Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
30 July 2024 | 22:15 SAST
2-minute read

Turkey has approved a two-year military deployment to Somalia to support the country’s counterterrorism operations, further reinforcing the support it has shown for the African country over the past decade.

The deployment, which is unsurprising according to analysts, comes 5 months after the two countries signed a 10-year defence and economic partnership agreement.

“Turkey’s involvement is also not surprising at all. Turkey has been making inroads on the continent for some time now. This is another example of its growing footprint on the continent,” Mikatekiso Kubayi, a researcher at the Institute for Global Dilaogue said on Radio Islam’s Africa Report.

In Haiti, the state education system is reportedly facing a $23 million shortfall. UNICEF announced on Friday a $2,5 million grant that is expected to help approximately 75 000 children.

“Well, how beneficial is that from UNICEF? We have to be grateful. We have to be grateful that we actually have entities like UNICEF,” Mr Kubayi said with some cynicism, echoing the common argument that UNICEF uses its aid and support programs to exert control over local populations, influencing political and social dynamics under the guise of humanitarian assistance.

The discussion turned to the Libyan nationals who were arrested in South Africa for training at a military base. After appearing at the White River Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga for charges related to violating the National Immigration Act, all ninety-five individuals have maintained their innocence.

Mr Kubayi expressed surprise, saying, “That one is a strange one. I say strange because how often do you hear of a military training base run by foreigners in somebody else’s country? It’s a very strange one.”

The incident also raises security concerns, given the fact that the military camp remained undetected for a such a long time despite reports from neighbouring communities.

“The implications of this are quite serious,” Mr Kubayi said. “To what extent can we say we are safe from the guns that they were using for their training?” he added.

Listen to the Africa Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Habib Bobat.