Latest news with #BRICSSummit
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: BRICS is Facilitating France's declining Colonial Grip on West Africa
Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey (L), South Sudanese President Salva Kiir (C) and Senegalese President Macky Sall (R) attend a meeting during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Image: AFP By 2025, the slow death of Françafrique, France's long-standing political, economic, and military dominance in West and Central Africa has evolved from a continental rejection into a strategic recalibration. Playing part of this transition is the rise of the BRICS bloc, now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE with partner countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Thailand, etc, which is rapidly becoming the primary force enabling African nations to break free from Paris' postcolonial shadow. Through financial alternatives, infrastructure investment, and political alignment, BRICS is steadily dismantling the pillars that once propped up French influence in West Africa. France traditionally exerted influence in the region through elite political networks, military partnerships, and currency control, notably via the CFA franc. However, as France's credibility declines, BRICS nations have moved to fill this void with attractive alternatives. China, India, Russia, and newer BRICS+ members are now offering African countries different options for support, IMF-backed structural adjustment programs, and economic partnerships that are not exclusive. From Military Expulsion to Security Realignment France's military withdrawal has revealed the most significant weakness in the Françafrique system. After conducting security operations for years under Operation Barkhane, France was expelled from Mali (2022), Burkina Faso (2023), and Niger (2023). These three nations, now members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have publicly sought security assistance from Russia. The Wagner Group initially, and later state-sponsored military training initiatives, largely supplanted the French presence. These agreements, despite their contentious nature, marked a turning point: France's monopoly on security in its former colonies was over. BRICS, via its New Development Bank (NDB), offers West African nations like Senegal and Guinea an alternative to Western-controlled financial institutions by providing funding for infrastructure and energy projects by 2025. The NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, helps countries avoid political conditions often tied to IMF or AFD loans, fostering financial independence. Challenging the CFA Franc with BRICS Alternatives The CFA franc, historically representing French economic dominance in 14 African nations, faces diminishing influence due to BRICS-backed financial technologies. The 2024 piloting of BRICS Pay in Guinea and Togo aims to streamline cross-border transactions using local currencies, reducing reliance on SWIFT. Concurrently, BRICS nations are assisting the development of the ECOWAS common currency, the Eco. Trade Diversification Beyond France West Africa is experiencing a rapid diversification of its trade partnerships. While China remains the leading trading partner, countries like India, Brazil, and the UAE are significantly expanding their economic influence. This shift is highlighted by India's concessional oil agreements with Senegal, Russia's growing energy ties with Mali, and the UAE's strategic investments in West African ports and logistics. These developments signal a departure from France's historical extractive and monopolistic commercial dominance. Data from the African Development Bank (AfDB) reveals that BRICS nations now account for nearly 35% of West Africa's total trade, a substantial rise from 22% in 2015. Senegal's Strategic Pivot Toward BRICS President Faye of Senegal plans a strategic shift, re-evaluating military ties with France, seeking BRICS observer status, and collaborating with India and China on digital infrastructure and solar energy. This emphasis on sovereignty aligns with other BRICS-sympathetic African leaders who see the bloc as a balanced development path. Redefining Postcolonial Independence in West Africa France's cultural influence is declining. Its soft power, once strong through language, media, and education, is diminishing as younger generations favor English, Arabic, and local languages. Meanwhile, BRICS-supported media like RT and CGTN are gaining traction in Africa by offering alternative viewpoints, exemplified by CGTN Africa's 2024 French platform challenging France's perceived role as Africa's automatic partner. France is attempting to rebrand its Africa policy, aiming to be seen as a development partner rather than a neocolonial power. However, these efforts are often undermined by widespread protests, youth activism, and the tangible investments made by BRICS nations. This has created friction in the decline of Françafrique. A 2024 Afrobarometer poll revealed that over 70% of respondents in Francophone West Africa held positive views of BRICS countries, while fewer than 30% trusted France to act in their nation's best interest. BRICS's emergence is playing one of the major roles in the decline of Françafrique. By offering alternative financing, promoting trade diversification, fostering political solidarity, and encouraging technological cooperation, BRICS is enabling West African countries to redefine their interactions. The long-standing French dominance, once considered insurmountable, is now actively being dismantled. Should this trend persist, BRICS could not only surpass France in West Africa but also fundamentally reshape the meaning of postcolonial independence for the region. Written by: Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Sesona Mdlokovana Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group African Specialist ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITEhttps:// ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
The Star
