होम ब्लॉग

Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia to begin ambitious Asia-Pacific tour

Shasi Kumar
-
0
Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia to begin ambitious Asia-Pacific tour

Jakarta, Indonesia (Reuters) – Dozens of excited Indonesians waved on Tuesday as a motorcade carried Pope Francis through the capital as he began the first leg of an ambitious Asia-Pacific tour expected to urge global action on climate change as part of his longest trip yet.


The 87-year-old pontiff, who will also visit East Timor, Singapore and Papua New Guinea over the next 10 days, was seated in a wheelchair as a lift disembarked him from a chartered aircraft at Jakarta airport.

READ MORE : Pope Francis meets at Vatican with relatives of Israeli hostages and Palestinians living in Gaza

Two children in traditional clothes presented a bouquet of local produce before the pope was greeted by Indonesia’s religious affairs minister, its Vatican envoy and several of its bishops on a red carpet flanked by honour guards.
Francis then drove off in a waiting car, waving and smiling. As his motorcade passed through Jakarta towards the Vatican embassy, where he is staying, small crowds of people were seen waving excitedly.

“I’m so happy, I feel so blessed,” said Enny Rahail, 52, who travelled 3,000 km (1,860 miles) to Jakarta from her home in southeast Maluku before standing for two hours in mid-day heat to wave to the pope outside the embassy.
“As Indonesians we are happy because the Catholic leader comes to our country,” said Enny, who called Francis an “advocate for peace” and said she cried as the pope arrived.
The ageing pope was not set to attend any public events on Tuesday, to allow him time for rest after the 13-hour overnight flight from Rome.

Pope Francis waves at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport during his apostolic visit to Asia, in Tangerang near Jakarta, Indonesia, September 3, 2024. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawa

But shortly after arriving at the embassy, Francis held an informal meeting with a group of refugees living in Indonesia.
The Vatican gave few details, but said the group included persons from Somalia, Sri Lanka and members of the persecuted Rohingya minority from Myanmar.
The pontiff is set to travel nearly 33,000 km (21,000 miles)on the 12 days of the Asia-Pacific tour, before he arrives back in Rome late in the evening of Sept. 13.
At the beginning of his flight to Jakarta, Francis spent roughly half an hour individually greeting the accompanying journalists, leaning on a cane as he walked slowly around the back of the aircraft, chatting and shaking hands.

He offered only a few words about the trip, saying the coming days would represent his longest voyage abroad.

DIVINE BLESSINGS

Francis, who is not only the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics but also the Vatican’s head of state, wired customary greetings to every country he crossed on the way to Indonesia, including Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey.
He offered prayers of peace, hopes for prosperity, or divine blessings, in messages varying with each country.
An address to Indonesia’s political leaders on Wednesday will be the pope’s first official event. The following day, he will participate in an inter-religious meeting at Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, the Istiqlal Mosque.
Francis, who pushed for the 2015 Paris climate pact, is expected to continue voicing appeals to confront the dangers of a warming globe.
Jakarta, the Indonesian capital home to at least 10 million people, is vulnerable to climate change, as it tackles chronic flooding and sinking land. The government is building a new capital, Nusantara, on the island of Borneo.
Just 3% of a population of about 280 million is Catholic in Indonesia, which is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
“This is a very historic visit,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo told reporters before the pope’s arrival, offering Francis a warm welcome on a long-planned visit that had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Indonesia and the Vatican have a similar commitment to cultivate peace and brotherhood as well as ensure prosperity for the people.”
(This story has been refiled to add the dropped word ‘who’ in paragraph 5)

Reporting by Joshua McElwee and Stanley Widianto; Additional reporting by Willy Kurniawan, Ananda Teresia and Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Martin Petty and Clarence Fernandez FOR Reuters

Thailand Legalized Marijuana First in Asia — But the Fallout Has Sparked National Debat

Zarawee Kitirong
-
0
Thailand Legalized Marijuana First in Asia — But the Fallout Has Sparked National Debat

Bangkok, Thailand — Three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, Thailand is reversing course. The government this week introduced sweeping regulations that restrict cannabis use to strictly medical purposes, a dramatic shift from the liberal policies that triggered a nationwide “green rush.”

