Again, lots of interesting stuff to read from around the internet:
Angola ends talks about a strategic partnership with Portugal
Disgruntled because of Portuguese investigations of high ranking government officials, Angolan president dos Santos has made clear that his country is no longer persuing a strategic partnership with its former colonizer. This is a heavy blow for Portugal which is still caught in the repercussions of the financial crisis and was hoping to profit from its ties with the African country. Especially the oil sector is of interest to Portuguese companies. allAfrica/Deutsche Welle
Sale of Congolese copper producer raises corruption concernas
Congolese government-owned mining company Gécamines is preparing to sell its stake in one of the countries largest copper producer, Kamoto Copper Company. It is unclear if Gécamines has notified the Congolese government of the deal, as is required by law. No details have been published, either by Gécamines, the government or Fleurette Group, the potential buyer. Fleurette is an offshore company tied to Dan Gertler, an Israeli businessman with a colourful reputation and long history in Congolese mining. Africa Progress Panel | Global Witness
Egypt renews its diplomatic offensive for control of Nile waters
Three Egyptian ministers will embark on a diplomatic tour de force through Nile basin countries to try and secure Egypt's share of the Nile's waters. Still based on colonial-era contracts, upstream countries like Ethiopia and Uganda are eager to change the current terms. Martin Plaut
International personnel returns to In Amenas
BP has confirmed that its international employees are set to return to In Amenas. The gas facility gained international notoriety when terrorists affiliated with Al Qaeda invaded the plant in January 2013. 37 hostages and 29 of the attackers were killed during a three day long siege and the subsequent assault by the army. Jeune Afrique
More short links:
- An in-depth look at the importance of oil for Chadian politics: allAfrica/DeutscheWelle
- Nigerian rebel group claims responsibility for oil spills: allAfrica/This Day
- Ghana releases annual oil and gas report: allAfrica/Government of Ghana
- Oil companies are finding it harder to justify investment in Libya due to insecurity: This is Africa
- Kenya is set to pass a bill benefiting artisan miners: African Mining Brief