External Relations

Unlocking Potential: U.S.-Liberia Relations and the Minerals Frontier In the muted halls of Washington, a significant dialogue unfolded last week that highlights the intricate dance of geopolitics and resource diplomacy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, discussing the expansion of American interests in Liberia's critical minerals sector. This meeting is more than just a diplomatic handshake; it symbolizes a burgeoning relationship that could redefine not just…

Hope on the Horizon: The End of an Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo In a remarkable turn of events, the last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been discharged, signaling a beacon of hope amid the shadows cast by infectious diseases. This milestone marks not only a pivotal moment for the affected regions of the DRC but also for the global health community, eager for triumph over one of the most notorious pathogens known to humanity. A Comprehensive Response to a Complex…

African Cinema: A Resurgence of Culture and Identity African cinema has always been a rich tapestry, woven together with the threads of diverse stories and vibrant cultural expressions. Recently, however, this medium has witnessed an extraordinary renaissance, one that not only highlights the unique narratives of the continent but also asserts its place on the global stage. Central to this movement is the Film Africa festival, an event that serves as a crucial bridge connecting African filmmakers to international audiences.…

Towards Peace: A Fragile Ceasefire Agreement in the Congo In a development that offers a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing turbulence, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have reached an agreement to establish a joint ceasefire monitoring body. The announcement, made through social media statements from both entities, marks a crucial step forward, emerging from protracted negotiations in the opulent surroundings of Doha, Qatar. This agreement, however, arrives…

The Complex Journey of Migrants: Navigating New Challenges in Ghana In an era marked by heightened migration and shifting geopolitical alliances, the arrival of a recent group of migrants at Kotoka International Airport in Accra underscores the complexities facing both the deportees and the welcoming nation. A Boeing 767-200 from Baltimore touched down, bringing with it 14 West African nationals, a somber reminder of the struggles many endure in pursuit of safety and stability. While the specific nationalities of these…

Burkina Faso's Human Rights Crisis: The Detention of Aid Workers Raises Alarm In the heart of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, a troubling storm is brewing that threatens not only the humanitarian efforts crucial to the nation but also the very fabric of its governance. Recently, several aid workers from a Netherlands-based non-governmental organization (NGO) found themselves enveloped in a web of serious accusations, as the government detained them on charges of spying and treason. This incident has raised serious…

Global Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Threat to Public Health As the world grapples with a myriad of health crises, a silent but deadly phenomenon is emerging from the shadows—antibiotic resistance. A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that a staggering one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide in 2023 was resistant to commonly used antibiotic treatments. Over a 40% resistance rate of bacteria-drug combinations from 2018 to 2023 paints an alarming picture of a public health…

Benin Faces Growing Security Threats: A Call for Collective Action In a somber moment for a nation typically celebrated for its stability, Benin has found itself reeling from a deadly attack on a police station near its border with Nigeria. The incident, which took place on October 5, resulted in the tragic loss of several members of the security forces and sent ripples of fear and uncertainty through communities already grappling with rising violence. From Stability to Strain For decades, Benin has stood as a beacon of…

U.S. sends second batch of deportees to Eswatini amid legal challenges and diplomatic push The United States quietly flew a second group of 10 people to Eswatini this week, Eswatini government officials confirmed, deepening a controversial pattern of repatriations to African countries under the Trump administration’s hard-line immigration agenda. The detainees—reported to include nationals from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Cuba—are being held at Matsapha Maximum Security Correctional Centre near Manzini as authorities…

South African activists held by Israel after Gaza aid attempt are “in good health and high spirits,” Pretoria says South Africa’s foreign ministry on Wednesday said a group of its citizens detained by Israeli authorities after attempting to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip are “in good health and high spirits,” and that efforts to secure their safe return are “advancing steadily.” The detained activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla — a civil society initiative that sought to reach Gaza by sea amid a protracted…