Africa

Nigerian gang leader lived in luxury and lavished money in Budapest after scamming wealthy women

nigerian gang leader luxury budapest

On 8 January, Hungarian authorities arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian man in Budapest, suspected of being the leader of a fraudulent network that targeted wealthy women worldwide. The arrest follows earlier crackdowns by police in Hungary, where multiple members of the group were apprehended for their involvement in a series of scams.

The crime syndicate primarily operated through online dating platforms, where members sought to exploit middle-aged and elderly women. The scammers established false, caring personas to gain the trust of their victims, eventually fabricating emergency situations to ask for urgent financial assistance. According to police investigations, many victims were manipulated into sending substantial sums of money, with one victim losing up to HUF 70 million (EUR 170,000).

Despite the earlier arrests of several group members, including three foreign men and one Hungarian woman, the operation continued. Authorities soon identified the Nigerian man as one of the key figures in the ring. Much of the illicitly gained money was traced back to him, suggesting his central role in the operation. The suspect is believed to have lived a lavish lifestyle, wearing expensive clothing, financing luxurious travel, and spending large sums in Budapest’s nightlife.

Further investigation revealed that, at the suspect’s request, his girlfriend had opened a separate bank account to receive the proceeds from the scam. She has been charged with negligent money laundering but remains free while awaiting legal proceedings, the police reports. The Nigerian man is currently in police custody and has been formally charged with money laundering. The court has ordered his detention, and investigations continue into the full scope of the scam and its global reach.

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Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán condemns foiled attack on presidential palace in Chad

Chad Orbán attack presidential palace

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Thursday expressed his concern over the foiled armed attack on the presidential palace in N’Djamena, Chad, the previous night.

“I heard the news of the recent attack in N’Djamena with a heavy heart. This incident is deplorable, violence is not an option. Chad is key to the stability of the whole Sahel region and Hungary stands by its government in its efforts for sovereignty and security,” the prime minister said in his post on X.

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Hungarian government: Christians suffering increasing persecution

nigeria christian community

Anti-Christian sentiments and the persecution of Christians are on the increase rather than the opposite, Tristan Azbej told public radio on Monday morning.

The state secretary in charge of assistance to persecuted Christian communities noted the importance of the Hungary Helps Programme. Azbej pointed to Nigeria as an example, saying “nearly no Christmas passes without an anti-Christian terrorist attack” there, and highlighted the Hungarian government’s decision to send aid worth 100 million forints (EUR 250,000) to that country. The donation was aimed to save lives as well as to help local Christians “find a safe future” in their homeland rather than having to emigrate.

Hungary Helps aims to facilitate fast humanitarian aid but also to strengthen Christian communities in the long run, he said. He noted that in Lebanon only 60 churches had been renovated by way of the Hungarian programme. He added that the scheme was similarly instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq.

“These are small sums for the Hungarian budget, but in those countries they could make a difference between staying in the homeland or emigration,”

the state secretary said.

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PHOTOS: Hungary gets brand-new military choppers, troops prepare for Chad mission amid French withdrawal

read also – EU Presidency: EU diplomats for Sahel meet in Chad

Hungarian surgeons have performed the first ever pacemaker implantation in African country

Hungarian surgeons have performed the first ever pacemaker implantation in Chad, the state secretary for helping persecuted Christians said on Friday.

Hungary carried out two successful medical missions in Chad in the autumn which included fundamental life-saving screening tests, training, as well as the country’s first ever pacemaker implantation, Tristan Azbej told MTI.

The implantation was performed by a team of health-care volunteers from Budapest’s St. Ferenc Hospital as part of the Hungary Helps Agency’s medical mission, Azbej said. This milestone, he said, was the start of a new chapter in Chad’s health-care system, involving local doctors and experts.

Hungarian surgeons have performed the first ever pacemaker implantation in African country
Photo: FB/Tristan Azbej

The support provided through the Hungary Helps humanitarian scheme was indispensible in ensuring that pacemaker implantations could be performed locally, contributing to reducing mortality rates related to heart disease, he said. The programme’s long-term goal is to allow local surgeons to master the skills needed for implanting and programming pacemakers, ensuring that these procedures could be performed in Chad. Azbej added that the mission involved ECG and pacemaker programming training sessions.

