News briefs
Regular digests of news on the countries SALO follows, compiled by SALO researchers.
DRC - 2 February 2016
How to Reform the Democratic Republic of Congo Rethink development strategy and make transparency a priority. Every return visit to my native country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, brings fresh surprises—almost never the good kind. This …
Africa - 10 November 2015
Burundi experiencing ‘deep political crisis’ with hundreds dead since April, Security Council told Senior United Nations officials today warned the UN Security Council that Burundi is at a critical juncture, experiencing a deep political …
Zimbabwe - 10 November 2015
Japan avails $15-million grant to Zimbabwe The Japan International Cooperation Agency has extended a $15 million grand to Zimbabwe, the first substantial commitment in 15 years, for the development of the 674 hectares Nyakomba irrigation …
Swaziland - 10 November 2015
LET US GIVE GOOD EDUCATION TO OUR CHILDREN The community should stand together for the children so that Swaziland can be counted as a rich country as well, maybe by 2022 we will have taken great strides. Parents should lead by example when …
Western Sahara - 10 November 2015
After 40 Years, Time to End the Occupation of Western Sahara This November marks forty years since 350,000 Moroccans crossed into the Western Sahara as part of the so-called “Green March.” November 6 is a dark day for the Saharawi people, …
South Sudan - 10 November 2015
Black boxes in S Sudan air crash recovered Investigators in South Sudan have found the two black boxes from a Soviet-era Antonov plane which crashed last week killing at least 36 people, state radio said on Tuesday. Minister of Transport …
Sudan - 10 November 2015
400 Sudanese troops arrive in Yemen A new batch of Sudanese ground troops arrived in Yemen’s port city Aden Monday to participate in the Saudi-led campaign against the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi militants, said sources. Military sources …
CAR - 10 November 2015
Date set for Central African Republic polls The strife-torn Central African Republic is to hold presidential and legislative elections on December 27, the National Elections Authority announced on national radio on Monday. The vote will be …
Somalia - 10 November 2015
Settle Yemen crisis to help Somalia PM tells UN Ending the crisis in Yemen is crucial to prevent Islamic State jihadists from shoring up Somalia’s weakened Shabaab, Somalia’s prime minister said on Monday. Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke told …
DRC - 10 Nov 2015
NGO workers kidnapped for ransom in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Aid workers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were kidnapped in two separate incidents over the week-end, raising fears that mineral-rich North Kivu province may …
Africa - 27 October 2015
African Standby Force closer to becoming a reality The Amani Africa II field training exercise — made up of over 5 400 troops and police — kicked off at the Army Combat Training Centre in the Northern Cape. The training will last until 5 …
Zimbabwe - 27 October 2015
Post-Mugabe Zimbabwe will be chaotic - politician A Zimbabwean opposition leader has reportedly warned of total collapse the day President Robert Mugabe “does not wake up”. Former finance minister Tendai Biti, who is the People’s Democratic …
Swaziland - 27 October 2015
King - ‘I’ve No Assets Outside Swaziland’ King Mswati III of Swaziland who was once reported to have a personal net worth of US$200 million has told a court that he has no assets outside of Swaziland. He made his statement in a case where …
Western Sahara - 27 October 2015
Algeria reiterates support for Western Sahara’s right to self-determination Algerian National People’s Assembly Speaker Mohamed Larbi Ould Khelifa reiterated his country’s support for the right to self-determination for the people of …
South Sudan - 27 October 2015
New peace pact in South Sudan South Sudan’s warring government and rebel forces signed Monday a committment to settle key security sections of a peace deal, despite having broken the pact multiple times. The agreement is hoped to kickstart …
Sudan - 27 October 2015
Sudan’s Bashir hopes dialogue conference to produce unified national vision Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir has expressed hope that the national dialogue conference can come up with a consensus on a unified vision to formulate the …
Somalia - 27 October 2015
Somalia: People With Disabilities Abused, Neglected People with mental health conditions in Somaliland are increasingly forced into institutions, where they face serious abuses and poor conditions. The Somaliland authorities should provide …
DRC - 27 October 2015
US Wants ‘Concrete Steps’ to Prepare for DRC Elections A senior U.S. diplomat visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo has urged the government there to take concrete steps to prepare for future elections, and to cooperate fully with the …
Africa - 20 October 2015
U.S. Commitments to Women, Peace, and Security Fifteen years since United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted in 2000, the United States remains a strong advocate for women’s equal and full participation in the prevention …
Zimbabwe - 20 October 2015
Zimbabwe’s Mugabe warms to West as economy wobbles Robert Mugabe’s anti-Western rhetoric has been conspicuous by its absence of late, a sign the 91-year-old leader has mellowed or realised that Zimbabwe may need financial help. A year ago, …