Rwanda and DR Congo: Genuine Peace Progress or Just an Illusion?

A Historic Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda After three decades of violence, proxy wars, and relentless political maneuvering, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a peace agreement that is being heralded as historic. Yet, in the Great Lakes region—a landscape marked by the tumult of conflict and fragility—optimism walks a delicate line alongside skepticism. As the ink dries on this pivotal document, questions linger: Will this truly signal the dawn of durable…

Awdal Elders Restore Police Control in Borama After Days of Deadly Unrest

BORAMA, North Western State of Somalia — Traditional leaders in North Western State of Somalia’s Awdal region said Tuesday they have handed security responsibilities in Borama back to the police, moving to restore order after days of unrest that left at least 20 people dead and more wounded. The elders announced the decision after a closed-door meeting in the regional capital, reversing an earlier directive that had ordered all security forces — including police and army units — to withdraw from the city amid escalating…

Venezuela’s Machado won’t accept the Nobel Peace Prize in person

Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader slated to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, will not attend today’s ceremony in Oslo, the director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute said, adding that her current whereabouts are unknown. The event at Oslo City Hall is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. local time (12 p.m. Irish time) in the presence of Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja, along with several Latin American leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa. Machado had been…

Australia reasserts control over Big Tech with nationwide social media ban

Australia bans social media for under-16s, ordering platforms to block access or face multimillion-dollar fines, in a first-of-its-kind move the government says will help families “take back control.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the landmark law, calling it a decisive step against the influence of powerful technology companies and an overdue safeguard for children. “This is Australia showing enough is enough,” he said, describing the measure as “one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has…

Somalia’s Danab Forces Arrest Two Suspected al‑Shabab Militants in Lower Shabelle

Somali Danab commandos arrest two suspected al-Shabab members in Lower Shabelle raid One detainee identified as son of senior militant commander as operation near Tooratoorow targets extortion network, officials say File photo: Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers ride on a military vehicle during a security patrol in southern Somalia. The SNA’s elite Danab commandos have intensified operations in Lower Shabelle as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt al-Shabab activity across the region. MOGADISHU — Somali Danab…

RSF Captures Sudan’s Biggest Oil Field as Tensions Escalate

Sudan's Escalating Conflict: Rapid Support Forces Seize Key Oil Field The recent takeover of the Heglig oil field by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. This move highlights the strategic importance of the region's resources. The RSF's capture of Heglig demonstrates their increasing control over resource-rich areas. This development follows the RSF's recent successes against the regular army in South Darfur and Kordofan. The capture has serious implications…

Deadly Blast Claims 30 Lives Amid DRC Peace Collapse with M23

Violence Shatters Hope for Peace in Eastern Congo Amid a tense peace agreement mediated by the U.S., violence in Eastern Congo spiraled again with a bomb blast in Sange, killing over 30 people. This incident underscores the volatility in a region long fraught with conflict. The explosion resulted from a clash between Congolese troops and Wazalendo militiamen. Residents are fleeing to Burundi, seeking safety from renewed violence. Recent peace deals have been rendered fragile by ongoing hostilities. Violent…

Analysis: Somalia’s debt relief milestone masks a risky push toward new borrowing

Somalia’s long campaign for debt relief culminated in December 2023, when the IMF and World Bank certified the country had reached the HIPC “Completion Point.” In March 2024, Paris Club creditors followed with sweeping cancellations, clearing much of the stock of legacy obligations. On paper, the breakthrough restores Somalia’s access to concessional finance and signals confidence in the government’s economic direction. Yet the core domestic underpinnings that are supposed to safeguard a post-relief economy remain uneven…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa Calls for Palestinian Support

South African President Ramaphosa on Middle East and Global Conflicts South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed pressing international conflicts during the ANC's 5th National General Council. His statements focused on the Israel-Palestine situation, Sudan, and Ukraine. Stressed Israel’s violation of Palestinian rights Voiced concern over humanitarian tolls in Gaza and Sudan Highlighted peace efforts in Ukraine Israel-Palestine Conflict and Ceasefire Violations President Ramaphosa emphasized…

Puntland State bolsters Al-Miskaad front as forces hunt remaining ISIS militants

Puntland State deploys new forces to Al-Miskaad as campaign against ISIS-Somalia enters ‘closing phase’ BOSASO, Somalia — Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 Puntland State has deployed new military units to the Al-Miskaad mountain range in the Bari region as its yearlong campaign against the Islamic State group’s Somali branch moves into what officials describe as its closing phase. Regional authorities said Monday that hundreds of recently assigned soldiers were sent to the Baallade valley and surrounding areas to reinforce and…