Chad’s health ministry wants to ensure that pacemaker implantations can be performed locally so that patients do not have to travel abroad to get the procedure done, the state secretary said. The Hungary Helps Agency’s programme did not just provide life-saving care, but also laid the foundations for the local health-care system’s long-term sufficiency in this area, he added.

Hungarian volunteers spent 140 working days treating refugees, carrying out hospital duties and conducting training programmes in Chad over the last two months, in cooperation with the country’s health ministry, Azbej said.

The Hungary Helps Agency has also donated a significant supply of medicine to the most important hospitals in N’Djamena and outside the capital.

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Hungary’s public administration is an example to Congo, DRC minister said

Hungary’s public administration is an example to Congo, Guy Loando Mboyo, the DRC’s minister for regional planning, said in Budapest, adding that his country had learned much from studying the Hungarian model and sought to deepen cooperation.

Speaking on Thursday at the press conference with Csaba Latorcai, parliamentary state secretary of the public administration and regional development ministry, the minister noted that the vast territory of Congo only since 2007 had come under unified public administration system, and the country was keen to get Hungarian help in finalising DRC’s regional development plan.

He praised Hungary’s “single-window” one-stop-shop for the public to manage various documents such as IDs and passports, including a mobile version of the single window, as well as its motorway vignette and toll system. Whereas DRC already operates digital administration, only a small proportion of the population can use it, so it needs serious development, he added.

Mboyo also mentioned other areas of potential cooperation such as higher education scholarships, research development, the development and financing of independent regional development projects, environmental protection, and accessing special European Union funds for sustainable development.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beating heart of Africa

Latorcai said he presented to his counterpart Hungary’s Competitive Districts scheme and how regional development guidelines can be determined by involving regions in need, as well as government support for specific programmes that help them catch up and make them competitive.

Hungary, he added, was glad to share its experiences and cooperation would soon be extended to several areas of economic life.

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beating heart of Africa,” he said, adding that the Hungarian government, as part of its policy of opening up to the South, wanted to get involved with DRC’s fast-growing economy, “which represents a huge potential for the whole of Europe”.

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PHOTOS: Hungary gets brand-new military choppers, troops prepare for Chad mission amid French withdrawal

Hungary Chad cooperation military choppers from France

New Airbus H225M military choppers arrived in Hungary on Tuesday. The new helicopters will be used by the Hungarian Defence Forces. Meanwhile, Chad decided to end military cooperation with France. As a result, French soldiers are to return home soon. However, the Chad-Hungary agreement about sending a contingent of Hungarian soldiers to the Sahel area country remains in effect. Thus, the Hungarian military may depart to the African country soon.

According to portfolio.hu, new Airbus H225M military choppers arrived in Hungary to be used by the Hungarian Defence Forces. The main area of use of this type is the transportation of soldiers, but it is also used as a search and rescue aircraft.

Hungary Chad cooperation military choppers from France
Photo: FB/Hungarian Defence Forces

The Hungarian Defence Forces ordered two versions from the French company. One is equipped with missiles (70 mm Hydra missiles and Spike precision-guided surface-to-air missiles), while the other is not since the Hungarian Defence Forces would only like to use it for transport duties. Thanks to the two new choppers, the Airbus H225M fleet of the Hungarian military grew to 12. In 2025, Hungary will receive another four aircraft. Therefore, the fleet will become complete with 16 helicopters.

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Chad sends home the French, welcomes Hungarian troops

It sounded odd at first when the Hungarian prime minister’s spokesperson announced that Chad’s president, Mahamat Idriss Deby, would travel to Hungary and meet with PM Orbán in Budapest in September. Before, Hungarian media wrote about a possible Hungarian military mission to the unstable Sahel Area country. They added that one of the brokers of the deal was PM Viktor Orbán’s only son, Gáspár Orbán, who travelled to Chad multiple times.

Based on the official statements, the two leaders talked about stopping illegal migration, fighting against international terrorism, and possibilities in mutual training and operations. Later, the Hungarian defence minister highlighted that Chad and Hungary signed an anti-terrorism cooperation. The two countries also signed a strategic partnership agreement.

