Southern Africa leaders back Western Sahara at ‘historic’ talks Pretoria, South Africa | AFP | Several southern African leaders on Tuesday threw their support behind Western Sahara, with one calling the disputed territory the “last colony” on the African continent. Also attending is Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni. President Cyril Ramaphosa, leader …
Read More »China’s Xi insists new Silk Road runs both ways as Italy signs up
Rome, Italy | AFP | Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to allay Western unease over his new Silk Road initiative by emphasising the vast infrastructure project’s two-way nature as he kicked off a whistlestop European tour in Rome. Italy has rolled out the red carpet for Xi, who …
Read More »UN envoy sees prospects for South Sudan peace deal
United Nations, United States | AFP | A shaky peace deal in South Sudan stands a chance of success despite delays in implementing it and many lingering unresolved issues, the UN envoy said Friday. The agreement signed in September provides for a power-sharing government that will prepare elections meant to …
Read More »‘Uganda ready to act against local or foreign threats’
Rwanda, Uganda in diplomatic war of words over rebel ‘support’ Kigali, Rwanda | AFP | Rwanda accused its much larger neighbour Uganda on Tuesday of supporting rebels opposed to the government in Kigali, a claim firmly rebutted by Kampala. Rwandan Foreign Minister Richard Sezibera told journalists that Kigali had information …
Read More »Former foes Ethiopia and Eritrea seek to boost Juba peace deal
Juba, South Sudan | AFP | The leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea met South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Monday seeking to breathe new life into a flagging peace agreement signed six months ago between his government and rebels. South Sudan’s influential Catholic Church last month warned that the deal agreed …
Read More »Iran’s Rouhani tells critics: blame ‘oath-breaker’ US
Tehran, Iran | AFP | Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani slammed his critics on Wednesday, defending the political achievements of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and calling the US an “oath-breaker”. “One should not condemn the government or the great Islamic system instead of America — this is the greatest damage …
Read More »Davos elites warned on populist rage, economic uncertainty
Goodbye Nairobi. Hello #Davos2019 Tomorrow we @Oxfam launch our #inequality report. Here & around the world we will sound the alarm on the frightening, widening gap between rich & poor. We will offer solutions & point to +ve examples. Watch this space! #wef19 #FightInequality pic.twitter.com/kNavqZVYKP — Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) January …
Read More »Interpreters demand to stay out as Trump row throws spotlight
Washington, United States | AFP | Explosive allegations that US President Donald Trump concealed conversations with Russia have thrown an unwelcome spotlight on interpreters, whose quick wit is vital to diplomacy and who stay scrupulously in the shadows. Interpreters, whether they are working at high-stakes international summits or in low-level …
Read More »Gabon president Bongo leaves Morocco to fly home
Rabat, Morocco | AFP | Gabon’s ailing President Ali Bongo left Morocco on Monday to fly home days after security forces there foiled an attempted coup, a source close to the leader said. “Doctors have judged that the journey does not present any danger for his health,” the source said, …
Read More »China’s Xi hopes US, N. Korea will ‘meet halfway’
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Chinese President Xi Jinping offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un firm backing in deadlocked nuclear talks with the United States, insisting the two sides should meet “halfway”, state media said Thursday. Kim visited Beijing by train this week for two days of discussions that …
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