The European commission yesterday, Tues 15th December approved finances for eleven African and two Caribbean countries totalling € 230 million, which includes € 215 million under the so-called vulnerability FLEX mechanism (V-FLEX). This is the first package of financing decisions in the framework of the € 500 million V-FLEX mechanism which was adopted in August [...]
The recent assassination attempt on Guinea’s leader, Capt Moussa Dadis Camara raises eyebrows as well as questions. Could it be that he was telling the truth when he claimed that he did not have complete control of the armed forces? An assassination attempt by one of his aides would not necessarily justify such claims but [...]
On March 22, Pope Benedict journeyed to the Angolan Parish of Santo Antonio in Luanda. His purpose was to meet with members of Catholic movements devoted to the promotion of women. There are those who have queried why the Pontiff so chose to strongly endorse this focus upon women’s identity. Critics contend, for example, that [...]
When I was growing up one of my favourite Buddy Holly songs was “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore”. As Commonwealth leaders concluded their gathering in Trinidad of the biennial Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), some have argued that should have been the theme of this unique organisation. I would beg to differ. It is sixty years [...]
Focusing on the return to economic growth, The Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) has emphasised that partnering for a more equitable and sustainable future is essential. Business and Government leaders from more than 50 countries came to the forum to discuss the future for business and trade. More than 150 speakers participated, including HE Rupiah Banda, [...]
Zimbabwe’s power-share arrangement was put under further strain when the President of Botswana Ian Khama spoke out criticising it. Khama argues that the current arrangement is failing and that the only political solution for Zimbabwe is to have a fresh election. President Robert Mugabe (ZANU-PF) and opposition leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai (Movement for Democratic [...]
International peace and security are among the many controversial issues discussed at the century-old meeting of Commonwealth leaders. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – is mostly made up of Presidents and Prime Ministers – takes place once every two years and is a rare opportunity for leaders of the highest level to discuss [...]
It is not difficult to see who the winners of the recent Sierra Leone trade and investment forum were. James Sampha Koroma, for example was the single highest beneficiary of the two-day trade and investment forum, signing a $5 million business deal. The forum was held this year in London on 18th – 19th November. [...]
