tension

In a highly anticipated meeting, delegations from Russia and Ukraine gathered face-to-face in Istanbul yesterday, marking their first direct talks in over three years. However, skepticism loomed large regarding the potential for meaningful progress. These concerns were amplified when Russia announced late Wednesday that a team of deputy ministers led by former Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky would represent them. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin—who initially called for these discussions to circumvent European…

In a significant move reflecting the complexities of international diplomacy, the United States has recently announced plans to deport around 132 South Sudanese nationals. In response to this unfolding situation, the government of South Sudan is taking proactive steps and has decided to send a delegation to the United States. The aim? To thoroughly assess the circumstances surrounding these deportations and facilitate a constructive dialogue. According to an official statement from Vice President Bol Mel's office, this…

A noteworthy meeting recently unfolded in the bustling city of Luanda. It was an encounter that could potentially reshape the future of a troubled region. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi engaged in dialogue with Angolan President Joao Lourenco—an interaction worthy of the spotlight. Following these discussions, Angola courageously pledged to mediate between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels. A bold move indeed. What's next, you ask? A direct negotiation has been…

White House Clash with Trump 'Regrettable' - Zelensky The political landscape can often resemble a battlefield, full of tension and miscommunication. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized the White House's confrontation with former President Donald Trump as “regrettable.” Such conflicts, particularly between the leaders of nations, are disheartening, aren't they? They fuel uncertainty in an already complex global situation, one that calls for understanding and collaboration instead of division.…

FILE - On May 31, 2024, observers noted temporary shelters near Awlala Camp in Ethiopia's Amhara region. UNICEF announced on January 7, 2025, that a staggering 4.4 million children in Amhara are out of school, a consequence of disasters and unrest. (Photo by Alfatih Alsemari via Reuters) Across Ethiopia, an unsettling reality unfolds: over nine million young ones are absent from classrooms due to violence, conflicts, and the havoc wreaked by Mother Nature. The United Nations reveals that more than 6,000 institutions for…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia finds itself entangled in a thorny political conundrum, with rising tensions between the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland over contentious electoral reforms. This firestorm has forced Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to call for an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday, aiming to tackle what has become a seriously divisive cause. Jubbaland's leadership is vehemently opposing federal election plans and champions regional self-governance instead. At the crux of this simmering discord…

Tensions have significantly intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following Ethiopia's formal engagement earlier this year with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland—an entity that Somalia adamantly contests. The deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for a nod of political recognition from this landlocked regional power. In response to this maneuver, Somalia expressed vehement opposition, labeling Ethiopia's actions as an unwelcome intrusion into its internal matters.…

The price of grain has risen in West Africa in recent weeks. Maize but also millet and sorghum are more expensive in the markets due to a lack of sufficient stock and for fear of a disappointing new harvest. Again, it is a game of dominoes that increases the price of a bowl of corn or a millet bowl in West Africa. Initially,…

France has frozen its budget support and suspended military cooperation with the Central African Republic. Paris justifies this decision with unfulfilled commitments from the Central African authorities "both politically towards the opposition and behavior towards France", the French Ministry of Armed Forces specifies. The tea towel is burning between Paris and Bangui, but signs of conviction have…

May 26, the date of the new head of state's traditional investment, exacerbates political tensions as a new president should have taken office. But the head of state, Azali Assoumani, in office since 2016, was able to fight for his own legacy and was re-elected in 2019, following a constitutional amendment, in 2018. The national police were deployed in and around the capital.…