Day: October 28, 2020

US vetoes Okonjo-Iweala’s successful bid for WTO First Female DG

Aoko Benjamin

  Selection of Okonjo-Iweala, also an America citizen, as first female WTO chief faces chance of stalemate   The World Trade Organization’s effort to select a leader and chart a new course for the global trading system hit a roadblock Wednesday after the Trump administration vetoed a bid by front-runner Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is a U.S. citizen, to be the WTO’s next director-general, Bloomberg has reported. Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Dennis Shea said Washington won’t join a consensus to appoint Okonjo-Iweala because the U.S. supports her opponent, South Korean Trade…

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South Africa President Ramaphosa Quarantines Self for COVID-19

Aoko Benjamin

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has entered self-quarantine after coming into contact with a person with COVID-19, his office said on Wednesday. Ramaphosa “has begun a period of self-quarantine following the positive COVID-19 diagnosis of a guest at a dinner attended by the President on Saturday, Oct. 24 ,’’ a statement issued by the presidency of South Africa read. The presidency said that 35 guests attended the event in a Johannesburg hotel, which adhered stringently to COVID-19 protocols and directives on screening, social distancing and the wearing of masks,…

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How Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala Elected First Female DG in WTO’s History

Aoko Benjamin

  More facts have emerged on how Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s nominee for the office of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), emerged winner of the highly competitive race. Okonjo-Iweala was chosen as the final candidate for the much-coveted role. She polled 104 votes from 164 member countries to defeat South Korea’s Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-Hee at the final stage of the race. She has broken many records, including becoming the first African to win that office at the WTO. The official announcement is expected to be made by…

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