FLASHBACK TO 2018: WHEN CHINA WAS ACCUSED OF SPYING ON THE AFRICAN UNION HEADQUARTERS IT BUILT IN ETHIOPIA
In January 2018, a major spying controversy erupted after allegations emerged that China had been secretly collecting confidential information from the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a building it had financed and constructed as a gift to Africa.
The magnificent headquarters, built at a cost of approximately US$200 million, was officially inaugurated in January 2012. It was presented as a symbol of the growing friendship and cooperation between China and African nation
However, six years later, a shocking investigation published by the French newspaper Le Monde alleged that the building had been used for espionage.
According to the report, African Union technicians discovered that confidential information from the organisation’s computer systems was allegedly being transferred to servers in Shanghai, China.
The transfers reportedly occurred every night between midnight and 2 a.m. and were believed to have continued for approximately five years, beginning shortly after the headquarters opened in 2012.
Even more disturbing were allegations that listening devices had been discovered hidden inside desks and walls of the building, raising concerns that sensitive conversations involving African presidents, diplomats and senior government officials could have been monitored.
Following the reported discovery, the African Union was said to have replaced its computer servers, strengthened cybersecurity measures and conducted security inspections of the building.
China strongly denied the accusations, describing them as baseless and intended to damage its relationship with African countries.
The African Union Commission’s then-chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also publicly dismissed the allegations.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who was serving as African Union chairperson at the time, expressed concern about Africa’s dependence on foreign assistance, saying African countries should have financed and constructed their own headquarters.
Although the allegations attracted international attention, no publicly disclosed independent investigation conclusively established that China had planted the alleged listening devices or carried out the reported data transfers.
Nevertheless, the controversy raised serious questions about national security, diplomatic confidentiality and the risks associated with allowing foreign governments to construct and equip sensitive institutions.
The incident also reignited debate over Africa’s dependence on foreign powers for major infrastructure projects, particularly facilities where highly confidential government discussions take place.
Eight years after the allegations made headlines, the story remains a reminder of the importance of protecting Africa’s strategic institutions and confidential information.
The question remains: Should African countries allow foreign powers to build and equip facilities where their most sensitive political and security discussions are held?