As of Thursday, cannabis can now only be sold to individuals with a valid doctor’s prescription. Recreational use is effectively banned, and the country’s more than 18,000 licensed dispensaries must adapt to the new regulations or face closure.

RELATED NEWS : Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Phone Calls

“This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only,” said Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin in an interview with CNN on Wednesday. He also revealed the government’s intention to eventually reclassify cannabis as a narcotic — a major reversal of the 2022 policy that allowed open trade and consumption of marijuana products.

Pro-cannabis activist Kitty Chopaka, seen here at a protest against the Thai government in 2024, says the new rules will not stop people from buying marijuana for recreational purposes. Photo : Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images

New Restrictions on the Cannabis Industry

Under the new Health Ministry guidelines, cannabis shops must:

  • Sell only to customers with a medical certificate.
  • Keep detailed sales records.
  • Submit to regular inspections.
  • Cease all forms of commercial advertising.
  • Avoid vending machine and online sales.

Violators could face up to one year in prison or a fine of 20,000 baht (approximately $620). Further legislation may increase penalties and impose stricter business regulations.

These rules are expected to significantly impact cannabis tourism in popular destinations like Bangkok’s Khao San Road and Pattaya’s beach strips, where dispensaries and weed-themed cafés flourished amid lax oversight.

Tourists and locals alike will now need documentation proving medical necessity for conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nausea, epilepsy, or chronic nerve pain. Foreign tourists can present prescriptions from their home countries.

“We want tourists to enjoy Thailand’s culture and nature — but not view it as a hub for recreational cannabis,” Somsak said.

From Legal Boom to Backlash

Thailand first legalized medical marijuana in 2018. In 2022, it became the first Asian nation to fully decriminalize cannabis — removing it from the narcotics list. But without accompanying laws to regulate the booming industry, a legal gray zone emerged.

Thousands of cannabis shops and cannabis-themed businesses opened rapidly, from hemp spas to weed festivals. One such event in Bangkok earlier this month featured former boxing champion Mike Tyson promoting his cannabis brand.

A government report from 2022 projected the Thai cannabis industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though officials now admit that widespread unregulated trade has made it difficult to track the industry’s true size.

Somsak said the new regulations are intended to close this legal gap and prevent the social harms associated with unchecked cannabis use.

“We are not shutting down cannabis shops, but we are prioritizing medical regulation,” he explained. “Revenue may dip at first, but responsible, law-abiding businesses will remain stable.”

Rising Concerns and Smuggling Cases

The push to tighten laws follows rising public concern about cannabis misuse, especially among youth. Reports of underage use, street smoking, and complaints of strong odors have spurred backlash in tourist areas and islands like Phuket, where zoning proposals are being considered.

“Cannabis addiction is rising and has become a social issue,” Somsak warned. “It affects children, causes public nuisance, and damages public safety.”

Adding to the problem is a spike in cannabis smuggling. Several recent cases involving British tourists attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand have made international headlines. In response, Thai and British authorities have formed a joint task force to combat illegal drug exportation.

As Thailand moves to reclaim control over its cannabis industry, many are watching to see whether this crackdown marks the end of Asia’s most liberal cannabis experiment — or just a course correction toward more responsible use.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

At Least 39 Killed in Fire at Sigachi Pharmaceutical Factory in Telangana

Shasi Kumar
-
0
At Least 39 Killed in Fire at Sigachi Pharmaceutical Factory in Telangana

Telangana, India — At least 39 people have died and 34 others were injured following a devastating explosion and fire at a chemical factory operated by Sigachi Industries in southern India, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, has prompted the company to halt operations at the affected facility for 90 days.

The explosion ripped through the pharmaceutical supplier’s plant in Telangana state, causing the entire structure to collapse. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency crews still working to clear the debris.

RELATED NEWS : 5 Dead, Over a Dozen Missing as Torrential Rains Trigger Flash Floods in North India

“We are still clearing the debris,” said GV Narayana Rao, director of the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Service. “Only after this is complete will we know if any more bodies are trapped.”

Authorities say more than 140 workers were present in the plant when the blast occurred. At least 25 of the deceased have yet to be identified, according to district official P. Pravinya.

