Beijing, China | AFP | Slapping import bans on products like mangoes, coal and salmon has long been China’s way of punishing countries that refuse to toe its political line. But Beijing has shown that it can also hurt others by cutting a lucrative Chinese export: tourists who normally flock …
Read More »What might come of Brazil’s latest political crisis?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | AFP | Brazil is bubbling over the release of a recording that purports to show President Michel Temer approving payment of hush money to a politician jailed for corruption. In a matter of days, eight lawmakers have called for impeachment proceedings against the president, the …
Read More »East African leaders press EU to lift Burundi sanctions
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | AFP | The presidents of Tanzania and Uganda called Saturday on the EU to lift sanctions on Burundi, but a diplomatic for the European bloc dismissed the appeal. The joint plea, by Yoweri Museveni and John Magufuli came at a meeting of the East African …
Read More »US, Saudi agree arms deals worth almost $110 billion
GE signs $15 bn of Saudi deals, MoUs during Trump visit Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | AFP | Washington has agreed arms deals with Saudi Arabia worth almost $110 billion, a White House official said Saturday, the first day of President Donald Trump’s visit to the traditional US ally. “This package of …
Read More »Mood at White House grim as sense of crisis mounts
Washington, United States | AFP | Less than four months ago, a keen set of young up-and-comers strode into the White House in their best high heels and power ties, bursting with optimism and pride in serving their country.Now, their stint in the White House — the supposed apogee of …
Read More »Fired FBI chief Comey to testify publicly in Congress
Washington, United States | AFP | James Comey, the former FBI chief fired by President Donald Trump, has agreed to publicly testify about Russian interference in the US elections, as fresh allegations increased pressure on the American leader. In an Oval Office meeting with senior Russian officials last week, Trump …
Read More »Congo Come Back! Why we’re building a new political movement in DRC
Kinshasa, DRC | AFRICAN ARGUMENTS| History tells us that summer months are often eventful in Congolese politics. It was on 30 June 1960 that the country gained independence from Belgium. On that day, Belgium’s King Baudouin declared: “the Congo constitutes the culmination of the work conceived by the genius of …
Read More »Trump takes perilous first steps on world stage
Washington, United States | AFP | From Riyadh to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Rome, Brussels and Sicily, Donald Trump left a swirl of domestic woes behind Friday as he embarked on a first foreign trip that will be closely watched in capitals the world over. Trump’s extraordinarily dense first trip — six …
Read More »Japan cabinet approves bill allowing emperor’s abdication
Tokyo, Japan | AFP | The Japanese government on Friday approved a one-off bill allowing ageing Emperor Akihito to step down from the Chrysanthemum Throne, in the first such abdication in two centuries. The bill will now be sent to parliament for debate and likely receive swift final approval, Chief …
Read More »Sudan’s Bashir to skip Trump-Muslim summit
Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, will not join an Islamic summit in Saudi Arabia with US President Donald Trump, his office said Friday. “President Omar al-Bashir has apologised to King Salman of Saudi Arabia for being unable to …
Read More »