Switzerland Backs Powerful Israeli Businessman's Controversial African Investments | Le Temps (CH)

Switzerland is providing state-backed financial guarantees for the business dealings of Israeli businessman Haim Taib in Africa, despite controversy surrounding his projects. Taib, whose company Mitrelli is based in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, is involved in agricultural development, arms sales, and surveillance technology in Angola and Senegal.

The Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERI), a federal agency, is insuring investments linked to Mitrelli. This support comes despite international scrutiny of Taib's business practices, which have been described as controversial. The company's involvement spans significant projects in African nations, raising questions about Swiss foreign policy and ethical considerations in export financing.

Mitrelli's operations in Angola and Senegal include large-scale agricultural initiatives and potentially sensitive security-related sales. The Swiss government's backing through SERI highlights a complex intersection of economic interests and geopolitical engagement, where national security and export promotion appear to outweigh concerns about the nature of the supported ventures.