The protests in South African – that initially began in support of former President Jacob Zuma, incarcerated and accused of obstructing a judicial enquiry into alleged corruption during his term (head of state from 2009 to 2018) – rapidly evolved into riots, looting and vigilante violence (Crisis Group weekly update). The army has been deployedContinue Reading South Africa : riots, looting and violence : the need to strengthen and support social cohesion

A new wave of protesters took to the streets of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah to inject momentum into the protests against the Palestinian Authority (PA) that have been flourishing in various regions of the OPT after the custody death of an outspoken critic of the PA. The protests began after the deathContinue Reading OPT: Protests against the Palestinian Authority and President Abbas after the custody death of a critic

On Monday June 28, the Tigray Defense Forces took possession of Mekelle, the regional capital of Tigray. The resumption of the city is the consequence of 8 months of intense fighting between the government and the rebels. The conflict began in November when President Abiy Ahmed sent troops to overthrow regional authorities in the north.Continue Reading Ethiopia: Increase in tensions in Tigray

G7 leaders recently pledged to donate 870 million covid-19 vaccine doses to low-income countries (including half by the end of 2021) in an effort to support equitable and accelerated access to vaccines and reverse the trend on the current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement was reached during the G7 Summit held in CornwallContinue Reading The provision of vaccines to tackle Covid-19 in low-income countries

A recently published UNFAO study shows the vital role indigenous communities and food systems could play in ensuring biodiversity protection and sustainability. The study analyses the food gathering habits and lifestyle of 11 indigenous communities from diverse geographies, concluding that they have “one of the most sustainable, self-sufficient and resilient [systems] on the planet” (UNContinue Reading Resource Management Expertise from Indigenous People

Ahead of World Environment Day (Saturday 5 June 2021), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) co-hosted a virtual event to launch the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Their aim is to address the global environmental emergency we are facing and increase/fasten actions towards ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection. The degradationContinue Reading The UN Ecosystem Restoration Agenda

Initially set to take place in June of 2020, the European football tournament saw its quadrennial event postponed to 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament, which kicked off on the 11th of June, gathered national football teams to take part in one of the most competitive sports competitions. In accordance with currentContinue Reading Euro 2020; global solidarity in the football arena

Every year on 14th July, Bastille Day is celebrated in France in a grand manner with fireworks and parades. This day marks the storming of the Bastille prison by a mob of Parisians in 1789. The military fortress and political prison represented the oppression of the Bourbon dynasty. Thus, its collapse was seen as theContinue Reading Bastille Day: A Day of Celebration in France

The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage for Muslims to the Holy city called Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This important event takes place during the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah. Mecca is the place, where two paramount events took place for Islam. On the one hand, the prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca and on the other hand, Allah had sent some revelations for the first time to prophet Muhammed there. These revelations became later the Holy Book of the Muslims, the Koran.

Congo: Attack on peacekeepers in North Kivu UN peacekeepers and Congolese troops face attacks from several militia groups in North Kivu – Image Source : Reuters, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42285871 On May 10, 2021, MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) suffered the loss of a Malawian peacekeeper. The attack occurred inContinue Reading Congo: Attack on peacekeepers in North Kivu