Latest news with #sub-SaharanAfrican
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
India among top contributors even as global peacekeeping ops drop by 40%: Report
As global conflicts surge, multilateral peace operations are paradoxically shrinking in scale. According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), deployments to peace operations have dropped by over 40 per cent in the last decade — from 1,61,509 personnel in 2015 to just 94,451 in India continued to retain its place among the top troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. With 5,211 military personnel deployed, India ranks third globally, following Nepal (5,908) and Bangladesh (5,482). All three South Asian nations remain strong supporters of UN-led peace SIPRI report underscored a striking pattern: every one of the top 10 troop-contributing countries hails from the Global South. Besides India, the list includes Pakistan and six sub-Saharan African nations, such as Rwanda and Kenya, highlighting the South's continued commitment to global peacekeeping, even as Western powers retreat or refocus. In 2024, 61 peace operations were active across 36 countries — just two fewer than in 2023. However, these missions are operating with fewer personnel and increasingly constrained mandates, largely due to geopolitical tensions and funding shortages, according to the Africa remains the epicentre of peacekeeping activity. Of all deployed personnel, a staggering 74 per cent — amounting to nearly 70,000 — were stationed in this region. In contrast, only 0.3 per cent (314 personnel) were deployed in Asia and Oceania, including missions involving Indian operations are also being undermined by a fractured UN Security Council. Furthermore, SIPRI noted that internal rifts have effectively paralysed the council's ability to launch new large-scale UN missions. No major UN-led peacekeeping operation has been initiated in the past strains are compounding the crisis. Delayed payments from key funders — including the United States, China, and several EU nations — have placed severe pressure on UN operations. The recent closure of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) was one of the casualties of this fiscal multilateral responses falter, some conflict-hit countries are turning to private military and security companies (PMSCs). However, SIPRI cautioned that reliance on PMSCs, seen in places like Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, often produces mixed or poor even host nations that previously demanded peacekeeper withdrawals are reversing course. Both the DRC and Somalia have recently urged peacekeepers to remain longer, following renewed instability and threats in areas vacated by UN the operational setbacks and declining troop numbers, SIPRI experts argued that multilateral peace operations continue to serve as essential tools for managing conflict and protecting civilians. Their remarks came ahead of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed on May 29.
News18
4 days ago
- Science
- News18
He Ate People, Fathered 10,000 Babies, and Just Turned 124 — Meet Henry
Last Updated: Henry, a 124-year-old Nile crocodile in South Africa, was once a man-eater. Now he's the world's oldest croc and father to over 10,000 hatchlings Crocodiles are widely regarded as some of the world's most dangerous aquatic animals, and none more so than the Nile crocodile, known for its size, strength, and predatory instincts. Among them, one has captured global attention: Henry, believed to be the oldest living crocodile in the world. Henry, a Nile crocodile, recently celebrated his 124th birthday on December 16, 2024, at the Crocodile Conservation Centre (Crocworld) in South Africa. Once infamous for attacking and consuming humans, Henry is now a revered resident of the sanctuary and a symbol of wildlife conservation. A Terrifying Beginning According to Live Science, Henry was born around 1900 in Botswana's Okavango Delta. In his early years, he struck fear into nearby tribes with reports claiming he had attacked numerous men and children. His reign of terror ended in 1903, when he was captured by a hunter named Sir Henry Newman, after whom the crocodile was eventually named. The World's Oldest Known Crocodile Henry has lived at Crocworld since 1985. Weighing a massive 700 kg and stretching 16.4 feet, he shares his enclosure with six female crocodiles and has fathered over 10,000 offspring. Experts believe his longevity is due to the safe, stable environment at Crocworld and the quality of care he receives. This is Henry, a Nile Crocodile. It is reported to be the oldest known croc in the world, born in 1900. — Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) September 12, 2024 Dr Steven Austad, a biologist at the University of Alabama, noted, '124 years is not impossible for a crocodile," adding that animals in protected environments often live significantly longer. Crocodiles also possess several biological defences. The Nile crocodile's immune system is unusually strong, with proteins in their blood that fight bacteria and a gut microbiome that supports longevity. Nile Crocodiles Across Africa Nile crocodiles are found in 26 sub-Saharan African countries and are responsible for hundreds of human fatalities annually. Studying their lifespan is difficult because it requires tagging crocodiles from a young age and tracking them for decades. As Austad jokingly puts it, 'Crocodiles live longer than most scientists' careers." Studying long-lived reptiles like Henry may help researchers understand more about ageing, immunity, and environmental adaptation. Still A Star At 124 Henry continues to draw visitors to Crocworld thanks to his sheer size, intimidating teeth, and legendary backstory. In September 2024, a viral video featuring wildlife host Robert Alleva showed the presenter visibly nervous while approaching Henry, further fuelling public fascination. Crocworld marks Henry's birthday each year with fanfare; free cupcakes, raffles, and celebratory events draw large crowds. More than just a crocodile, Henry now stands as a global symbol of conservation and biodiversity, proving that even nature's most fearsome creatures deserve protection and admiration. First Published: May 26, 2025, 14:32 IST
Ya Biladi
7 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco becomes second-largest source of irregular migrants to Spain in 2024
Data from Spain's 2024 National Security Report reveals that over 13,000 irregular migrants departed from Moroccan shores en route to Spain, making Morocco the second-largest departure point after Mauritania, which recorded more than 25,000 departures that same year. The report, published by the National Security Department under the Spanish Prime Minister's Office, confirms a growing migratory pressure on Spanish coastlines, with a record 61,372 sea arrivals in 2024—an increase of 10.3% compared to 2023. In addition to Morocco and Mauritania, Algeria recorded 12,038 migrant departures, while thousands more departed from sub-Saharan African countries, notably Senegal (8,970), The Gambia (1,943), and Guinea-Bissau (250). According to the report, the Canary Islands received the highest number of arrivals, with 46,843 migrants—up 17.4% from the previous year—while the Balearic Islands saw a sharp rise of 158.3%. While the traditional migration route from Morocco and Algeria followed the «Western Mediterranean route», the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands saw an 18% increase in traffic, in contrast to a 6% decline along the Western Mediterranean route. This shift is attributed to stricter controls in Libya and Tunisia, which have redirected migration flows toward Mauritania, Senegal, and Morocco—significantly increasing pressure on these countries. The report underscores that Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria, and Senegal are now facing mounting challenges due to this shift.
