Updates

The ongoing exchange of fire between Israel and Iran has now entered its sixth day, marking the most intense escalation in their longstanding conflict. This situation has heightened concerns about a prolonged confrontation that could spiral into a broader conflict in the Middle East. Recent Developments Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli air force jets successfully targeted what he termed Iran's "internal security headquarters." This comes on the heels of statements from the Israeli military that…

In a move that surprised many, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has officially abandoned plans for a 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), a change that would have taken effect on May 1. The VAT rate will remain at 15%, offering a momentary sigh of relief for consumers and businesses alike. This decision did not occur in isolation; it stemmed from thorough discussions with various political factions and a meticulous evaluation of recommendations put forth by parliamentary committees. It appears the government is keenly…

As discussions for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict take place between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia, let's take a closer look at the key developments following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. US Pressure on Moscow On his inauguration day, President Trump remarked that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, "should make a deal" with Ukraine, highlighting the potential consequences of inaction. He stated, "I think he's destroying Russia by not making a deal." During his…

This week, the international spotlight has turned to an unexpected topic: Pope Francis's health. As the longest hospital stay of his nearly 12-year papacy unfolds, it’s only natural that the globe's attention is fixed on him. What’s perhaps a bit surprising is the level of detail emerging from the Vatican regarding the Pope’s condition. Traditionally, the Vatican has maintained a rather mysterious stance on personal matters like health. Yet, recent daily briefings have taken a notably different approach. The updates…

The scene was thick with emotion as jubilant crowds gathered to greet a busload of Palestinians who had tasted freedom again, following their release from Israeli jails. This act was a poignant part of a complex and tenuous dance of ceasefire and prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, all under the January sunshine of 2025. Imagine the hopeful yet weary faces outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer, nestled near Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. They stood in anticipation, waiting for a reunion forged in the…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi engaged in a pivotal conversation with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the United Nations, in Mogadishu. Their discussion revolved around the newly inaugurated United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), which has taken over from UNSOM. This meeting came just a day after UNTMIS’s official debut on November 1. The dialogue centered on Somalia’s evolving role within the UN Security Council, along with critical security…

Mais Integridade has taken the significant step of launching a lawsuit against the Zambézia Provincial Elections Commission (CPE). The core of their grievance lies in the CPE's failure to issue observer credentials within the legally mandated timeframe. Out of a staggering 279 applications that were submitted, the Commission only approved 45 in the last fortnight. This delay blatantly flouts a law that stipulates decisions should be made within five days, prompting serious concerns about transparency and accountability in…