External Relations

As the specter of strained trade relations looms over South Africa, a wave of uncertainty permeates the air. The United States, a significant player in global commerce, has hinted at severing vital economic ties, igniting anxiety among South African entrepreneurs and corporations alike. Is it time for Africa's most industrialized nation to brace itself for a seismic economic shift? This isn't merely theoretical speculation; it’s a scenario that resonates with real-world implications. Picture the bustling markets of…

The recent expulsion of French troops from Côte d'Ivoire signals a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa. This move follows a similar withdrawal from Chad earlier this year and mirrors actions taken by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—countries that have exhibited a growing discontent with French military presence. Could this be the death knell for French influence in the Sahel region? To understand the implications of this trend, one must delve into the intricate tapestry of historical relations.…

The humanitarian landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is increasingly bleak as M23 rebel forces extend their reach across the eastern provinces. Goma, the capital of North Kivu, has been particularly hard-hit. Reports of criminal activities have skyrocketed, painting a harrowing picture for residents and aid workers alike. Home invasions, kidnappings, and vehicle thefts targeting humanitarian staff pose a dire challenge amid an already fragile situation. Consider for a moment the plight of a humanitarian…

In a significant gathering recently held in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, leaders from various African air forces came together with a unified purpose: to bolster military aviation across national boundaries. The discussions primarily revolved around the increasingly complex dynamics of humanitarian crises and the essential role of disaster relief in addressing these challenges. As the world faces an array of trials—natural disasters, conflict, and pandemics—the discourse turned to how coordinated military efforts can serve…

The challenge of delivering sufficient surgical care in Sub-Saharan Africa is a multifaceted dilemma, stemming from a conspicuous lack of resources, technology, and expertise. An alarming projection suggests that by the year 2030, the continent could face a deficit of six million surgical care professionals. This staggering statistic was highlighted by Melody Chironda in her recent report from the Pan African Surgical Conference held in Kigali, Rwanda. Imagine traveling to a vibrant city in Africa, immersed in the…

The Africa Court on Human and People's Rights recently wrapped up a pivotal two-day hearing concerning serious allegations made by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda. At the heart of this complex situation are accusations of human rights violations stemming from the ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC, a region grappling with decades of instability. During the proceedings, the representatives for Rwanda raised significant questions about the court's jurisdiction. They argued that the DRC had notably failed to…

Malnutrition poses a formidable obstacle for many African countries. According to a recent UNICEF report, a staggering 64 million children across the continent—roughly one-third—are grappling with "severe food poverty." This dire situation is likely to escalate into "wasting," a perilous form of malnutrition that can have devastating consequences. How do we turn the tide on such a pervasive issue? At the forefront of this global conversation is the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Paris.…

In 2002, the European Union instituted sanctions against Zimbabwe’s defense sector, a move triggered by instances of electoral malpractice and human rights violations. The EU's embargo specifically targets arms shipments rumored to support internal repression. This decision was solidified following a European Council meeting held on February 18, signaling a persistent commitment to uphold human rights and democratic values. The European Union’s approach to these restrictive measures has been gradual, aimed at fostering…

The Liberian government finds itself grappling with a troubling fiscal landscape. Recent cancellations of key initiatives backed by USAID, the U.S. agency renowned for its global development efforts, have exacerbated an already precarious situation. With the current U.S. administration opting for a 90-day hiatus to reevaluate the agency’s initiatives, the ripple effects are being keenly felt in Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Ngafua has been vocal about the ramifications of these funding cuts. He noted with palpable…

Libya, a nation once brimming with promise, now finds itself teetering on the edge of instability. During a recent session of the UN Security Council, UN Political Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo painted a stark picture of a country burdened by deep-rooted political fractures, widespread economic mismanagement, and alarming human rights abuses. “Libya’s unity is imperiled,” DiCarlo stated, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with its own factions. Political divisions have become so pronounced that they threaten the…