Euronews
22-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Botswana wants to deepen trade with EU amid Trump's trade tariffs
As the African Union and European Union foreign ministers pledge to boost cooperation on peace, security and the economy, Botswana has called for Brussels to lead more strategic investments in the country. Speaking to Euronews, Botswana's foreign minister, Phenyo Butale, said his country is open for business. Butale, who participated in the third EU-AU ministerial meeting in Brussels, said that although Botswana has enjoyed solid relations with the EU, there is an opportunity to deepen ties. "There is room for us and Europe and Belgium to reimagine this relationship and ensure that we improve our trade and ensure that Botswana and Europe benefit mutually from this relationship," he said. Butaye's call for more trade and investment with the EU comes amid a 37% trade tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on Botswana, making it one of the hardest-hit nations in Africa. The country's economy, which is heavily reliant on the exports of diamonds, contracted last year by 3.1% from a weak global demand for the gem. Lauded for decades as the world's fastest-growing economy, Botswana's diamond exports are second only to Russia. However, the southern African nation's gemstones are typically larger and considered of greater value. This year's economic forecast suggests a 3.3% growth based on an expected recovery in the global diamond market and "continued positive sentiment in the non-diamond mining sectors," according to a budget speech made by the Finance Minister, Ndaba Gaolathe, in February. That optimism is now being questioned as fears of a disruption to global trade supply chains sparked by the Trump administration's trade tariff war pose long-term implications for exporters looking to diversify markets beyond traditional partners. According to Butale, relations with the US, which he describes as a key ally, will remain excellent. "We are engaged with the government of the US through bilateral and diplomatic channels. We have an excellent relationship with the US and believe this relationship, which has existed for years, will be able to ensure an amicable and mutually beneficial solution for both countries." Botswana's total exports in 2023 amounted to around €5.4 billion and although less than 2% of that went to the US, much of it was carried out within the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) programme that provides duty-free access to the US market for most exports from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. That trade pact is scheduled to expire this September, marking a key decision point for the programme's future. In contrast, the EU is Botswana's second largest trading partner after South Africa. According to the European Commission report on Botswana, the 27-nation bloc maintains long-standing economic and trade relations with Gaborone. The EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has been the foundation of this solid trade and investment relationship since its start of implementation in 2016, the EU Commission says. Focusing on the areas of green transformation, economic diversification and job creation, the EU allocated €24 million in bilateral funding to its partnership with Botswana, for the period 2021-2027. The European Union stated its support for Botswana's efforts to develop and strengthen eco-tourism and horticulture value chains, transition to more sustainable energy sources and advance the country's digital agenda. Butale on Thursday lauded this cooperation and urged for more mutually beneficial investment. "There are a lot of opportunities in the mineral sector. Right now, there is a rush for rare earth minerals and there are opportunities in that space," he said. Last year, Botswana witnessed a historic and peaceful transfer of power, marking a significant shift after the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost to the opposition, a change many analysts have attributed to a desire for transformation among voters, who were seeking solutions to economic challenges and job creation. Sometimes history creates moments that appear too surreal to be true. In the United States, 14 June is set to be one of those. It's the day the US Army celebrates its 250th birthday, a historic event worth remembering. Since its official establishment on that day in 1775, over a year before the Declaration of Independence, the US military has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. 14 June is also President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, a coincidence which the White House has wasted no time in seizing as an opportunity to achieve Trump's long-held desire to stage a military parade in the streets of Washington. Trump caught the parade bug during his first term when French President Emmanuel Macron invited him to appear as guest of honour for the pomp of Paris' Bastille Day march. A green-eyed Trump considered something on a grander scale for Pennsylvania Avenue. Although parades have celebrated US military achievements in the past, the grandeur of ticker tape parades in Trump's native New York were rendered obsolete in the 1960s, as television and computers came into use for transmitting financial information. Until recently, the Army's 250th birthday festival plans did not include a parade. The festival had been in the planning for more than a year, featuring displays of military equipment, musical performances and a fitness competition on the National Mall. Then, two months ago, Trump got involved. And now a parade is on the cards. Officially, it's not about the president. The historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday "will honour generations of selfless Americans who have risked everything for our freedom," the White House said. Trump might not