We wrote before that in November, the Hungarian Parliament passed a law that allowed the Orbán cabinet to make decisions about sending troops abroad without needing approval from Parliament, even skipping public debate in certain cases.

200 Hungarian troops may replace 1,000 French soldiers

The Hungarian Parliament authorised the government to send 200 Hungarian troops to Chad last November. Then, news emerged about sending the contingent to the African country this spring, but nothing happened.

France24.com wrote that Chad was ending the military cooperation agreement with France. Despite hosting more than 1,000 French soldiers, they decided to send them home even though the document did not specify a date. Chad is the last foothold of France in the region. Before, President Deby relied on French military support e.g. against Boko Haram and other active militant groups. However, now he seeks closer ties with Moscow, and it seems Hungary is joining that group of countries.

Telex.hu wrote that the agreement about sending 200 Hungarian troops to Chad is still in effect; however, nobody knows when the contingent will be deployed to the African country. Experts could not tell what the reason for such a mission could be. VSquare acquired information that Gáspár Orbán, the prime minister’s only son, would have liked to create a Hungarian military intelligence centre in Chad.

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Panama ends ties with Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic

Panama has officially suspended diplomatic relations with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), marking a significant blow to the pro-independence movement represented by SADR and the Polisario Front. The decision, confirmed in a statement by the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflects a shift in the country’s foreign policy stance on the Western Sahara issue.

Panama’s Official Statement

The Government of Panama announced the suspension of relations with SADR “within the framework of the applicable rules of international law.” The official statement emphasized Panama’s commitment to placing its national interest first while adhering to the principles of multilateralism and international cooperation.

The statement reaffirmed Panama’s support for efforts led by the United Nations Secretary-General and the international community to achieve a “peaceful, just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution” for the Western Sahara conflict. This includes the principle of self-determination for the Sahrawi people, but only as part of a broader agreement acceptable to all parties involved.

Panama also highlighted its role as a “mediating country,” committed to fostering dialogue and multilateral cooperation in alignment with its foreign policy goals to promote international peace and security.

Dissociation from SADR and a Shift in Policy

Panama’s decision to dissociate from SADR reflects its alignment with the United Nations framework for resolving the Western Sahara conflict. This move distances Panama from the Polisario Front, which advocates for a referendum on Sahrawi independence. While Panama does not dismiss the possibility of such a referendum, it stresses that any decision must be reached through consensus among all stakeholders.

According to Atalayar, this suspension marks a major shift, as Panama was historically the first country to recognize SADR and even hosted its first Latin American embassy in 1980. The withdrawal of Panama’s support erodes SADR’s longstanding diplomatic foundation in the region, delivering a significant setback to its pro-independence cause.

Implications for Morocco and the Western Sahara Dispute

The suspension of Panama’s relations with SADR is seen as a diplomatic victory for Morocco, which asserts sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of its southern provinces. Morocco has proposed an Autonomy Plan for the region, granting substantial self-governance to Sahrawi authorities under Moroccan sovereignty. This plan has garnered international backing from over 100 countries, including key powers such as the United States, France, Germany, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. These nations view the Autonomy Plan as the most credible and pragmatic solution to the decades-long dispute.

A Shift in the Regional Balance

Panama’s decision to sever ties with SADR reinforces Morocco’s position on the international stage and signals a decline in SADR’s influence, particularly in Latin America. As more countries align with Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, the pro-independence movement faces increasing diplomatic isolation.

This development highlights the evolving dynamics of the Western Sahara dispute and underscores the growing support for Morocco’s vision of resolving the conflict under the framework of UN resolutions.

As we wrote earlier, Ecuador suspends recognition of self-proclaimed SADR

Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping in Casablanca

Casablanca — Acting under the High Instructions of King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan extended a warm welcome to the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping, during his brief visit to Morocco on Thursday evening.

According to MAP, Xi Jinping traveled to Lima, Peru, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and before returning home, he planned a stopover in Morocco to meet Prince Moulay Hassan in Casablanca. The fact that the Chinese leader made a place for Morocco in his agenda, after returning from a very important summit, shows the international scope of the North African country for the great international powers, including China.