One survivor, Chandan Gound, 32, recounted his escape:

“I stepped out to use the restroom and suddenly heard a loud blast — like a bomb. Flames erupted, and I had to jump the wall to escape. Many managed to flee, but a large number were trapped inside.”

The Telangana state government has formed a five-member investigative committee to determine the cause of the explosion, which remains unknown. Sigachi has stated the plant is fully insured and that it has begun processing claims for the extensive damage to its equipment and infrastructure.

Sigachi Industries is a major producer of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an essential ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. The Telangana facility accounts for over 25% of the company’s total production capacity of 21,700 million metric tons annually. MCC is widely used for its compressibility and ability to enhance drug release in tablets, as well as in low-calorie foods and skincare products.

The company’s shares fell nearly 8% on Tuesday, heading for their steepest two-day decline on record.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, five people were killed and four injured in a massive fire at a firecracker factory in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu — a region notorious for repeated industrial accidents involving explosives.

Both tragedies have renewed concerns over industrial safety standards in India, particularly in the hazardous chemicals and manufacturing sectors.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Phone Calls

Diplomat Times
-
0
Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended Amid Ethics Probe Over Leaked Phone Calls

Bangkok, Thailand — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s embattled 38-year-old prime minister, was suspended from her role on Tuesday following a Constitutional Court decision to launch an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former strongman, Hun Sen. The scandal has thrown the Southeast Asian nation back into political turmoil just 10 months after Paetongtarn assumed office.

The Constitutional Court voted to temporarily suspend her from prime ministerial duties while it deliberates on whether she breached ethical standards laid out in Thailand’s constitution. Paetongtarn will, however, remain in the Cabinet as culture minister following a recent reshuffle.

RELATED NEWS : Thai Prime Minister Faces Resignation Calls Amid Cambodia Phone Call Controversy

The suspension follows a petition filed by 36 senators, who accused Paetongtarn of undermining national interests in a phone call that was later authenticated by both Thai and Cambodian officials. The conversation, held on June 15, occurred amid rising tensions over a deadly border clash that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

In the leaked audio, Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and appeared to criticize her own military, suggesting Hun Sen should disregard statements from a senior Thai army commander in the northeast. She also assured Hun Sen that if he “wants anything,” he should ask her directly — remarks that critics say amounted to compromising Thailand’s sovereignty.

Public reaction has been swift and fierce. Anti-government protests erupted in Bangkok over the weekend, with demonstrators demanding her resignation. The controversy also triggered the withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai party — a key coalition partner — further weakening Paetongtarn’s governing Pheu Thai party ahead of a looming no-confidence vote in parliament.

In a press conference following the ruling, Paetongtarn defended her intentions:

“I acted for the country, to protect our sovereignty, to safeguard the lives of our soldiers, and to preserve peace,” she said. “I apologize to all my fellow Thais who may feel uneasy or upset about this matter.”

She also sought to clarify the nature of the conversation, calling it a “negotiation tactic” and claiming it was never meant to be public. “It was a private call aimed at defusing tensions, not a statement of allegiance,” she added.

Thailand and Cambodia share a long and sometimes volatile border stretching over 800 kilometers. While the two nations have cooperated economically and diplomatically in recent years, disputes — particularly over demarcation and historical grievances — have flared into deadly clashes on several occasions.

Paetongtarn’s political future remains uncertain. She took office after the court ousted her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, for a separate ethics violation. The same court also controversially dissolved the Move Forward Party — Thailand’s most-voted party in the 2023 general election — and banned its leaders from politics for a decade.

With public trust eroding, coalition support wavering, and an ethics ruling pending, Paetongtarn now faces her toughest political test yet — one that could define the next chapter of Thai politics.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

A week of heavy rains and floods across Pakistan kills 46 people including 13 family members

Diplomat Times
-
0
A week of heavy rains and floods across Pakistan kills 46 people including 13 family members

Peshawar, Pakistan — Nearly a week of heavy monsoon rains and flash floods across Pakistan has killed at least 46 people and injured dozens, officials said Monday.

