International Court Postpones Kenya-Somalia Maritime Dispute

Ventures Africa posted on 18 October 2018 an article titled "ICJ Postpones Hearing on Kenya-Somalia Maritime Dispute" by Ajifowoke Michael Gbenga.

At the request of the government of Kenya, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) agreed to postpone the hearing concerning the maritime dispute between Kenya and Somalia until early June 2020. Kenya has also been urging that a mediator other than the ICJ be selected to resolve the issue; Somalia wants the matter to remain with the ICJ.

China-Taiwan "Diplomatic Truce" Over

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission published on 9 February 2017 an issue brief titled "As Chinese Pressure on Taiwan Grows, Beijing Turns Away from Cross-Strait 'Diplomatic Truce'" by Matthew Southerland.

The analysis notes recent decisions by Gambia and Sao Tome and Principe to switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, possible Chinese overtures to Burkina Faso to do the same, Nigeria's decision that required Taiwan to move its liaison office from the capital of Abuja to the commercial center of Lagos, and other evidence that suggests Beijing is stepping up pressure on Taiwan. The conclusion is that the "diplomatic truce" since 2008 between China and Taiwan not to encourage switches in diplomatic recognition is over. Only two African countries now recognize Taiwan and only 21 globally.