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Putrajaya yet to receive Adams request
WISMA Putra has yet to receive any application from the United States regarding the nomination of conservative commentator and writer Nick Adams as the new US Ambassador to Malaysia, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Any information regarding the matter would be brought to the Cabinet for its views and consideration before any decision is made, he added. 'On Nick Adams, we have yet to receive any request or agreement from the US government. 'Let's wait and see how it goes. Wisma Putra will provide views and considerations to be brought to the Cabinet and the Cabinet will decide on it,' he said when responding to a supplementary question by Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai). International media had previously reported that US President Donald Trump had nominated Adams, an Australian-born conservative political commentator who is now a US citizen, as the US Ambassador to Malaysia. Mohamad said it would be premature if Malaysia rejected Adams' appointment when no confirmation had been forthcoming from the US government. 'That's my only answer for now, because we haven't received anything (from the US government),' he said. Adams' nomination has been criticised by many over his far-right views and vocal support of the Israeli regime. His nomination by Trump will have to be approved by the US Senate before he can assume the role. Former ministers Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and Khairy Jamaluddin have earlier said Malaysia has every right under the Vienna Convention to reject Adams' appointment without providing a reason. On another matter, Mohamad said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to France has helped strengthen bilateral relations between both countries. He added that leaders of both nations have held talks on several issues during the brief stopover by Anwar while on the way to Brazil to attend the BRICS Summit earlier this month. 'It is not accurate to say the Prime Minister's visit was not meaningful. 'The Prime Minister held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on several issues. 'It was also the case about the Prime Minister's stopover in Italy, where he met the country's leader,' he told Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang). The MP had asked why Anwar was not accorded an official welcoming ceremony when he visited France. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said a state-level welcome was accorded to the then prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in 1997 and Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto, who was invited to attend the Bastille Day celebration recently. He added Anwar's visit was a 'missed opportunity', particularly when Malaysia was chairing Asean. Mohamad said Anwar's visit was just a stopover in France while he was on his way to attend the BRICS summit. 'If it were an official visit, we would have gone directly to the country instead of just making a stopover,' he added. He said that Anwar decided to make stopovers in France and Italy as he had been invited by the leadership of the two countries.
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Iranian foreign minister says Iran cannot give up on nuclear enrichment
Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, attends the opening meeting of BRICS Summit, at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo WASHINGTON - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News that Tehran cannot not give up on its uranium enrichment program which was severely damaged during the Israel-Iran war last month. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Prior to the war, Tehran and Washington held five rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman but could not agree on the extent to which Iran should be allowed to enrich uranium. Israel and the United States say Iran was close to enriching to levels that would allow it to quickly produce a nuclear weapon, while Tehran says its enrichment program is for civilian purposes only. KEY QUOTES "It is stopped because, yes, damages are serious and severe. But obviously we cannot give up of enrichment because it is an achievement of our own scientists. And now, more than that, it is a question of national pride," the foreign minister told the Fox News show "Special Report with Bret Baier" in a clip aired on Monday. The foreign minister said the damage to the nuclear facilities in Iran after U.S. and Israeli strikes was serious and was being evaluated further. "Well, our facilities have been damaged, seriously damaged, the extent of which is now under evaluation by our atomic energy organization. But as far as I know, they are seriously damaged." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes at college campus Singapore ST Explains: What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act? Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU to have compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 World US authorities probing passenger jet's close call with B-52 bomber over North Dakota Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety CONTEXT U.S. ally Israel attacked Iran on June 13 and the Middle Eastern rivals then engaged in an air war for 12 days in which Washington also bombed Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire was reached in late June. Iran is a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not. The U.N. nuclear watchdog says it has "no credible indication" of an active, coordinated weapons program in Iran. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is solely meant for civilian purposes. Israel is the only Middle Eastern country believed to have nuclear weapons and said its war against Iran aimed to prevent Tehran from developing its own nuclear weapons. REUTERS
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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
Suit against Malaysia's Anwar halted: Is sexual assault case against a PM a matter of constitution or law?
