Author: Daramola Luke

The politicization of the military is fast becoming the order of the day across the Sahel. The political crisis following last week’s coup in one of Africa’s poorest countries, Niger, deepens and continues to dominate news reports. General Abdourahmane Tchiani, erstwhile head of the elite Presidential Guard mans the State and carries on with specific reforms however, he faces a threat of war. The Sahelian nation under his command sits on the precipice and faces a series of trade, financial, and travel sanctions. Dramatic scenes are set to unfold as the clock ticks. The Economic Community of West African States,…

In a world where economic power is all but important, one nation’s name repeatedly echoes from the echelon of international sports; and that’s Saudi Arabia. Riyadh hopes to transition from a fossil-fuel past to a sports-fuelled future as the wealth and influence of the Saudi Crown spreads far and wide. Sports is a lucrative business and football holds much influence. Saudi authorities are on a mission to entice the best talents in the world of football. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), who also doubles as Premier, spearheads this audacious bid. In the Middle East, Riyadh continues to champion a…

Why is Trump in the Spotlight? Can he run for Presidency amid legal woes? The political scenario in the United States is currently engulfed in controversy and speculation as former U.S. President Donald Trump finds himself entangled in a web of probes and lawsuits. With each passing day, Trump’s name continues to dominate headlines worldwide, as he faces mounting scandals and legal challenges. To make matters more remarkable, Trump has become the first former U.S. President to be indicted for a criminal offense, and the list of his troubles seems to be growing exponentially. Despite the legal battles and reputational…

Chinese-run and influential social media app, TikTok sits at the center of a tech tussle. The popular app reels on the radar. Several state actors are pressing on to ban TikTok for reasons centered on national interests, and its connection with the Chinese leadership – an act that could roll on. Tensions between China and the West are on the rise over trade and tech practices – and the TikTok controversy – is all part of that picture. Chaotic 2023 In the US, TikTok has been banned from official devices and the Joe Biden-led US administration has issued an ultimatum…

Ranked second most powerful person in the world by Forbes in 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the most feared politicians on the planet at the moment. Putin controls the most stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world. Close to 6,000 warheads are at his disposal and around 1,588 are set for immediate launch. In his annual address aired last month in Moscow, the Russian state capital, President Putin flashed the nuclear card. He inter alia announced the suspension of the last major pillar of nuclear arms control with the United States dubbed – ‘the New START nuclear…

World economies had it rough in 2022. February 24 will mark one year since Russia rolled in troops into Ukraine in what is dubbed – a ‘special military operation’. One year on, the conflict continues to crunch international economies and politics. In a conflict – turned complex and protracted, the question remains – how best and in what form will a peace deal take? Russia and Ukraine appear to have fought each other to a standstill. Economic ruin is the common theme on both sides. The threat of a nuclear disaster persists. The Munich Security Conference (MSC) – an annual…

Once every four years, players from around the world come together to compete for the prestigious prize – the FIFA World Cup Trophy, worth $20 million US dollars. The Gulf state of Qatar plays host to all 32 nations that made the final cut of the 2022 tournament. Currently, matches are on. The French football national team, Les Bleus, the current holder of the iconic trophy, has put up a fine first-match display to defend their crown in Doha. Produced as a successor to the Jules Rimet Trophy, the FIFA World Cup has been used since 1974. To date, the…

Once on the cusp of rapid economic transformation, Ethiopia has been embroiled in an armed conflict at a dire human cost. The continental bloc, the African Union, appears to have calmed the political waters. However, it is important to note that the prospects of an all-inclusive political settlement remain remote. The peace accord penned in Pretoria and consolidated in Nairobi between the parties to the conflict is expected to redress the balance. There are contentious issues inherent therein, and that has cast serious doubts on whether all parties would be true to the letter and spirit of the deal in…

Named the most powerful person in the world by the Economist in 2017, Chinese state leader Xi Jinping in October, secured an unprecedented and historic third leadership term – which runs till 2027. He was re-conferred the titles of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in the wake of the 20th National Communist Party Congress. The Congress, convened at the state capital and held between October 16 – 22, had in attendance over two thousand CCP delegates to chart a future course for China. It featured discussions on state affairs,…

Climate impacts are coming fast and furious. Devastating floods, record-breaking temperatures, and extreme drought, all pose a real threat to humankind. Every year, members of each COP nation come together for discussions about their climate commitments and to outline measures to combat climate disorders. This year, Egypt is set to host world leaders, policymakers, experts, and other critical stakeholders – for COP27 – the Largest International Climate Conference on Earth. Here’s what you need to know ahead COP, shortened for Conference of the Parties, refers to the group of states that consented to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change…

