Podcasts about congo drc

Hii leo jaridani tunaangazia siku ya Wakimbizi Duniani, mwaka huu ikibeba maudhui “Mshinamano na wakimbizi”, tukisikia ujumbe wa Umoja wa Mataifa na kazi wanazozifanya kuinua Maisha ya wakimbizi, na pia tunakuletea sauti za wakimbizi kutoka DRC, Burundi, Ethiopia na Sudan Kusini.Leo ni Siku ya Wakimbizi Duniani, mwaka huu ikibeba maudhui “Mshinamano na wakimbizi” na Umoja wa Mataifa umetaka mshikamano huo kwa vitendo wakati idadi ya watu wanaolazimika kufungasha virago na kukimbia makayo yao ikifikia kiwango cha kihistoria.Tukisalia na siku ya wakimbizi duniani tunaelekea  eneo la Mata, karibu na mpaka wa Ethiopia na Sudan Kusini, ambakomaelfu ya wakimbizi kutoka Sudan Kusini wanapokea msaada wa dharura kupitia juhudi za Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Chakula Duniani, WFP. unaolenga kuwalinda baada ya kukimbia  mapigano makali nchini mwao. Nyibol Chueny Puok, mama wa watoto 4 ni miongoni mwao.Katika makala Assumpta Massoi kupitia video ya shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia Wakimbizi, UNHCR anakupeleka Kusini-Magharibi mwa Burundi kwenye kituo cha wakimbizi cha Musenyi kumsikia mkimbizi kutoka DRC ambaye ananufaika na kauli mbiu ya siku ya wakimbizi mwaka huu ya Mshikamano na Wakimbizi.Na mashianani tukisalia na siku ya wakimbizi duniani, tutakwenda nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC kumsikia mtoto mkimbizi ambaye alitumikishwa katika vita na waasi wenye silaha.Mwenyeji wako ni Anold Kayanda, karibu!

Hii leo jaridani tunaangazia ajali mbayá ya meli katika pwani ya Djibouti lililokuwa linabeba wahamiaji wengi. Pia tunasalia hapa makao makuu ambapo Kikao cha 18 cha Nchi Wanachama wa Mkataba wa Haki za Watu wenye Ulemavu COSP18. Mashinani tutakwenda nchini DRC.Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Uhamiaji, (IOM) kwa ushirikiano wa karibu na mamlaka za Djibouti, linaongeza juhudi zake za kibinadamu kufuatia tukio la kusikitisha lililotokea pwani ya Djibouti ambapo takriban wahamiaji wanane walikufa maji na wengine 22 hawajulikani walipo.Katika Makao Makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa jijini New York, Kikao cha 18 cha Nchi Wanachama wa Mkataba wa Haki za Watu wenye Ulemavu COSP18, kinaendelea na mwaka huu, mada kuu ni kuongeza uelewa wa haki na mchango wa watu wenye ulemavu katika maendeleo ya kijamii. Miongoni mwa washiriki ni ya kijana kutoka Louisiana, hapa  Marekani.Makala tutasalia hapa Makao Makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa New York Marekani ambapo Kikao cha 18 cha Nchi Wanachama wa Mkataba wa Haki za Watu wenye Ulemavu COSP18, kinaendelea na tutamsikiliza mmoja wa washiriki wa mkutano huu Bongani Simphiwe Makama kutoka Ufalme wa Eswatini ambaye amepata nafasi ya kuzungumza na idhaa ya Kiswahili.Na katika mashinani fursa ni yake fursa ni yake Byamungu Rukera, Mwakilishi wa watu waliokimbia makazi yao huko Sake, Kivu Kaskazini nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC akipazia sauti wakimbizi wenzake kwa wafanyakazi wa Ofisi ya Umoja wa Mataifa ya Kuratibu Masuala ya Kibinadamu na misaada ya dharura OCHA ambao wanawagawia chakula licha ya uhaba wa msaada huo.Mwenyeji wako ni Assumpta Massoi, karibu!

After working in South Asia and living in Nepal for 18 years, Matthew Hanson has taken on leadership of The Voice of the Martyrs international ministry efforts on a new region: West and Central Africa (WACA). Listen as he tells how the persecution of Christians looks different in Africa from South Asia. The church in Africa is large; attacks on Christians there often affect a larger scale. Radical Islamist groups are the main persecutors in his region, and Matthew will share how it's affecting believers in his region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso, Benin, Nigeria and Togo. Just in the DRC, there are 100+ active rebel groups. Church attacks and the displacement of followers of Christ has become sadly common. How does The Voice of the Martyrs respond to the intense persecution Christians in his region are facing? Listen as Matthew explains how he and his team evaluate needs and work through partnerships and local believers to help meet those needs and encourage believers. Matthew will share about the ministry of presence and how it plays such a key part of helping with trauma recovery for persecuted Christians. As Islamist groups move into places like northern Togo, a new addition to VOM's Global Prayer Map, Matthew and his team are hearing new reports of persecution and needs that VOM can help to meet. “The church does an incredible job of serving one another,” Matthew says, “it's a community of believers coming together, and it's really exciting.” Hear stories from Matthew about a woman's joy when she received a Bible provided by VOM, the holy moment when eight new believers from Muslim backgrounds took the step of baptism, and the story of a kidnapped Christian miraculously saved from a jihadist group. Please pray for persecuted Christians in West and Central Africa.

After working in South Asia and living in Nepal for 18 years, Matthew Hanson has taken on leadership of The Voice of the Martyrs international ministry efforts on a new region: West and Central Africa (WACA). Listen as he tells how the persecution of Christians looks different in Africa from South Asia. The church in Africa is large; attacks on Christians there often affect a larger scale. Radical Islamist groups are the main persecutors in his region, and Matthew will share how it's affecting believers in his region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso, Benin, Nigeria and Togo. Just in the DRC, there are 100+ active rebel groups. Church attacks and the displacement of followers of Christ has become sadly common. How does The Voice of the Martyrs respond to the intense persecution Christians in his region are facing? Listen as Matthew explains how he and his team evaluate needs and work through partnerships and local believers to help meet those needs and encourage believers. Matthew will share about the ministry of presence and how it plays such a key part of helping with trauma recovery for persecuted Christians. As Islamist groups move into places like northern Togo, a new addition to VOM's Global Prayer Map, Matthew and his team are hearing new reports of persecution and needs that VOM can help to meet. “The church does an incredible job of serving one another,” Matthew says, “it's a community of believers coming together, and it's really exciting.” Hear stories from Matthew about a woman's joy when she received a Bible provided by VOM, the holy moment when eight new believers from Muslim backgrounds took the step of baptism, and the story of a kidnapped Christian miraculously saved from a jihadist group. Please pray for persecuted Christians in West and Central Africa. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

Hii leo jaridani tunaangazia haki za binadamu nchini Ukraine na upatikanaji wa elimu nchini Kenya. Makala tunakupeleka nchini Sudan Kusini, na amashinani nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo, DRC, kulikoni?Tume Huru ya Umoja wa Mataifa ya Uchunguzi kuhusu Ukraine imehitimisha kwamba vikosi vya kijeshi vya Urusi vimetenda uhalifu wa kivita na uhalifu dhidi ya ubinadamu, hasa mauaji, kupitia mashambulizi ya ndege zisizo na rubani (drones) yaliyoelekezwa dhidi ya raia.Mradi wa "operesheni rejea shuleni" unaoendeshwa na shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia watoto UNICEF kwa ushirikiano na wizara ya elimu ya Kenya, shirika liliso la kiserikali la Hapag Lloyd na wadau wengine kwa kuzipa fedha familia zisizojiweza kuendesha shughuli za kiuchumi, umerejesha mautumaini ya elimu kwa mamia ya watoto katika Kaunti ya Kwale Pwani ya Kenya  ambao waliacha shule sababu ya umasikini.  Katika makala ikielekea siku ya walinda amani kesho Mei 29, tunamulika harakati za walinda amani wa Umoja wa Mataifa nchini SUdan Kusini za kulinda raia na mwenyeji wako katika makala hii iliyoandaliwa kupitia video ya ujumbe wa  Umoja wa Mataifa wa Kulinda amani Sudan Kusini, UNMISS ni Sharon Jebichii.Na katika mashinani huku machafuko yakiendelea mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, wafanyakazi wa shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia wakimbizi UNHCR wako mashinani mjini Goma na maeneo mengine yaliyoathirika ili kutoa msaada muhimu, ikiwa ni pamoja na kufanikisha nia ya wakimbizi wanaorejea nchini mwao Rwanda. Raab na Ruusi ni baadhi yao.Mwenyeji wako ni Assumpta Massoi, karibu!

The last few years have seen a dramatic shift in the balance of power in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with Rwandan-backed militias advancing in North Kivu, Ugandan forces launching cross-border operations, and Western powers quietly increasing their presence in the region. What was once considered a forgotten conflict is now emerging as a new front in the global competition for influence, driven not just by security concerns, but by the region's immense mineral wealth, critical for everything from electric vehicles to modern electronics. This week, we sit down with our expert panel to unpack who actually controls eastern Congo, why this strip of land has become so strategically valuable to outside powers, and how the local conflict is fast becoming a global contest between rival blocs. On the panel this week: - Hugh Kinsella Cunningham (DRC Photojournalist) - Alex Vines (Chatham House) - Michael Rubin (AEI) Intro - 00:00 PART I - 03:30 PART II - 40:38 PART III - 1:02:51 Outro - 1:33:03 Follow the show on https://x.com/TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on https://x.com/MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Emma Wild-Wood. Emma is Professor of African Religions and World Christianity and Co-director of the Centre for the Study of World Christianity at the University of Edinburgh. Her work includes research on religious encounters in East-Central Africa, particularly Christian conversion and the growth of mission-initiated denominations from 1800 to the present day and faith and health in East-Central Africa. You can read more of her research in her books Migration and Christian Identity in Congo (DRC) and The Mission of Apolo Kivebulaya: Religious Encounter and Social Change in the Great Lakes c. 1865–1935 (which has an accompanying source book).  

Thabo Shole-Mashao in for Clement Manyathela speaks to Advocate Pikkie Greeff, the National Secretary of the South African National Defence Union regarding the delays experienced by some SANDF members in exiting Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome Resources Plc CEO Paul Barrett talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company's resumed drilling program at the Mont Agoma prospect in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company has also announced assay results from two more drill holes—holes 24 and 26—which Barrett described as "encouraging," reinforcing Rome's geological model of a polymetallic system. Barrett explained that tin is typically found at deeper depths and higher temperatures, while copper and zinc occur nearer the surface. These new assay results confirm that model and are helping to inform the targeting of deeper drilling zones within the core area of Mont Agoma. He referenced a visual cross-section shared at a recent investor forum that illustrates this downward trend—higher tin values to the south and at depth. Rome Resources is currently undertaking a 3,000-metre drilling program, with individual holes reaching depths of 300 to 400 metres. While results from new drill holes will take time due to lab processing in Johannesburg, Barrett noted that assays should begin to return toward the end of June. He anticipates a steady flow of updates over the next four to five months, culminating in a new resource estimate. Visit Proactive's YouTube channel for more interviews like this. Don't forget to like the video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell for updates. #RomeResources #TinExploration #MontAgoma #CopperZinc #DRCMining #JuniorMining #ResourceUpdate #DrillingResults #MiningStocks #CommodityInvesting

Understanding the root causes of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is crucial. From the M23 rebel group to historical tensions, the situation is complex and deeply intertwined with issues of ethnic divisions, resource control, and political instability. Tanignigui Siriki Soro delves into these key factors, shedding light on the challenges that continue to fuel unrest in the region.

Wanawake 125 katika kambi ya wakimbizi wa ndani ya Kigonze, karibu na Bunia, mji mkuu wa jimbo la Ituri, mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC) ambako ghasia huripokiwa mara kwa mara, sasa wana matumaini mapya ya kujikwamua kiuchumi baada ya kujiunga na mradi wa mafunzo ya kushona nguo unaofadhiliwa na Ujumbe wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa Kulinda Amani nchini humo (MONUSCO). Sharon Jebichii na taarifa kamili.