A Grand Welcome at Mohammed V International Airport

Upon his arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, President Xi was greeted personally by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan. The warm reception set the tone for the visit, emphasizing the strong ties between Morocco and China.

Following the Crown Prince’s welcome, President Xi was received by Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Head of Government, before inspecting a ceremonial detachment of the Royal Guard.

The two leaders were also introduced to several key Moroccan officials, including:

  • Mohamed Mhidia, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region and Governor of the Casablanca Prefecture,
  • Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council,
  • Jalal Benhayoun, Governor of the Province of Nouaceur,
  • Mohammed Salmani, President of the Provincial Council of Nouaceur, and
  • Abdelaziz Radi, President of the Municipality of Nouaceur.

From the Chinese delegation, President Xi was accompanied by prominent figures, including:

  • Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC),
  • Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs,
  • Hua Chunying, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Also present to greet the Chinese leader were:

  • Li Changlin, China’s Ambassador to Morocco,
  • Zhou Zhicheng, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy,
  • Xia Kelin, Military Attaché at the Chinese Embassy, and
  • Zheng Wei, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy.

Strengthening a Strategic Partnership

This visit symbolizes the robust friendship and collaboration between Morocco and China, which has deepened significantly under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and President Xi Jinping. The Sino-Moroccan strategic partnership was first established during King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to China in May 2016, paving the way for closer economic, cultural, and political ties.

President Xi’s stopover highlights the shared commitment of both nations to furthering this partnership. It underscores Morocco’s pivotal role as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and major global powers like China.

read also: Chinese CATL to begin production next year in Hungary!

Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó: More people in Europe becoming reasonable about illegal migration

While more and more in Europe are discussing illegal migration with the voice of reason, it is clear that the “Brussels elite” continues to support migration and is trying to put pressure on member states, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign minister, said in Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Szijjártó meets with Morten Messerschmidt

Budapest and Copenhagen share a number of positions concerning illegal migration, “the gravest security challenge facing Europe”, Szijjártó said after talks with the leader of the Danish People’s Party and Denmark’s immigration minister.

“There’s been an intense debate about this in the Western world for 9-10 years now,” Szijjártó said. “It’s clear that some elections are even decided by the issue of migration,” he added, noting that immigration had been a key issue in the US presidential election campaign, “and it was won by the candidate who put his country’s security first and spoke clearly about the dangers of illegal immigration”.

Szijjártó said that the deterioration of Europe’s security situation was clearly linked to “the emergence of mass migrant waves”.

Noting Hungary’s opposition to migration, he said there was “no question in Hungary that the security of the Hungarian people is the number one consideration”.

He noted that the Hungarian government has spent more than 2 billion euros on the protection of the country’s southern border over the last nine years, thwarting some 630,000 illegal entry attempts.

Had Hungary not done this and instead “given in to Brussels, there would be hundreds of thousands or millions more illegal migrants in Europe today”, and Hungarians, too, would have to be living together with them, the minister said.

“We Hungarians consider it outrageous that that while we’re protecting the European Union’s external borders, our own security and that of and Europeans, we’re ordered to pay a million euros a day to Brussels as a financial sanction,” he said, referring to a fine the EU court instructed Hungary to pay for refusing to implement several of the bloc’s migration rules.

“Were it up to Brussels and Hungarian opposition politicians supporting Brussels, Hungary would be flooded by illegal migrants,” Szijjártó said, insisting that Brussels wanted to “install a puppet government in Hungary” so that illegal migrants could enter the country.

He praised Denmark’s “rational migration policy”, underlining that the two countries were in agreement on the need to bolster the protection of the EU’s external borders.

Szijjártó urged the launch of major development schemes in migrant-sending African countries with a view to eliminating the root causes of migration.

“Economic, health-care and education development schemes are needed, because Africa’s population is projected to increase by almost a billion in the next 20-25 years,” he said.

He noted that Hungary has spent more than half a billion euros on developments in Africa over the past five years and offers higher-education scholarships to 1,835 African students each year.

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Mohamed Salah on SIBF 2024: 90% of my success comes from what I’ve learned through reading

Global football sensation Mohamed Salah captivated audiences at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) with an inspiring revelation: the secret behind his extraordinary success lies in books. “Ninety percent of my success is rooted in what I’ve learned from books. Reading has helped me become a better version of myself,” Salah shared, underscoring the profound impact of reading on his personal and professional journey.

