The article discusses the participation of African leaders in China’s One Belt, One Road summit, the escalating violence in the Central African Republic, and the resolution of a mutiny in Côte d’Ivoire. The summit aims to enhance infrastructure and trade, while violence in CAR poses threats to stability, and the Côte d’Ivoire mutiny ended with the government agreeing to further soldier bonuses amidst economic strain.

On May 14-15, 2017, the One Belt, One Road summit, hosted by China in Beijing, aimed to extend Chinese influence through infrastructure development across Asia, Europe, and Africa. This initiative, reminiscent of the historical Silk Road, was launched in 2013 and seeks to enhance global trade connections. At the summit’s opening, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized creating a harmonious global community, pledging an additional $14.5 billion for trade-related projects worldwide.

Among the participants were Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, both of whom acknowledged China’s role as an economic ally. Prime Minister Desalegn hailed China as a vital partner in combating poverty. During the summit, President Kenyatta discussed infrastructure initiatives in Kenya, highlighting concerns over increasing Chinese debt and its potential risks to national sovereignty as infrastructure development progresses.

In the Central African Republic, violence has intensified, particularly in rural areas. The Red Cross confirmed the recovery of 115 bodies in Bangassou following an attack by anti-Balaka fighters on the U.N. mission base. Further violence in Bria led to 24 injuries and displaced numerous civilians. A recent confrontation between anti-Balaka and ex-Séléka groups in Alindao resulted in significant casualties and displacements, prompting alarm from U.N. officials regarding the increasing violence amidst a tenuous peace.

In Côte d’Ivoire, a four-day soldier mutiny concluded on May 16 after government negotiations to address disputes over promised bonus payments. The government had initially compensated 8,400 soldiers, but financial pressures due to falling cocoa prices necessitated further negotiations. A new agreement included immediate and future bonus payments, resulting in soldiers returning to their barracks while sporadic violence continued. Regional leaders from ECOWAS advocated for a peaceful resolution and normalcy to be restored in the nation.

This article outlines the significant actions and events occurring in Africa, focusing on Chinese infrastructure initiatives through the One Belt, One Road summit, rising violence in the Central African Republic, and a mutiny resolution in Côte d’Ivoire. The interactions at the summit reveal Africa’s growing connections with China, while the conflicts highlight ongoing issues of stability and governance in the region. The Ivory Coast’s recent developments reflect the pressures of economic challenges and regional diplomacy’s role in restoring order.

Original Source: www.brookings.edu

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