Hii leo jaridani tunaangazia Siku ya kimataifa ya wakunga na kazi zao muhumi, na mafunzo ya jerahani kwa wakimbizi wa ndani nchini DRC. Makala tunasalia hapa makao makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa na mashinani tunakwenda Gaza.Ikiwa leo ni siku ya kimataifa ya wakunga, tunakwenda nchini Tanzania kummulika mkunga ambaye alinusuru maisha ya wajawazito wawili wakati wa mafuriko makubwa ya Novemba 2023 wilayani Hanang, mkoani Manyara, kaskazini mwa taifa hilo la Afrika Mashariki, ikiwa ni ushuhuda wa majukumu mazito yanayokumba wakunga.Wanawake 125 katika kambi ya wakimbizi wa ndani ya Kigonze, karibu na Bunia, mji mkuu wa jimbo la Ituri, mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC) ambako ghasia huripokiwa mara kwa mara, sasa wana matumaini mapya ya kujikwamua kiuchumi baada ya kujiunga na mradi wa mafunzo ya kushona nguo unaofadhiliwa na Ujumbe wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa Kulinda Amani nchini humo (MONUSCO).Makala Assumpta Massoi anamulika uzinduzi wa mtandao wa Mashirika ya Manusura wa Ugaidi duniani,  VoTAN      uliofanyika wiki iliyopita hapa makao makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa.Na mashinani kupitia video iliyoandaliwa na Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Uhamiaji (IOM), fursa ni yake Rawhiyeh, mkimbizi kutoka Gaza eneo la Palestina linalokaliwa na Israel ambaye anasimulia kwa uchungu madhila yanayowakumba yeye na familia yake baada ya kupoteza makazi yao kutokana na mashambulizi ya mabomu.Mwenyeji wako ni Leah Mushi, karibu!

Interview with Paul Barrett, CEO of Rome ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/rome-resources-lsermr-tin-resource-update-in-the-coming-months-6874Recording date: 29th April 2025Rome Resources (LSE) has announced the resumption of exploration drilling in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following improved security conditions in the region. CEO Paul Barrett confirmed that helicopter support has mobilized back to the country, with drilling operations expected to restart by the end of this week.The improved situation stems from M23 rebels retreating from the company's operational area back to the Kivu region, along with ongoing peace talks between Rwanda and DRC. While currently operating from Kisangani, the company plans to eventually return to Goma, which would streamline logistics with shorter helicopter flight times.Rome Resources is focusing exclusively on the Mont Agoma deposit, having already collected sufficient data from the Kalayi deposit. The strategic drilling program targets a specific data gap in the deeper part of Mont Agoma, based on their geological model suggesting increased tin grades at depth. The company also plans to drill exploratory holes on the southern fringe to determine the deposit's lateral extent.Mont Agoma represents a more complex opportunity than the pure tin Kalayi deposit, featuring additional copper and zinc mineralization. This multi-metal potential could provide significant value streams for the project, with the company exploring combined processing options for all three metals.A key near-term catalyst is the planned resource estimate expected by the end of May 2025, pending assay results from holes 24 and 26. The estimate will require independent verification to comply with AIM listing rules.Financially, Rome Resources maintains a strong position with $2.7 million in cash and a tightly controlled drilling budget of $1.6 million. The company operates with a lean structure, directing 90% of expenditures toward drilling activities.The company is also exploring collaboration opportunities with neighboring miner Alphamin for shared helicopter and fixed-wing facilities, potentially improving operational efficiency in the remote region.View Rome Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/rome-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Africa Report correspondent Crystal Orderson about the growing instability in Central and East Africa. They begin with the withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a costly SADC peacekeeping mission, just as DRC and Rwanda surprisingly sign a peace deal in the US. Attention then turns to South Sudan, where renewed tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar threaten to collapse the fragile 2018 peace agreement, raising fears of a return to full-scale civil war. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/702/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/audio-podcasts/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/ Listen live - 702 Breakfast is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/702 Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/  Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702   702 on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702  702 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkradio702  702 on X: www.x.com/Radio702  702 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@radio702  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Africa Report correspondent Crystal Orderson about the growing instability in Central and East Africa. They begin with the withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a costly SADC peacekeeping mission, just as DRC and Rwanda surprisingly sign a peace deal in the US. Attention then turns to South Sudan, where renewed tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar threaten to collapse the fragile 2018 peace agreement, raising fears of a return to full-scale civil war. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Find all the catch-up podcasts here https://www.primediaplus.com/702/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/audio-podcasts/702-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/ Listen live - 702 Breakfast is broadcast weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) https://www.primediaplus.com/station/702 Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://www.primediaplus.com/competitions/newsletter-subscription/  Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702   702 on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702  702 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkradio702  702 on X: www.x.com/Radio702  702 on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@radio702  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina inayotupeleka katika mkoa wa Mwanza kaskazini magharibi mwa Tanzania ambapo vijana wameshika hatamu kuboresha mustakabali wao. Pia tunakuletea muhtasari wa habari  na mashinani tunasalia hapa makao makuu.Ujumbe wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa Kudumisha Amani nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, MONUSCO, umeikaribisha kusainiwa kwa “Azimio la Kanuni” tarehe 25 Aprili 2025 mjini Washington, D.C chini ya usimamizi wa Wizara ya mambo ya nje ya Marekani, kati ya serikali za DRC na Rwanda kwa lengo la kulinda rai ana kutekeleza azimio la Baraza la Usalama namba 2773 (2025).Mkurugenzi wa Mawasiliano wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la msaada kwa wakimbizi wa Kipalestina UNRWA, Juliette Touma, akizungumza na waandishi wa habri mjini Geneva kwa njia ya video kutoka mji mkuu wa Jordan, Amman, wakati  kuzingirwa kwa Ukanda wa Gaza kukikaribia kuingia mwezi wa pili amesema “Mzingiro wa Gaza ni muuaji wa kimya muuaji wa watoto, wazee, na watu walioko katika mazingira magumu zaidi. Mzingiro huu unamaanisha kwamba familia nzima, watu saba au wanane wanalazimika kushirikiana kopo moja la maharagwe au njegere”.Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Chakula na Kilimo, FAO limezitaka nchi za Kaskazini Magharibi mwa Afrika kuongeza ufuatiliaji na kuchukua hatua za mapema kudhibiti makundi ya nzige wa jangwani. Hii ni baada ya nzige wakubwa na makundi madogo kutoka ukanda wa Sahel kuhamia maeneo ya kusini mwa Sahara, hasa katikati ya Algeria, magharibi mwa Libya, na kusini mwa Tunisia tangu Februari hadi Machi mwaka huu.Na katika mashinani fursa ni yake Maruping Onkemetse Mkurugenzi na Mwanzilishi wa Kituo cha Msaada wa Familia, shirika linaloongozwa na wanawake wa asili  katika Wilaya ya Gantsi, kijiji cha Chobokwane nchini Botswana anayeshiriki mkutano unaoendelea hapa Makao Makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa wa Jukwaa la Watu wa Asili akizungumzia alichojifunza hadi sasa.Mwenyeji wako ni Anold Kayanda, karibu!  

John 17:11-12 “And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled.”I love this passage because it is Jesus talking to God. It is Jesus talking to His Father and our heavenly Father. I love how Jesus is asking God to protect us. He is also letting His dad know that things went well while He was here on earth. At the beginning of this chapter in the Gospel of John, Jesus told his Dad how we heard what He was telling us, and we believed Him. He is telling God about how we believe where He came from and the messages He gave us.Jesus also lets His Dad know that He did a good job protecting His disciples and that He didn't lose a single one, except for Judas, who was destined to be lost, so that scripture may be fulfilled. I love that Jesus is talking to His dad just like we might talk to our dad. He is letting Him know He did what He was supposed to and did a good job with all He was supposed to do.Jesus was going to be with God up in heaven, but we needed to stay here on earth. The disciples couldn't join Jesus in heaven; they had a mission here on earth, and so do we. Their mission was to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, to make sure that the whole world knew about Jesus and his love and forgiveness. Our mission is the same, and yet we don't have to travel to the ends of the earth. We can start here in our own families with our siblings, spouses, and children. We can start with our friends, neighbors, and those around us.You would think that in the day and age we live in, everyone would already know about Jesus. With the access to technology that people have in this country, we might think that everyone has already heard all we have to say about Jesus. However, this is not the case. Many people have been hurt or offended by the church, and so they no longer go. Many times, instead of just quitting the Church, they walk away from Jesus and God, too. This often means they don't pass down anything they know about God to their children. My friend was raised by two parents who both went to Catholic School. They didn't like it, so they decided not to teach their children anything about God.This is more common than you think. In this day and age, we can not assume that anyone knows about God or Jesus. Even if they know something about them, we can't be sure that what they know is true. My kids tell me all the time they are not Catholic because they don't believe this or that. However, what they say they don't believe isn't something I believe either. There is a lot of confusion as to what the Catholic Church actually teaches. I think a lot of people who have a problem with the Catholic Church aren't actually upset with something we do; they are upset with something they think we do. For instance, many are upset that Catholics worship Mary. However, we don't worship Mary; we only worship the one true God.What we really need to share with everyone we know and everyone we meet is that God loves them. Jesus loves them too! God is love. He loves each one of us so much, and I don't think people realize this. I don't think people believe this. There is such a lack of love in this world, and if people knew how unconditionally God loved them, I truly think this world would start changing. I think people feel a void in their lives and try to fill it with all the wrong things. The only thing that can fill that hole is God.We cannot show people how much God loves them just with our words, though. We will have to be an example of that love to them. We will have to love like Jesus loved, and then they will feel that love. They will see that love and know it is possible to be loved in our messiness. It is possible for someone to love us even when we feel unlovable. This is not the kind of love that we are used to finding in the world. The world is full of broken people, so we love in broken ways because that is all we know. However, if we pray for God to give us the ability to love others with His love, we can begin to change the world one person at a time.Back to today's verse. Jesus is asking God to protect us. If we look at all the apostles had to go through to spread the word of God, we could see why Jesus would be praying for their protection. Most of the apostles of that time were killed in some way for their beliefs and for passing on the Word of God. They needed God's protection. However, we still need God's protection today as well.We are fortunate in our country that it is not illegal to talk about God, at least not yet. However, it is illegal in many parts of the world. According to Asia News, a Vatican-affiliated news agency that reports on Christian communities, more than 800 people, including women, children, and priests, were slaughtered in their homes solely because they were Christian. On February 13, 2025, militants rounded up 70 Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), took them to a church, and then killed all 70 of them. People are still being persecuted, and we need God to protect us.We don't know why these things happen. Why would God allow these things to happen? His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours. We do know that God is in control and that Jesus asked God to protect us, so He is doing that. We can be sure of it because God always keeps his promises. Those who have died are in a much better place right now. It is tough for us who are left here on earth. It is hard for any loved ones they may have left behind, but it is not hard for those who have died. Their dream has come true. They get to be with their heavenly Father and all those who have come before them.  God did protect them by bringing them home to Him.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening. Lord, we want you to protect us. We want to help others know your love. We want to be a witness to that love. We want to be an example of that love. Please help us. Help us to see others through your eyes, help us to be your love to them. We love you Lord and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to meeting you all here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day.Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “In the silence of your heart, my children, I speak to you. Listen carefully to my voice. It is meant to guide you, to instruct you, to lead you to where I want you to be. Only if you listen will you profit fully of what I tell you." www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

