Showing posts with label Mali. Show all posts

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA : Weekly Updates

Russian exclusion at the Olympic Games

Mariya Lasitskene, a Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, expresses the hurt of not being able to participate in Paris 2024 due to the ban against Russian athletes issued since the beginning of aggression against Ukraine, showing how profound the emotional and professional impact is on Russian athletes.

The Russian press and politicians give pejorative nicknames to the Paris Olympics, which indicates that for them, the Olympic Games have been politicized—but more than that, a broad national sentiment of grievance and exclusion is carried through.

In response to the exclusion, Russia hosted nationalistic sports festivals. These include traditional recreations and military-themed activities that are quite far from the international Olympic spirit.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clwyy9j8wxdo

Russian Defence officials arrested in corruption probe

Major General Vladimir Shesterov and Vyacheslav Akhmedov, the head of Patriot Park, have been detained over suspicions of fraud relating to the misappropriation of funds destined for work in the park.

Wider Anti-Corruption Drive: It is part of an unprecedented wave of corruption investigations in the Russian military and defense sectors that have seen several high-ranking officials and businessmen arrested since April.

The decision of President Vladimir Putin to replace Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu recently with Andrei Belousov signals towards the Kremlin's big push to tighten control over the defense budget and repressions against corruption in the midst of war in Ukraine.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russia-detains-senior-defence-official-over-suspected-fraud-at-military-theme-park-101722860614475.html

Ukrainian athletes shine at the Olympic Games amidst the ongoing war

Yaroslava Mahuchikh took gold in high jump and set a new world record, while her compatriots Iryna Gerashchenko and Mykhaylo Kohkan captured bronze medals, showcasing the spirit of strength and national pride amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Deep emotional turbulence and devotion are expressed by athletes in such remarks. In particular, Gerashchenko and Mahuchikh dedicate their medals to friends and family who have become victims of the war. The impact on athletes' personal lives and training conditions since this conflict broke out, including Mahuchikh's displacement from Dnipro, is highlighted.

Despite the ruined sports infrastructure and miserable condition, the Ukrainian Olympic team continue to perform admirably; President Zelenskyy hails their strength. The athletes look upon participating in and winning the Olympics as a demonstration of the strengthening of their nation and a reminder of the ongoing war.

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/paris-olympics-away-from-war-team-ukraine-wins-a-battle-and-more-9497448/

Mali severs ties with Ukraine over Wagner attack

Mali cuts ties with Ukraine over comments by a Ukrainian official acknowledging Kyiv's involvement in helping Tuareg rebels attack Russian Wagner mercenaries and Malian soldiers in a deadly assault.

The rebels carried out a heavy strike in northern Mali, leaving many dead. It was among the heaviest blows suffered by Wagner. Ukraine stated it was not in any way related to the strike; its foreign ministry declared the decision of Mali to sever relations with it to be "shortsighted and hasty."

The pivot toward Russia, spearheaded by the Malian approach to Wagner, further consolidated from 2021 after the coup that took place in 2020. In that context, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has, in fact, reaffirmed the support due for Mali.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/5/mali-breaks-off-diplomatic-ties-with-ukraine

South Korea and Poland strengthen bilateral ties through air force consultative body

South Korea and Poland have agreed to set up a consultative body between the air forces in order to improve two-way military cooperation, following Poland's acquisition of Korean fighter jets. Details and launching time are currently under negotiation.

The new body would handle various aspects of military cooperation, from strategies and tactics to developments in the defense industry. Poland has purchased enormous amounts of defense equipment from South Korea—FA-50 fighter jets, K9 howitzers, and K2 tanks.

The consultative body will facilitate the sharing of operational know-how concerning the FA-50s jets and may involve a pilot exchange program. Discussions may further be held on the possible exports by South Korea to Poland of its advanced KF-21 Boramae fighters.

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/international/south-korea-poland-to-establish-air-force-consultative-body-896740?infinitescroll=1

Resurgent far-right conjures Austria-Hungary headache for EU on Ukraine

The far-right favorites to win Austria's next election have forged an alliance with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban that could deepen defiance of Brussels and threaten an already fragile consensus over the Ukraine war if they take power.
"We're entering what I would like to call a new era in European politics," Kickl said with Orban announcing their European alliance in June in a Vienna hotel alongside Andrej Babis, head of the biggest party in the Czech Republic's lower house, and a former prime minister of that country.
The EU has agreed 14 rounds of sanctions since Russia's invasion, and in February passed a 50 billion euro ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine until 2027.

Hungary to revoke green number plates from hybrid vehicles

According to a government decree, from 1 September 2024, only fully electric and zero-emission vehicles will be eligible for green number plates upon their first domestic registration, iho.hu writes.
Owners of less environmentally friendly vehicles—classified as 5P (plug-in) and 5N (extended range) hybrid electric vehicles—must initiate the replacement of their green plates with white ones by 30 November 2026.
Consequently, the tax incentives associated with green number plates are also under review, marking the end of the era for luxury SUVs with green plates.