The fatalities caused by abnormally strong downpours since Tuesday include 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 13 in eastern Punjab province, seven in southern Sindh, and four in southwestern Balochistan, the National Disaster Management Authority and provincial emergency officials said.

“We are expecting above-normal rains during the monsoon season and alerts have been issued to the concerned authorities to take precautionary measures,” said Irfan Virk, a Pakistan Meteorological Department deputy director.

Virk said that forecasters cannot rule out a repeat of extreme weather like the devastating floods in 2022. Rains inundated a third of the country, killing 1,737 people and causing widespread destruction.

The deaths from the past week include 13 tourists from a family of 17 who were swept away Friday. The other four family members were rescued from the flooded Swat River in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Rescuers found 12 bodies from the group and divers continued searching Monday for the remaining victim, said Bilal Faizi, a provincial emergency service spokesman.

The incident drew widespread condemnation online over what many called a slow response by emergency services.

On Sunday, the National Disaster Management Authority had warned of potential hazards and advised people against crossing rivers and streams.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Germany to Boost Ukraine’s Weapons Production to Strengthen Peace Talks Stance Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

Diplomat Times
-
0
Germany to Boost Ukraine’s Weapons Production to Strengthen Peace Talks Stance Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

Kyiv, Ukraine — Germany will help Ukraine accelerate domestic weapons production to bolster its position in ongoing but stalled peace efforts with Russia, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced Monday during a high-level visit to Kyiv alongside defense industry leaders.

“We see our task as helping Ukraine so that it can negotiate more strongly,” Wadephul said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The initiative includes the establishment of joint ventures aimed at rapidly increasing Ukraine’s arms manufacturing capabilities, as the country faces mounting pressure on the front lines and surging aerial attacks from Russia.

RELATED NEWS : Massive Rally in Belgrade Demands Early Elections Amid Mounting Pressure on Serbian President Vucic

Wadephul emphasized that the initiative is not just about delivering equipment but forging long-term, mutually beneficial defense ties. “Our arms cooperation is a real trump card. With your experience and ingenuity, we will both become stronger,” he said.

The visit comes less than 48 hours after Russia launched its largest aerial assault to date, deploying 107 drones overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force. Devastating strikes in the northeastern Kharkiv region killed two civilians and wounded eight others, including a child.

Wadephul harshly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s posture on peace, calling it a “façade” and accusing him of using peace rhetoric as a smokescreen for continued aggression. “When Putin speaks of peace today, it is pure mockery,” he said.

Ukraine continues to endure a brutal war of attrition along its 1,000-kilometer front, with Russian forces intensifying attacks on civilian areas. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia is using increasing numbers of Shahed drones and decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and pave the way for missile strikes.

Germany has already been Ukraine’s second-largest military supporter after the United States. However, with U.S. aid facing political uncertainty, Berlin’s role has taken on greater urgency. Kyiv has pressed for more air defense systems, which Ukrainian officials say are key to protecting civilians and preventing panic.

Sybiha reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for more anti-missile systems and thanked Berlin for its current contributions. “They are attacking civilian targets to influence public sentiment. The key is air defense,” he stressed.

While Germany has resisted sending Taurus long-range missiles over fears of escalating the war, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to help Ukraine develop its own long-range capabilities without Western-imposed restrictions — a potential turning point in Ukraine’s strategic autonomy.

Wadephul is also expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit, as Ukraine looks to reinforce international partnerships amid worsening battlefield conditions and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

At least 37 people killed in a bus collision in a remote part of Tanzania

Diplomat Times
-
0
At least 37 people killed in a bus collision in a remote part of Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania — Dozens of people were killed when two buses collided and burst into flames in a remote part of northern Tanzania, officials said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed deep sorrow in a statement Sunday following the crash that killed at least 37 people and left 30 others injured.

The collision happened on Saturday evening in the Sabasaba area along the Moshi–Tanga highway in the Kilimanjaro region. The identities and nationalities of the victims weren’t immediately known.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu, the bereaved families, relatives, and friends,” Hassan said in a statement. “May God grant peace to the souls of the departed and a quick recovery to the injured. May He comfort and strengthen their families during this difficult time.”

