Jidbaale
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has arrived in Beijing to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, organized by President Xi Jinping. The summit, which will take place from September 4th to 6th, aims to enhance connections and promote modernity in Africa.
Over a dozen African leaders will participate in meetings with Chinese authorities, focusing on cooperative efforts to promote economic growth and development. The event, which begins on September 5th, follows a banquet provided by President Xi on September 4th for African leaders and their spouses. Beijing has heightened security precautions, with banners stating the summit’s motto of “Joining Hands for a Brighter Future.” China, Africa’s top commercial partner, reported bilateral commerce worth $167.8 billion in the first half of 2024, highlighting the economic linkages between the two regions.
However, China’s engagement in Africa, including substantial infrastructure initiatives financed by substantial loans, has generated controversy due to financial obligations imposed on African countries. President Xi has already begun bilateral discussions with numerous African leaders, including those from South Africa, Guinea, Eritrea, the Seychelles, Djibouti, Togo, Comoros, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
