Algeria announced the recall of its ambassador to Madrid for consultations; In protest against what it considered a "sudden coup" in the Spanish government's position on the Sahara issue, Madrid described the Moroccan initiative for autonomy in the Sahara as "the most serious" for a settlement in the disputed territory.
Algeria announced Saturday the recall of its ambassador in Madrid, against the backdrop of Spain's support for the Moroccan Kingdom's proposal to grant autonomy to Western Sahara, instead of holding a referendum for self-determination, as demanded by Algeria-backed Polisario, in what the latter described as a "sudden coup".
A statement by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published by state media, stated that the Algerian authorities "were astonished by the sudden coup and the shift in the position of the former administrative authority in Western Sahara, and accordingly Algeria decided to immediately recall its ambassador in Madrid for consultations."
On Friday, the Spanish government, in a letter sent by its President Pedro Sanchez, to Moroccan King Mohammed VI, described Morocco's initiative for autonomy in the Sahara as "the most serious" for a settlement in the disputed territory, according to a statement by the Moroccan Royal Court.
Observers considered this a "historic shift" in Madrid's position on the issue as the former colonizer of the region, especially since it had previously adopted a neutral position.
Since 1975, there has been a conflict between Morocco and the "Polisario" over the Sahara region, which began after the end of the Spanish occupation and its presence in the region.
The conflict turned into an armed confrontation that lasted until 1991, and was stopped by the signing of a ceasefire agreement, under the auspices of the United Nations.
Rabat insists on its right to the territory of the Sahara, and proposes expanded autonomy under its sovereignty, while the "Polisario" calls for a referendum to determine the fate of the territory, a proposal supported by Algeria, which hosts refugees from the disputed region.
Nigeria: opening of the technology and innovation fair
As every year is held in Abuja, Nigeria, the technology fair. An unmissable event to discover the latest innovations from all over the country, which could help improve the future.
But not all of these technologies are new. Because some of the exhibitors who were already present in previous years are back this year with improved versions of their projects, whose small flaws they have been able to correct.
"Today we are back here with new innovations. We have innovations to cover national security. One of the challenges we have in the country is the conflict between farmers and herders, so we have developed a system tracking mainly livestock to let us know where they are,” says Dr Tanko Sule, from the National space and research agency.
Nigeria currently faces many security challenges. So this year many exhibitors focused on technological solutions to deal with it.
“For this device, which we are working on, investors include police, air force, customs, in fact all security agencies,” explains Olusegun Shoniyi, an exhibitor.
Most exhibitors here hope to find investors for their projects, but recognize that they would also like financial support from the state.
Mozambique: an ecotourism project to boost the economy
Mozambique inaugurates its new ecotourism project in Ponta Milibangalala.
As Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa begins his second day in the country, this wildlife paradise just over 100 kilometers south of Maputo has opened its doors.
The objective of this project is to help the economy of the country of Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.
"The opening of this company, in addition to increasing the number of beds, jobs and quality services offered in the country, contributes to the fight against poverty because on the one hand it employs our fellow citizens and on the other hand, it will put pressure on local production to supply the establishment." said the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi.
After listening to his Mozambican counterpart, Portuguese President de Sousa took the liberty of suggesting some advice regarding tourism in Ponta Milibangalala:
"A dip in the waters, for a dialogue with the elephant, for an exchange with the giraffe, for one or the other more romantic moment with the birds and, for those who are very maritime, also with the fish of the sea" added the Portuguese head of state.
The friendship between de Sousa and Nyusi was expressed with affection throughout this state visit.
The departure of the Portuguese president for Europe is scheduled for this Sunday.
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