Malaysia's Court of Appeals has a dealt Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim a victory in two cases that determine whether he could be prosecuted as the prime minister. He has been accused with sexual assault by a former aide. read more Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends the BRICS Summit, at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes A Malaysian Court of Appeal has accepted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's request to completely pause a sexual assault case against him. In 2021, Yusoff Rawther, a former research aide to Ibrahim, accused him of sexual assault in 2018. Separately, Ibrahim is appealing a lower court's ruling that sought clarity whether a prime minister had immunity for his pre-office and post-office granted him exception from prosecution. Previously, Ibrahim was convicted of sodomy in 2000 and 2014. In the first case, he was acquitted by a higher court. In the second case, he received a pardon from the new government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the current case, Ibrahim has denied any wrongdoing. Anwar Ibrahim's two sodomy convictions This is at least the third time that Ibrahim has faced serious charges. He has previously been convicted of corruption and sexual assault. In 1998, Ibrahim was accused of corruption and sodomy. He was the deputy prime minister at the time. He was fired from the government over allegations. Homosexuality remains criminalised in Malaysia. Those in same-sex relationships are often prosecuted under sodomy charges. In 1999, Ibrahim was convicted of corruption and sentenced to six years. In 2000, he was convicted of sodomy and sentenced to nine years. In 2004, the Federal Court overturned the sodomy conviction. In 2008, Ibrahim was charged with sodomy. Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, a former aide, had alleged that Ibrahim sodomised in a house in Kuala Lumpur in 2008. In case full of turns and twists, Ibrahim was acquitted in 2012, but an appeals court overturned the acquittal and sentenced him to five years in 2014. He was pardoned and released in 2018 after a change of the government. There has been widespread belief that these cases against Ibrahim were politically-motivated and did not have substance. What we know of the current case? The complainant in the current case, Yusoff Rawther, filed his case in 2021 and accused Ibrahim of sexually assaulting him in October 2018 while they were in Ibrahim's residence in Kuala Lumpur. Yusoff has sought special, general, aggravated, and exemplary damages un the case.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
PM Anwar held talks with Macron during brief France stopover, Dewan Rakyat told
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to France helped strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations, said Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the leaders of both countries managed to hold discussions on several matters during the Prime Minister's brief stopover in France en route to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the BRICS Summit earlier this month. 'It is inaccurate to say that the Prime Minister's visit was not meaningful. 'It was indeed meaningful, especially because the Prime Minister held two-way talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. 'Both leaders discussed several issues, including bilateral ties. The same applied to the Prime Minister's stopover in Italy,' Mohamad said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 21), responding to a supplementary question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang). Wan Ahmad Fayhsal had questioned why Anwar was not accorded full state honours during his visit to France, unlike former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1997, former Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2018, and Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto, who was invited to attend the Bastille Day celebrations. He described Anwar's visit as a 'missed opportunity,' particularly with Malaysia currently chairing Asean. Mohamad clarified that Anwar's stopover in France was not an official visit. 'It was not an official visit — that would have been an entirely different matter. 'If it had been official, we would have flown directly to the country rather than making a stopover,' he said. He added that the Prime Minister had accepted invitations from both France and Italy to stop over and was accorded a high level of respect during the visits, including the inspection of a guard of honour. Earlier, Mohamad emphasised the importance of Asean engaging with countries within the Indo-Pacific region. 'The Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific is a framework agreed upon by all Asean members. 'Asean cannot afford to be excluded from participating in such frameworks and developments in the Indo-Pacific,' he said. He pointed out that other regional frameworks, such as AUKUS and the Quad, also promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership involving Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, while the Quad comprises India, Australia, Japan and the United States. Mohamad said the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific framework is designed to ensure Asean remains free, peaceful and neutral. Regarding the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), he noted that 57 countries have signed the agreement, with Uruguay and Algeria being the latest signatories. The TAC, originally drafted in 1976, is a peace treaty initially signed by Asean member states.
