How war in Ukraine has diverted attention from humanitarian crises in Africa and South Asia
In the more than four months since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, aid workers say attention, resources and expertise have been diverted away from crises elsewhere, forcing cuts to life-saving services and interrupting the distribution of vital supplies. Now, as rates of inflation spike and supply chains falter,...
How Canadian anti-terror law is impacting on humanitarian support in Afghanistan a year after Taliban takeover
As Afghanistan recovers from an earthquake that killed more than 1,000 people, and amidst an already dire humanitarian situation, Canadian aid organisations say their hands are tied by a restrictive anti-terrorism law that has effectively banned their work since the August 2021 Taliban takeover. Because the Taliban is listed as...
In DR Congo, the challenge of supporting rebels willing to lay down weapons is a big obstacle to peace – expert
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) M23 rebel’s foreign links – and abuses its fighters committed a decade ago – help explain the media attention and public criticism it has received. But many other armed groups also pose a serious threat to civilians in the east. To address that threat,...
Revived M23 rebellion has worsened security in DR Congo as agencies fear further serious humanitarian crisis
More than 170,000 people have escaped their homes in the past four months in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo amid an offensive by a previously dormant armed group that has reignited regional tensions between Great Lakes states. For several months, the M23 rebel group has fought Congolese troops in North...
When democracy is in short supply humans like animals ignore commands, slow down…fight and abscond
There was once an orangutan named Ken Allen at the San Diego Zoo who was notorious for carrying out complex escape plans. He found every nut and bolt in his cage and unscrewed them; in his open enclosure he threw rocks and faeces at visitors. On one occasion, he constructed...
Pre-season: How manager and player decisions sometimes clash and adversely affect relations in the club
Plenty of Premier League clubs are currently jetting off on pre-season tours. After fights, fatherhood and fannying about, this lot were flying back earlier than anyone expected. Preseason is not always about sporting skills. It is also a test individual character. Some players and coaches have in the past fared...
Going back to the roots – literally: Why scientists prefer African indigenous crops to solve food insecurity
With sweeps of his arm, Jean-Pierre Kamara showers handfuls of tiny seeds over the freshly ploughed land near his village in Senegal’s southern foothills. A team of young men ahead of him loosen more of the clay soil for sowing, while older villagers trail behind, raking the earth back over...
Riveting! 75,000 fans welcome reunion of Orch Wenge Musica at Kinshasa’s Martyrs Stadium
A historic return for Wenge Musica! A few months ago, the pictures of the Congolese musical group circulated on social media when some of its leaders gathered in a room to speak with one voice. JB Mpiana, Didier Masela, Werrason, Alain Makaba, Adolf Dominguez were part of the founding members...
One million refugees at risk of being denied access to food, medical support if UN withdraws from Syria
Faced with the dilemma of access to Syrian refugees who need for and medical supplies senior United Nations staff says NGOs will be able to scale up their work, only after a compromise is reached between the government, Russia and the UN Security Council. However, the officer pointed that...
Syrian humanitarian crisis set to deepen as UN debates access to refugees, Russia brandishes veto power
The UN Security Council is set to begin debating the renewal of a key mechanism for delivering aid to Syria on Monday. With a deadline looming, Russia holding veto power, and the Ukraine war complicating diplomacy and worsening the plight of Syrian civilians, humanitarians are understandably nervous. Since 2014, the...
