Bismillah al-Rahman al-Raheem

Answer to a Question

About the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Hassan Al-Turabi and John Garang

The Sudanese authorities arrested the leader of the Popular National Congress, Hassan Al-Turabi on 21st February 2001. This was in the wake of the "Memorandum of Understanding" that the Popular National Congress signed with John Garang, leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. The authorities justified the arrest by stating that “the "Memorandum of Understanding" was a declaration of a political alliance aimed at fighting the state alongside a movement that has been fighting the state for 18 years. This is not a political understanding between two movements… It is an agreement that flagrantly calls for a conspiracy and violent menaces.”

Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem

Answer to a Question

About the dimensions of the Libyan mediation regarding the Western hostages held in the Philippines

The Libyan mediation in the issue of the Western hostages kidnapped in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf group, which has been known for its links with the Libyan regime for two decades, is part of the series of actions aimed at restructuring the image of Libya in the eyes of world public opinion. Part of these actions was Gaddafi's withdrawal of his support to radical groups and his aiding of the peace efforts in the African continent, as well as other actions that will pave the way for Libya's return to the international community, in order to play a vital role in achieving the American interests in general and in the African continent in particular. However, this issue in particular has a specific aspect related to improving the image of the Libyan regime in the eyes of European public opinion. Hence, it was meticulously staged and it was not an incident that happened to be exploited. Evidence of this is reflected in the fact that all the hostages were Europeans. Six of them were French, two Germans and two Finns, in addition to two South African nationals whose presence was necessary for the political scenario, namely the intervention of Nelson Mandela, to plead with the Libyan regime to mediate and negotiate with the kidnappers. Evidently, the release of the hostages will bolster the standing of Gaddafi before African public opinion, which in turn will consolidate the position of Libya in the continent. Another evidence is reflected in the fact that the issue of kidnapping European subjects is almost a routine process in Yemen, and never have such events enjoyed this hyped media coverage on the scale of that given to the Libyan mediation with regard to the hostages of Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines.

Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim

Question:
 
Has Africa become totally in the hands of America? In other words, has she become the sole influential power in that continent? Also, Has Gaddafi taken over the role of Mandela in terms of settling disputes and mediating between African states? In other words, has he become America’s agent in Africa?