On this Out of the Loop, Nathan Paul Southern and Lindsey Kennedy explain the consumer decisions and corporate interests fueling conflict in Rwanda.Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them. Investigative journalists Nathan Paul Southern and Lindsey Kennedy are here to help us understand why we're hearing a lot about Rwanda in recent news.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1145On This Episode of Out of the Loop, We Discuss:The M23 militia has recently resurged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), taking over parts of North Kivu province and effectively controlling access to valuable mineral resources like cobalt, gold, and coltan — minerals critical for modern technology including electric vehicles and AI chips.There appears to be a connection between the UK's Rwanda refugee resettlement program (which sent hundreds of millions of pounds to Rwanda) and the reemergence of the M23, which had previously disappeared when international aid was threatened to be cut off. The timing suggests the UK money may have indirectly funded the militia.Rwanda is allegedly stealing minerals from the DRC, bringing them across the border, and claiming they were mined in Rwanda — creating the appearance of "conflict-free" minerals that major tech companies like Apple and Tesla can claim to use, even though they ultimately come from conflict zones.The conflict has become increasingly complicated with the involvement of private military contractors from various countries, Russian interests, and American billionaires like Elon Musk and Eric Prince potentially making deals to control mineral resources in the region.Understanding these complex global connections can empower us to make more ethical consumer choices. By researching which companies prioritize truly ethical sourcing and supporting organizations that monitor conflict minerals, we can use our purchasing power to encourage corporate responsibility and transparency in global supply chains for technologies we rely on daily.And much more!Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!Connect with Nathan Paul Southern on Twitter.Connect with Lindsey Kennedy at her website and on Twitter.And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/dealsSign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hii leo jaridani Assumpta Massoi anamulika masuala ya afya hususan harakati za kukabiliana na majanga yajayo ya afya;  wakimbizi huko Zambia ambako sera jumuishi zimewajengea uwezo; Jukwaa la vijana na mchango wa sanaa kwenye usawa na utengamano. Baada ya zaidi ya miaka mitatu ya mazungumzo ya kina, hatimaye leo huko mjini Geneva, Uswisi, nchi wanachama wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Afya Duniani (WHO) zimekamilisha rasimu ya makubaliano ambayo itawasilishwa katika Mkutano wa Afya Duniani mwezi ujao wa Mei. Pendekezo hili linakusudia kuimarisha ushirikiano wa kimataifa katika kuzuia, kujiandaa na kukabiliana na vitisho vya majanga ya kiafya yajayo. Anold Kayanda amefuatilia anatujulisha zaidi.Zambia inaendelea kuwahifadhi zaidi ya wakimbizi 106,000, wengi wao wakiwa kutoka Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, Burundi, pamoja na wakimbizi wa zamani kutoka Rwanda na Angola. Limesema shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia Wakimbizi UNHCR, likiongeza kwamba kwa kuzingatia sera jumuishi ya Zambia, taifa hilo linakuza mshikamano na wakimbizi na kuwawezesha kujitegemea kupitia makazi maalum na ushirikiano na jamii za wenyeji. Flora Nducha na taarifa zaidi.Jukwaa la Vijana la Baraza la Umoja wa Mataifa la Masuala ya Kiuchumi na Kijamii (ECOSOC) limeanza jana hapa katika Makao Makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa na litamalizika kesho tarehe 17 Aprili. Vijana kutoka nchi mbalimbali wamehudhuria jukwaa hilo akiwemo Kapwani Kavenuke kutoka nchini Tanzania ambaye amehojiwa na Leah Mushi wa Idhaa hii. Kapwani anaanza kwa kueleza  umuhimu wa mikutano hii.Gislain Kalwira, Muandaaji wa tamasha la Musika na Kipaji  nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo, DRC linalofanyika kila mwaka kuleta pamoja wasanii wa kike na wa kiume wa fani mbalimbali, kwa kutambua kuwa jana dunia imeadhimisha siku ya sanaa duniani. Kalwira kupitia video iliyochapishwa na ujumbe wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa kulinda amani  nchini DRC, MONUSCO, anafafanua mantiki ya tamasha hilo na kujenga usawa kijinsia.

Zambia inaendelea kuwahifadhi zaidi ya wakimbizi 106,000, wengi wao wakiwa kutoka Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, Burundi, pamoja na wakimbizi wa zamani kutoka Rwanda na Angola, kwa mujibu wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia Wakimbizi UNHCR, ambalo limesema kwa kuzingatia sera yake jumuishi, nchi hiyo inakuza mshikamano na wakimbizi na kuwawezesha kujitegemea kupitia makazi maalum na ushirikiano na jamii za wenyeji. Flora Nducha na taarifa zaidi  Shirika hilo la wakimbizi limesema katika makazi kama Mayukwayukwa na Maheba ambayo ni moja ya kambi kubwa zaidi ya wakimbizi nchini Zambia familia za wakimbizi zilizolazimika kukimbia makwao zinajumuishwa ili ziweze kujikimu na kuishi kwa utangamano na wenyeji wanaowahifadhi. Moulid Hujale, ni afisa habari msaidizi wa UNHCR anasema “Selikali ya Zambia inajumuisha wakimbizi katika huduma za kitaifa kama vile elimu na hata programu za msaada wa kilimo  ili kuongeza uzalishaji” Amebainisha kuwa kwa kufanya hivyo Zambia imeonesha mshikamano wa dhati kwa jamii hizo za wakimbizi kwa kuhakikisha kuwa wanapata fursa ya kujenga upya maisha yao, kujikwamua kiuchumi na kuishi kwa heshima.Hata hivyo, UNHCR inasema nchi hiyo ya Kusini mwa Afrika pamoja na ukarimu wake bado inakumbwa na athari za ukame mkali uliotishia uhakika wa chakula na kuyumbisha uchumi na katika hatua za kukabiliana na hali hiyo, Moulid ansema  “UNHCR inashirikiana na serikali ya Zambia kuunganisha makazi ya wakimbizi kwenye gridi ya taifa ya umeme. Tunajua muundo huu wa ujumuishwaji na maisha endelevu vinagharimu fedha, Lakini hiki ndicho hasa wakimbizi wanachokihitaji, hivyo tunahitaji msaada wako ili kufanikisha hili”. Licha ya mafanikio yaliyopatikana hadi sasa Zambia katika kuwakirimu wakimbizi,  UNHCR imeonya kuwa uhaba wa fedha inaokabiliwa nao  unatishia kuathiri mafanikio hayo na hasa utoaji wa huduma muhimu kwa familia hizo zilizolazimika kufungasha virago na kusaka usalama Zambia. Sasa limetoa ombi la msaada wa haraka wa kimataifa ili kuendelea kufanikisha huduma za kuokoa maisha zinazohitajika sana na wakimbizi hao.

Hii leo jaridani tunaangazia hali ya watoto nchini DR Congo, na masuala y awanawake nchini Tanzania. Makala inatupeleka nchini Kenya kuangazia harakati za vijana za kusongesha Ajenda2030, na mashinani tunasalia huko huko kumulika misaada kwa wakimbizi.Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia Watoto, UNICEF limeripoti kwamba huko mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo, kila nusu saa takribani mtoto mmoja anaripotiwa kubakwa huku ghasia zikiendelea katikati ya janga linalozidi kukua la ufadhili finyu wa kifedha.Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa linalohusika na masuala ya wanawake UN WOMEN nchini Tanzania chini ya ufadhili kutoka Muungano wa Ulaya wanashirikiana na jeshi la polisi kuendesha mradi huko visiwani Zanzibar wa kukomesha unyanyasaji dhidi ya wanawake na wasichana na tayari manufaa ya mradi huo yameanza kuonekana.Makala leo inatupeleka Nairobi Kenya kwa Stella Vuzo kutoka kitengo cha habari cha Umoja wa Mataifa UNIS Nairobi akizungumza na Winifred Njiru mwanafunzi wa chuo kikuu fani ya uhakiki au quantity surveyor aliyeshiriki majadiliano ya wiki iliyopita kuhusu malengo ya maendeleo endelevu yaliyoandaliwa na Club De Madri, anaeleza nini kama kijana anapaswa kufanya      kuchangia ajenda hiyo ya maendeleo.Na katika mashinani Cindy McCain, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa WFP, akizungumza kutoka kituo cha shirika hilo kilichopo Mombasa, Kenya anaeleza juhudi wanazofanya kuwasaidia wakimbizi wa Sudan na Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC."Mwenyeji wako ni Assumpta Massoi, karibu!  

We have new drill results from Heliostar's La Colorada Mine. Talisker Resources says they have begun lateral development on the Alhambra Vein on the 1105 level at the Bralorne Gold Project. Ridgeline and South32 approve drilling budget for this year. Alphamin Resources says they have initiating a phased resumption of operations at the Company's Bisie tin mine in Walikale District, North Kivu Province of east-central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).This episode of Mining Stock Daily is brought to you by... Vizsla Silver is focused on becoming one of the world's largest single-asset silver producers through the exploration and development of the 100% owned Panuco-Copala silver-gold district in Sinaloa, Mexico. The company consolidated this historic district in 2019 and has now completed over 325,000 meters of drilling. The company has the world's largest, undeveloped high-grade silver resource. Learn more at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://vizslasilvercorp.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Calibre Mining is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.calibremining.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho, and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Learn more about the business and their high industry standards over at integraresources.com

Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina inayomulika shughuli za shirika lisilo la kiserikali la KINNAPA Development Programme la huko nchini Tanzania katika kutekeleza Malengo ya Maendeleo Endelevu likijikita zaidi katika usawa wa kijinsia. Pia tunakuletea muhtasari wa habari na mashinani:Uganda, ambayo tayari ni mwenyeji wa wakimbizi wengi zaidi barani Afrika, inakabiliwa na shinikizo kubwa baada ya wakimbizi zaidi ya 41,000 kutoka Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC kuingia nchini humo tangu Januari mwaka huu, wakikimbia machafuko mapya mashariki mwa nchi yao limesema leo Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia wakimbizi UNHCR. UNHCR imesema watu walioko katika mazingira hatarishi wanatambuliwa kwa msaada maalum, huku familia zilizotengana zikisaidiwa kuunganishwa tena.Siku kumi baada ya matetemeko ya ardhi ya kutisha yaliyoitikisa Myanmar tarehe 28 Machi, idadi ya vifo inaendelea kuongezeka. Titon Mitra, Mwakilishi wa Kikanda wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Maendeleo UNDP nchini humo, akiripoti leo akiwa katika jiji liloharibiwa sana la Mandalay, kwa njia ya video ameripoti kwa waandishi wa habari jijini Geneva, Uswisi akisema, “idadi ya vifo ya hivi karibuni imepita watu 3,500 na “inaweza kuendelea kuongezeka.”Kenya, Uganda na Rwanda zitanufaika na mpango wa mlo shuleni baada ya leo Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Chakula Duniani (WFP) kutangaza kuwa linaendeleza ushirikiano wake na Taasisi ya Novo Nordisk, kupitia ushirikiano wa kihistoria kati ya sekta binafsi na ya umma unaojumuisha Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje ya Denmark na Taasisi ya Grundfos, ili kupanua mpango wa mlo shuleni kutokana na chakula kinachozalishwa ndani ya nchi husika. Ushirikiano huu utajenga mfumo wa msaada unaohakikisha uendelevu wa muda mrefu wa mpango huu.Na mashinani mashinani jana tarehe 7 Aprili hapa Umoja wa Mataifa kumefanyika kumbukizi ya miaka 31 ya mauaji ya kimbari nchini Rwanda ambapo mmoja wa wazungumzaji alikuwa Germaine Tuyisenge Müller, manusura wa mauaji hayo na wakati huo alikuwa na umri wa miaka 9 wakiishi mji mkuu Kigali.Mwenyeji wako ni Leah Mushi, karibu!