The president called for stricter road safety adherence, saying such tragedies continue to take a toll on Tanzanian families.

Tanzania’s government has made repeated calls in recent years to curb road fatalities, which persist despite various safety campaigns.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Global Leaders Gather in Spain Amid U.S. Absence to Tackle $4 Trillion Development Crisis

Diplomat Times
-
0
Global Leaders Gather in Spain Amid U.S. Absence to Tackle $4 Trillion Development Crisis

Barcelona, Spain — With the gap between rich and poor nations widening at an alarming pace, over 12,000 delegates including heads of state, ministers, and civil society representatives convened in Seville on Monday for the United Nations’ high-level Financing for Development conference. The event, co-hosted by the UN and Spain, aims to generate trillions in global investment and restore momentum toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

RELATED NEWS : Congo and Rwanda Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement to End Decades of Conflict

Despite the absence of the United States—a former top donor now drastically scaling back humanitarian aid—leaders from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia are rallying to confront the deepening global financing crisis. The situation is dire: debt is mounting, international aid is shrinking, trade barriers are rising, and private investment is in retreat.

“Financing is the engine of development. And right now, this engine is sputtering,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned in his opening remarks. “We are here in Seville to change course—to repair and rev up the engine of development.”

This marks the first time the conference is being held in Europe. It will be officially opened by Guterres, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and King Felipe VI. High-profile participants include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The conference’s flagship outcome, the Seville Commitment, already touted by organizers as a landmark achievement, is expected to emphasize flexible financing tools and debt relief strategies—seen as essential to closing the estimated $4 trillion annual development gap.

The gathering comes at a pivotal moment. The last conference of this scale was held in Addis Ababa in 2015, coinciding with the adoption of the SDGs. With just five years left to meet those global targets, many hope Seville can deliver the political will—and financial means—to get the world back on track.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

China Expands Social Security Support Amid Worsening Flood Crisis and Extreme Rainfall

Diplomat Times
-
0
China Expands Social Security Support Amid Worsening Flood Crisis and Extreme Rainfall

Beijing, China — In response to growing public concern and mounting climate challenges, China has announced an expansion of its economic safeguards and social security measures for populations affected by flood diversion schemes, as the country faces increasingly extreme rainfall and flooding.

Under revised compensation rules released late Friday, the central government will now cover 70% of compensation funds for people and property impacted by official flood diversions, with local governments responsible for the remaining 30%. This marks a major shift from the previous system, where compensation ratios varied based on the financial condition of local authorities and actual damage incurred.

RELATED NEWS : Breaking: Flash Floods Kill 18 Family Members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

For the first time, livestock and poultry that cannot be evacuated in time before the arrival of diverted floodwaters will be eligible for compensation. Previously, only the loss of working animals—such as oxen and horses—was covered, leaving farmers bearing the brunt of personal and economic losses.

Rising Social Tensions Over Flood Control Tactics

Flood diversion, a long-established method in China to prevent catastrophic flooding in urban centers, often involves directing excess water into designated rural zones next to rivers. Many of these areas have been repurposed or inhabited over the years, leading to heightened social tensions when homes and farmlands are deliberately flooded.

In summer 2023, over one million people in Hebei province, adjacent to Beijing, were forcibly relocated after historic rainfall led authorities to flood populated rural zones to protect the capital. The move, though deemed necessary by officials, triggered public anger and demands for accountability and support.

China currently has 98 designated flood diversion zones, mainly concentrated along major rivers such as the Yangtze, which supports nearly one-third of the country’s population. During the 2023 Hebei floods alone, eight flood storage areas were activated.

Unprecedented Rainfall Raises the Stakes

This year’s East Asian monsoon season, which began in early June, has already seen double the usual rainfall in parts of the middle and lower Yangtze River basin, according to the China Meteorological Administration. In provinces like Hubei and Guizhou, more than 30 weather stations recorded all-time June rainfall records.

In Guizhou province, one city experienced flooding that meteorologists described as a “once-in-50-years” event, with water levels rising so rapidly that even local officials were caught off guard. The flood affected nearly 300,000 residents, further pressing Beijing to act.

