Browsing: Diplomacy

The United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations was recently in the Central African Republic on an emergency visit amid palpable tension. The visit by such a high-ranking official underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting the people of the Central African Republic during this period of instability.

Italian far-right leader, Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday, 29 January, convened an Africa Summit in Rome, a move that many are interpreting as setting a new tone in Italy’s relations with the African continent. Meloni, the head of the Fratelli d’Italia party, has recently gained traction in opinion polls against the current Prime Minister, Mario Draghi.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, three West African countries, have decided to withdraw their membership from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) amidst escalating disagreements over the proposed single currency amendment. The proposed amendment seems to insinuate the preservation of the Francophone currency, a decision that the three nations disagree with.

In a bid to underscore the ongoing American commitment to Africa’s progress and security, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has concluded a comprehensive four-nation tour of Africa, taking in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Israel and Sudan have agreed to restore bilateral diplomatic relations in an unprecedented US-brokered deal. This crucial policy shift for Sudan arrives on the heels of its removal from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The Republic of Sudan has announced its decision to temporarily suspend membership in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for three months. The government declared the move was taken because of perceived violations of the IGAD system and a lack of support for Sudan in regional and international arenas.

The announcement by the African Union (AU) requesting immediate and peaceful resolution of the continuing conflict between Israel and Palestine underscores the continent’s staggering grief over the ongoing violence and loss of human life. The AU, which has been increasingly alert to the impact of international issues on its member states, has made a forceful and poignant contribution to calls for de-escalation worldwide.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos 2024 witnessed critical discussions on Africa’s rising debt, the digital skills gap, climate change technology, healthcare accessibility, and the need for an inclusive economy in Africa. The gathering of world leaders and policymakers brought forth several significant issues, with Africa’s burgeoning debt dominating the conversations.

Uganda has emerged as a pivotal figure in Africa’s gold economy as geopolitical shifts turn global attention to the continent’s gold industry. The significance of Uganda’s rising influence was underscored in the recent Great Lakes Region Gold Refiners and Traders due diligence report.

A monumental shift appears on the horizon in the global diplomatic landscape as two renowned powers take significant steps toward establishing diplomatic ties following months of negotiations.