Can You Segway?Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.So exactly who was going to be sympathetic to their plight, who we cared about?Beyond my fevered dream of making a difference there was a pinch of reality. See, the Cabindans and the people of Zaire were both ethnic Bakongo and the Bakongo of Zaire had also once had their own, independent (until 1914) kingdom which was now part of Angola. The Bakongo were major factions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) -(formerly for a short time known as the nation of Zaire, from here on out to be referred to as the DRC and in the running for the most fucked up place on the planet Earth, more on that later)- and Congo (the nation) yet a minority in Angola. Having an independent nation united along ethnic and linguistic lines made sense and could expect support from their confederates across international boundaries.The Liberation Air ForceThe Earth & Sky operated under one constant dilemma ~ when would Temujin make his return? Since they didn't know and it was their job to be prepared for the eventuality if it happened tomorrow, or a century down the line, they 'stockpiled', and 'stockpiled' and 'stockpiled'.That was why they maintained large horse herds and preserved the ancient arts of Asian bowyers, armoring and weapons-craft. That was why they created secret armories, and sulfur and saltpeter sites when musketry and cannons became the new ways of warfare. They secured sources of phosphates and petroleum when they became the new thing, and so on.All of this boiled over to me being shown yet again I worked with clever, creative and under-handed people. The Khanate came up with a plan for a 'Union' Air Force {Union? More on that later} within 24 hours, and it barely touched any of their existing resources. How did they accomplish this miracle? They had stockpiled and maintained earlier generation aircraft because they didn't know when Temujin would make his re-appearance.They'd also trained pilots and ground crews for those aircraft. As you might imagine, those people grew old just as their equipment did. In time, they went into the Earth & Sky's Inactive Reserves ~ the rank & file over the age of 45. You never were 'too old' to serve in some capacity though most combat-support related work ended at 67.When Temujin made his return and the E&S transformed into the Khanate, those people went to work bringing their lovingly cared for, aging equipment up to combat-alert readiness. If the frontline units were decimated, they would have to serve, despite the grim odds of their survival. It was the terrible acceptance the Chinese would simply possess so much more war-making material than they did.Well, the Khanate kicked the PRC's ass in a titanic ass-whooping no one (else) had seen coming, or would soon forget. Factory production and replacement of worn machines was in stride to have the Khanate's Air Force ready for the next round of warfare when the Cease-fire ended and the Reunification War resumed.Always a lower priority, the Khanate military leadership was considering deactivating dozens of these reserve unit when suddenly the (Mongolian) Ikh khaany khairt akh dáé (me) had this hare-brained scheme about helping rebels in Africa, West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea coast/Atlantic Ocean, far, far away, and it couldn't look like the Khanate was directly involved.They barely knew where Angola was. They had to look up Cabinda to figure out precisely where that was. They brought in some of their 'reservist' air staff to this briefing and one of them, a woman (roughly a third of the E&S 'fighting'/non-frontline forces were female), knew what was going on. Why?She had studied the combat records and performance of the types of aircraft she'd have to utilize... back in the 1980's and 90's and Angola had been a war zone rife with Soviet (aka Khanate) material back then. Since she was both on the ball, bright and knew the score, the War Council put her in overall command. She knew what was expected of her and off she went, new staff in hand. She was 64 years old, yet as ready and willing to serve as any 20 year old believer in the Cause.Subtlety, scarcity and audacity were the watchwords of the day. The Khanate couldn't afford any of their front-line aircraft for this 'expedition'. They really couldn't afford any of their second-rate stuff either. Fortunately, they had some updated third-rate war-fighting gear still capable of putting up an impressive show in combat ~ providing they weren't going up against a top tier opponents.For the 'volunteers' of the Union Air Force, this could very likely to be a one-way trip. They all needed crash courses (not a word any air force loves, I know) in Portuguese though hastily provided iPhones with 'apps' to act as translators were deemed to be an adequate stop-gap measure. Besides, they were advised to avoid getting captured at all cost. The E&S couldn't afford the exposure. Given the opportunity ~ this assignment really was going above and beyond ~ not one of these forty-six to sixty-seven year olds backed out.No, they rolled out fifty of their antiquated aircraft, designs dating back to the 1950's through the mid-70's, and prepared them for the over 10,000 km journey to where they were 'needed most'. 118 pilots would go (72 active plus 46 replacements) along with 400 ground crew and an equally aged air defense battalion (so their air bases didn't get blown up). Security would be provided by 'outsiders' ~ allies already on the ground and whatever rebels could be scrounged up. After the initial insertion, the Indian Air Force would fly in supplies at night into the Cabinda City and Soyo Airports.The composition,14 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 jet fighters ~ though she entered service in 1959, these planes' electronics were late 20th century and she was a renowned dogfighter. 12 were the Mig-21-97 modernized variant and the other two were Mig-21 UM two-seater trainer variants which could double as reconnaissance fighters if needed.14 Sukhoi Su-22 jet fighter-bombers ~ the original design, called the Su-17, came out in 1970, the first 12 were variants with the 22M4 upgrade were an early-80's package. The other 2 were Su-22U two-seat trainers which, like their Mig-21 comrades, doubled as reconnaissance fighters. The Su-22M4's would be doing the majority of the ground attack missions for the Cabindans, though they could defend themselves in aerial combat if necessary.6 Sukhoi Su-24M2 supersonic attack aircraft ~ the first model rolled off the production lines in the Soviet Union back in 1974. By far the heaviest planes in the Cabindan Air Force, the Su-24M2's would act as their 'bomber force' as well as anti-ship deterrence.8 Mil Mi-24 VM combat helicopters ~ introduced in 1972 was still a lethal combat machine today. Unlike the NATO helicopter force, the Mi-24's did double duty as both attack helicopter and assault transports at the same time.4 Mil Mi-8 utility helicopters, first produced in 1967. Three would act as troop/cargo transports (Mi-8 TP) while the fourth was configured as a mobile hospital (the MI-17 1VA).4 Antonov An-26 turboprop aircraft, two to be used as tactical transports to bring in supplies by day and two specializing in electronic intelligence aka listening to what the enemy was up to. Though it entered production in 1969, many still remained flying today.2 Antonov An-71M AEW&C twin-jet engine aircraft. These were an old, abandoned Soviet design the Earth & Sky had continued working on primarily because the current (1970's) Russian Airborne Early Warning and Control bird had been both huge and rather ineffective ~ it couldn't easily identify low-flying planes in the ground clutter so it was mainly only good at sea. Since the E&S planned to mostly fight over the land,They kept working on the An-71 which was basically 1977's popular An-72 with some pertinent design modifications (placing the engines below the wings instead of above them as on the -72 being a big one). To solve their radar problem, they stole some from the Swedish tech firm Ericsson, which hadn't been foreseen to be a problem before now.See, the Russians in the post-Soviet era created a decent AEW&C craft the E&S gladly stole and copied the shit out of for their front line units and it was working quite nicely ~ the Beriev A-50, and wow, were the boys in the Kremlin pissed off about that these days. Whoops, or was that woot?Now, the Khanate was shipping two An-71's down to Cabinda and somewhere along the line someone just might get a 'feel' for the style of radar and jamming the Cabindans were using aka the Swedish stuff in those An-71's. The Erieye radar system could pick out individual planes at 280 miles. The over-all system could track 60 targets and plot out 10 intercepts simultaneously. NATO, they were not, but in sub-Saharan Africa, there were none better.Anyway, so why was any of this important?Why the old folks with their ancient machines? As revealed, since the Earth & Sky had no idea when Temüjin would return, they were constantly squirreling away equipment. World War 2 gave them unequaled access to Soviet military technology and training.Afterwards, under Josef Stalin's direction, thousands of Russian and German engineers and scientists were exiled to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan who were then snatched up (reportedly died in the gulags/trying to escape) and the E&S began building mirror factories modeled on the 'then current' Soviet production lines.So, by the early 1950's, the E&S was building, flying and maintaining Soviet-style Antonov, Beriev, Ilyushin, Myasishchev, Mikoyan-Gurevich, Sukhoi, Tupolev and Yakovlev airplanes. First in small numbers because their pool of pilots and specialists was so small.The E&S remedied this by creating both their own 'private' flight academies and technical schools. They protected their activities with the judicious use of bribes (they were remarkably successful with their economic endeavors on both side of the Iron Curtain) and murders (including the use of the Ghost Tigers).By 1960, the proto-Khanate had an air force. Through the next two decades they refined and altered their doctrine ~ moving away from the Soviet doctrine to a more pure combined-arms approach (the Soviets divided their air power into four separate arms ~ ADD (Long Range Aviation), FA (Front Aviation), MTA (Military Transport Aviation) and the V-PVO (Soviet Air Defenses ~ which controlled air interceptors).).It wasn't until the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of the various former SSR's that the E&S program really began to hit its stride. Still, while Russia faltered, China's PLAAF (Peoples' Liberation Army Air Force) began to take off. Since the Chinese could produce so much more, the E&S felt it had to keep those older planes and crews up to combat readiness. The younger field crews and pilots flew the newer models as they rolled off the secret production lines.Then the Unification War appeared suddenly, the E&S-turned Khanate Air Force skunked their PLAAF rivals due to two factors, a surprise attack on a strategic level and the fatal poisoning of their pilots and ground crews before they even got into the fight. For those Chinese craft not destroyed on the ground, the effects of Anthrax eroded their fighting edge. Comparable technology gave the Khanate their critical victory and Air Supremacy over the most important battlefields.What did this meant for those out-of-date air crews and pilots who had been training to a razor's edge for a month now? Their assignment had been to face down the Russians if they invaded. They would take their planes up into the fight even though this most likely would mean their deaths, but they had to try.When Operation Fun House put Russia in a position where she wasn't likely to jump on the Khanate, this mission's importance faded. The Russian Air Force was far more stretched than the Khanate's between her agitations in the Baltic and her commitments in the Manchurian, Ukrainian, Chechen and Georgian theaters.With more new planes rolling off the production lines, these reservist units began dropping down the fuel priority list, which meant lowering their flight times thus readiness. Only my hare-brained scheme had short-circuited their timely retirement. Had I realized I was getting people's grandparents killed, I would have probably made the same call anyway. We needed them.The KanateThe Khanate's #1 air superiority dogfighter was the Mig-35F. The #2 was the Mig-29. No one was openly discussing the Khanate's super-stealthy "Su-50", if that was what it was, because its existence 'might' suggest the Khanate also stole technology from the Indian defense industry, along with their laundry list of thefts from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the PRC, Russia and half of NATO.Her top multi-role fighters were the Su-47, Su-35S and Su-30SM. The Su-30 'Flanker-C/MK2/MKI were their 2nd team with plenty of 3rd team Su-27M's still flying combat missions as well.Strike fighters? There weren't enough Su-34's to go around yet, so the Su-25MS remained the Khanate's dedicated Close Air Assault model.Medium transport aircraft? The An-32RE and An-38. They had small, large and gargantuan transports as well.Bombers? The rather ancient jet-powered Tu-160M2's and Tu-22M2's as well as the even older yet still worthwhile turboprops ~ from 1956's ~ the Tu-95M S16.Helicopters? While they still flew updated variants of the Mil Mi-8/17 as military transports, the more optimized Kamov Ka-52 and Mil Mi-28 had replaced them in the assault role.Bizarrely, the Khanate had overrun several Chinese production lines of the aircraft frames and components ~ enough to complete fairly modern PLAAF (Peoples Liberation Army Air Force) FC-1 and J-10 (both are small multi-role fighter remarkably similar to the US F-16 with the FC-1 being the more advanced model, using shared Chinese-Pakistani technology and was designed for export,).They did have nearly two dozen to send, but they didn't have the pilots and ground crews trained to work with them, plus the FC-1 cost roughly $32 million which wasn't fundage any legitimate Cabindan rebels could get their hands on, much less $768 million (and that would just be for the planes, not the weeks' worth of fuel, parts and munitions necessary for what was forthcoming).Meanwhile, except for the An-26, which you could get for under $700,000 and the An-71, which were only rendered valuable via 'black market tech', none of the turboprop and jet aircraft the Khanate was sending were what any sane military would normally want. The helicopters were expensive ~ the 'new' models Mi-24's cost $32 million while the Mi-17's set you back $17 million. The one's heading to Cabinda didn't look 'new'.The Opposition:In contrast, the Angolan Air Force appeared far larger and more modern. Appearances can be deceptive, and they were. Sure, the models of Russian and Soviet-made aircraft they had in their inventory had the higher numbers ~ the Su-25, -27 and -30 ~ plus they had Mig-21bis's, Mig-23's and Su-22's, but things like training and up-keep didn't appear to be priorities for the Angolans.When you took into account the rampant corruption infecting all levels of Angolan government, the conscript nature of their military, the weakness of their technical educational system, the complexity of any modern combat aircraft and the reality that poor sods forced into being Air Force ground crewmen hardly made the most inspired technicians, or most diligent care-takers of their 'valuable' stockpiles (which their officers all too often sold on the black market anyway), things didn't just look bleak for the Angolan Air Force, they were a tsunami of cumulative factors heading them for an epic disaster.It wasn't only their enemies who derided their Air Force's lack of readiness. Their allies constantly scolded them about it too. Instead of trying to fix their current inventory, the Angolans kept shopping around for new stuff. Since 'new'-new aircraft was beyond what they wanted to spend (aka put too much of a dent in the money they were siphoning off to their private off-shore accounts), they bought 'used' gear from former Soviet states ~ Belarus, Russia and Ukraine ~ who sold them stuff they had left abandoned in revetments (open to the elements to slowly rot) on the cheap.To add to the insanity, the Angolans failed to keep up their maintenance agreements so their newly fixed high-tech machines often either couldn't fly, or flew without critical systems, like radar, avionics and even radios. Maybe that wasn't for the worst because after spending millions on these occasionally-mobile paperweights, the Angolans bought the least technologically advanced missile, gun and rocket systems they could get to put on these flying misfortunes.On the spread sheets, Angola had 18 Su-30K's, 18 Su-27, 12 Su-25's, 14 Su-22's, 22 Mig-23's, 23 Mig-21bis's and 6 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano (a turboprop aircraft tailor-made for counter-insurgency operations), 105 helicopters with some combative ability and 21 planes with some airlift capacity. That equated to 81 either air superiority, or multi-role jet fighters versus the 12 Union Air Force (actually the Bakongo Uni o de Cabinda e Zaire, For as Armadas de Liberta  o, For a Area ~ Liberation Armed Forces, Air Force (BUCZ-FAL-FA) Mig-21-97's.It would seem lopsided except for the thousands of hours of flight experience the 'Unionists' enjoyed over their Angolan rivals. You also needed to take into account the long training and fanatic dedication of their ground crews to their pilots and their craft. Then you needed to take into account every Unionist aircraft, while an older airframe design, had updated (usually to the year 2000) technology lovingly cared for, as if the survival of their People demanded it.A second and even more critical factor was the element of surprise. At least the PRC and the PLAAF had contingencies for attacks from their neighbors in the forefront of their strategic planning. The Angolans? The only country with ANY air force in the vicinity was the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and they had ceased being a threat with the end of Apartheid and the rise of majority Black rule in that country nearly two decades earlier.In the pre-dawn hours of 'Union Independence Day', the FAL-FA was going to smash every Angolan Air base and air defense facility within 375 miles of Cabinda (the city). Every three hours after that, they would be hitting another target within their designated 'Exclusion Zone'. Yes, this 'Exclusion Zone' included a 'tiny' bit of DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) territory. The DRC didn't have an air force to challenge them though, so,Inside this 'Exclusion Zone', anything moving by sea, river, road, rail, or air without Unionist governmental approval was subject to attack, which would require neutral parties to acknowledge some semblance of a free and independent B U C Z. Worse for Angola, this 'Zone' included Angola's capital and its largest port, Luanda, plus four more of their ten largest urban centers. This could be an economic, military and humanitarian catastrophe if mishandled.The Angolan Army did not have significant anti-aircraft assets. Why would they? Remember, no one around them had much of an air force to worry about. The FAL-FA in turn could hit military convoys with TV-guided munitions 'beyond line of sight', rendering what they did have useless. It got worse for the Army after dark. The FAL-FA could and would fly at night whereas the average Angolan formation had Zip-Zero-Nadda night fighting capacity.Then geography added its own mountain of woes. As far as Cabinda was concerned, there was no direct land line to their border from Angola. Their coastal road only went as far as the port of Soyo where the Congo River hit the South Atlantic Ocean. Across that massive gap was the DRC where the road was not picked back up. Far up the coast was the DRC town of Muanda (with an airport) and though they did have a road which went north, it did not continue to the Cabindan border.Nope. To get at Cabinda from the south meant a long, torturous travel through northeastern Angola, into the heart of the DRC then entailed hooking west to some point 'close' to the Cabindan frontier before finally hoofing it overland through partially cleared farmland and jungle. Mind you, the DRC didn't have a native air force capable of protecting the Angolans in their territory so,In fact the only 'road' to Cabinda came from the Republic of Congo (Congo) to the north and even that was a twisted route along some really bad, swampy terrain. This had been the pathway of conquest the Angolans took 39 years earlier. The difference being the tiny bands of pro-independence Cabindan guerillas back then couldn't hold a candle to the Amazons fighting to free Cabinda this time around in numbers, zeal, training and up-to-date equipment.Next option ~ to come by sea. They would face a few, stiff problems, such as the FAL-FA having ship-killer missiles, the Angolan Navy not being able to defend them and the Unionists having no compunction to not strike Pointe-Noire in the 'not so neutral' Republic of the Congo if they somehow began unloading Angolan troops. It seemed the Republic of the Congo didn't have much of an Air Force either.Before you think the FAL-FA was biting off more than they could chew, Cabinda, the province, was shaped somewhat like the US State of Delaware, was half the size of Connecticut (Cabinda was 2,810 sq. mi. to Conn.'s 5,543 sq. mi.) and only the western 20% was relatively open countryside where the Angolan Army's only advantage ~ they possessed armed fighting vehicles while the 'Unionists' did not (at this stage of planning) ~ could hopefully come into play.Centered at their capital, Cabinda (City), jets could reach any point along their border within eight minutes. Helicopters could make it in fifteen. To be safe, some of the FAL-FA would base at the town of Belize which was in the northern upcountry and much tougher to get at with the added advantage the Angolans wouldn't be expecting the FAL-FA to be using the abandoned airfield there, at least initially.Where they afraid attacking Angolan troops in the DRC would invite war with the DRC? Sure, but letting the Angolans reach the border unscathed was worse. Besides, the DRC was in such a mess it needed 23,000 UN Peacekeepers within her borders just to keep the country from falling apart. Barring outside, read European, intervention, did "Democratically-elected since 2001" President (for Life) Joseph Kabila want the FAL-FA to start dropping bombs on his capital, Kinshasa, which was well within reach of all their aircraft?Congo (the country), to the north, wasn't being propped up by the UN, or anything else except ill intentions. In reality, it hardly had much of a military at all. Its officer corps was chosen for political reliability, not merit, or capability. Their technology was old Cold War stuff with little effort to update anything and, if you suspected corruption might be a problem across all spectrums of life, you would 'probably' be right about that too.If you suspected the current President had been in charge for a while, you would be correct again (1979-1992 then 2001- and the 'whoops' was when he accidently let his country experiment with democracy which led to two civil wars). If you suspected he was a life-long Communist (along with the Presidents of the DRC and Angola), you'd be right about that as well. Somehow their shared Marxist-Leninist-Communist ideology hadn't quite translated over to alleviating the grinding poverty in any of those countries despite their vast mineral wealth,At this point in the region's history, little Cabinda had everything to gain by striving for independence and the vast majority of 'warriors' who could possibly be sent against her had terribly little to gain fighting and dying trying to stop them from achieving her goal. After all, their lives weren't going to get any better and with the Amazons ability ~ nay willingness ~ to commit battlefield atrocities, those leaders were going to find it hard going to keep sending their men off to die.And then, it got even worse.See, what I had pointed out was there were two oil refineries in Angola, and neither was in Cabinda. Cabinda would need a refinery to start making good on their oil wealth ~ aka economically bribe off the Western economies already shaken over the Khanate's first round of aggressions.But wait! There was an oil refinery just across the Congo River from Cabinda ~ which meant it was attached to mainland Angola. That had to be a passel of impossible news, right?Nope. As I said earlier, it seemed the