The Role of Books in Shaping a Champion

Renowned for his speed, precision, and relentless determination on the football field, Salah opened up about how reading has played a crucial role in his development. “I started reading extensively after I left Chelsea,” he explained. “Books made me question how people achieve success and what it truly takes to reach greatness.” Salah encouraged attendees to adopt a culture of learning and self-discovery, stressing the importance of gaining diverse perspectives.

A fan of psychology books, Salah credited them with helping him better navigate relationships and life’s challenges. “They’ve given me tools to manage emotions, understand people, and tackle the ups and downs of life,” he noted.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom

Salah’s journey began in his native Egypt, where he trained at Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC before embarking on a stellar European career. After stints at Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Roma, Salah joined Liverpool FC in 2017, solidifying his place as one of football’s greats.

During his talk, Salah gave fans a glimpse into his disciplined daily routine. “For the past decade, I’ve trained twice a day, even on holidays. I constantly push myself to improve,” he said, inspiring the audience with his dedication and work ethic.

 

Reading: A Family Tradition

Beyond football, Salah spoke about how reading has enriched his family life.

“My wife and I ensure our two daughters grow up with a love for books,” he revealed.

Their family library features a mix of Arabic and English titles, with a particular focus on psychology. Despite his busy schedule, Salah prioritizes reading in his personal life: “I always carry a book in my bag and make time to read before bed.”

He also shared an exciting future plan:

“I’m considering writing a biography to inspire younger generations who dream of taking a similar path to mine.”

A Legacy of Learning and Growth

With a glittering career that includes Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles, Golden Boots, and the Puskás Award, Salah’s accomplishments speak to his immense talent and perseverance. Yet, his success is equally rooted in his unwavering commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.

Through his inspiring session at SIBF, Salah reminded the audience of the transformative power of reading and the limitless potential that comes with a commitment to learning. His story stands as a testament to how books can shape not only great athletes but also well-rounded individuals.

read also – Steven Bartlett at SIBF 2024: From business success to fatherhood dreams

EU Presidency: EU diplomats for Sahel meet in Chad

The European Union’s top diplomats responsible for policies regarding the Sahel region are meeting in N’Djamena for a two-day visit, the foreign ministry said on Monday. The visit will focus on the joint fight against terrorism, curbing illegal migration, and humanitarian aid within the framework of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of Europe.

According to the statement, Hungary will be represented by State Secretary Tristan Azbej, the head of the Hungary Helps programme, at the event initiated by the Hungarian presidency.

The statement said Hungary prioritizes the fight against terrorism, a root cause of migration, as a priority of its presidency.

“The EU’s security starts in the Sahel, as one of the greatest threats to Europe’s security is migration from the south,” it said.

The statement added that the Hungarian presidency is also focusing on the EU’s role in the Sahel and calling on the EU to take an active role in preserving Chad’s stability.

The ministry said Hungary had provided complex aid to Chad, including humanitarian, development, economic, and security cooperation, the latter aimed mostly at joint efforts to fight international terrorism. Chad and Hungary signed a strategic cooperation agreement on September 9 this year.

Ambassador Lászlo Eduard Máthé and Péter Kovács, director general of the Hungary Helps Agency, are also attending the event.

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Hungarian military attaché accredited to Chad passes away

Hungary launching 200 million euros tied aid in Chad

Hungarian MEP appointed rapporteur for African education development

The European Parliament’s Committee on Development (DEVE) has appointed György Hölvényi, an MEP of Hungary’s co-ruling Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP) as standing rapporteur for education in developing countries, especially Africa.

györgy hölvényi mep africa education development
Photo: Facebook/Hölvényi György

Hölvényi told MTI on Tuesday that his two-year mandate involves assessing the state of education in Africa to obtain reliable data, and monitoring the use of the nearly 8 billion euros the European Commission had allocated to that purpose.

Progress in education is impossible until elementary schooling is in its current “insufficient” state, and hundreds of millions of children receive no education whatsoever, Hölvényi said. In view of the population boom underway, the number of teachers must be steeply increased by 2030 even to maintain the current level of basic education, he said.

