By J Nastranis NEW YORK (IDN) – In view of “the volatile and fast‑evolving nature of the political, security and social situation” in Central Africa, the United Nations Secretary-General has asked the Security Council to extend by three years from September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2021 the mandate of the UN Regional Office for […]
UN Supports Comprehensive Reform Process in Lesotho
By Ntsoaki Nkoe MASERU (IDN) – Lesotho has launched a landmark project with the European Union willing to provide Euros 12.5 million (approx. USD14.4 million) and the United Nations USD 2 million. Known as the Lesotho National Dialogue and Stabilization Project (LNDSP), the initiative aims to stimulate a comprehensive national reforms process the southern African […]
Thirteen-Year-Old Defies Family, Escapes Forced Marriage
By Billy Ntaote This report is part of a series on Human Trafficking by MNN Centre for Investigative Journalism in Lesotho. MASERU (IDN) – For people living in the rural parts of the country, early child marriage doesn’t exist – but when a teenager is impregnated, families rush to organise a traditional wedding ceremony and […]
Trump’s Conservative Nominee For Post In Kenya Gets Grilling
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Democrats are challenging President Trump’s nominee from the Midwestern state of Illinois for the post of U.S. ambassador to Kenya. State Sen. Kyle McCarter’s conservative views run the gamut from opposition to gay rights, restrictions on immigration and locking up former Senator Hillary Clinton. A […]
South African Women March Against Gender-Based Violence
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | PRETORIA (IDN) – Thousands of women and gender activists joined together on the first day of Women’s Month to protest the rising incidence of gender-based violence across the country. The movement’s Brenda Madumise said the marchers, under the banner #TheTotalShutdown, were taking control of their destiny. […]
Stakes High in Returning Nigerians’ Stolen Millions
By Kwame Buist LONDON (IDN) – Of the estimated 20-40 billion dollars stolen annually from developing countries and hidden abroad every year, a small proportion is sometimes successfully confiscated and returned to the country it came from. However, where institutions of accountability do not work well, this poses a complex problem: how to make sure […]
Tanzania’s Indigenous Communities Racing to Secure Land Eyed by Investors
By Kizito Makoye DAR ES SALAAM (IDN) – Helena Magafu smiled as she held a piece of paper that recognizes her as the sole owner of a disputed farmland in her village was handed over to her, thus resolving a raging dispute with her neighbours. “I am very happy, I don’t think anyone with ever […]
Towards the End of Elite Foreign Policymaking in Malaysia
Viewpoint by Adam Leong Kok Wey Dr Adam Leong Kok Wey is an Associate Professor in Strategic Studies and the Deputy Director of Research with the Centre for Defence and International Security Studies at the National Defence University of Malaysia. This article was first carried by EastAsiaForum on 29 July 2018. – The Editor KUALA […]
Asia’s Evolving ‘Free’ Trade Deal May Not Benefit Workers
By Kalinga Seneviratne SINGAPORE (IDN) – A Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – a “free” trade agreement between the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its major trading partners in the region – is expected to be signed later this year. But labour unions and workers’ rights advocates in the region fear that […]
Ethiopian PM Sparks Euphoria In A Whirlwind U.S. Trip
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – It’s been called ‘Abiy-mania’ – an impulse to reach out and hug the young new Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, who brought an end to his country’s two-decade-long war with Eritrea and other sweeping changes in the Horn of Africa. The 41-year old Ethiopian […]