Politics
African Union elections: Nigeria and South Africa vie for influence
A South African national already in Addis Ababa who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that he could not rule out the possibility of South Africa offering to inherit some of the debts of certain sway states to secure their vote. But it could also be said of some of these states that they are being held hostage by France’s money and influence.
South Africa is said to be targeting swing states like Chad, Burundi, Uganda, Guinea, Central African Republic and Comoros. But sources say that Jean Ping’s private business dealings with some states could see them vote in his favor.
Differences between Nigeria and South Africa have been exacerbated by the recent diplomatic row in March, when South Africa deported 125 Nigerians, among them a senator, who arrived at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, claiming they had fake yellow fever vaccination cards.
