Will Brazil President Lula da Silva deliver on promise of net-zero deforestation in Amazon Forest?
Expectations were high this week as Brazil’s new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, took office. Lula campaigned on promises to help the world fight climate change by protecting the Amazon rainforest, which sequesters a large portion of global carbon emissions. Under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Brazilian...
Ukraine’s allies agree to provide armoured vehicles to drive Russian army from its territory
For months, Ukraine has been asking Western allies to supply tanks, and although these vehicles are less powerful, the decision to send them sets a new precedent. Germany has long hesitated over beefing up weapons deliveries to Kyiv. After France’s Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that AMX-10 RC “light combat...
Mozambique takes up seat at UN Security Council, promises to champion Africa’s prosperity
Mozambique’s two-year terms as member of the UN Security Council began this month, six months after it won the right to represent Africa as a non-permanent. Consequently, Mozambique’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Pedro Comissário Afonso, has described June 7, 2022 historic, being the when his country won the...
Kenya’s president disowns ‘First Daughter’s Office’, describes daughter Charlene as ‘just being a child’
Kenya’s President William Ruto has defended his daughter Charlene Ruto over claims of the existence of the “Office of the First Daughter”. Since her father’s inauguration in September, Charlene Ruto has held several high-profile events and meetings under the title. In Kenyan law, no such office exists. On Wednesday, the...
Tanzania opposition free to hold political rallies after six years in the cold for ‘insulting’ former president
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lifted a six-year ban on opposition rallies imposed by her autocratic predecessor, a move that was cautiously welcomed as a gain for democracy by the main opposition party. The ban was introduced in 2016 by political strongman John Magufuli at the onset of his...
How cellphone signals helped Ukrainian soldiers track and kill dozens of Russian troops at Makiivka
The toll from a Ukrainian New Year strike in Makiivka has risen to 89, Moscow said today after Russians gathered to mourn the troops in a rare public display of anger and grief. Russia said early Wednesday morning that more bodies had been found under the rubble in the town...
Former Botswana President Khama wanted by Gaberone court for illegal possession of firearms
An arrest warrant has been issued in Botswana for former president Ian Khama, who is believed to be in South Africa. According to the warrant issued by Gaborone’s regional magistrate, Mareledi Dipate, Khama should be apprehended on sight and brought before the Broadhurst Magistrate’s Court. It is the state’s case...
Making fascism great again: In Trump’s America, democracy rested and kakistocracy became a pursuit
Scholars have long debated the distinction between fascism and authoritarianism. Fascist states create an all-engulfing power that rules over every facet of political and social life. Elections are abolished; mass arrests occur without habeas corpus; all opposition media are shut down; freedoms of speech and assembly are curtailed; courts, if...
Fascism: While voters did not stop pro-Trump true believers from office, democracy remains on trial in US
Just in case you didn’t notice, authoritarianism was on the ballot in the 2022 midterm elections. An unprecedented majority of candidates from one of the nation’s two major political parties were committed to undemocratic policies and outcomes. You would have to go back to the Democratic Party-dominated segregationist South of...
France and Germany piles pressure on Rwanda President Kagame to stop arming M23 rebels in DRC
International pressure is growing on Rwanda as France and Germany are the latest parties to openly accuse the country of supporting armed rebels in neighbouring eastern Congo, with possible repercussions for foreign aid that Kigali has long enjoyed. For months, renewed attacks by the M23 rebels have angered the Democratic...
