The economic crisis and the changing face of government in Tokyo will
result in less attention to Africa
The Democratic Party of Japan’s crisis of popularity forced a cabinet reshuffle and now a new raft of ministers will handle relations with Africa. The replacement of Land, Transport and Tourism Minister Sumio Mabuchi by Akihiro Ohata in the 14 January reshuffle is significant since Mabuchi frequently engaged in African issues. In early January, he was involved in resolving a trade dispute with Algeria regarding a highway project. He has also been very vocal about the attacks by Somali pirates on Japanese ships....
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