conflict

The M23 rebel group has recently made headlines by calling for direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government, following their seizure of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. This development has ignited yet another chapter in an enduring saga of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In their statement, M23 asserted that their entry into Bukavu aimed to "restore security" and "aid the local population." This declaration raises an eyebrow, considering the group’s controversial history. They…

Since the military coup in Niger in July 2023, former president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have remained confined in a distressingly precarious situation. Their prolonged detention serves as a grim reminder of how swiftly political fortunes can shift and the consequent havoc it wreaks on lives. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, an independent authority charged with scrutinizing cases of wrongful confinement, has labeled the incarceration of Bazoum and his spouse as arbitrary. Their conclusion…

The ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern regions such as Goma, is reaching critical levels. Civilians, especially children, are bearing the brunt of this turmoil. According to UNICEF, the situation grows increasingly dire with each passing day. The refugee agency estimates that hundreds of thousands have been uprooted by the relentless fighting. Imagine for a moment the sheer chaos—a family that once shared laughter and meals finds itself scrambling for safety, with little to no…

Bosaso (AX) — Imagine the bleak horizon, a barren canvas where ambition and despair mingle. In such a landscape, one might think that dreams could flourish or wither silently, but not so in Northeastern State. Here, intelligence reports expose a story of exploitation, where ISIS employs a pernicious strategy to bolster its presence. It targets the vulnerable, preying upon those seeking hope across treacherous paths. What compels these militants to trap foreign migrants in their web of deceit and coercion? A senior…

The recent takeover of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, by the M23 armed group has captured global attention, reigniting discussions about the tumultuous conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While many media outlets hastily attribute the turmoil to a desire to exploit the area’s abundant mineral resources, an analysis from The New Humanitarian reveals a far more intricate web of causes. The narrative framing the conflict as a mere scramble for minerals paints an oversimplified picture. It’s alluring to…

Mogadishu (AX) – The vibrant heart of commerce in Somalia, Bakara Market, flung open its doors again on a sunny Tuesday morning, following its temporary closure for four exhausting days. This decision emerged from critical negotiations between the nation's federal officials and the indomitable spirits of the business community. A glimmer of hope appeared as a precursor to the bustling days ahead. Productive dialogues between the esteemed Banadir Regional Business Council and the voice of the people, Speaker of the House…

Somalia: Northeastern State Forces Triumph Over ISIS, Killing Over 60 Militants in Lone Battle BOSASO, Somalia - In the rugged terrains of Northeastern State, where the sweeping sand meets defiance and courage, a significant victory unfolded—one that might mark a turning point in the quest for stability. Local ISIS forces announced a momentous triumph over IS-Somalia militants, capturing the essence of resilience and tenacity in this strife-torn region. This was not a simple clash; it was a testament to the relentless…

In a recent assertion that reverberated through the corridors of Parliament, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola unequivocally dismissed the mounting calls for South Africa to withdraw its military presence from the tumultuous Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). To suggest such a retreat, Lamola stated, is nothing short of “worse than surrender.” His words were steeped in concern, reflecting the gravity of the situation following the tragic loss of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who…

In a painful reminder of the desperate journeys undertaken by countless individuals seeking a better life, Libyan security forces have unearthed nearly 50 bodies from two mass graves located in the arid southeastern desert. This grim discovery shines a light on the tragic realities faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of a new beginning. The recent unearthing of a mass grave containing 28 migrants in the city of Kufra aligns with the discovery of another grave just days prior, where 19 bodies were…

At the NLMK Indiana steel mill, a scene unfolds that is almost mesmerizing; a brilliant dance of light and metal as workers keep a vigilant eye on the steel, melting in an electric arc furnace at a scorching 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,649°C). It's an industrial ballet, unfolding quietly but with relentless fervor. Yet, how will the international trading stage change with the US steel narrative shifting so dramatically? In his bold stride to reconfigure a purportedly inequitable global trade system, President…