The Taliban says people in Afghanistan on previous government’s visas can stay for now

Afghanistan’s Taliban government said Monday it would allow people in the country on visas issued by the former Western-backed government to stay for now, but that they wouldn’t be allowed back in without documents from a Taliban-approved diplomatic mission.
The move is part of the Taliban’s efforts to gain control of Afghanistan’s representation abroad since returning to power in 2021.
In March 2023, the Taliban said they were trying to take charge of more Afghan embassies abroad. Their chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the administration had sent diplomats to at least 14 countries.

Fire at Iran-Afghanistan border extinguished after massive inferno

"Smoke from the fire in this economic hub is visible up to 18 kilometers away," the deputy governor of Taybad for political, security, and social affairs said.
Fuel tanks caught fire on Monday on Iran's side of the Iran-Afghanistan Dogharoun Special Economic Zone at the border, semi-official Iranian state Tasnim news agency reported.
"Firefighters have already been dispatched to control the fire, but the amount of damage has not yet been reported," Tasmin news agency reporter Mohammad Reza Rezaei said.

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan keen to take their multifaceted partnership to next level

"The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.
"The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.
"The head of state received the assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, Saida Mirziyoyeva. During the meeting, current issues of further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries were discussed," the source said.

News Bits collected by [Region Head]:

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Drafted by:

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

Saturday, 10 February 2024

INR | AFRICA: Weekly Updates

South Sudan's election officials trained for December polls.

South Sudan's electoral Commission Chair optimistic about fair elections ahead.
Darren Nance, leading the UN's electoral assistance team, explained the three-day exchange with South Sudanese counterparts.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011; post-2018 peace deal delays elections.

EU Aims to Block Atlantic Migration Route with Mauritania.

EU allocates €210 million to aid Mauritania in combating smugglers and deterring migrant boats amid rising crossings.
During a meeting in Nouakchott, Mauritania mentions challenges with migrants.
EU Commission President von der Leyen pledges additional funds for migration, humanitarian aid, and job creation.

Thousands Displaced as Conflict Escalates in Goma, DRC.

Escalating clashes prompt thousands to flee surrounding areas for Goma.
Luanda emphasized the urgent flight due to advancing M23 rebels.
Long trek from Sake to Goma offers no assured safety.

West African Nations Rush to Exit Bloc Opposing Coups.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger seek to leave West African bloc without adhering to exit rules.
Last month, the three juntas declared their departure from ECOWAS due to strained relations post-coups.
This marks the bloc's first withdrawal of members in nearly 50 years.

Residents Flee as M23 Rebels Pose Threat to Sake and Goma.

Fleeing residents report eastern Congo rebel group advancing towards Goma, despite rebels denying intent to capture.
The M23 rebels cautioned that they would retaliate against attacks on their forces or civilians.
M23 rebels, reportedly linked to Rwanda, detonate explosives near Goma.

Crises in Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger prompt emergency ECOWAS meeting

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has convened an emergency meeting to address pressing issues across the region.
Among the key concerns are the political turmoil in Senegal and ongoing tensions with military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The gathering in Abuja, Nigeria, scheduled for Thursday, February 8, will see foreign ministers deliberating on the current security and political challenges facing West Africa.
While the attendance of the Senegalese minister remains unconfirmed, the focus is on finding solutions to the region's complex issues.
ECOWAS has faced criticism for its handling of recent events, including the postponement of Senegal's presidential election.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/08/crises-in-senegal-burkina-faso-mali-and-niger-prompt-emergency-ecowas-meeting/

SA president defends ANC record in annual State of the Nation address

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his annual State of the Nation address on Thursday using it as a platform to list the ruling African National Congress’ achievements over the past 30 years.
The party, which has been in power since the first post-apartheid democratic elections in 1994, is heading into its most challenging campaign as the country prepares to vote later this year.
Several polls have suggested that the ANC could lose its majority for the first time, forcing it to go into a coalition to stay in power in what would be a landmark moment for South African politics.
In his nearly two-hour address, Ramaphosa insisted the party was making progress in addressing the country’s problems including record unemployment, an ongoing electricity crisis, and corruption allegations.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/sa-president-defends-anc-record-in-annual-state-of-the-nation-address/

US and Kenyan defence ministers highlight importance of security partnership

United States Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, highlighted the "important security" partnership the US and Kenya share as he met with his Kenyan counterpart, Aden Bare Duale at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
The meeting follows the signing last September of a five-year framework on defence cooperation between the two countries.
"That just underscores that Kenya has long been one of our most important security partners in Africa. Kenya is a key strategic partner in tackling a range of shared threats and advancing security in East Africa and beyond," said Austin.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/sa-president-defends-anc-record-in-annual-state-of-the-nation-address/

