Irony of UN missions: UN deploys where there’s peace to keep, while African-led PSOs deploy where there’s no peace at all
Eighteen years on, al-Shabab remains a potent presence in Somalia’s south-central countryside. AMISOM found itself hamstrung by inconsistent financing, shortages of equipment, poor coordination and the complexity of Somalia’s domestic politics.
France’s Macron to name new PM in coming days, blasts far-right and left-wing parties for uniting to create ‘a mess’
It was unclear if a new government will be in place before a ceremony on Saturday to reopen Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been renovated after a devastating fire. World leaders including US President-elect Donald Trump are expected to attend.
Trump taps politician with business experience as ambassador to China to steer relations riven by deep mistrust, trade tensions
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated China hardliners for other senior roles in his administration, including Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state, in a signal his policy toward the United States’ main strategic rival could go beyond trade measures.
UN: Violence against women is a global crisis with Africa topping world with over 21,700 murders in 2023
In recent years, the crimes have sparked several waves of protests and put gender violence at the top of Mexico’s political agenda. Keeping the issue of femicide in the spotlight and making information available and accessible for women, is key for holding the authorities accountable and preventing violence against women and girls.
Kenya cuts base rate more than expected for third month to stimulate growth
Kenya’s inflation edged up to 2.8 per cent year-on-year in November, from 2.7 per cent a month earlier, but it remains well within the government’s preferred band of between 2.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent in the medium term.
‘While donor countries often respond sluggishly to warnings of food crisis, combatants close borders and make it difficult to deliver aid’
The first famine the IPC identified – in 2011 in Somalia – illustrates the devastating toll when aid arrives too late. Drought and armed conflict among militant groups fighting for control of the country’s south led to mass displacement and dire food shortages from 2010 through 2012. IPC analyses repeatedly warned of an imminent risk of famine.
Report: Governments or ruling factions manipulate data to exclude evidence of famine, delay famine warning
In Gaza, the conflict has imperilled the data collectors themselves, who often are aid workers. At least 337 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the Israeli operation began, the most ever in a single crisis, according to the UN.
Report: Famine catastrophes result from governments fear of international stigma and political blowback at home for failing to feed own people
Martin Griffiths, who stepped down as UN humanitarian relief chief in June, said shortages of data, money and access to areas where people are starving has created a situation in which “your hands are tied behind your back from the beginning.”
President Macron to replace PM Michel Barnier as France’s political crisis deepens
The fall of France’s government leaves the country without a clear path towards reducing its fiscal deficit and the most likely outcome is less belt-tightening than previously planned, credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) said.
Data suggest Chelsea the most entertaining team in English Premier League at present
The Chelsea fans in the away end roared their approval. “Chelsea are back,” they bellowed, the first time this writer has heard that upbeat chant since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake consortium took over in May 2022. Maresca’s name was belted out loudly, too, the first head coach hired by the current regime to be on the receiving end of such a resounding noise of approval.
