By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – In its first formal response to a class-action suit filed by the Herero and Nama people of Namibia, Germany has asked a New York judge to throw out the suit as “inadmissible” because of “the principle of state immunity.” Representatives of the communities directly affected […]
Decision to Deport African Immigrants Sparks a Debate in Israel
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Under a so-called “infiltrator’s law”, more than 1,000 African asylum seekers in Israel face deportation from Israeli detention centres starting in March. Speaking at a recent Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the harsh enforcement policy. “We are not acting against refugees,” he said. […]
Bookshops and Race: Nigerian Writer Speaks Out
By SWAN PARIS (IDN | SWAN) – “Are there bookshops in Nigeria?”, asked a French journalist of famous Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, igniting a firestorm on social media following an event in Paris on January 25. Many outraged observers accused the journalist of racism and ignorance, while lauding Adichie’s response “I think it reflects very poorly […]
Renewed Efforts to Develop Renewable Age Grip East Africa
By Justus Wanzala NAIROBI (IDN) – Heightened demand for energy, a shift in policy and the emergence of viable entrepreneurial innovations are propelling transition to sustainable energy in the East African region. This emerged during a two-day conference organised by Kenya’s Strathmore University‘s Energy Research Centre (SERC) in partnership with Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa […]
‘Smart Farms’ Making Thai Agriculture Sufficient and Sustainable
By Kalinga Seneviratne This article is the 20th in a series of joint productions of Lotus News Features and IDN-InDepthNews, flagship of the International Press Syndicate. CHANTHABURI, Thailand (IDN) – Thai farmers are going back to basics under a “Smart Farms” formula supported by modern information communication technology (ICT) integrated into a Buddhist concept of ‘sufficiency economy’ to […]
In the Shadow of Lumumba, Congolese Defy Protest Ban
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Amid reports that pro-democracy activism in the Democratic Republic of Congo is feeling the lash from the unpopular government of Joseph Kabila who is under pressure to hand over power as the Constitution requires, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Congolese security forces “to exercise […]
Building Regional Partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia
By António Guterres, UN Secretary-General Following are extensive excerpts from UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council debate on building regional partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia to link security and development, on January 19. The debate was convened by the Council’s Kazakh presidency for the month of January. – The Editor. UNITED […]
Mounting Political Tensions Around Eritrea
By Klara Smits BRUSSELS (IDN) – The political situation around Eritrea is evolving rapidly, in both the Horn of Africa and Europe. Sudan has closed the border with Eritrea and deployed troops amid rising tensions while in the Netherlands, Eritrea’s top diplomat has been declared ‘persona non grata’ over the country’s practice of enforcing a […]
Thai Doctor Creating Multi-Faceted Approach to Sustainable Development
By Kalinga Seneviratne CHANTABURI, Thailand (IDN) – A passionate, socially conscious doctor in this rural farming community in the north-east of Thailand is working with a school for marginalised children, supported by a foundation set up by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the second daughter of late King Bhumibol who died in October 2016. The school […]
Her Legacy in Tatters, Celebrated Liberian Leader Faces Fury
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, one of the most celebrated African leaders in recent memory, will soon pass the baton to her successor, sports hero George Manneh Weah, amidst an outpouring of anger and claims of betrayal by members of her Unity Party whose candidate was trounced […]