Meanwhile, vocational training must be brought up to 21st-century levels in Africa, and include technological knowledge and other subjects, the lack of which is currently in the way of implementing planned investments in the continent, he said.

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Sahara: Ecuador suspends recognition of self-proclaimed SADR

The Republic of Ecuador decided on Tuesday to suspend its recognition of the so-called «SADR» (Sahara Arab Democratic Republic).

During a telephone interview, the Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriela Sommerfeld, informed her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, of her country’s sovereign decision.

The Quito decision comes on the eve of a UN Security Council meeting to adopt a new resolution on the Sahara. The members of the Security Council should renew MINURSO’s mandate, which expires on 31 October, for one year.

Ecuador’s decision opens a new chapter in relations between the Kingdom of North Africa and this Latin American country. It comes in the context of growing international support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and its autonomy initiative, which the international community describes as the ONLY «serious, credible and realistic» solution to the regional conflict in the Sahara.

This dynamic is based on the opening of several consulates in the Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline project, and the Royal Atlantic Initiative. The latter aims to make the Atlantic a unique space of connectivity and advanced integration between the nations of the South and their international partners, a crucial step towards achieving Atlantic prosperity.

These measures send a clear message to the world superpowers, partners, friends, and enemies of Morocco, especially to the other parties to the regional conflict in the Sahara and to the UN, that the time has come to move towards a political solution based on the severe autonomy plan, through the round table process and in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

read also: Interview with Cynthia Mayer, Ambassador of Ecuador in Hungary on economic relations, Ecuadorian products in Hungary, politics, and more

Breaking: Hungarian military attaché accredited to Chad passes away

The Hungarian military attaché accredited to N’Djamena, Chad, has passed away. Lieutenant Colonel Imre Vékás-Kovács was an outstanding and highly respected soldier of the Hungarian Defence Forces, MTI reported.

Vékás-Kovács began his military career in 1988 and served in numerous operational areas, holding both diplomatic and military diplomatic positions. He had recently started his foreign service in the Sahel region as Hungary’s military attaché to N’Djamena.

The attaché passed away on Monday after complaining of feeling unwell in the preceding days. He was found in his hotel room, with no signs of foul play. The Hungarian Defence Forces will ensure the repatriation of the deceased, and the exact cause of death will be investigated in Hungary.

Source: MTI/OS

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Hungarian delegation engages in strategic partnership talks in Chad

The foreign ministry said on Monday that a Hungarian delegation will be in N’Djamena, Chad, in the upcoming days to discuss the details of and the Hungarian government’s comprehensive role in the strategic partnership both sides signed in September.

The statement said the delegation is led by ministerial commissioner Laszlo Mathe and includes representatives of the Hungary Helps programme, the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), and the Hungarian armed forces.

The Hungarian government recognised in good time that the development, peace, and stability of Africa are key interests of Hungary and Europe as a whole. Illegal migration from the south supported by terrorists was one of the biggest security threats facing Europe, it added.

“From Hungary, we’re concerned to see the global spread of terrorist organisations, and this danger especially affects Africa, including the Sahel,” the ministry said.

The statement said it is important to handle problems at their origin. Migration cannot be stopped without cooperation with the Sahel, it added.

The ministry said Hungary is carrying out humanitarian development while offering support for peace and launching programmes that strengthen the stability of this region of Africa, with the aim of helping people stay in their place of birth.

It added that Hungary and Chad want to take concerted action against terrorism, and the strategic partnership agreement signed on September 9 serves this aim.

The common interests of Europe and the Sahel are also promoted under the arrangements of Hungary’s EU presidency, which is prioritizing the issue, encouraging all member states to get involved in humanitarian activities in the region. The Hungarian government has prompted the EU to transfer 14 million euros to develop Chad’s defence capacities from the European Peace Facility.

The Hungarian government is working on developing the diplomatic representation office in N’Djamena to the rank of an embassy to strengthen the efforts, the statement said.

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Hungary launching 200 million euros tied aid in Chad

PM Orbán meets Chad president in Budapest

Hungary strengthens ties with Equatorial Guinea during first-ever ministerial visit

Hungary strengthens ties with Equatorial Guinea during first-ever ministerial visit

Hungary and Equatorial Guinea are launching cooperation in the economy, energy, water management, and education, with relations based on mutual respect, the foreign minister said after meeting counterpart Simeon Oyono Esono Angue in Malabo on Monday.