On Thursday, the Chinese government pledged to relocate vulnerable populations and industries to lower-risk zones and expand areas designated for flood diversion to better manage future disasters.

A Step Toward Equitable Recovery

The latest policy revision signals a more centralized and proactive approach to disaster response in China, reflecting a shift toward greater accountability and recognition of the human cost of climate-related decisions.

Analysts say that while the new compensation scheme won’t undo past damage, it could help restore public trust, ease rural-urban tensions, and prepare China for the increasing impacts of climate change and extreme weather.

SOURCE : REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Congo and Rwanda Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement to End Decades of Conflict

Diplomat Times
-
0
Congo and Rwanda Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Agreement to End Decades of Conflict

Washington, D.C. — In a landmark move to end one of Africa’s longest-running and deadliest conflicts, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement on Friday in Washington. The deal, hailed by American officials as a historic step, is also expected to bolster U.S. access to critical minerals in eastern Congo, an area rich in resources but plagued by violence.

The signing ceremony, held at the State Department’s Treaty Room under a portrait of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, was followed by remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the deal as a turning point for Central Africa.

“Today, the violence and destruction come to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope, opportunity, harmony, and peace,” Trump said, addressing the foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda during a meeting at the White House.

A Conflict Decades in the Making

Eastern Congo has been embroiled in armed conflict since the 1990s, with more than 100 armed groups involved, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The violence has claimed the lives of more than 6 million people through fighting, famine, and disease, making it one of the deadliest crises since World War II.

Despite the deal, many analysts and observers remain cautious. The M23 group, one of the most powerful rebel factions, has not recognized the agreement and insists it does not apply to them. Their exclusion raises doubts about the deal’s immediate impact on the ground.

“This agreement ignores war crimes and justice for victims by forcing a partnership between the victim and the aggressor,” said Christian Moleka, a political scientist at Congolese think tank Dypol. “Without justice and reparations, there can be no lasting peace.”

Terms of the Agreement

The peace deal includes commitments from both nations to respect each other’s territorial integrity, a prohibition on hostilities, and a framework for the disarmament, disengagement, and conditional reintegration of non-state armed groups.

It also carries a strong economic dimension, with the U.S. eyeing access to Congo’s critical mineral reserves, essential for global technology and defense industries. These include cobalt, lithium, and tantalum, minerals that are also a central part of growing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China in Africa.

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates Congo’s untapped mineral wealth could be worth up to $24 trillion. While Congo sees the U.S. as a valuable strategic partner, critics warn the deal may prioritize American interests over meaningful peacebuilding.

Diplomats Express Cautious Optimism

Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed the agreement and expressed both optimism and caution.

“Some wounds will heal, but they will never fully disappear,” Wagner said. “Those who have suffered the most are watching. We cannot fail them.”

Nduhungirehe acknowledged past failed peace attempts and called for sustained international support. Both ministers, along with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thanked Qatar for facilitating months of behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Skepticism on the Ground

In Congo’s North Kivu province, the heart of the ongoing conflict, many expressed cautious hope but demanded accountability.

“I don’t think the Americans should be trusted 100%,” said Hope Muhinuka, an activist in the region. “It’s up to us to capitalize on this moment.”

Meanwhile, the M23 rebels, who currently control large swaths of eastern Congo and have displaced 7 million people, have said the agreement is irrelevant to them.

“Anything regarding us, done without us, is against us,” said M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, reiterating the group’s demand for direct negotiations.

Historic Roots and Lingering Tensions

The roots of the conflict trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 people — mostly ethnic Tutsis — were killed. After the genocide, nearly 2 million Hutus, including suspected perpetrators, fled to Congo. Rwanda has long accused Congo of harboring genocidaires, while Congo accuses Rwanda of exploiting its territory and supporting rebel groups like M23.

Despite Friday’s deal, Rwanda maintains a military presence in eastern Congo, officially described as a “defensive measure.” It remains unclear whether Rwanda will now withdraw its troops as part of the agreement.

What’s Next?

While President Trump warned of “very severe penalties” for any violations of the deal, the success of the agreement will depend on its implementation, the response of non-signatory rebel groups, and the political will of both governments.

