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IOL News
3 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.
Russia Today
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Africa gears up for high-level security meeting in Moscow
The majority of African countries will take part in Russia's annual global security forum, the Security Council in Moscow said on Tuesday. Forty-five delegations from over 40 African countries and several continental organizations – including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) – have confirmed that they will participate. The 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues will take place in Moscow from May 27 to 29 at the 'Russia' National Center, chaired by Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu. Ways of further deepening relations between the nations, primarily in line with decisions made at previous Russia-Africa summits, will be discussed during a special briefing on the sidelines of the 13th meeting. 'Significant geopolitical changes have directly affected the interests of countries in the Global South and East. The voice of African nations is becoming increasingly prominent as they seek to conduct foreign policy in the interests of their people and defend their right to choose their own path of development,' the Russian Security Council's press service said in the statement. The agency added that Russia has always supported its African partners in upholding their sovereignty and national interests. The annual international meeting of high-level representatives focusing on security issues has been held since 2010. The forum serves as an important international platform for sharing views on all matters related to global security and enhancing cooperation among partner countries in the fight against international terrorism, drug trafficking, and other threats. More than 125 delegations from over 100 countries across the Global South and East, along with representatives from 14 international organizations, are set to attend Russia's annual forum this year.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) (the Quartet) call on South Sudan's leaders to cease hostilities and urgently resume dialogue to progress the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) implementation
The AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS and RJMEC (the Quartet) are increasingly concerned by the rapid deterioration of the political and security situation across South Sudan. The Quartet calls on the country's leaders to cease hostilities immediately and return to dialogue to progress the inclusive implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Ongoing air and ground attacks are leading to an alarming loss of life, property and civilian displacement, even as ethnically polarizing rhetoric and hate speech are rising. The targeting of humanitarian facilities is also unacceptable and must stop. These escalations are fast eroding the confidence of communities and peace partners on the sincerity of the promise made by the Parties not to return this country to war. Against this complex backdrop, we commend the recent high-level joint visit to South Sudan by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Their continued involvement not only reaffirms regional and continental solidarity in support of lasting peace and stability in South Sudan but, crucially, underscores the pressing need for collective action to address the escalating crisis. The Quartet also appreciates the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for initiating and facilitating this visit, which will, hopefully, lead to outcomes that prioritize peace. The Quartet further encourages the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to swiftly investigate, verify and report on recent violence. Those responsible must be held to account to restore public trust and prevent such incidents from happening again. We urge all stakeholders in South Sudan to fully collaborate with CTSAMVM in facilitating impartial and thorough investigations. The Quartet firmly believe that there is no military solution to the conflict in this country and encourage the leadership to recommit to a transparent, consensus-driven and collaborative approach for lasting peace. They must reinvigorate visibly stalled peace implementation by addressing all grievances through an inclusive political dialogue. This can be achieved through the release of the First Vice President, other SPLM/A-IO officials and members currently under detention, and the creation of an enabling environment to reconvene and resource inclusive institutions and mechanisms provided for under the R-ARCSS. The various institutions and mechanisms must adhere to the letter and spirit of the Revitalized Peace Agreement by actioning the completion of outstanding benchmarks. These steps are essential if South Sudan is to hold free, fair and credible elections at the end of this extended transitional period. Finally, the AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS and RJMEC remain optimistic that South Sudan's leaders will marshal the sense of common purpose that united them during their struggle for independence, overcome current mistrust and challenges, and, once again, jointly pursue a peaceful transition. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Observer
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Drone strikes spark civilian exodus from Sudan aid hub
PORT SUDAN: Paramilitary drones struck areas of eastern and southern Sudan for a fifth straight day on Thursday, army sources said, prompting an exodus of civilians from Port Sudan, seat of the army-backed government. Attacks targeted the country's main naval base outside Port Sudan, as well as fuel depots in the southern city of Kosti, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The group launched another drone attack on the Flamingo Naval Base north of Port Sudan," one source said on condition of anonymity, referring to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at war with the regular army since April 2023. Explosions were heard across the city, a correspondent reported. Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast had been regarded as a safe haven, hosting United Nations offices and hundreds of thousands of displaced people, until drone strikes blamed on the RSF began on Sunday. The port city is the main entry point for humanitarian aid into Sudan, and UN chief Antonio Guterres warned the attacks "threaten to increase humanitarian needs and further complicate aid operations in the country", his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Nearly 1,100 kilometres to the southwest, in the army-controlled city of Kosti in White Nile state, RSF drones struck fuel depots, setting off massive fires, a military source said. "The group targeted the fuel depots that supply the state with three drones, causing fires to break out," the source said. There were no immediate reports of any casualties. More than two years of war have killed tens of thousands of people and uprooted 13 million, according to UN figures. RSF drone strikes on Port Sudan this week hit key facilities including the country's last functioning international airport, its largest working fuel depot and the city's main power station. An army source said air defences had shot down 15 drones over the city overnight. At Port Sudan's bustling main bus station, civilians were scrambling to leave. "You can't get a ticket without booking over a day in advance now, all the buses are booked," said bus company employee Mahmoud Hussein. On Wednesday evening, drones were also seen over the army-held eastern city of Kassala and northern city of Merowe, prompting anti-aircraft fire. Eight-country east African bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), called the attacks on civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan "unacceptable" and demanded an "immediate end". "Any assault on this critical hub further compounds human suffering and impedes the delivery of urgently needed assistance," IGAD executive secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said in a statement. — AFP
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Joint Communiqué of the African Union Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on the Official Visit to the Republic of South Sudan
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) jointly reaffirm their unwavering support to the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan in their ongoing pursuit of peace, national unity, democratic governance, and sustainable development. From 5 to 6 May 2025, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission undertook an official visit to Juba, in close coordination with IGAD, to engage with South Sudanese authorities and key stakeholders on the evolving political and security situation and the status of the peace process. The visit comes at a pivotal moment as South Sudan advances through its transitional period under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). While in Juba, the Chairperson held high-level consultations with H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and other senior government officials. Discussions focused on: • Preserving the hard-won gains of the peace agreement; • Fostering inclusive national dialogue and consensus; • Supporting the timely, credible, and transparent implementation of the transitional roadmap; • Strengthening governance institutions In addition, the Chairperson engaged with regional and international partners, including the African diplomatic corps and TROIKA representatives, to enhance coordination and reinforce a unified approach to supporting South Sudan's transition. The AUC and IGAD emphasize that peace, stability, and inclusive governance are indispensable foundations for South Sudan's sustainable development and regional integration. They further underline the need for mutual trust, national cohesion, respect for political and civic space, and continued commitment to dialogue and compromise. The African Union and IGAD remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Government and people of South Sudan as well as international and regional partners to safeguard peace, uphold the principles of the R-ARCSS, and support a future grounded in unity, resilience, and prosperity. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
