Perverse effects of conflict minerals initiatives in Congo remind us of how inaccurate narratives fuel the very problems they pretend to tackle

Perverse effects of conflict minerals initiatives in Congo remind us of how inaccurate narratives fuel the very problems they pretend to tackle

Natural resources do play an important role for both eastern DRC and Rwanda’s political economy, and it is true that the return of the M23 in 2021 correlates with a sharp rise in Rwanda’s mineral exports, as per official statistics.

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Why Trump views Africa as key to repulsing China influence, degrading Islamists and restoring hope among Christians

Why Trump views Africa as key to repulsing China influence, degrading Islamists and restoring hope among Christians

Counterterrorism efforts also featured prominently in Hegseth’s discussions. He underscored the importance of counterterrorism efforts in Africa. He pointed to the February 1 US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Somalia as an example of the military’s ongoing role in stabilising the region. Coordinated with the Federal Government of Somalia, the strikes reflect what he described as a necessary shift in decision-making authority to field commanders.

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Youth Red Cross in Naivasha: Young people who’re ready to support humanitarian work

Youth Red Cross in Naivasha: Young people who’re ready to support humanitarian work

The Kenya Red Cross supports and runs a number of projects while promoting responsiveness to the Kenyan public about the contemporary issues and problems which may affect them. Some of the projects which are run by and assisted by the Kenya Red Cross are Famine, blood services, first aid projects, disaster and emergency services and education services.

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China ready to harm US economy: Beijing slaps Google, other US firms with hefty tariffs as trade tensions escalate

China ready to harm US economy: Beijing slaps Google, other US firms with hefty tariffs as trade tensions escalate

Separately, China’s Commerce Ministry said it had put PVH Corp, the holding company for brands including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger and US biotechnology firm Illumina on its “unreliable entity” list.

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Tit-for-tat: China responds swiftly to US trade tariffs with its on hefty levies on American goods

Tit-for-tat: China responds swiftly to US trade tariffs with its on hefty levies on American goods

President Donald Trump looks on as he signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, on January 31, 2025. Credit: Reuters

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China says there is no winner in a trade war, denounces Trump tariff saying ‘Fentanyl is America’s problem’

China says there is no winner in a trade war, denounces Trump tariff saying ‘Fentanyl is America’s problem’

China’s commerce ministry said in a statement that Trump’s move “seriously violates” international trade rules, urging the US to “engage in frank dialogue and strengthen cooperation”.

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China’s credit cuts to Kenya forces the East African nation to turn to UAE for railway financing

China’s credit cuts to Kenya forces the East African nation to turn to UAE for railway financing

Trade between Kenya and the UAE has more than doubled over the last decade, Ruto’s office said. The UAE is the sixth biggest export market for Kenyan goods, and its second biggest source of imports. The value of the trade stood at Ksh445 billion ($3.44 billion) in 2023, with the UAE buying agricultural products, while Kenya imports petroleum products, machinery and chemicals.

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US unveil new tougher sanctions to curb Russian oil exports to China and India

US unveil new tougher sanctions to curb Russian oil exports to China and India

Among the newly sanctioned ships, 143 are oil tankers that handled more than 530 million barrels of Russian crude last year, about 42 per cent of the country’s total seaborne crude exports, Kpler’s lead freight analyst Matt Wright said in a note.

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Powerful earthquake rocks Tibet’s holiest cities and kills at least 55, rattles Nepal

Powerful earthquake rocks Tibet’s holiest cities and kills at least 55, rattles Nepal

Severe travel disruptions were expected across the storm’s path and officials urged drivers to stay off the roads if possible. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said the tremors were felt in seven hill districts bordering Tibet.

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Against backdrop of volatile geopolitics US defence industrial base is on peacetime working mode, China’s on wartime conditions

Against backdrop of volatile geopolitics US defence industrial base is on peacetime working mode, China’s on wartime conditions

The authors also underscore the Chinese shipbuilding capacity, which is “roughly 230 times larger than the United States”. More specifically, the Jiangnan Shipyard is estimated to have higher capacity compared to all of American shipyards combined.

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