External Relations

The strife engulfing eastern DRC is casting a long shadow over South Kivu. The notorious M23 rebel group has gained considerable ground, snatching up vital towns such as Kalehe and Kavumu, and has recently breached the gates of Bukavu, the provincial capital. This relentless advance creates a scene reminiscent of a disheartening tableau, where hope is suffocated under the weight of conflict. Marcus Bachmann, who heads the programs for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the region, painted a bleak picture of the situation:…

In a decisive and candid address, President John Mahama recently emphasized a critical message to his administration: the stringent expectation to declare assets by the end of March, as mandated by Ghanaian law. He warns that failure to comply will result in "severe sanctions." This directive underscores his unwavering commitment to combatting corruption, an issue that has plagued many nations, including Ghana. On February 19, during a public asset declaration alongside Ghana's Auditor General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu,…

The Rwandan government has sharply rebuked Belgium for what it perceives as an “aggressive campaign” aimed at disrupting its access to vital development funding. In a bold move, Belgium has urged the European Union to suspend direct budgetary support to Rwanda, contingent on the nation “severing ties with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels,” who have made significant territorial gains in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions raises an important question: To…

In recent developments, the U.S. government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the allocation and impact of past aid distributed to Nigeria and other nations. This initiative follows an unexpected decision made by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, to suspend all foreign aid for a period of 90 days. The suspension, marked by concerns regarding global destabilization and the perceived misalignment of aid with American strategic interests, raises questions that demand careful consideration. Such a…

A recently published study raises an urgent alarm about the precarious status of the world’s peatlands. Described as "dangerously under-protected," these landscapes are not just patches of soggy earth; they are crucial players in our ecosystem. Covering a mere 3% of the Earth's surface, peatlands store more carbon than all of the world's forests combined. Yet, their significance often goes unnoticed. Why is this? Perhaps it's our tendency to overlook the quiet, steadfast guardians of carbon storage. Peatlands serve multiple…

The military junta, under the leadership of Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has once again faltered, neglecting another deadline for restoring democracy in Guinea. This delay in the transition to civilian governance was outlined in an agreement forged in 2022 with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), concluding a long, tumultuous year of discussions. The long-awaited process intended to initiate preparations for the 2025 elections had been scheduled to commence on New Year's Day. Yet, instead of rallying the…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

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…

The diplomatic ties between South Africa and the United States have recently taken a sharp turn toward tension. Central to this escalating strain is a dramatic clash between two notable figures: Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur and advisor to former President Trump, and Julius Malema, the fiery leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Tensions came to a head when Musk, calling Malema an "international criminal," demanded sanctions against him for incendiary remarks during a rally. These remarks included the…

This past weekend, regional dignitaries from southern and eastern Africa gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling capital. Their agenda? To address the increasingly perilous situation unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There, M23 rebels have rapidly seized control of significant territories in a region blessed with abundant minerals. But can mere discussions truly pave the way for peace amidst such turmoil? Experts observing the proceedings noted a deeply entrenched discord among the leaders,…