African countries expect concrete financing plans at COP27
Romy Chevallier, a researcher from think tank South African Institute of International Affairs, said the “African COP” should be the “implementation COP” with a clear road map on how to fund various climate policies and projects.
Tensions in Congo show ‘fragility of UN peacekeeping operations’, says Brazilian researcher
Gustavo de Carvalho, a senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, said the growth of certain armed groups gives the local population a sense of frustration at the role the United Nations has in the country. ‘The ability not only to militarily resolve the issues that are happening, particularly in the east […]
No more sidelines, says SA as it links Ukraine-Russia peace calls to UN reforms
Steven Gruzd and Gustavo de Carvalho, who have studied Russia’s strategic engagement in Africa for the SA Institute of International Affairs, said the time is not yet ripe for peace talks. ‘Beginning a process where there is dialogue can assist with the process, but it requires momentum where both parties believe they have more to […]
Institute urges regional bodies to expand good practices like Green Legacy Initiative in Africa
Alex Benkenstein, head of SAIIA’s Governance Resources Programme, told ENA that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is good practice to combat the effects of climate change, and that the lessons should be shared and expanded to the broader region.
U.S. promotes democracy in Africa as rival nations expand influence
Gustavo de Carvalho, a senior researcher on Russia-Africa relations at the South African Institute of International Affairs, said African countries do not simply pick sides between the West and China or Russia, but are driven by self-interest. ‘In some instances, it’s slightly more pragmatic,’ he said.
Antony Blinken visits Africa, vying with Russia for favor on continent hit by rising food prices
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken began a three0country tour of Africa on Sunday at a time of growing U.S. concern about Russia’s clout on the continent and on the heels of a recent trip by Moscow’s top envoy.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov’s African safari was not routine
Steven Gruzd, Head of the Russia-Africa project at the South African Institute of International Affairs, agrees that Putin sent Lavrov to Africa partly as a propaganda move, but also ‘to counter the very effective public relations that president [Volodymyr] Zelensky has had on social media.’ Gruzd also believes the visit is a ‘deliberate ploy by […]
Grain, Weapons and Valuables: Can Africa become an ally of Ukraine in the fight against Russia?
Ukraine wants to change this attitude and attract African countries to its side. In addition, the continent is trying to buy the necessary weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Russia also wants to attract Africa to its side – on July 24, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov begins a tour of the countries of the […]
Africa in position to further global nuclear nonproliferation, but competing interests hamper efforts
Public policy think tank the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Africa governance and diplomacy researcher Isabel Bosman said a credible, robust nuclear nonproliferation regime was essential to facilitate the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Why African nations’ support for UN action on Russia/Ukraine is so mixed
‘It makes sense for (the West) to maintain those relationships (with African countries),’said Cayley Clifford, researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs. ‘This whole conflict … almost gives Africa the upper hand.’