people of northern Angola were the same racial group as the Cabindans AND majority Catholic while the ruling clique wasn't part of their ethnic confederacy plus the farther south and east into Angola you went, the less Catholic it became.But it got better. This province was historically its own little independent kingdom (called the Kingdom of Kongo) to boot! It had been abolished by Portugal back in 1914.The 'good' news didn't end there. Now, it wasn't as if the leadership of Angola was spreading the wealth around to the People much anyway, but these northerners had been particularly left out of this Marxist version of 'Trickle Down' economics.How bad was this? This northwestern province ~ called Zaire ~ didn't have any railroads, or paved roads, linking it to the rest of the freaking country. The 'coastal road' entered the province, but about a third of the way up ran into this river, which they'd failed to bridge (you had to use a single track bridge farther to the northeast, if you can believe it). It wasn't even a big river. It was still an obstacle though.How did the Angolan government and military planned to get around? Why by air and sea, of course. Well, actually by air. Angola didn't have much of a merchant marine, or Navy, to make sealift a serious consideration. Within hours of the 'Union Declaration of Independence' anything flying anywhere north of the Luanda, the capital of Angola, would essentially be asking to be blown out of the sky.Along the border between Zaire province and the rest of Angola were precisely two chokepoints. By 'chokepoints', I meant places where a squad (10 trained, modernly-equipped troopers) could either see everything for miles & miles over pretty much empty space along a river valley and the only bridge separating Zaire province from the south, or overlook a ravine which the only road had to pass through because of otherwise bad-ass, broken terrain.Two.Zaire Province had roughly the same population as Cabinda ~ 600,000. Unlike Cabinda, which consisted of Cabinda City plus a few tiny towns and rugged jungles, Zaire had two cities ~ Soyo, with her seventy thousand souls plus the refinery at the mouth of the Congo River, and M'banza-Kongo, the historical capital of the Kingdom of Kongo, spiritual center of the Bakongo People (who included the Cabindans) and set up in the highlands strategically very reminiscent of Điện Biàn Phủ.Of Zaire's provincial towns, the only other strategic one was N'Zeto with her crappy Atlantic port facility and 2,230 meter grass airport. The town was the northern terminus of the National Road 100 ~ the Coastal Road. It terminated because of the Mebridege River. There wasn't a bridge at N'Zeto though there was a small one several miles upstream. N'Zeto was also where the road from provinces east of Zaire ended up, so you had to have N'Zeto ~ and that tiny bridge ~ to move troops overland anywhere else in Zaire Province.So you would think it would be easy for the Angolan Army to defend then, except of how the Amazons planned to operate. They would infiltrate the area first then 'rise up in rebellion'. Their problem was the scope of the operation had magnified in risk of exposure, duration and forces necessary for success.The serious issue before Saint Marie and the Host in Africa were the first two. They could actually move Amazons from Brazil and North America to bolster their numbers for the upcoming offensive. Even in the short-short term, equipment wouldn't be a serious problem. What the Amazons dreaded was being left in a protracted slugfest with the Angolan Army which the Condottieri could jump in on. The Amazons exceedingly preferred to strike first then vanish.There was reason to believe a tiny number could have stayed behind in Cabinda to help the locals prepare their military until they could defend themselves. They would need more than a hundred Amazons if Cabinda wanted to incorporate Zaire. The answer was to call back their newfound buddy, the Great Khan. While he didn't have much else he could spare (the Khanate was ramping up for their invasion of the Middle East after all, the Kurds needed the help), he had other allies he could call on.India couldn't help initially since they were supposed to supply the 'Peace-keepers' once a cease-fire had been arranged. That left Temujin with his solid ally, Vietnam, and his far shakier allies, the Republic of China and Japan.First off ~ Japan could not help, which meant they couldn't supply troops who might very well end up dead, or far worse, captured.. What they did have was a surplus of older equipment the ROC troops were familiar with, so while the ROC was gearing up for their own invasion of mainland China in February, they were willing to help the Chinese kill Angolans, off the books, of course.The ROC was sending fifteen hundred troops the Khanate's way to help in this West African adventure with the understanding they'd be coming home by year's end. With Vietnam adding over eight hundred of her own Special Forces, the Amazons had the tiny 'allied' army they could leave shielding Cabinda/Zaire once the first round of blood-letting was over.To be 'fair', the Republic of China and Vietnam asked for 'volunteers'. It wasn't like either country was going to declare war on Angola directly. Nearly a thousand members of Vietnam's elite 126th Regiment of the 5th Brigade (Đặc cáng bộ) took early retirement then misplaced their equipment as they went to update their visas and inoculations before heading out for the DRC (some would be slipping over the DRC/Cabindan border).On Taiwan, it was the men and women of the 602nd Air Cavalry Brigade, 871st Special Operations Group and 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion who felt the sudden desire to 'seek enlightenment elsewhere, preferably on another continent'.They too were off to the Democratic Republic of Congo, man that country was a mess and their border security wasn't worth writing home about, that's for damn sure, via multiple Southeast Asian nations. Besides, they were being issued fraudulently visas which showed them to be from the People's Republic of China, not the ROC/Taiwan. If they were captured, they were to pretend to "be working for a Communist Revolution inside Angola and thus to be setting all of Africa on fire!" aka be Mainland Chinese.There, in the DRC, these Chinese stumbled across, some Japanese. These folks hadn't retired. No. They were on an extended assignment for the UN's mission in, the DRC. OH! And look! They'd brought tons of surplus, outdated Japanese Self Defense Forces' equipment with them, and there just so happened to be some Taiwanese who had experience in using such equipment (both used US-style gear).And here was Colonel Yoshihiro Isami of the Chūō Sokuō Shūdan (Japan's Central Readiness Force) wondering why he and his hastily assembled team had just unloaded,18 Fuji/Bell AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopters,6 Kawasaki OH-6D Loach Scout helicopters,12 Fuji-Bell 204-B-2 Hiyodori Utility helicopters,6 Kawasaki/Boeing CH-47JA Chinook Transport helicopters and4 Mitsubishi M U-2L-1 Photo Reconnaissance Aircraft.Yep! 46 more aircraft for the FAL-FA!Oh, and if this wasn't 'bad enough', the Chinese hadn't come alone. They'd brought some old aircraft from their homes to aid in the upcoming struggle. Once more, these things were relics of the Cold War yet both capable fighting machines and, given the sorry state of the opposition, definitely quite deadly. A dozen F-5E Tiger 2000 configured primarily for air superiority plus two RF-5E Tigergazer for reconnaissance, pilots plus ground crews, of course.Thus, on the eve of battle, the FAL-FA had become a true threat. Sure, all of its planes (and half of its pilots) were pretty old, but they were combat-tested and in numbers and experience no other Sub-Saharan African nation could match.The Liberation Ground Forces:But wait, there was still the niggling little problem of what all those fellas were going to fight with once they were on the ground. Assault/Battle rifles, carbines, rifles, pistols, PDW, SMGs as bullets, grenades and RPG's were all terrifyingly easy to obtain. The coast of West Africa was hardly the Port of London as far as customs security went. They were going to need some bigger toys and their host nations were going to need all their native hardware for their upcoming battles at home.And it wasn't like you could advertise for used IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), APCs (armored personnel carriers) and tanks on e-Bay, Amazon.com, or Twitter. If something modern US, or NATO, was captured rolling around the beautiful Angolan countryside, shooting up hostile Angolans, all kinds of head would roll in all kinds of countries, unless the country,A) had an Executive Branch and Judiciary who wouldn't ask (or be answering) too many uncomfortable questions,B) wasn't all that vulnerable to international pressure,C) really needed the money and,D) didn't give a fuck their toys would soon be seen on BBC/CNN/Al Jazeera blowing the ever-living crap out of a ton of Africans aka doing what they were advertised to do and doing it very well in the hands of capable professionals.And politics was kind enough to hand the freedom-loving people of Cabinda & Zaire a winner, and it wasn't even from strangers, or at least people all that strange to their part of the Globe. If you would have no idea who to look for, you wouldn't be alone.That was the magic of the choice. See, the last three decades had seen the entire Globe take a colossal dump on them as a Nation and a People. They were highly unpopular for all sorts of things, such as Crimes Against Humanity and 'no', we were not talking about the Khanate.We would be talking about Република Србија / Republika Srbija aka Serbia aka the former Yugoslavia who had watched all their satellite minions (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia) slip away. Despite being reduced to a tiny fraction of their former selves thus fighting two incredibly brutal and bloody World Wars for nothing, Serbia insisted on maintaining a robust armaments industry.Mind you, they didn't make the very best stuff on the planet. That didn't stop them from trying though. Of equal importance was their geographic location and the above mentioned desire for some hard currency without asking too many questions. The geography was simple, you could move even heavy gear unnoticed from central Serbia to the Montenegrin port of Bar by rail and load them up on freighters and off to the Congo you went.The Serbians produced an APC called the BVP M-80A's which weren't blowing anyone's minds away when they started rolling off the production lines back in 1982, plus some over-eager types on the Serbian Army's payroll sweetened the deal by offering 'the rebels' some BVP M-80 KC's and a KB as well.Then they slathered on the sugary-sweet Maple syrup by upgrading a few of the M-80A's to BVP M-98A's. Why would they be so generous? The KC's and KB were the Command & Control variants, so that made sense (C = company & B = battalion commander). The -98A had never been tested in the field before and they were kind of curious how the new turrets (which was the major difference) would behave. 'Our' procurement agents didn't quibble. We needed the gear.Besides, these Slavic entrepreneurs gave them an inside track on some 'disarmed/mothballed' Czech (introduced in 1963) armored mobile ambulances and Polish BWP-1 (first rolled out in 1966) APC's which were either in, or could be quickly configured into, the support variants those ground-fighters would need. The 'disarmed' part was 'fixable', thanks to both the Serbians and Finland. The 'missing' basic weaponry was something the Serbians could replace with virtually identical equipment.It just kept getting better. Unknown to me at the time, the Finnish firm, Patria Hágglunds, had sold twenty-two of their 'most excellent' AMOS turrets ~ they are a twin 120 mm mortar system ~ then the deal fell through. Whoops! Should have guarded that warehouse better. Those bitches were on a cargo plane bound for Albania inside of six hours.The ammunition for them was rather unique. Thankfully, it was uniquely sold by the Swiss, who had no trouble selling it to Serbia, thank you very much! Twenty-two BWP-1's became mobile artillery for the Unionist freedom fighters, though I understood the ship ride with the Serbian and Chinese technicians was loads of fun as they struggled to figured out how to attach those state-of-the-art death-dealing turrets to those ancient contraptions.To compensate, the Serbians added (aka as long as our money was good) two Nora B-52 155 mm 52-calibre mobile artillery pieces and one battery of Orkan CER MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) for long-range artillery, two batteries of their Oganj 2000 ER MRLS for medium range carnage and six batteries of their M-94 MRLS for 'close support' as well. More field-testing new gear for the "freedom fighters" We also managed to 'purchase' ten M-84AS Main Battle tanks plus an M-84A1 armor recovery vehicle. It should have been twelve tanks, but two had 'loading issues'.Not to be deterred, our busy little procurement-beavers discovered four tanks no one was using, in neighboring Croatia. Why wasn't anyone immediately keen on their placement? They were two sets of prototypes, Croatia's improvements on the M-84; the M-95 Degman which was a 'failed redesign' and the M-84D, which was a vast up-grade for the M-84 line which had been sidelined by the 2008 Global economic collapse, after which the project stagnated.It seemed they were all in working order because late one night 'my people' exited a Croatian Army base with them, never to be seen again, until two weeks later when an intrepid news crew caught the distinctive form of the M-95 sending some sweet 125 mm loving the Angolan Army's way. Whoops yet again! At least they hit what they were aiming at and destroyed what they hit, right?By then, millions of other people would be going 'what the fuck?' right along with them as Cabinda's camouflage- and mask-wearing rebel army was laying the smack-down on the Angolans. That was okay; over a million 'free Cabindan Unionists' were in the same boat. Over a thousand Asians with their mostly-female militant translators were right there to prop up their 'Unionist Allies', but then they were the ones with the tanks, armored vehicles, planes and guns, so they were less worried than most.To pilot these tanks, APC, IFV and man this artillery, they had to go back to the Khanate. Sure enough, they had some old tankers used to crewing the T-72 from which the M-84's and -95 Degman were derived. They'd also need drivers for those BVP M-80A's and Polish BWP-1's and OT-64 SKOT's... who were, again, derived from old Soviet tech (just much better). The Serbian artillery was similar enough to Soviet stuff, but with enough new tech to make it 'more fun' for the reservists to 'figure out' how to use.More volunteers for the Liberation Armed Forces! More Apple sales, great apps and voice modulation software so that the vehicle commanders would be heard communicating in Portuguese if someone was eavesdropping. As a final offering the Turkish Navy spontaneously developed some plans to test their long range capabilities by going to, the South Atlantic.On the final leg they would have six frigates and two submarines, enough to give any navy in the region, which wasn't Brazil, something to think about. This was a show of force, not an actual threat though. If anyone called their bluff, the Khanate-Turkish forces would have to pull back. These were not assets my Brother, the Great Khan, could afford to gamble and lose.If someone didn't call that bluff, he was also sending two smaller, older corvettes and three even smaller, but newer, fast attack boats, a "gift" to the Unionists ASAP. The frigates would then race home, they had 'other' issues to deal with while the submarines would hang around for a bit. The naval gift was necessitated by the reality the Unionists would have to press their claim to their off-shore riches and that required a naval force Angola couldn't hope to counter.As things were developing, it was reckoned since a build-up of such momentous land and air power couldn't be disguised, it had to happen in a matter of days ~ four was decided to be the minimum amount of time. More than that and the government of the Democratic Republic might start asking far too many questions our hefty bribes and dubious paperwork couldn't cover. Less than that would leave the task forces launching operations with too little a chance of success.Our biggest advantage was audacity. The buildup would happen 100 km up the Congo River from Soyo, the primary target of the Southern Invasion, in the DRC's second largest port city, Boma. Though across the river was Angolan territory, there was nothing there. The city of roughly 160,000 would provide adequate cover for the initial stage of the invasion.There they grouped their vehicles & Khanate drivers with Amazon and Vietnamese combat teams. The Japanese were doing the same for their 'Chinese' counterparts for their helicopter-borne forces. Getting all their equipment in working order in the short time left was critical as was creating some level of unit dynamic. Things were chaotic. No one was happy. They were all going in anyway.What had gone wrong?While most children her age were texting their schoolmates, or tackling their homework, Aya Ruger ~ the alias of Nasusara Assiyaiá hamai ~ was getting briefings of her global, secret empire worth hundreds of billions and those of her equally nefarious compatriots. She received a very abbreviated version of what the Regents received, delivered by a member of Shawnee Arinniti's staff.When Aya hopped off her chair unexpectedly, everyone tensed. Her bodyguards' hands went to their sidearms and Lorraine (her sister by blood), also in the room on this occasion, stood and prepared to tackle her 'former' sibling to the ground if the situation escalated into an assassination attempt. No such attack was generated, so the security ratcheted down and the attendant returned her focus to her Queen. Aya paced four steps, turned and retraced her way then repeated the action three more times."How many people live in the combined areas?" she asked."The combined areas? Of Cabinda and Zaire?""Yes.""I," the woman referenced her material, "roughly 1.1 million.""What is the yearly value of the offshore oil and natural gas production?""Forty-nine billion, eighty hundred and sixty-seven million by our best estimates at this time,""How many live in Soyo City proper?""Roughly 70,000.""We take Soyo," she spoke in a small yet deliberate voice. "We take and hold Soyo as an independent city-state within the Cabindan-Zaire Union. From the maps it appears Soyo is a series of islands. It has a port and airport. It has an open border to an ocean with weaker neighbors all around.""What of the, Zairians?""Bakongo. As a people they are called the Bakongo," Aya looked up at the briefer. "We relocate those who need to work in Soyo into a new city, built at our expense, beyond the southernmost water barrier. The rest we pay to relocate elsewhere in Zaire, or Cabinda."By the looks of those around her, Aya realized she needed to further explain her decisions."This is more than some concrete home base for our People," she began patiently. "In the same way it gives our enemies a clearly delineated target to attack us, it is a statement to our allies we won't cut and run if things go truly bad.""In the same way it will provide us with diplomatic recognition beyond what tenuous handouts we are getting from Cáel Wakko Ishara's efforts through JIKIT. Also, it is a reminder we are not like the other Secret Societies in one fundamental way, we are not a business concern, or a religion. We are a People and people deserve some sort of homeland. We have gone for so long without.""But Soyo?" the aide protested. "We have no ties to it, and it backs up to, nothing.""Northern Turkey and southern Slovakia mean nothing to us now as well," Aya debated. "No place on Earth is any more precious than another. As for backing up to nothing, no. You are incorrect. It backs into a promise from our allies in the Earth & Sky that if we need support, they know where to park their planes and ships."Aya was surrounded with unhappy, disbelieving looks."The Great Khan is my mamētu meáeda," she reminded them, "and I have every reason to believe he completely grasps the concept's benefits and obligations."The looks confirmed 'but he's a man' to the tiny Queen."Aya, are you sure about this?" Lorraine was the first to break decorum."Absolutely. Do you know what he sent me when he was informed of my, ascension to the Queendom?""No," Lorraine admitted."We must go horse-riding sometime soon, Daughter of Cáel, Queen of the Amazons."More uncertain and unconvinced looks."He didn't congratulate me, or send any gifts. He could have and you would think he would have, but he didn't. He knew the hearts of me & my Atta and we weren't in the celebratory mood. No. The Great Khan sent one sentence which offered solace and quiet, atop a horse on a windswept bit of steppe."Nothing.Sigh. "I know this sounds Cáel-ish," Aya admitted, "but I strongly believe this is what we should do. We are giving the Cabindans and Bakongo in Zaire independence and the promise of a much better life than what they now face. We will be putting thousands of our sisters' lives on the line to accomplish this feat and well over two hundred million dollars.""What about governance of the city ~ Soyo?" the aide forged ahead."Amazon law," Aya didn't hesitate. "We will make allowances for the security forces of visiting dignitaries and specific allied personnel, but otherwise it will be one massive Amazon urban freehold.""I cannot imagine the Golden Mare, or the Regents, will be pleased," the attendant bowed her head."It is a matter of interconnectivity," Aya walked up and touched the woman's cheek with the back of her small hand. "We could liberate then abandon Cabinda with the hope a small band could help them keep their independence. Except we need the refinery at Soyo so the people of Cabinda can truly support that liberty.""So, we must keep Soyo and to keep Soyo, we must keep Zaire province. There is no other lesser border which makes strategic sense ~ a river, highlands, a massive river, an ocean ~ those are sustainable frontiers. You can't simply keep Soyo and not expect the enemy to strike and destroy that refinery, thus we must take Zaire province.""But the Bakongo of Zaire cannot defend themselves and will not be able to do so for at least a year, if not longer. That means we must do so, and for doing so, they will give us Soyo and we will be honest stewards of their oil wealth. We cannot expect any other power to defend this new Union and if we don't have a land stake we will be portrayed as mercenaries and expelled by hostile international forces.""So, for this project to have any chance of success, we must stay, fight and have an acknowledged presence, and if you can think of an alternative, please let me know," she exhaled."What if the Cabindans and Bakongo resist?""It is 'us', or the Angolans and they know how horrible the Angolans can be. Didn't you say the average person their lives on just $2 a day?""Yes.""We can do better than that," Aya insisted."How?" the aide persisted. "I mean, 'how in a way which will be quickly evident and meaningful?'""Oh," Aya's tiny brow furrowed. Her nose twitched as she rummaged through the vast storehouse of her brain."Get me in touch with William A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service. He should be able to help me navigate the pathways toward getting aid and advisors into those two provinces ASAP.""I'll let Katrina know," the attendant made the notation on her pad."No. Contact him directly," Aya intervened. "We established a, rapport when we met. I think he might responded positively to a chance to mentor me in foreign relations.""Really?" Lorraine's brows arched."Yes," Aya chirped."Are you sure, Nasusara?" the attendant stared. She used 'Nasusara' whenever she thought Aya had a 'horrible' idea instead of a merely a 'bad' one."Yes. He owes me. Last time we met I didn't shoot him.""Didn't?" the woman twitched."Yes. I drew down on him with my captured Chinese QSW-06. I didn't want to kill him, but I felt I was about to have to kill Deputy National Security Advisor Blinken and he was the only other person in the room both armed and capable of stopping me.""Why is he still alive?""Cáel Ishara saw through my distraction and then took my gun from me, asked for it actually," she shyly confessed."Would you have shot him?" the aide inquired."What do you think?" Aya smiled.And Then:So, given t