Malawi lifts visa restrictions for 79 countries

Malawi has lifted visa restrictions for travellers from 79 countries. Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhałe made this announcement in a gazette notice on Wednesday.
The decision aims to enable easier access for visitors, including those from the UK, China, Russia, Germany, Australia, Canada, and others with a broad objective of improving tourism in the country.
The change to immigration regulations means citizens from these countries, as well as nationals from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), no longer need visas to enter Malawi.
Additionally, certain groups like diplomats and government officials, along with countries having mutual exchange agreements for multiple-entry visas with Malawi, are also exempt from these regulations.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/malawi-lifts-visa-restrictions-for-79-countries/

UNHCR chief visits displaced families in Sudan amid escalating conflict

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, embarked on a poignant journey through Sudan, where he met with families torn apart by the devastating conflict ravaging the nation.
Displaced from their homes and livelihoods by the ongoing turmoil, these families are enduring unimaginable hardships in displacement camps scattered across the country.
With conflict engulfing Sudan for ten long months, the scale of displacement is staggering, with nearly 8 million people uprooted from their communities, both within Sudan's borders and beyond, seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Central African Republic, and Ethiopia.
The relentless violence has not only shattered lives but also brought Sudan's economy to its knees and crippled its once-thriving healthcare sector. Recent escalations in the conflict, including the seizure of Wad Madani, Sudan's second-largest city, by the Rapid Support Forces, have exacerbated the suffering of already vulnerable populations.

https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/07/unhcr-chief-visits-displaced-families-in-sudan-amid-escalating-conflict/

Senegal: Tension mounts in Dakar as clashes erupt amid political unrest

The streets of Dakar, Senegal, became a battleground on Friday (Feb. 09) as simmering political tensions boiled over into violent clashes between opposition activists and law enforcement agencies.
The catalyst for the unrest was a planned demonstration by supporters of opposition presidential candidates. Their aim was to voice opposition against a recent law passed by the National Assembly. This law not only postponed the presidential election until December 15, but also controversially extended President Macky Sall's term of office.

Read Ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/senegal-tension-mounts-in-dakar-as-clashes-erupt-amid-political-unrest/

US calls for investigation into alleged civilian killings in Ethiopia's Amhara region

The U.S. is calling for an investigation into an alleged massacre of civilians in Ethiopia's Amhara region, where a local rights group says more than 80 people were killed last week following clashes between soldiers and armed groups.
The U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, said Friday that the "U.S. government is deeply concerned" by the reports from the town of Merawi and called for "unfettered access by independent human rights monitors as well as an impartial investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice."

Read ahead at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/us-calls-for-investigation-into-alleged-civilian-killings-in-ethiopias-amhara-region/

US museum returns Ghana's Looted Artifacts after 150 years

Seven royal artifacts looted 150 years ago by British colonial forces from Ghana's ancient Asante kingdom and kept by a United States museum have been returned and presented to the kingdom on Thursday, the latest of a series of stolen treasured items being repatriated to several African countries
Looted from British-colonized Ghana in the 19th century before being transferred to Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the 1960s, the artifacts included an elephant tail whisk, an ornamental chair made of wood, leather and iron, two gold stool ornaments, a gold necklace and two bracelets.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/after-coups-west-african-nations-hurry-to-leave-the-regional-bloc-that-opposed-military-ta/

After coups, West African nations hurry to leave the regional bloc that opposed military takeovers

The coup-hit nations of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are in haste to quit West Africa's regional bloc without following its rules of exit, the body said Thursday as its ministers met to deliberate on growing division and political tension in the region.
At the ministerial meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, the bloc known as ECOWAS faulted claims made by the countries' juntas that their unprecedented decision to withdraw their membership was because of the coup-related sanctions the bloc imposed on their countries instead of supporting their development and peace efforts.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/09/after-coups-west-african-nations-hurry-to-leave-the-regional-bloc-that-opposed-military-ta/

Zimbabwe abolishes inherited colonial death penalty

Zimbabwe’s cabinet agreed to abolish the death penalty for murder offences, almost two decades after its last execution.
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the Memorandum on the Private Member’s Death Penalty Abolition Bill introduced to parliament last year, bringing an end to the death penalty introduced in the southern African nation by British colonial administrators.

Read ahead at:https://www.africanews.com/2024/02/07/zimbabwe-abolishes-inherited-colonial-death-penalty/

News bits compiled and drafted by:

Swapnil Tiwari (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)

Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)

Manjyot Kaur (B.A. I.R., 1st Year)

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

VIJIGISHU '24