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IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Africa growth summit: charting a course for African prosperity
Children look at the fin of a mortar projectile that was found at the Al-Abassi camp for internally displaced persons, after an attack by rebels, in Mellit town, North Darfur. We are witnessing protracted instability in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan, where conflicts have displaced millions. Without peace in the Horn of Africa, the vision of a unified, prosperous continent is incomplete, says the writer. Our world is going through a seismic shift, one not seen for the last three generations and more. As Africans, we face the world's contemporary challenges: tariff wars, geopolitical uncertainty, regional conflict, and increasing Balkanisation. The present remains a great paradox for the African continent. On one hand, the moment is fraught with complexity; on the other, it is rich with potential. We cannot ignore the troubling rise of anti-democratic practices, including intimidation and suppression. Our future cannot be built on democracy under siege. One area demanding urgent attention is the Horn of Africa. We are witnessing protracted instability in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan, where conflicts have displaced millions. Without peace in the Horn of Africa, the vision of a unified, prosperous continent is incomplete. Here's what we can do. First, strengthen regional diplomacy under the AU and IGAD, ensuring African solutions to African problems. Second, support inclusive governance and peacebuilding, especially where ethnic and political fault lines run deep. Third, invest in post-conflict reconstruction, enabling economies to recover and communities to rebuild trust. Fourth, and most importantly, protect civilians, empower local peace actors, and ensure peace is more than simply the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, economic opportunity, and political dignity. We must also be clear-eyed about the geopolitical opportunity before us. As the world's two largest economies - China and the United States - remain locked in a prolonged tariff war, global change is on the horizon. In this disruption lies Africa's strategic opening. This is our chance to make our move: position Africa as a stable, neutral trade hub, attract re-routed investment and manufacturing, and accelerate intra-African trade through AfCFTA.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — May 13, 2025
The guns fall silent The sudden cessation of military actions between India and Pakistan has left several people in disbelief. In this, how extensive was the involvement of external forces? India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has himself become the unfortunate and undeserving victim of jingoism while he has only represented the government before the media. Some, and these include TV 'studio room warriors', even went to the extent of calling for Pakistan's Balkanisation while India made it clear that terrorists, their installations and infrastructure were the targets. War-mongers seem to believe in the Orwellian paradox that war is peace. Even though the war clouds may have blown over, the battle is far from over. The terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror strike are still at large. Abdul Assis P.A., Thrissur, Kerala Retirement Virat Kohli's retirement from Tests will bring to an end one of contemporary Indian cricket's great chapters. He was known for multiple things — as a successful captain, stylish batsman, great fielder, on-the face and aggressive. He was the face of the new India and will be more remembered for his immense contribution to Test cricket. His aggressive captaincy ensured that games were always engaging. Test cricket will miss one of its best protagonists. Subash Balakrishnan, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
