optimism

Bulgaria will adopt the euro on Jan. 1, retiring the lev and joining the eurozone as its 21st member in a move that promises deeper integration with the European Union and a seat at the European Central Bank’s rate-setting table. The long-awaited shift, two years after Croatia’s entry, will extend the common currency to more than 350 million people. Authorities say Bulgaria met the formal entry criteria this year, including targets on inflation, budget deficit, long-term borrowing costs and exchange-rate stability. The…

The Fragile Peace in Eastern DR Congo: Voices from the Ground In the lush, green hills of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the echo of gunfire and the palpable tension in the air create a stark contrast to the paper agreements made months prior. Residents in towns like Goma and Bukavu, once bustling with life, are now haunted by a pervasive uncertainty. The much-publicized peace agreements inked in Doha, Qatar, in June—which involved intricate negotiations among international powers—were meant to restore…

Iran downplayed the recent air assault by Israel on its military assets, asserting that the damage inflicted was minimal. This comes as U.S. President Joe Biden urged for a cessation of hostilities that have escalated tensions in the Middle East into potentially dangerous territory. In the early hours of yesterday, a multitude of Israeli fighter jets executed three separate waves of strikes targeting missile production facilities and other significant sites in the vicinity of Tehran and throughout western Iran, according to…

In the vibrant neighborhoods of Epworth and Mbare in Harare, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has embarked on a crucial mission: empowering the youth to confront mental health issues through a unique peer-led initiative. Equipped with specialized training, educators affiliated with MSF deliver essential psychological first aid. They bridge young individuals with critical mental health resources, encompassing a range of services such as medical care, HIV testing, STI management, contraceptive options, health education,…

In the ongoing conflict, Israeli troops clashed with Hamas-affiliated militants in both northern and southern Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes across the region resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians overnight. According to medical personnel, these fatalities stemmed from distinct Israeli aerial bombardments targeting Deir Al-Balah, situated in central Gaza, as well as Khan Younis and Rafah in the southern part of the enclave. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, both armed factions,…

Despite differences, optimism was recorded in Somalia's difficult political talks MOGADISHU, Somalia - There has been some optimism in Somalia's ongoing negotiations in Mogadishu, and the international community continues to put pressure on various actors who have pulled the country back and forth in the midst of stalemate before the election. Leaders from all member states, the…

In Mali, the Niono Forum ended this weekend after three days of discussion between authorities, notables and representatives of society and religious. This meeting began on November 5 in the presence of four ministers to try to find a solution to the murderous conflict between communities opposing the Fulani community against the traditional dozo hunters in this circle of the Ségou region.…