Sudan: The Darfur “Bottleneck”

A solution cannot be assumed – at least in the near future – which can put an end to the bloody conflict in Darfur, the Sudanese region where out-and-out genocide has been in existence since 2003. The Janjaweed, an Islam inspiration group composed of members of the Baggara Arabic Nomad Tribe, oppose violently against the rest of the civilian population, made up of different ethnics. The Khartoum government unofficially claims that the Janjaweed fight is supplying their weapons and military assistance. This element contributes to removing every possible wish for peace. It is impossible that a pacification can be reached in one of the poorest areas in Africa without the will of the Sudanese government. In reality, there are many interests, of both an economic and geopolitical nature, between the different powers on an international level, predominantly China and Russia, which limit the opportunities of cessation of the war hostility. Continue...

€ 2,5 / 1349 Words

Sergio Porcu

(12 May 2008)

Southern Africa: integration into the SADC and access to credit

The economies of the southern African countries have grown at a good rate throughout past years, looking to diversify their own economic choices in view of the creation of the SADC area of free exchange, which should come into play in 2008. South Africa, which has the strongest of the African economies, leads the group forward and has recently witnessed the implementation of the new regularisation of the credit system which could have an influence over the entire area. Continue...

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Anita Boselli

(06 December 2007)

(A&F) Somalia: an opening towards the end of the impasse

The situation in Somalia, after a short period of calm imposed to a high cost by the domination of the Islamic Courts, once again finds itself at the mercy of guerrillas. The population is tired and tried and the increasing number of protagonists on the scene renders the situation even more chaotic. Nevertheless the situation is evolving, but peace still seems to be a distant prospect. Continue...

€ 2.5 / 1589 Words

Anita Boselli

(16 November 2007)

Lebanon: the environmental impact of the conflict with Israel

A year since the war between Israel and Hezbollah (12 July – 14 August 2006) in Lebanon, the consequences on the environment are still calamitous and putting the lives of thousands of people in the country at risk. The South of the country was severely bombarded during the last three days of the conflict, where the country incurred enormous losses in population as well as in territory. Continue...

€ 2.5 / 1537 Words

Stefano Torelli

(10 September 2007)

NEPAD: The Role of South Africa

Thanks to the country’s economic strength South Africa has earned a key role in the economic and social development of Africa. Supporting and sponsoring the New Partnership for Africa’s Development places South Africa in a strong position to became the preferred development partner by a large number of less fortunate African countries. In return, South Africa will became more competitive and relevant both economically and politically in the global arena. Continue...

€ 2.5 / 1433 Words

Massimo Corsini

(30 August 2007)

(A&F) Petrol: global scenario until 2030

Many experts claim the world's most essential commodity is likely to suffer an accentuated rise in price followed by strong geopolitical instability. Have we reached the peak of Hubbert's curve, where oil production is destined to undergo an inexorable decline? Continue...

€ 5 / 1751 Words

Domenico Guglielmi

(03 August 2007)

Democratic Republic of Congo: a future full of uncertainties

A year before the first direct elections after 40 years of dictatorship and civil war, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is still struggling to find the political balance needed to alleviate it from a disastrous economic and social situation. The hopes are many, hinged on the success of the electoral process, and the trust confided to President Joseph Kabila by the international community, although much still remains to be done for the establishment of legality in a country long used to anarchy and civil war. Continue...

€ 2.5 / 1471 Words

Federico Flora

(24 July 2007)