Poses

Joseph Edlow, the new director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is reshaping immigration policies that could significantly impact many immigrants, particularly those from developing regions like Africa. His recent announcements reflect a shift in how the U.S. approaches its employment and citizenship policies, suggesting an urgent need to adapt to the current labor market. Edlow expressed concern that the existing H-1B visa system, designed to facilitate the entry of skilled foreign workers,…

The recent decision by the UK government to slash foreign aid spending by a staggering 40% has raised a wave of concerns regarding its ramifications for humanitarian efforts, particularly across the African continent. This significant budget reduction has sent ripples of anxiety through various sectors, notably health and education. The Prime Minister described this juncture as a "painful choice," a term that may indeed resonate with those on the front lines of aid work. This move mirrors a troubling trend initiated by past…

Remittances to Somalia represent a lifeline in a landscape marred by challenges. In 2023, the Somali diaspora generously sent approximately $1.73 billion back home, a staggering figure that surpasses the total of all development and humanitarian aid received. This essential flow of funds is crucial—it’s estimated that these remittances account for between 30% and 50% of Somalia's GDP. Families depend on this support for their basic needs, including food, education, healthcare, and even access to clean water. However, as we…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

On January 20, 2025, an executive order from the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world, as the U.S. government enacted an immediate freeze on foreign aid for a staggering 90 days. This bold decision ignited apprehension among aid organizations, leaving vulnerable communities in despair and shaking the foundations of essential programs tackling hunger, healthcare, and education. The reality is stark: lives depend on this assistance, and the abrupt halt threatens to pull the rug out from under…

Amid escalating violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations has raised a clarion call, expressing "grave concern" for the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported a staggering exodus, with over 400,000 individuals displaced due to renewed hostilities between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. That’s nearly double the figure reported just a week ago, illustrating how quickly the situation is spiraling out of…

Ghana is grappling with the severe repercussions of illegal mining, commonly referred to as Galamsey. This rampant activity, primarily conducted by small-scale miners, is taking place across countless sites, igniting widespread protests and prompting the military to take action against it. As a key player in the global gold and cocoa markets, Ghana is feeling the pinch, as land degradation from these mining operations is significantly affecting agricultural productivity. Despite the apparent environmental hazards and…

A significant academic study has issued a stark warning: any violation of the limits that climate scientists consider safe regarding global warming will likely lead to "irreversible consequences" for our planet. Even a brief spike above the 1.5°C threshold—often referred to as an "overshoot"—could trigger a series of catastrophic outcomes, such as rising sea levels and other long-lasting effects that could persist for millennia. Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, the lead author of the study, emphasized the magnitude of these…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has voiced strong objections to a recent decree from the Nigerien government, which greenlights the formation of a database targeting individuals suspected of terrorist activities. The organization argues that this legislation seriously infringes upon essential human rights by utilizing "overly vague criteria" for determining who gets placed on the list, consequently "denying due process" to those affected. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a Senior Researcher specializing in the Sahel region, expressed concern…