Hi, I am Caroline Doyle, an associate editor at Horizon Engage. This week, we’re covering the end of AMLO’s era, the possible start of peace in the Aegean Sea, and the complex run-up to party elections in Angola.
- 30 September marked Mexican President AMLO’s final day in office. He handed over power to his successor and mentee, Claudia Sheinbaum.
- After decades of tension in the Aegean Sea, the Turkish and Greek governments are set to explore talks about a possible maritime agreement.
- Cross-border fuel smuggling has been cast into the spotlight in Angola as senior MPLA members jostle for power amid the party’s preparations to select a new leader in 2026.
This week’s quote of the week comes from newly minted President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was sworn in on Tuesday as Mexico’s first female president. Read more below!
AMLO Takes His Final Bow
30 September marked Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopex Obrador (AMLO)’s final day in office. During his regular morning press conference, he said he leaves office “very happy” and confident in his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum.
To close out his presidency, AMLO signed two significant constitutional reforms into law. One transferred control of the National Guard to the Defense Ministry and the other further protected the rights of indigenous peoples. Though he departs with approval ratings over 70%, his legacy is complex, and he leaves Sheinbaum to implement his administration’s complicated reforms.
Possible Aegean Sea Deal on the Horizon
In a significant step forward, the Turkish and Greek governments are set to explore talks on demarcating their maritime zones. This follows three years of trying to decrease decades-old tensions in the Aegean Sea and offshore Cyprus — which Turkey does not recognize.
A maritime agreement would be a complex undertaking, partly because demarcating exclusive economic zones would determine rights over undersea resources, including oil and gas reserves. Both sides have considered joint developments, but the political will has been lacking. Furthermore, Turkey-Cyprus tensions would complicate any deal; an agreement might need to involve a trilateral dialogue. There will be tricky talks ahead.
Fuel Smuggling Drama in Angola
Last month, Angolan Minister of State and Head of the Military House Francisco Furtado — who leads a commission on fighting cross-border crime — claimed that military, municipal and state officials were involved in smuggling fuel to neighboring countries. A few weeks later, Attorney General Helder Pitta Gros found no evidence to support these claims, but launched an investigation nonetheless.
Furtado butts heads with Interior Minister Eugenio Laboinho in this area — Laborinho oversees the National Police, including the Border Guard Police. Their jostling for authority within the national military and security apparatus is no surprise as the MPLA gets closer to deciding who will succeed President Joao Lourenco as party leader in 2026.
Quote of the Week
Sworn in on Tuesday, 1 October, President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the start of her term as the crowd chanted “presidenta!” — the first use of the feminine form of the word in the country’s history.
“On 2 June of this year, the people of Mexico, in a democratic and peaceful way, said loud and clear: it’s time for transformation and it’s time for women.”
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