Viewpoint by Asayehgn Desta* CALIFORNIA (IDN) — The constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, promulgated in 1995, was supposed to resolve ethnic conflict and enhance self- and shared-rule. But, contrary to expectations, Ethiopia became heavily embroiled in inter-ethnic skirmishes starting in 2018. Demand for self-rule and ethnic fighting has been brewing in a […]
Tunisians Rejoice at Ruling Islamist Party’s Downfall as Covid Cases Surge
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — A cheering crowd welcomed the decision of Tunisian president Kais Saied to suspend parliament and dismiss prime minister Hichem Mechichi. The move follows a day of protests against the ruling party and, in particular, the government’s mishandling of Covid-19. Thousands of people had demonstrated against […]
The Somali Refugees Planting a New Life in The United States
By Muhidin Libah, UN News Feature This feature story told in first person is republished from UN News. Read the original article. NEW YORK (IDN) — After spending years living in UN-supported camps in Kenya, some 220 former refugees from Somalia now work as farmers in the US state of Maine, growing crops ranging from […]
Russia and China: Geopolitical Rivals and Competitors in Africa
Interview by Kester Kenn Klomegah* MOSCOW (IDN) — The growth of neo-colonial tendencies, the current geopolitical developments and the scramble for its resources by external countries in Africa: these are some of the issues researcher and business analyst Lipton Matthews recently discussed with Kester Kenn Klomegah for InDepthNews (IDN). Matthews is associated with Merion West, […]
Anti-Apartheid Activist Who Survived Torture Dies in South Africa
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Trade unionist, anti-apartheid activist and political organizer Norman Levy, survivor of torture and imprisonment in South Africa before spending two decades of exile in Britain, has died in Cape Town, according to relatives. He was 91. He became an activist in his teens and joined […]
Protests and Looting in South Africa on International Nelson Mandela Day
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.” Those were the prophetic words of Nelson Mandela, for whom the United Nations designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day to remember the life and legacy of […]
Sub-Saharan African Migration into Morocco
Viewpoint by Max Berengaut* MARRAKECH (IDN) — Entering Morocco, Sub-Saharan African migrants find themselves at a crossroads. There is the promise of an economic future waiting for them in Europe, but the path to it is perilous. They require either an assurance of asylum status or some familial relationship with a European in order to […]
Belgium to Return Plundered Artworks to DR Congo
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — Belgium is the latest European country to promise to return artworks plundered from its former Congolese colony, as it seeks to confront its brutal colonial past. Belgium’s Africa Museum has said up to 2,000 works, including statues, musical instruments and weapons, were acquired illegally during […]
Ethiopian Leader Wins New 5-Year Term in A ‘Credible’ But ‘Flawed’ Vote’
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) — In a vote the US called “significantly flawed,” Ethiopia’s “Prosperity Party”, headed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, carried the majority of votes cast. Prime Minister Abiy hailed the election as Ethiopia’s first attempt at a free and fair vote. The vote was a test for […]
Encounters with Refugees at the Three-Country Point between Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia
By Morgane Wirtz** Since the start of the conflict in Tigray in November 2020, Sudan has hosted more than 60,000 Ethiopian refugees. They are in addition to the tens of thousands of Eritreans the country receives each year. Some are fleeing massacres; others have been forced to fight. HAMDAYETE, Sudan (IDN) — The Sudanese village […]