Redesigned AU conflict intervention force suits African needs but requires funding
Inevitably money is the key issue. The last large AU missions, launched in Mali in 2013 and the Central African Republic in 2014, were quickly passed wholesale to the UN. The AU’s Peace Fund – moribund for years – only recently reached its $400 million target (actually surpassing it by $208 million following a pledge in July by the African Export-Import Bank). But to put that figure in perspective, AMISOM is estimated to have cost $1.2 billion a year.
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.
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.
New findings reveal DNA contamination in Pfizer Covid vaccines up to four times legal limits
The new study follows the recent publication of a peer-reviewed paper in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, identifying serious safety concerns in the mRNA Covid-19 shots. The authors of that study called “at minimum” a moratorium on the shots.
Kenyan youth take up kung-fu as buffer against high redundancy, drug peddling and lifestyle diseases
Coach Kennedy Murimi trains dozens of children and youth in Nairobi’s Kawangware neighbourhood and has noticed a significant increase in learners. He said the number of people attending his trainings has tripled in recent months to about 60.