Tehran finds itself in the throes of a political crisis. The Islamic Republic is on the precipice with weeks of protests on course across the state of over 85 million people. Public demonstrations which thus far have exposed the fault line in Iranian society, all started as a movement to counter repressive policies on dress code. In what has now evolved into a wider appeal for reforms, scores of demonstrators have been killed and thousands arrested, with no official figures by state authorities. Calls for accountability continue to echo across the world with the Iranian diaspora in active participation. What…

World Teachers’ Day, also known as International Day for Teachers, is an annual event observed every October 5 to celebrate and appraise teachers on the planet. More than a hundred states commemorate World Teachers’ Day and each holds its date for celebration. Despite the variations, the date of October 5 holds a special spot in the calendar. It has the assent of the United Nations and – is upheld and observed across several countries – including Nigeria. World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in collaboration with specialized bodies of the UN such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Education International…

From the “peaceful” transition of Queen Elizabeth II and the eight-nation SCO Summit to the coup in Burkina Faso, an epicentre of violence in the Sahel, here’s a round-up of the top five international stories for September. Queen Elizabeth II passes on, Prince Charles ascends the throneSCO observes Summit in Uzbekistan, Tehran pens memorandum to joinWorld leaders convene in UNGA, war in Ukraine deepens fissuresPutin signs accord to incorporate four Ukrainian regions, the West reactBurkina Faso army captain Traore deposes military administration, takes power Queen Elizabeth II passes on, Prince Charles ascends the throne Hours after she was placed under…

Liz Truss emerged as the leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister of the United Kingdom Monday, September 5 at a time when the UK faces diverse internal setbacks. She defeated former finance minister Rishi Sunak to clinch the top position in British politics, in a leadership race that was divisive and fierce. Truss polled 57.4 percent of the votes to triumph over Sunak, who had 47.6 percent. Her emergence makes her the third female British premier after Margaret Thatcher, a leader she admires, and Theresa May, under whose administration she held various cabinet positions. Truss accession to power…

From US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan to the death of Mikhail Gorbachev the last Soviet ruler, and the Taliban’s national holiday celebration, here’s a round-up of the top five international stories for August. Pelosi tours Asia visits TaiwanRuto wins Kenyan Presidential electionIsraeli bombardment of GazaTransition of Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet rulerTaliban celebrates anniversary of foreign troop departure Let’s take a deep dive; Pelosi tours Asia, visits Taiwan US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a five-day tour led a congressional delegation to four Asian nations, including a controversial stop in Taiwan. Despite stern disapproval from China, Pelosi…

Clearly, the international sphere is on a radical course with the fireball of conflictual relations playing out. In Europe, Russia and Ukraine appear to have fought each other to a standstill and increasingly in the Asia-Pacific, China and Taiwan are on a collision course. Communist China believes there is only one sovereign Chinese state and the self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan is an inalienable part of it. Unreservedly, the island nation refutes such claims, and in all probability, war looms on the horizon. What escalated tensions? China launched unprecedented military operations around Taiwan earlier this month and till present carries…

Exactly a year ago, the Taliban consolidated their return to power by the capture of strategic Afghan cities including Kabul, the state capital at a speed no one predicted. It was indeed a prized victory for the group that had fought local and international forces for nearly two decades since they were forced out of power in 2001 by a US-led invasion. One year since their return to power, the Taliban regime, alias Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, remains in diplomatic isolation and on the world stage has no formal recognition. Increasingly, the Taliban-ruled Islamic Emirate is at odds with Western…

Salman Rushdie, the author whose publication led to death threats from Iran in 1989, was attacked Friday at a literary event in western New York. He was rushed to a hospital in Pennsylvania where he underwent a surgical operation. Presently, he is in a critical state after sustaining injuries invital organs, including the possibility of losing an eye, according to reports. Condemned by many in the West, the attack has, however, received praises in other places. Why the mixed reception? Profile: Salman Rushdie, a renowned but controversial author Born on 19 June 1947, Salman Rushdie is a renowned novelist. He…

From the resignation of Boris Johnson as British prime minister to the historic grain deal signed between Russia and Ukraine, here’s a round-up of top five international stories for July. 1 – Resignation of Boris Johnson as British PM On July 7, 58-year-old Boris Johnson stepped down as Conservative Party leader and announced his resignation as prime minister of the United Kingdom after series of scandals and mass ministerial resignations rocked his leadership. Johnson is credited to have ended years of parliamentary deadlock and pulled Britain out of the European Union. He remains caretaker prime minister until an elected successor…

Emerging world economies are facing a debt crisis and several of them are forced to cut their spendings while others seek external financial aid to stay afloat. Clearly, the national budgets of developing nations are at a breaking point and in the case of Sri Lanka, it is a total collapse. The island nation of 22 million people finds itself in the throes of a huge economic crisis, the worst since independence in 1948. In an outpouring of revulsion, thousands of Sri Lankans stormed key government buildings including the official residence of ex-president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa on July 9 in Colombo,…