always have appreciated that sacrifice, according to reports which have cited him in the past referring to US soldiers in a cemetery near Paris as "losers" and "suckers." Nor did Trump himself appear keen to join the army, having avoided the draft for the Vietnam war several times. But that was then and now is now. And now means the military display has to be big. According to official planning documents, the twin-celebration includes almost 7,000 soldiers, more than 120 military vehicles, 25 Abrams tanks and 50 helicopters. In addition, there will be a 'spectacular' fireworks display and a day-long festival on the National Mall, an Army spokesman said in a statement. Planning is ongoing and could still be changed. But not everyone is happy with where things are going. "In general, the US is more comfortable with patriotism than Europe," Ian Lesser, vice president at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and executive director of the GMF's Brussels office told Euronews, adding, "But It shouldn't be about Trump, but about the US Army." Lesser also pointed to the possibility of tanks tearing up the streets. 'Washington's infrastructure is not designed to support heavy military equipment." This is also what worries the mayor of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser. "If military tanks were used, they should be accompanied with many millions of dollars to repair the roads," she said in April. Trump's first-term plan was ultimately dumped due to the huge estimated costs, as high as $92 million. This time, cost estimates run much lower, but still in the tens of millions of dollars, this at a time when Trump and his Department by Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by Elon Musk, have slashed federal agencies, personnel and programmes to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse. Meanwhile, opposition to Trump's military parade plan is growing. Thus far, in more than 100 locations across the United States, a coalition of groups, including Our Revolution, a grassroots-funded group close to liberal Senator Bernie Sanders, is organising a nationwide day of protests. They call it "No Kings Day." "Donald Trump is set to honour himself with an extravagant, taxpayer-funded military tank parade through Washington, DC on his own birthday – a spectacle more suited for kings and dictators, not US presidents," it says in a fundraising email. "In America, we reject authoritarianism and narcissistic self-celebration." Trump's parade plans also became fodder for late night comedy. On NBC's The Tonight Show, host Jimmy Fallon said, "Trump wants a full military parade for his birthday, so there will be tanks, fighter jets, and our most dangerous weapon, a self-driving Tesla."
The South African
20-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Cyril Ramaphosa coy on whether he'll meet Elon Musk on US trip
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Washington DC for a high-level Working Visit aimed at resetting and revitalising South Africa's bilateral relations with the United States. Touching down on Monday, Ramaphosa appeared upbeat as he greeted the media with a smile and wave before heading to his hotel. The visit will culminate on Wednesday with a meeting between President Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomacy. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described the visit as a 'significant step' in reshaping the bilateral economic and political relationship between the two nations. Magwenya emphasised that trade, particularly the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), will be at the centre of talks. AGOA allows duty-free access for selected sub-Saharan African exports to the US, but recent tariff hikes by the Trump administration – such as a 31% increase on South African goods – have cast uncertainty over its future. 'If the Trump administration has decided to do away with AGOA, we are ready to present a new framework for bilateral trade,' said Magwenya. The visit comes amid persistent US media narratives regarding the 'persecution' of white South African farmers. Magwenya dismissed such claims, asserting, 'The whole world knows there is no persecution of any particular race in South Africa.' He said the president will briefly address the matter, but will not let it overshadow the central goal of strengthening economic ties. Cyril Ramaphosa's visit also comes during South Africa's G20 Presidency. Questions were raised about the perceived absence of high-level US participation in recent ministerial meetings. Magwenya clarified that the US remains engaged in the G20 Troika and confirmed that an invitation to President Trump for the upcoming summit remains open. When asked about possible apprehension over meeting President Trump, Magwenya responded: 'No, he's not apprehensive at all. There may be robust discussions, but that's the nature of these engagements.' He also noted that the president is prepared, confident, and focused on a productive and mutually respectful dialogue. Speculation over a possible meeting with South Africa-born tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was addressed, with Magwenya saying the president's schedule is still being finalised and no such meeting has yet been confirmed. 'Well, we've just arrived. We're going to be briefed by our team that advanced here, and so we will take direction from them in terms of what has been done, what has been prepared, and the allocations.' President Cyril Ramaphosa is accompanied by a high-powered ministerial delegation, including: Ronald Lamola (International Relations and Cooperation) Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (Minister in the Presidency) Parks Tau (Trade, Industry and Competition) John Steenhuisen (Agriculture) Mcebisi Jonas (Special Envoy to the USA) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
