ongoing

The Dynamics of Global Negotiations: Ukraine, Minerals, and the Quest for Peace In a world teetering on the edge of transformation, where every decision can pivot the course of history, it's no surprise that intricate deals are at play, with stakes as high as the aspirations they seek to fulfill. Among these, the ongoing negotiations over strategic minerals between the United States and Ukraine tell a story—not just of geopolitical maneuverings, but of human determination and a quest for stability. Some of the…

Picture this: a city teetering on the brink of chaos, its narrow streets echoing with the clamor of celebration. In Bukavu, an occupied town in Congo, officers were reported by Reuters to be jubilating, somewhat paradoxically given the surrounding turmoil. Could it be a celebration of newfound power, or perhaps mere survival in a region marked by instability? The Eastern Congo has seen its share of strife, and Thursday was no exception. The M23 rebels, defiant and unyielding, made their determined push toward…

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…

A Delicate Dance: Ethiopia and Somalia's Diplomatic Dialogue ANKARA, Turkey — In a development bristling with diplomatic intrigue, Ethiopia and Somalia initiated pivotal discussions on Tuesday, maneuvering through a maze of complex geopolitical tensions. These technical talks between high-ranking diplomats marked a significant moment, emerging from a contentious pact involving Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed autonomous region of North Western State of Somalia. A situation reminiscent of a chess match…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture the halls of power veiled in silence, a silence heavy with the weight of political trepidation. Somali lawmaker Abdirashid Hidig offers a stark warning: if the House of the People stays shuttered, legislators might resort to holding their own sessions, parallel and unauthorized. A drastic measure, indeed, but Hidig has pointed fingers at certain political leaders, accusing them of intentionally crippling parliamentary operations. This dialogue invites us to ponder: in a land rife with challenges,…

In a notable stride against extremist encroachment in digital realms, Telegram has put a definitive end to Iclaam, a notorious channel infamous for broadcasting the sinister narratives of the Islamic State (ISIS). This move resonates profoundly in the ongoing endeavor to squelch the potent sway extremists wield via social media channels. Have you ever wondered how platforms designed for connection can also be harnessed as tools of division? If there’s one thing that stands out in this digital age, it’s the role of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, Somalia finds itself entrenched in a deeply troubling narrative: near the very bottom of the world’s ranks in 2024. This index, which scrutinizes 180 nations for perceived public sector corruption, paints Somalia in stark tones—positioning it at 179th with a dismal score of 9 out of 100, following a concerning decline of two points since the previous year. Such rankings have almost become an unfortunate…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

Recently, the militia group known as M23 made a surprising announcement, coinciding with a surge of violence that has tragically claimed over 700 lives within a mere few days. This escalation has not gone unnoticed; international aid organizations and human rights advocates have expressed serious concerns regarding the state of affairs in the region. In their statement, the M23 rebels cited humanitarian issues as the driving force behind their latest actions, particularly following their seizure of Goma. This city, a…