In this episode, Argus speaks with Mickaël Daudin from the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) about the challenges and risks associated with 3T conflict mineral supply chains in conflict affected and high-risk areas including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Mickaël explains how conflict in eastern DRC is affecting ITSCI's due diligence work, and ITSCI's response to the UN Group of Experts report on mineral fraud and the conflict in DRC. Covered this episode: What is ITSCI and what is its role the due diligence landscape? How ITSCI is responding to a deteriorating security situation in DRC The UN Group of Experts report on how conflict minerals are entering the supply chain via Rwanda. Speakers: Sian Morris, Senior Reporter for coltan and minor metals at Argus Media Mickaël Daudin, Programme manager at ITSCI

This week on the news roundup: the Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that global sea ice fell to the lowest level ever recorded in February (1:18); Alawites in northwestern Syria have been massacred over several days (3:19) while the government and SDF cut a deal (6:49); Israel intensifies its blockade of Gaza (9:38) as the US proposes a new compromise for the Strip (10:55); Armenia and Azerbaijan look to be on the cusp of a peace agreement (14:31); the Philippines arrests former president Rodrigo Duterte on an ICC warrant (16:30); Trump and China's Xi Jinping might hold a summit in June (19:23); the crisis in South Sudan continues to worsen (21:03); the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 armed group look to hold peace talks (23:31); in Russia-Ukraine, the US and Ukraine produce a ceasefire proposal (25:15) while Russia retakes most of Kursk Oblast (29:46); Trump might be preparing to invade Panama (31:45); Canada elects a new prime minister (33:43); Trump continues to escalate the trade war (37:07); and former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will become Harvard's inaugural Kissinger Professor of the Practice of Statecraft and World Order (39:32). Subscribe now for an ad-free experience and much more content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the news roundup: the Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that global sea ice fell to the lowest level ever recorded in February (1:18); Alawites in northwestern Syria have been massacred over several days (3:19) while the government and SDF cut a deal (6:49); Israel intensifies its blockade of Gaza (9:38) as the US proposes a new compromise for the Strip (10:55); Armenia and Azerbaijan look to be on the cusp of a peace agreement (14:31); the Philippines arrests former president Rodrigo Duterte on an ICC warrant (16:30); Trump and China's Xi Jinping might hold a summit in June (19:23); the crisis in South Sudan continues to worsen (21:03); the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 armed group look to hold peace talks (23:31); in Russia-Ukraine, the US and Ukraine produce a ceasefire proposal (25:15) while Russia retakes most of Kursk Oblast (29:46); Trump might be preparing to invade Panama (31:45); Canada elects a new prime minister (33:37); Trump continues to escalate the trade war (37:01); and former US national security advisor Jake Sullivan will become Harvard's inaugural Kissinger professor of the practice of statecraft and world order (39:26).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Zaidi ya watu 63,000 sasa wamewasili Burundi wakikimbia machafuko nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, kwa mujibu wa shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia wakimbizi UNHCR na wengi wao wanaishi katika hali ngumu ndani ya uwanja wa michezo wa Rugombo jimboni Cibitoke (CHIBITOKE) huku wakisubiri kuhamishiwa kwenye kambi rasmi za wakimbizi. Flora Nducha amefuatilia safari ya mmoja wa wakimbizi hao, kwako Flora.

