External Relations

In a stark shift in its foreign aid strategy, the United States has decided to withhold $50 million in health assistance to Zambia. This decision stems from the alarming issue of "systematic theft" of donated drugs and medical supplies within the country. What does this mean for those in dire need of medical support? U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, expressed the gravity of this choice. He described it as a "difficult" but necessary step after countless warnings to the Zambian government about the importance of…

In a world where development is often stymied by bureaucratic inertia, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Finance Minister of Mauritania, stands at the precipice of change. As he sets his sights on the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), his vision for reform promises not just a shift in policy but a fundamental evolution in how the institution operates. Tah's aspirations will take center stage during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting in Abidjan, where critical decisions affecting the financial landscape of the…

Rwanda finds itself at the beginning of negotiations with the Trump administration regarding the acceptance of migrants deported from the United States. This revelation comes from the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, whose words carry a weight of diplomacy. In the backdrop of these discussions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated a rather stark view, declaring that Washington is "actively searching" for nations prepared to welcome "some of the most despicable human beings."…

Recent cuts to international funding, notably the stop-work orders imposed by the United States, have begun to take a heavy toll on humanitarian initiatives and local economies that depend heavily on aid operations. This predicament is exemplified by the situation in Maiduguri, Nigeria, as reported by The New Humanitarian. Often nicknamed the heart of aid efforts battling Boko Haram's relentless insurgency, Maiduguri has witnessed notable economic revival, significantly driven by the initiatives of non-governmental…

Recent developments have cast a shadow over the Lesotho Health and Horticulture compact agreement, originally established in 2022 with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a prominent U.S. foreign aid agency. In a striking turn of events, reports indicate that this vital initiative may face closure, following the MCC’s disbandment under the previous Trump Administration. At the heart of this compact was an impressive $300 million investment—an endeavor designed to uplift nearly 2.5 million lives. Imagine the ripple…

Despite global efforts to eradicate it, female genital mutilation (FGM) continues to pose a significant threat to the health and rights of millions of girls. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning: while cases of FGM have declined globally, the alarming trend is that healthcare professionals are increasingly becoming the perpetrators. As of 2020, an estimated 52 million girls and women worldwide—approximately one in four—have faced this harrowing procedure at the hands of those we trust to heal us.…

In a poignant gesture that acknowledges a challenging past, French President Emmanuel Macron recently articulated his intent to seek “forgiveness” for France’s colonial domination over Madagascar. This statement comes as part of a broader commitment to revisit the historical narrative, beginning with the return of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era. Madagascar, with its rich tapestry of history and heritage, endured French colonial rule from 1896 until it regained full sovereignty in 1960. This period marked…

In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This marked a historic milestone, as it was the first official visit by a Head of State from Ukraine to South Africa. Such events often carry weighty implications, reflecting the evolving dynamics of international relations and cooperation. The primary aim of President Zelenskyy's visit was to bolster bilateral relations, fostering cooperation across various sectors that could…

Gorée Island, a cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled off the coast of Senegal, serves not only as a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade but also as a vibrant community steeped in life and history. It’s a place where the echoes of the past resonate powerfully, inviting reflection and contemplation. At the heart of the island's narrative lies the Maison des Esclaves, or the Slave House, a solemn museum that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Among these are many individuals from diverse corners…

In Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a pivotal meeting. This gathering comes in response to a significant development: three member nations have announced their intent to withdraw from the bloc in January. As the discussions unfold, the leaders aim to explore the complexities surrounding the countries' exit and its broader ramifications for ECOWAS agencies. ECOWAS, a cornerstone of regional cooperation, has consistently upheld…