External Relations

Burkina Faso’s Junta Expels UN Official Amid Controversy Over Child Recruitment Report In a bold and highly controversial move, Burkina Faso’s military junta has declared Carol Flore-Smereczniak, the top United Nations official in the country, “persona non grata.” This expulsion underscores the growing tensions between the military government and international organizations amid an escalating humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing jihadist conflict. The immediate catalyst for this decision was a report that called…

The Dark Veins of Prosperity: The U.S. Sanctions on Conflict Minerals from the DR Congo In a world increasingly aware of the ethical complexities surrounding global supply chains, the U.S. Department of Treasury has drawn a line in the sand. Recent sanctions targeting four entities linked to the murky world of conflict minerals have reignited discussions about the intersection of commerce, human rights, and conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC is a nation rich in natural resources—specifically…

Zimbabwe's Human Rights Struggles: A Deepening Crisis As Zimbabwe approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape, a recent report by the U.S. Department of State has cast a stark light on the country’s ongoing struggles with human rights. The grim findings reveal a pattern of severe violations that has yet to see meaningful accountability from President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration, raising urgent questions about the future of democracy in this Southern African nation. Violations Beyond the Headlines The…

Urgent Humanitarian Crisis Looms Over Cameroon: A Call for Global Attention In the heart of Central Africa, the specter of hunger looms large as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) raises an alarming red flag: in just a matter of weeks, over half a million refugees and vulnerable Cameroonians may be stripped of their essential humanitarian food assistance. As resources dwindle, the urgency of the situation starkly illustrates the fragility of life in a region already burdened by poverty and conflict. Food…

The Ripple Effect of Fraud: Three Nigerian Men Sentenced in U.S. Unemployment Scheme In an unsettling yet revealing chapter of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a U.S. court has sentenced three Nigerian men for their direct involvement in a sprawling unemployment fraud scheme. This case not only shines a spotlight on the lengths individuals will go to during times of economic uncertainty but also underscores the ongoing vulnerabilities in international cybersecurity and fraud prevention systems. The Crime…

The Silent Struggle in Eastern Congo: Unpacking the Human Cost of Conflict In the heart of Africa, a storm brews beneath the surface—a brutal reality unfolding in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recent reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have illuminated chilling details about the ongoing violence, specifically implicating the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese military-aligned Wazalendo coalition. Together, these groups are accused of committing heinous…

The Fragile Fabric of African Trade: AGOA at a Crossroads As the sun rises on the bustling markets of Nairobi and the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, a shadow looms over the economic prospects of sub-Saharan Africa. This unease derives not from the rhythmic dance of local entrepreneurs or the vibrant colors of fresh produce but from an evolving political landscape in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump’s recent decisions to cut vital aid to Africa and impose new tariffs on exports have raised alarm bells, rekindling…

The head of Ethiopia Electric Power, Asheber Balcha, recently expressed concerns over Egypt's actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric project in Africa. Balcha accused Egypt of "scrambling to create hurdles" just as the dam nears its operational launch—a project deeply tied to the Nile River, a vital water source for Egypt and its neighbors. This statement comes at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions in the region. While visiting Uganda, the Egyptian foreign minister…

In a recent address, President Filipe Nyusi, who is nearing the end of his current term, urged for a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the unrest that has swept through the nation over the past few weeks. These protests erupted following the October 9 elections, during which Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, was announced as the victor. Nyusi expressed his concerns, noting that the ongoing violence is detrimental to Mozambique's economy, stating that it “restricts business operations and port…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…