Rising oil prices, disrupted air travel, and a shift in Sudan’s conflict COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | The US–Israeli war against Iran may be unfolding thousands of kilometres away, but its consequences are already being felt far beyond the Middle East. For East Africa’s fast-growing economies—Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania—the …
Read More »Massive U.S. strikes on Iran raise multiple questions
“Mr. Trump’s approach to Iran is reckless. His goals are ill-defined,” The New York Times commented in an editorial opinion. WASHINGTON | Xinhua | U.S. President Donald Trump said early Saturday morning that U.S. forces have launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran, raising questions about whether the White House …
Read More »USA-China economic war
Lessons for the world from the increasing strategic competition between the two super powers THE LAST WORD | ANDREW M. MWENDA | Today, I take leave from Ugandan politics with all its unending quarrels and recriminations to address an important global issue – the strategic competition between the United …
Read More »Ugandan travellers and US visa crackdown
The US$15,000 visa bond places travellers under sharper scrutiny as Washington tightens enforcement COVER STORY | RONALD MUSOKE | When U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp stepped-up to address the press at the American Centre in Kampala on Feb. 5, he was carrying a message that blended diplomacy with warning. The United …
Read More »‘EU, US, shouldn’t beat us at World Trade Meeting’
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | As the 14th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference approaches next month in Cameroon, Ugandan civil society leaders are urging African governments to speak with one voice in defending the continent’s trade interests. At a consultative meeting in Entebbe, Jane Nalunga, executive director of …
Read More »Deporting American Democracy
COMMENT | TIMOTHY SNYDER | In certain ways, this autumn in the United States has recalled the autumn of 1938 in Nazi Germany, when mass deportation of undocumented people was one of Hitler’s most ambitious coercive policies before the start of World War II. In the US, too, the connection …
Read More »The Post-2025 World Order
COMMENT | ANA PALACIO | US President Donald Trump’s designation by various publications as one of the most influential people of 2025 is not surprising. But it is nonetheless striking: rather than being honored for his leadership – for, say, resolving crises or consolidating institutions – Trump is being recognized for shattering norms, upending …
Read More »Why are some African countries banning US citizens from entry?
Mali and Burkina Faso are the latest to issue ‘tit-for-tat’ bans on visas for US citizens with immediate effect NEWS ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | Mali and Burkina Faso have announced they are imposing full visa bans on United States citizens in retaliation for US President Donald Trump’s ban on US …
Read More »Maduro pleads not guilty in U.S. court
NEW YORK | Xinhua | Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday pleaded not guilty to all U.S. charges during his first court appearance in New York. “I am innocent, I am not guilty,” Maduro told the court, adding that he was “kidnapped” at his home in Caracas and that he …
Read More »Europe decries ‘political war’ over new U.S. national security strategy
BRUSSELS | Xinhua | European politicians and analysts are accusing Washington of waging a “political war” on Brussels after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration unveiled a new national security strategy, pledging support for “patriotic European parties” and aiming to “cultivate resistance” to the continent’s current direction. The 33-page document, traditionally …
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