South

In a startling turn of events, South Sudan's political landscape has once again been thrust into the spotlight. The arrest of Riek Machar, the country's First Vice President, marks a pivotal moment in South Sudanese politics. Machar, a figure both revered and controversial, finds himself detained and facing allegations of incitement. This development has ignited concerns from global powers, wary of the potential relapse into civil war—a prospect that casts a somber shadow over hopes for peace and stability in the…

Devastating wildfires are currently sweeping through South Korea, having doubled in size within a single day. Authorities are now calling this disaster the most severe natural fire incident the nation has ever faced, with at least 27 lives lost and historic temples reduced to ashes. So far, over 33,000 hectares have been scorched, predominantly in Uiseong county, marking it as the largest forest fire in South Korea's history. The previous record stood at 24,000 hectares during a fire in March 2000. Acting President Han…

In a notable gathering that promised to shape the future of global tourism, Mister Nkhumeleni Victor Vele, the Director General of the South African Department of Tourism, recently presided over the inaugural meeting of the Tourism Working Group. This assembly brought together senior officials and experts from the G20 nations, all driven by a common ambition: to propel the tourism sector into a new era of resilience and innovation. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, underscoring the profound impact that tourism can…

The current political unrest in South Sudan illuminates the fragile nature of peace and power dynamics within the nation. As South Sudan grapples with tenuous stability, recent developments threaten to unravel the delicate fabric of peace woven since the end of the brutal civil war. This unrest underscores a critical turning point in South Sudan’s political landscape, where every decision could either fortify or shatter the fragile peace. Recently, the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar and several key figures has ignited…

U.N. Advocates for Restraint Following Turbulence in South Sudan's Political Sphere AX – Juba: The call for peace resonates loudly from the halls of the United Nations as tension brews in South Sudan. Recent reports indicate the unexpected arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, a move that hangs like a dark cloud over the nation’s delicate peace. In a prescient statement released at the crack of dawn on Thursday, Nicholas Haysom, a man who knows the landscape well as the U.N. Mission chief in South Sudan (UNMISS),…

Reflecting on international diplomacy, one cannot underestimate the complexity of appointing national ambassadors, a process laden with strategic considerations and diplomatic repercussions. Recently, the nomination of Leo Brent Bozell III by former President Donald Trump as the United States Ambassador to South Africa has sparked substantial discussion. This decision has stirred controversy, leaving many to wonder: Is this a step forward or a regression in U.S.-South Africa relations? Bozell, known widely as a…

Mr. Zane Dangor, South Africa's G20 Sherpa and Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, recently found himself amidst the bustling halls of the United Nations in New York. His presence there was prompted by an invitation from the President of the General Assembly, offering him a platform to delineate South Africa’s priorities as it assumes the G20 Presidency. With earnest conviction, Mr. Dangor spoke of a theme deeply rooted in South Africa’s ethos—“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”…

Tragic events have unfolded in South Korea as wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives, marking one of the most catastrophic wildfire outbreaks in the nation's history. The acting president characterized the damage as “unprecedented,” reflecting the widespread impact these fires have had on communities. Over the weekend, a series of wildfires erupted, particularly devastating the southeast region of the country. This calamity has forced approximately 27,000 residents to evacuate urgently, with flames cutting off access…

On the horizon, South Africans face yet another financial challenge. With already precarious economic conditions, the impending electricity price increase of 12.7% slated for April 1, 2025—dubbed "Fossil Fools' Day" by the environmental group Earthlife Africa—has sent shockwaves through households already struggling to make ends meet. When combined with the anticipated 0.5% hike in VAT, families will be forced to grapple with excruciating choices: Should they pay for electricity or for essentials like food and medicine?…

Picture this — a land rich with potential, the world's newest nation teetering on the delicate threshold of peace and chaos. South Sudan, a country birthed from years of struggle and yearning for independence, finds itself once more at a crossroads. Can it navigate the precarious path to sustained peace, or will history repeat itself in a torrent of conflict? In a move illustrating the growing unease, Germany has prudently shuttered its embassy in Juba, the pulsating heart of South Sudan. As tensions ravage this…