environment that Angolan leadership has worked to cultivate in recent years.

Despite its status as sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest oil producer, boasting an approximate output of 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil – a similar level to its output before it left the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) -, it expects to increase production in the near future especially with ExxonMobil’s Block 15 deepwater discovery at the Kizomba B area. The working interest partners in the block – Azule Energy, Equinor and Sonangol – have not held back on investing in this project.

Angola rejects complacency and strives to grow those numbers by starting new wells while reevaluating its more mature facilities. Angola’s approach and its commitment to continued progress should serve as a template for every other African country to follow.

Angola sits atop 27 trillion cubic feet of natural gas — a largely untapped wealth of resources that represents a path toward vast employment opportunities, a route away from energy poverty, and a bridge to an eventual energy transition. One of the key elements ensuring that this economic development evolves in both Angola’s and Africa’s favor is a competent administration to help guide it.

Political Will and Leadership is Key.

Since taking office in 2017, President João Lourenço has maintained a positive bearing on strengthening and enhancing Angola’s oil and gas sector and focusing on enriching its population.

Employing a rational, long-term mindset in the effort to expand Angola’s LNG exports and further develop its gas industry, President Lourenço has been managing a multi-faceted master plan that he hopes will set Angola in an exponentially more prosperous position over a 30-year timeframe.

Lourenço’s actions in this regard have been proactive and comprehensive and performed in support of a healthy national oil and gas industry. By working to improve Angola’s business environment and rooting out internal corruption, Lourenço has made the nation much more attractive and favorable to foreign investment. The reappointment of Diamantino Pedro Azevedo as Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas — a key player in Angola’s regulatory overhaul and an outspoken advocate for the Africa­n energy industry — demonstrates Lourenço’s commitment to preserving a cabinet that produces meaningful results.

President Lourenço’s outlook includes much more than the successful export of Angola’s hydrocarbon resources. His plan includes provisions for expanding the country’s refining and storage facilities as well as preparations for the transition to a low-carbon economy through the implementation of photovoltaic power plants, the production of green hydrogen, and a pledge to increase Angola’s own use of energy from clean sources like hydroelectric.

Lourenço has confidence that his country will be able to achieve these goals in part by fostering productive international relationships, a practice that he contends will also secure future business partnerships.  

A Ready-Made Market

President Lourenço’s 2023 Whitehouse meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden saw a declaration of Angola as a strategic partner and the announcement of billions of U.S. investment in a system that will supply four provinces in southern Angola with photovoltaic power.

The wide-ranging difficulties extending from the ongoing war in Ukraine have put Europe in a precarious situation concerning its natural gas provisions, the bulk of which came from Russia until the start of the conflict. President Lourenço has confidence that Angola can offer Europe an alternative source of LNG through European investment in the country and cooperative relations between the two regions.

Angola may get to a more sizeable position in the global LNG market, and sooner than expected, even without Europe’s immediate support. Lourenço foresees an economic boom on the horizon that will put Angola’s LNG production and export on the fast track in the coming years.

System-Wide Improvements

In addition to the developments at the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, other Angolan natural gas projects are well underway.

The Angola LNG Project, a joint venture led by Chevron and Sonangol north of Luanda in the province of Soyo, processes and monetizes 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day while reducing gas flaring and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sonangol has also been hard at work in Cabinda, modernizing, automating and subsequently tripling their plant’s gas filling capabilities from 3,000 12-kilogram gas cylinders per day to 9,000 cylinders per day, which should increase regional gas availability by 28%.

By next year, Angola expects the 750 MW Soyo II combined-cycle power plant to be operational, which will contribute to a nationwide effort to expand the population’s electricity access by nearly 20% via gas-to-power generation.

Angola’s Falcão Natural Gas Project promises to diversify the country’s stake in the natural gas industry by providing a means of producing fertilizer, reducing reliance on importation while cutting overall agricultural costs.

These developments — paired with Minister Diamantino Azevedo’s assurances at the 2022 International Conference on Angola Oil and Gas that Angola will soon have floating liquid natural gas platforms off its shores — paint a positive picture for Angola’s energy future.

The African Energy Chamber celebrates Angola’s progress in the LNG sector. Natural gas offers a clean and practical energy source with the power to eradicate energy poverty and boost local economies across the continent while also providing a pathway toward a just energy transition. We encourage all the nations of Africa to join Angola on the trail they are currently blazing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.