Hii leo jaridani tunaangazia mkutano wa 69 wa Kamisheni ya Hali ya Wanawake duniani, CSW69 na wakimbizi wanaokimbia machafuko nchini DRC kwenda Burundi. Makala tunakwenda nchini Tanzania na mashinani tunakupeleka nchini Lebanon, kulikoni?Hii leo katika makao makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa jijini New York, Marekani unaanza mkutano wa 69 wa Kamisheni ya Hali ya Wanawake duniani, CSW69, kusanyiko kubwa zaidi la kila mwaka la Umoja wa Mataifa linalomulika usawa wa jinsia na uwezeshaji wanawake mwaka huu washiriki wakiwa zaidi ya 25,000.Zaidi ya watu 63,000 sasa wamewasili Burundi wakikimbia machafuko nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, kwa mujibu wa shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia wakimbizi UNHCR na wengi wao wanaishi katika hali ngumu ndani ya uwanja wa michezo wa Rugombo jimboni Cibitoke (CHIBITOKE) huku wakisubiri kuhamishiwa kwenye kambi rasmi za wakimbizi.Makala leo tunamwangazia Fatuma Mfumia, dereva pekee wa kike katika shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhuduia Watoto, UNICEF Tanzania.Na mashinani mashinani fursa ni yake Ghada Dawiche's ambaye licha ya machungu yaliyomkumba baada ya kupoteza bintiye aliyekuwa mfanyakazi wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia Wakimbizi UNHCR nchini Lebanon, pamoja na mjukuu wake wa kiume wakati kombora la Israeli lilipopiga nyumba yao nchini  Lebanon, anasema Umoja, nguvu na tumaini ndio ujumbe mkuu anaowapa wanawake wote waliopoteza wapendwa wao vitani na katika kupigania haki za wanawake.Mwenyeji wako ni Anold Kayanda, karibu!  

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen sits down with Joshua Z. Walker to analyze the deepening crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) beyond the commonly discussed issue of resource extraction. With the resurgence of the M23 rebellion, the occupation of key territories, and growing concerns over Rwanda's involvement, the region faces increasing instability. As M23 asserts control signs point to a broader political agenda that could redefine governance in eastern Congo. In this episode, we explore the economic, humanitarian, regional, and geopolitical risks shaping the future of the DRC.Joshua Z. Walker is the Director of Programs at the Congo Research Group at New York University's Center on International Cooperation (CIC). A researcher and analyst focused on the DRC since 2004, his work sits at the intersection of academic knowledge and policymaking. He has previously worked at The Carter Center, the United Nations Peacekeeping mission in the DRC, and the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research in Johannesburg. His expertise covers customary conflict, political parties, and artisanal diamond mining, providing a unique perspective on the underlying factors driving instability in the region. He holds a Ph.D. in sociocultural anthropology from the University of Chicago, a master's in anthropology and development from the London School of Economics (LSE), and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from McGill University.The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge. Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.Tell us what you liked!

Hii leo jarida linamulika wasiwasi kuhusu hali ya watetezi wa haki za binadamu nchini DRC, wakati huu hali ya usalama si shwari mashariki mwa nchi; kuelekea siku ya wanawake duniani, Mkuu wa UN Women arejelea Azimio la Beijing; vilabu vya Dimitra  nchini DRC vinavyosaidia wanawake na wanaume kuketi pamoja na kutatua changamoto zinazowakabilia; mashinani ni Ramadhani huko Gaza.Hali ya kibinadamu ikiendelea kuzorota mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC), Mtaalamu Maalumu wa Umoja wa Mataifa anayehusika na hali ya watetezi wa haki za binadamu, Mary Lawlor leo ametoa wito wa msaada wa dharura na wa vitendo kwa watetezi wa haki za binadamu katika eneo hilo. Anold Kayanda na taarifa zaidi.Kuelekea siku ya wanawake duniani itakayoadhimishwa mwishoni mwa wiki hii ambayo ni tarehe 8 mwezi Machi, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa  shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la masuala ya wanawake UN Women, Sima Bahous, amesisitiza kwamba ahadi zilizowekwa kwenye Azimio la Beijing miaka 30 iliyopita kuhusu haki za wanawake hazipaswi tu kukumbukwa bali zinahitaji kutekelezwa kikamilifu. Flora Nducha anafafanua zaidiMakala inakupeleka nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC ambako mradi wa shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Chakula na Kilimo (FAO) ulioanzishwa kati ya mwaka 2008 hadi 2023 umeleta mabadiliko chanya ukiimarisha usawa wa kijinsia. Mwenyeji wako ni Sharon Jebichii.Ibrahim Al-Ghandour, mpalestina huyu akiwa eneo la Gaza mbele ya nyumba yake iliyogeuzwa kifusi kutokana na mashambulizi ya Israeli akielezea maoni yake ya mfungo unaoendelea wa mwezi mtukufu wa Ramadhani.

Hali ya kibinadamu ikiendelea kuzorota mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC), Mtaalamu Maalumu wa Umoja wa Mataifa anayehusika na hali ya watetezi wa haki za binadamu, Mary Lawlor leo ametoa wito wa msaada wa dharura na wa vitendo kwa watetezi wa haki za binadamu katika eneo hilo. Anold Kayanda na taarifa zaidi. (Taarifa ya Anold Kayanda)Mary Lawlor akizungumza leo jijini Geneva-Uswisi amesema, "watetezi wa haki za binadamu mashariki mwa DRC wako hatarini sana kulengwa na kulipiziwa kisasi kwa kazi yao ya kutetea haki za binadamu. Wanahitaji msaada sasa, ikiwa ni pamoja na usaidizi wa kuhamishwa kwa muda pamoja na familia zao.”Kundi la waasi la M23, limeendelea kusonga mbele katika eneo hilo la mashariki mwa DRC tangu lilipoanza mashambulizi yake mapema mwaka huu, na wale waliorekodi na kufichua ukiukwaji wa haki zao wamekuwa wakilengwa moja kwa moja, amesisitiza Bi. Lawlor."Katika wiki za hivi karibuni nimepokea taarifa nyingi za tahadhari zinazohitaji msaada na nimezungumza moja kwa moja na watetezi walioko mashinani," amesema Lawlor na kuongeza kuwa watu hao wanaishi kwa hofu na hatari ni halisi na kwama hivi karibuni, mtetezi mmoja alimpa taarifa kuwa waasi wa M23 wameandaa orodha ya watetezi wa haki za binadamu watakaokamatwa katika maeneo waliyoyadhibiti.Mtaalamu huyo  amesema amepokea ripoti za kuaminika za watetezi wa haki za binadamu kushikiliwa bila mawasiliano, kutoweshwa kwa nguvu, na kuteswa huko Rutshuru na Masisi, Kivu Kaskazini, huku takribani watetezi sita wa haki za binadamu wakiripotiwa kutoweka baada ya kujaribu kutoroka Goma baada ya jiji hilo kuchukuliwa na M23."Baadhi ya watetezi wa haki za binadamu hawakuwa na chaguo jingine ila kukimbia makazi yao. Wale wanaofanikisha kufika katika miji mingine wanakosa rasilimali za kupata malazi au kukidhi mahitaji yao ya kila siku," amesema na kwamba, "wengine wamebaki katika maeneo yanayodhibitiwa na waasi lakini wana hofu kubwa kuhusu usalama wao. Mtetezi mmoja alimuuliza jinsi wanavyoweza kuendelea kujificha huku M23 ikianza kufanya ukaguzi huko Goma.Tangu magereza yalipovunjwa  huko Goma, Kalehe, Bukavu, na Uvira, maelfu ya wafungwa, wakiwemo wahalifu wakatili na viongozi wa makundi yenye silaha waliohukumiwa kwa ukiukwaji mkubwa wa haki za binadamu unaofikia uhalifu wa kivita na uhalifu dhidi ya ubinadamu, walitoroka na kuingia mitaani. Baadhi yao wanawatishia watetezi wa haki za binadamu waliotoa msaada wa matibabu, kisaikolojia na msaada wa kisheria kwa waathiriwa na mashahidi waliotoa ushahidi wakati wa kesi hizo. Na wakati huo huo watetezi wa haki za binadamu wakikabiliwa na vitisho na hofu ya kulipiziwa kisasi, waathiriwa hawana wa kuwategemea, ameeleza mtaalamu huyo.Katika mazingira ambayo tayari ni magumu kwa watetezi wa haki za binadamu, Mtaalamu huyo maalumu wa Umoja wa Mataifa anasisitiza hatari kubwa ya ukatili wa kingono inayowakabili watetezi wa haki wa kike."Tunajua kuwa ukatili wa kingono unaohusiana na migogoro mashariki mwa DRC ni wa kiwango cha juu, na kwamba wanawake wanaopinga ukiukwaji wa haki za binadamu katika muktadha huu, na wanaojitokeza kwa kazi yao, mara nyingi ndio wanaoathirika zaidi," Lawlor amesema akiongeza kuwa ni jambo la kusikitisha kufikiria kwamba miaka 25 tangu kupitishwa kwa azimio la kihistoria la Baraza la Usalama la Umoja wa Mataifa kuhusu wanawake, amani na usalama, matukio haya yanatokea mbele ya ulimwengu unaoonekana kutokuwa na msimamo thabiti.Mtaalamu huyo pia ameelekeza umakini kwa hatari wanazokabiliana nazo watetezi wa haki za binadamu katika maeneo ya vijijini na yaliyojitenga, ikiwa ni pamoja na mauaji, kutoweshwa kwa nguvu, na utekaji nyara, na akaangazia athari za kisaikolojia zinazowakumba wale walioko mashinani."Watetezi tayari walikuwa wakikabiliwa na vitisho katika eneo hilo – kutoka kwa serikali na makundi yenye silaha  lakini kama alivyonieleza mtetezi mmoja wa haki za binadamu wa…