Congo hopes that U.S. support will translate into military and logistical backing to help dislodge rebels from key cities like Goma and Bukavu, and restore lasting peace in a region that has known little of it for more than 30 years.

For now, the deal represents a diplomatic breakthrough — but whether it can stop the bloodshed remains to be seen.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Massive Rally in Belgrade Demands Early Elections Amid Mounting Pressure on Serbian President Vucic

Diplomat Times
-
0
Massive Rally in Belgrade Demands Early Elections Amid Mounting Pressure on Serbian President Vucic

Belgrade, Serbia — Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Serbia’s capital on Saturday, demanding early parliamentary elections and an end to what they describe as a decade of authoritarian rule under President Aleksandar Vucic. The massive turnout marked a significant moment in a protest movement that has stretched for nearly eight months, shaking the political foundation of the Balkan state.

Chanting “We want elections!”, the crowd packed Slavija Square and spilled into surrounding blocks in central Belgrade, creating a sea of Serbian flags and protest banners. Organizers said the demonstration, led by university students, aimed to pressure Vucic into calling early elections — a demand he and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have so far flatly rejected.

RELATED NEWS : Serbia’s prime minister resigns as anti-corruption protests grow

The protest movement began after a tragic November 1 train station roof collapse killed 16 people, an incident widely blamed on corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects. Since then, recurring protests have drawn attention to broader concerns over government accountability, media freedom, and democratic backsliding.

“We are here today because we cannot take it anymore,” said Darko Kovacevic, a protester from Novi Sad. “Corruption is everywhere, and no one is held accountable.”

Rising Tensions and Counter-Rallies

Tensions escalated in the lead-up to the rally. Earlier in the day, Vucic’s party bused in supporters from across Serbia, many donning T-shirts reading “We won’t give up Serbia.” These loyalists have been camped in Belgrade’s city center since mid-March in a counter-demonstration effort organized by the ruling party.

Despite government claims that protest numbers were waning, the turnout on Saturday appeared to reinvigorate the movement, signaling enduring public frustration. Serbian police, controlled by the interior ministry under Vucic’s government, estimated 36,000 attendees at the rally’s start, though independent observers suggested the number was significantly higher.

In a show of defiance, Vucic appeared unfazed, continuing with official duties including the presentation of presidential awards to public figures. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The state will be defended, and thugs will be brought to justice.”

Repression and Accusations

Authorities have stepped up pressure on activists, universities, and independent media in recent months. Earlier this week, several people were arrested on accusations of plotting to overthrow the government, while travel bans were imposed on individuals from Croatia and Montenegro, including a prominent theater director.

In what critics labeled a deliberate attempt to suppress turnout, Serbia’s railway company suspended train services due to an unverified bomb threat, a move reminiscent of similar tactics used during the March 15 rally — then the largest protest in Serbia’s recent history.

Some protesters allege that sonic weapons were used by police in March to disperse crowds, an accusation the government denies.

Symbolic Date and Nationalist Undertones

The rally coincided with St. Vitus Day, a significant national holiday commemorating a 14th-century battle against the Ottoman Empire. While some speakers evoked historical and nationalist themes, others focused on democratic renewal and the need for transparency.

Analysts say the rally demonstrates the protest movement’s persistence despite intimidation tactics and state control over much of Serbia’s media landscape.

Background and Outlook

Vucic, a former ultranationalist who later embraced a pro-EU stance, has been accused by rights groups of eroding democratic institutions while forging stronger ties with Russia and China. Though Serbia’s presidential and parliamentary elections are not scheduled until 2027, protestors insist the time for change is now.

Whether the movement can force early elections remains uncertain, but Saturday’s display of unity and defiance sends a clear message: discontent with the status quo is growing — and it’s not going away.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

123...166पेज 166 का 1

Explore

Countries

Crime & War

More

Others

Follow us

© DT Broadcasting Pvt Ltd formerly known as Diplomat Times Pvt Ltd Registered No: U60200DL2024PTC426518 , Diplomat Times International Co. LTD. (Thailand) Registered No: 0105566195031 | PT Diplomat Times International Broadcasting (Indonesia) 4023120636101176 | Trade Mark 4791109 | All Rights Reserved