Hungarian Foreign Minister visits Equatorial Guinea for the first time

Péter Szijjártó told a joint press conference that Christianity was an important meeting point and a stable foundation for cooperation. “It is an honor to be here, the country with the largest ratio of Catholic residents in Africa,” he said.

He said new cooperation was especially important in an “era of dangers” when the war in Ukraine and illegal migration posed security challenges.

“Hungary and Equatorial Guinea both belong to a global pro-peace majority… Although the liberal mainstream press in Europe is trying to suggest otherwise when we look outside Europe or the transatlantic world … it is clear that we pro-peace people are in the majority,” Szijjártó said.

Africa “is on the cusp of a population boom, which warrants a comprehensive development plan,” he said. Failing that, “either Africa will see the largest humanitarian crisis of all time, or the largest migration pressure ever will weigh on Europe,” he said, adding that Hungary wanted to avoid both.

Equatorial Guinea
Hungary and Equatorial Guinea are launching cooperation in the economy, energy, water management, and education.

Agreements, cooperation

Szijjártó said the ministers had signed agreements on policy consultations and talks are ongoing on an economic cooperation agreement under which Hungarian companies would help Equatorial Guinea in tackling areas such as water management, modernising water supply systems and developing water security.

Cooperation between the two countries also focuses on Equatorial Guinea’s role as an important producer of natural gas and oil, he said.

“We know that the oil and gas fields are drying out. We in Hungary have developed a technology that would allow production to continue in depleted oil and gas fields sustainably and effectively. Those technologies could contribute to the development of Equatorial Guinea’s economy,” Szijjártó said.

He added that Equatorial Guinea has also shown interest in Hungarian tech in agriculture and the food industry.

Szijjártó and Oyono also agreed that Hungary will offer government grants to students wishing to study in Hungary, especially in health care.

“It is an honour to be here as the first Hungarian foreign minister visiting the country, and we are respectfully inviting you to Budapest to sign the agreements on economic cooperation and grants,” he said.

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Unprecedented: Egyptian businessman could acquire Hungarian football team

Hungarian football team egypt

An unusual deal is on the horizon involving the NB II (the second tier of Hungarian football) football club, FC Ajka. An Egyptian businessman has expressed interest in purchasing the team, with reports indicating that he or his company has already signalled their intention to buy the club. While the mayor of Ajka, Béla Schwartz, has not confirmed all the details, the transaction appears to be moving forward.

The process began on 25 September, when Ajka’s city council unanimously voted in favour of a proposal for the municipality to purchase the 49% share of the company operating FC Ajka from the FC Ajka Sportegyesület. The purchase was made at face value for approximately HUF 1.5 million (EUR 3,737). With this acquisition, the local government now owns 100% of the club, having previously held a 51% majority stake, 24.hu reports.

Egyptian businessman sets eyes on Hungarian football team

According to information obtained by the news portal, this move was essential for the municipality to sell the Hungarian football club more easily to the Egyptian businessman or his company, who had already expressed an interest in acquiring it. The deal could also involve József Kiss, who was previously involved with the Veszprém LC football club around the turn of the millennium and now has business interests in Egypt.

The mayor refrained from providing specific details about the deal or its total value but did acknowledge that there have been expressions of interest from both Hungarian and foreign parties regarding the acquisition of the club. Schwartz emphasised that the sale was not intended to be a complete divestment of the club. The local government is open to working with a potential investor who could provide new opportunities for the team. “We do not plan to sell the entirety of the club,” he stated, adding that the buyer would be expected to bring fresh perspectives to the club’s future.

Only certain rights would be acquired

It is important to note that the sale would only include the rights associated with the team’s participation in NB II matches, such as the playing license and the rights of the players. The significant assets owned by the municipality, including real estate and other property, will be transferred to a newly established local company before the sale, ensuring that these are not part of the transaction.

