By Ray Bush* LEEDS, UK. 29 September 2023 (IDN) — A new calendar year ushers in the usual array of tropes on Africa. They include why the continent is failing, what it should be doing better and why it has so much resilience in dealing with its own frailty. Overwhelmingly, Western institutions (NGOs, credit rating […]
But for NATO, Flood Havoc Could Have Been Averted in Libya
Viewpoint by Kalinga Seneviratne SINGAPORE. 27 September 2023 (IDN) — Catastrophic floods in Libya this month have killed over 10,000 people, according to estimates, due to a burst of a dam, weak infrastructure, and a lack of governance created by NATO’s bombing campaign over a decade ago to overthrow the long-serving Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi […]
Kurti-EU Tensions Harming Kosovo’s National Interests
By Dr Alon Ben-Meir* NEW YORK. 24 September 2023 (IDN) — Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti is still wallowing in his obsession with Serbia and seems to never understand that Kosovo’s independence, security, and well-being do not depend on what Serbia’s President Vucic says or does but only on the commitments of the EU and […]
Sudanese Military Chief Hints at a Solution to Ongoing War
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK. 24 September 2023 (IDN) — In a recent press interview, Sudan’s army chief claimed to support a peaceful solution to the ongoing war that killed thousands and displaced millions of civilians. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto ruler of Sudan, was on a regional tour, making […]
Son of Ousted Gabonese Leader Joins Dad in Hot Water
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK. 23 September 2023 (IDN) — More bad news for the Bongo family, one-time rulers of the oil-rich nation of Gabon for nearly 56 years. On the same day, a military coup removed President Ali Bongo Ondimba from power, soldiers arrested one of Bongo’s sons, five senior cabinet […]
Re-Elected Zimbabwe President Gets Low Marks for Gender-Balance
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK | HARARE. 17 September 2023 (IDN) — Women’s groups in Zimbabwe are calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to have a gender-balanced cabinet. The recently reelected leader has appointed just six women out of 26 cabinet positions. Women comprise 54% of Zimbabwe’s population, but men received the lion’s […]
Decaying Dams Blamed for ‘Worst Disaster’ in Libyan History
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK. 17 September 2023 (IDN) — As stricken Libyans searched for signs of life amid the wreckage left by two enormous dams that burst in a hurricane-strength storm, anger was growing over warnings that were ignored but could have possibly prevented the worst disaster in the country’s modern […]
Pope Francis’ Special Envoy Goes to China to Seek Peace in Ukraine
By Devin Watkins BERLIN | ROME. 14 September 2023 (IDN | VATICAN NEWS) — Pope Francis’ special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Mario Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna, is visiting Beijing on 13-15 September to seek peace in Ukraine, according to The Holy See Press Office. “The visit (to China) forms another step of the mission desired […]
Saudi Arabia, Under Fire for Civilian Killings, is Largest Buyer of US Arms
By Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS. 14 September 2023 (IDN) — Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s richest oil-blessed countries in the politically volatile Middle East, continues to strengthen its military relationship with the United States. According to the latest figures released by the US Department of Commerce, Saudi Arabia is America’s’ largest foreign military sales […]
South Africa’s Founder of Inkatha Freedom Party Passes At 95
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK. 12 September 2023 (IDN) — Prince Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, a South African politician and Zulu prince, was the oldest Member of Parliament when he passed on 9 September. He was admitted to hospital in July following a failed medical procedure to ease his back pain, his family […]