Libya: Some leaders ‘actively hindering progress towards elections’, Security Council hears
Efforts continue to get political leaders in Libya to overcome their differences so that long-awaited presidential and parliamentary elections can finally take place, the Security Council heard on Nov. 15. UN Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily briefed ambassadors on the ongoing impasse and other obstacles to the vote, which was postponed last December. Libya has been divided between two rival administrations in the aftermath...
If African leaders don’t intervene in Sudan, the consequences could be cataclysmic
Taking a page from the Nation of Islam’s Eternal Leader, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s often quoted, “Our unity is more powerful than an atomic or hydrogen bomb,” Kenya’s PLO Lumumba said recently, “We Africans must stop operating in silos.” “Rwanda, (where he was speaking) alone will not confront them (Europe and the U.S.). Burundi alone will not confront them, but...
Forced displacement of Palestinians concerns Arab and African countries
South Africa and Chad have recalled their ambassadors to Israel for consultations, joining a growing list of nations that have withdrawn diplomatic personnel in protest of Israel’s brutal military assault on the Gaza Strip and its 2.3 million civilian population. According to South Africa Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, South Africa is extremely concerned about the continued killing of children...
South Africa’s opposition to U.S., UK interference is a risk worth taking
There is an old adage that states, “politics make strange bedfellows.” South Africa’s upcoming May 29 national elections don’t beg to differ. Out of the not-so-clear blue, the United Kingdom (UK), members of the United States Congress, and the head of the Oppenheimer family founded Brenthurst Foundation have donated millions of dollars to the opposition—including the Democratic Alliance (DA),...
Africa’s strategic relationships need to benefit the entire continent
The recent China-Africa Cooperation Forum held Sept. 4-6 and the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and African-EU (European Union) Commission held in 2022 have all become important events on the African international relations calendar. In the case of the much sought-after China forum, more African leaders attend this annual forum than the United Nations General Assembly. However, it is problematic that...
Covid-19’s global disruption takes center stage at UN General Assembly
The United Nations reached its 75th year of existence amidst confusion, strife between nations and a global pandemic that has adversely impacted life on every continent except Antarctica. “The U.N. is marking its 75th anniversary at a time of great disruption for the world, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis with severe economic and social impacts,” said the UN...
Cellular phone explosion link modern technology and traditional African culture
JOHANNESBURG (IPS)–The sudden growth of cell phones has outpaced any other new technology in Africa. But a unique cell phone culture has evolved that combines necessity with traditional community values. "Most cell phone owners in West Africa, for example, tend to serve as points of presence or communication nodes for their community. Other people pay them or simply borrow...
Nervous Pakistanis asking ‘Are we next?’
ISLAMABAD (IPS)–Worries are growing here about the long-term implications of the war on Iraq for Pakistan, its ties with the United States as well as with rival neighbor India. At worst, many fear that what they call the policy of U.S. expansionism may soon be knocking at Pakistan’s doors. "What does war in Iraq mean for Pakistan?...
Diplomats warn Israeli attack could lead to wider conflict
Bush response to attack on Syria; "Israel must not feel constrained" (Al Bawaba)Middle East Tension Could Ignite World Chaos (FinalCall.com)Inspecting the Obvious: Israel’s WMD’s and the West’s Double Standard (Palestine Chronicle) UNITED NATIONS (FinalCall.com) - The war of words continues in response to the October 5 Israeli raid into Syrian territory. Israeli officials claim that the air strike in a refugee...
S. Africa struggles with immigration and brain drain
JOHANNESBURG (IPS)–After years of consultation with labor unions, business organizations and academicians, a new Immigration Act was unveiled late in 2002 and immediately stirred a controversy. This replacement for the notorious Aliens Control Act, which for years was used to block Black African immigration, had the support of South Africa's largest labor federation, the Congress of South African...