When asked why the club is being sold, given the financial support available from the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) and other funding sources such as the TAO (corporate tax allocation) system, the mayor explained that recent economic developments and proposed laws that might reduce municipal funds have prompted the city to seek financial sustainability for the team in the coming years. “The city has reached the limits of what it can financially sustain, and from next year, we will not be able to provide the necessary funding for the team’s operations,” Schwartz explained.

New owner to have an opportunity to bring a new vision to the Hungarian football team

The mayor also clarified that the city has consistently covered the operating and investment costs of the Hungarian football team for the past nine years, and there have been no unpaid debts to players or staff during this period. However, moving forward, the new owner will need to account for the costs associated with leasing and maintaining the stadium, as these expenses are included in the sale terms.

While the city council does not plan to relinquish complete control of the club, there are several ideas on how they could retain oversight. According to the mayor, the new owner will have the opportunity to provide a new vision for the club, but Ajka will still maintain an interest in the team’s direction.

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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com

CJEU Decision: EU and Member States express their unwavering commitment to the strategic partnership with Morocco

Following the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) decision on fisheries and agricultural agreements between the EU and the Kingdom, the European Union (EU) and several Member States have expressed their unwavering commitment to the Union’s strategic partnership with Morocco and their willingness to further strengthen it.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, set the tone, reaffirming in a joint declaration the EU’s commitment to further preserving and strengthening close relations with Morocco in all areas, in accordance with the principle of pacta sunt servanda.

This joint declaration, a rare political act that highlights the importance of Morocco and materializes the importance of the EU’s partnership with the Kingdom, reiterates the “great value” that the EU attaches to “its long-standing, broad and deep strategic partnership with Morocco”.

The two officials also noted that both parties have built, over the years, “a deep friendship and solid and multifaceted cooperation, which we intend to take to a higher level in the weeks and months ahead”.
Several EU countries have followed suit, underlining the strategic nature of the Morocco-EU partnership.

In Madrid, the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, defended the “strategic partnership” with Morocco and the will to maintain it, while expressing his country’s government’s respect for the CJEU decision.

Mr Albares highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco for both sides, as well as the benefits it has brought to the fisheries and agriculture sectors. He said that the Spanish government will continue to “work with the EU and Morocco to preserve and further develop this privileged relationship”.

For its part, France reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its exceptional partnership with Morocco and its determination to continue deepening it.

In a statement, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stressed that the relationship between the EU and Morocco is, therefore, strategic. It affirms that Paris will continue to work with its European partners to strengthen their economic exchanges and preserve the partnership’s achievements in accordance with international law.

As the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, wrote to His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Fête du Trône, France remains determined to support Morocco’s efforts to promote the economic and social development of the Sahara, which will benefit local populations, said Le Quai d’Orsay.

 

Belgium also reiterated its commitment to the strategic partnership between the European Union and Morocco and its commitment to continue working towards its deepening, expressing its support for the joint declaration of the President of the European Commission and the High Commissioner representative of the European Union for this purpose.

Belgium reaffirms its commitment to the friendship and strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco and will continue to work towards its deepening,’ said the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Development Cooperation on its Account X.

Italy highlighted the “fundamental” strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco on the same wavelength. “The strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco is fundamental, including in the area of agriculture and fisheries,” said Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on his behalf.

“The European Court should take this into account,” said the Italian foreign minister. “The Italian government, as I will repeat during my visit to Rabat, wants to further strengthen cooperation with Morocco, especially in the fight against illegal immigration,” he added.

The Netherlands, in turn, reiterated its “strong commitment to the strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco,” underlining that it supports the joint statement by the President of the European Commission and the High Commissioner for Representative of the European Union on CJEU judgments.

Similarly, Finland reaffirmed its “strong commitment” to the EU-Morocco strategic partnership.

Expressing Finland’s support for the joint statement by the President of the European Commission and the EU High Representative on the ECJ decision, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated, on its account X, the “strong commitment” of the Nordic country in favour of the “strategic partnership between the EU and Morocco”.

Hungary

Hungary, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, has reiterated its consistent position in favour of strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco as being “in our common interest”.

“We will continue to work to serve these interests by strengthening ties and expanding cooperation with Morocco in new areas.”

The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement that Budapest is also studying in detail the ECJ’s ruling on the EU-Morocco fisheries and agricultural agreements.