West Africa: Can Ecowas Revive Its Counter-Terrorism Efforts?

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed militia M23 announced a joint commitment to cease hostilities and seek a lasting peace agreement, surprising observers given prior statements from President Felix Tshisekedi about not negotiating directly with M23. The United States and the UN have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, which claims to defend the interests of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in Congo. Despite the announcement and ongoing negotiations in Qatar, skepticism remains about the potential for...

Summary of Carthaginian Demographics and Identity Research indicates that while Phoenicians traveled to Carthage, they likely represented only a small fraction of its population, as evidenced by the lack of Phoenician women for male colonists. Marriages between Carthaginian nobles and regional princes suggest local partnerships, correlating with a demographic shift around the sixth century B.C. that saw cultural changes and a new dialect emerge. The findings emphasize that Carthaginian identity was complex, intertwined with myths...

A father found guilty of almost 800 charges relating to the possession of child pornography, the rape of his own daughter, and human trafficking was sentenced to double life imprisonment in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha on Thursday. The court's decision highlights the severity of the crimes committed, reflecting a commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals. This case underscores the critical need for awareness and action against such heinous acts...

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) has reversed a proposed 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) increase, which faced strong opposition from coalition partner Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties. The finance ministry stated that this reversal, just days before implementation, would lead to a significant revenue deficit of 75 billion rand, potentially resulting in further tax increases or spending cuts. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana acknowledged the decision would necessitate revisiting expenditure plans, as...

SummaryUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cut short his inaugural visit to South Africa after a Russian missile and drone attack in Kyiv killed at least nine and injured over 80, prompting him to return home immediately post-meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The geopolitical landscape has shifted since South Africa's prior neutrality, as both nations now share strained relations with Washington and seek to enhance diplomatic ties amid ongoing conflict. Zelensky's refusal to concede Crimea remains...

In April, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers discovered over 5,000 smuggled ants in a guesthouse, intended for exotic pet markets by two Belgian teenagers who pleaded guilty to wildlife piracy. This incident highlights a growing trend in the trafficking of less conspicuous species, shifting focus from large mammals to ecologically important insects. Experts warn that the booming trade in exotic ants poses significant biodiversity risks, as their removal from ecosystems could have damaging ecological consequences...