Kwenye kikao cha 58 cha Baraza la Haki za Binadamu la Umoja wa Mataifa kinachoendellea mjini Geneva Uswisi, Kamishna Mkuu wa Haki za Binadamu wa Umoja wa M ataifa, Volker Türk , amezungumzia hali ya kuzorota na kutoeleweka inayohusu haki za binadamu duniani kote akielezea wasiwasi mkubwa kuhusu kudhoofika kwa makubaliano ya kimataifa kuhusu haki za binadamu,na kuonya kwamba ushawishi wa viongozi wa kiimla, matajiri wakubwa, na viongozi wa kimabavu unatishia kuvuruga maendeleo ya miongo kadhaa. Anold Kakayanda na taarifa kamili.Asante Flora katika taarifa yake Türk  amesisitiza umuhimu wa kuhifadhi haki za binadamu na utawala wa sheria ili kuzuia kurudiwa kwa ukatili wa zamani.Moja ya masuala ya dharura yaliyotiliwa mkazo na Türk  ni mgogoro wa kibinadamu unhaoendelea huko Gaza. Amelaani uharibifu uliosababishwa na hatua za kijeshi za Israeli dhidi ya mashambulizi ya Oktoba 7, 2023 yaliyofanywa na Hamas na makundi mengine ya wapiganaji wa Kipalestina.Türk  amesisitiza haja ya kudumisha usitishaji mapiganona kutoa wito wa mchakato wa amani unaozingatia haki za binadamu, ikiwa ni pamoja na haki ya kujitawala na uwajibikaji. Ametaka kuachiliwa kwa mateka, kukomeshwa kwa vizuizi vya kiholela, na kuanza tena kwa msaada wa kibinadamu mara moja ndani ya Gaza.Kuhujsu mgogoro unaoendelea nchini Ukraine amersema bado ni suala la kutia wasiwasi, huku raia wakiishi kwa hofu ya mara kwa mara kutokana na mashambulizi yasiyokoma.Türk  amekemea vikali vikwazo vya Shirikisho la Urusi juu ya haki za msingi katika maeneo yanayokaliwa kwa mabavu na kuelezea masikitiko yake kuhusu ripoti za mauaji ya kiholela na mateso ya kimfumo ya wafungwa wa vita wa Kiukraine.Almeihimiza jumuiya ya kimataifa kufanya kazi kuelekea amani endelevu inayoheshimu haki na matarajio ya watu wa Ukraine.Türk  pia ameelekeza mawazo kwenye maeneo mengine yenye migogoro, ikiwa ni pamoja na Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, Myanmar, Haiti, na Sudan.Alielezea jinsi watawala wa kiimla, wanasiasa wahubiri wa chuki, na walanguzi wanavyotumia machafuko kwa faida zao binafsi.Amesema Athari za migogoro huenea zaidi ya mstari wa mbele, zikiathiri minyororo ya usambazaji duniani na nafasi za kidijitali.Ametoa  wito kwa watu binafsi kutambua jukumu lao la pamoja kwa kufanya maamuzi ya kimaadili ya ununuzi, kushiriki kisiasa, na kuunga mkono uwajibikaji kwa ukiukwaji wa haki za binadamu.Hata hivyo amesema demokrasia zilizoimarika haziko salama dhidi ya kudorora kwa haki za binadamu. Türk  ameelezea wasiwasi mkubwa kuhusu mwelekeo nchini Marekani, ambako maendeleo kuhusu usawa wa kijinsia na sera za kupinga ubaguzi yanarudi nyuma.Pia amekosoa Shirikisho la Urusi kwa ukandamizaji wake wa jamii za kiraia na vyombo vya habari huru, ambapo wapinzani wanakabiliwa na unyanyasaji, kukamatwa, au kufurushwa.Kudhoofika kwa haki za binadamu katika mataifa yenye nguvu, Türk  alionya kwamba kunaweka mfano hatari kwa ulimwengu mzima, akisisitiza hitaji la dharura la mshikamano wa kimataifa na uwajibikaji kuhusu haki za binadamu.

Machafuko Mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo, (DRC) yanaendelea kufurusha watu na wengine wanaamua kukimbilia nchi jirani ikiwemo Burundi. Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia wakimbizi, UNHCR nchini Burundi limesema wazi kuwa katika wiki mbili za mwezi Februari kuanzia tarehe 14 walipokea wakimbizi zaidi ya 60,000, wengi wakiwa tayari walishafurushwa awali. Kwa waliowasili katika eneo la Kaburantwa  nchini Burundi, bado wanahofia usalama. Serikali ya Burundi imetenga eneo lingine salama zaidi na sasa wanahamishiwa huko. Je ni wapi? Assumpta Massoi kwa msaada wa video ya UNHCR Burundi anasimulia zaidi. 

Karibu jaridani hii leo na mwenyeji wako ni Flora Nducha akikuletea habari kuhusu haki za binadamu, elimu ya STEM kwa wasichana wakimbizi nchini Kenya; Harakati za kuhamishia wakimbizi wa DRC nchini Burundi kuelekea maeneo salama; mafunzo ya ujasiriamali wa ushoni kwa wanawake na wasichana.Kwenye mkutano wa 58 wa Baraza la Umoja wa Mataifa la Haki za Binadamu unaoendelea mjini Geneva Uswisi, Kamishna Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa Haki za Binadamu  Volker Türk , amezungumzia hali ya kuzorota na kutoeleweka inayohusu haki za binadamu duniani, akionya kwamba ushawishi wa viongozi wa kiimla, matajiri wakubwa, na viongozi wa kimabavu unatishia kuvuruga maendeleo ya miongo kadhaa. Ripoti yake Anold Kayanda.Nchini Kenya, shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia Watoto (UNICEF) na wadau wengine wanafanikisha mpango wa kuhamasisha wasichana kuingia katika masomo ya STEM yaani Sayansi, Teknolojia, Uhandisi na Hisabati.Ripoti yake Sharon Jebiichi.Makala Assumpta Massoi anakupeleka mpakani mwa Burundi na Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo, DRC kusikia harakati za kuhamishia wakimbizi eneo salama zaidi.Mashinani anasalia nchini Jamhuri ya kidemkrasia ya Congo DRC kusikia jinsi ambavyo mafunzo ya ujasiriamali wa ushoni yanavyowawezesha wanawake na wasichana kujimudu kimaisha. Karibu

Nasser speaks with Héritier Lumumba, an Australian-Brazilian-Congolese former professional AFL player, known for his advocacy in human rights, focusing on racial equality, refugee rights, and supporting marginalised communities.They discuss the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Western imperialism and European colonization, the exploitation under King Leopold and the abuse, mutilation, and deaths of Congolese people, the extraction of the country's minerals, and the environmental and climate justice implications of this continued exploitation.Nasser also plays an excerpt from the documentary Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat (2024), which explores how Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach protested at the UN Security Council over Patrice Lumumba's murder. For more info on the challenges of the Congo and to support Congolese institutions, head to friendsofthecongo.org. Image credit: @hlumumba 

!!! Please note that this episode was recorded before M23 captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DRC.This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen sits down with Bram Verelst to examine the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resurgence of the M23 rebellion. As the group captures key cities, including Goma, tensions are rising, with increasing concerns about Rwanda's involvement, the worsening humanitarian crisis, and the broader regional implications. In this episode, we explore the historical roots of the conflict, the role of international actors, and the challenges of finding a path to peace in one of Africa's most volatile regions.Bram Verelst is a Senior Researcher on Conflict Prevention, Management, and Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes Region at the Institute for Security Studies. With expertise in conflict dynamics and regional security, he previously worked as a political analyst for the Belgian Ministry of Defence and as a research fellow at Ghent University. He holds master's degrees in history (University of Antwerp) and conflict and development studies (Ghent University).The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge. Follow us on LinkedIn for all our great updates.Tell us what you liked!

NB: This episode was recorded on February 8, 2025. Since then, the conflict in Eastern DRC has dramatically evolved with more than 7000 fatalities, thousands of displaced and sanctions against Rwanda. In this episode we delve into the intricate and ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with our esteemed guest, Dr. Patrick Litanga (Eastern Kentucky University). Dr. Litanga, a native of the DRC and an expert in African politics and post-conflict reconstruction, brings his profound insights to the table as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of this protracted war. He traces the origins of the conflict, sheds light on the historical and socio-political factors that have fueled the violence in the region. He also discusses the key actors involved, including the Congolese governmental forces, various rebel groups like M23, and the role of neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda. Through his analysis, Dr. Litanga reveals the complex web of alliances and rivalries that have perpetuated the instability. We also examine the regional tensions and geostrategic implications of the conflict, highlighting how the struggle for control over the DRC's vast mineral resources has drawn in both regional and international players.

unusual_whales on X: "BREAKING: NASA says there's now a 3.1% chance that asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit Earth in 2032. This is the highest risk assessment an asteroid has ever received." / X FearBuck on X: "A deep-sea creature rarely seen by humans called the oarfish has washed ashore in Mexico! Legend has it that this mysterious “doomsday fish” only emerges from the ocean’s depths when disaster is near

Hii leo jaridani tunaangazia mahitaji ya wakimbizi wanaokimbia machafuko DRC wakielekea nchini Burundi, na hali ya wakimbizi wa ndani Gaza wakati huu wa msimu wa baridi. Makala tunakurejesha nchini DRC na mashinani tunakwenda nchini Tanzania.Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kuhudumia wakimbizi, UNHCR limetoa ombi la dola milioni 40.4 ili kujiandaa na kutoa huduma za kuokoa maisha na usaidizi kwa wakimbizi wa ndani na waliokimbilia nchi jirani baada ya wakati huu ambapo mashambulizi ya waasi wa M23 yanazidi kufurusha raia kutoka Mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokraia ya Congo, DRC.Huko Gaza Kaskazini, kwenye eneo la wapalestina linalokaliwa na Israeli, familia zilizofurushwa makwao kutokana na vita kati ya Israeli na wanamgambo wa Hamas wanavumilia msimu wa baridi kali katika makazi ya muda ya mahema yanayopigwa na upepo na mvua usiku na mchana, limesema shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia Watoto UNICEF. Nyumba zao zimeharibika na kuacha watoto kuishi katika mazingira mabaya.Katika makala Evarist Mapesa anakupeleka eneo la mpakani mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC, na Burundi kufuatilia mmiminiko wa wakimbizi kutoka DR Congo.Na mashinani fursa ni yake Regnihadah Mpete kutoka Tanzania ambaye anatumia kiswahili, lugha ya taifa nchini Tanzania kufundisha vikundi vya wanawake wilayani Biharamulo, mkoani Kagera jinsi ya kujikinga na magonjwa. Mafunzo serikali  kwa kushirikiana na Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia watoto duniani (UNICEF) kupitia TIP ambao ni Mtandao wa Madhehebu ya Dini mbalimbaliMwenyeji wako ni Assumpta Massoi, karibu!  

* Palestine awaits freedom of 369 citizens from Israeli jails Israel is set to free 369 Palestinians as part of the sixth exchange since the Gaza ceasefire, often breached by Tel Aviv, that took effect on January 19. In a statement, the Palestinian Prisoners' Media Office, affiliated with Hamas resistance group, said the released will include 36 Palestinians serving life sentences and 333 from Gaza who were abducted by Israel after October 7, 2023. Twenty-four of the released will be sent abroad. In return, Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced the names of three Israeli captives scheduled for release as part of the swap deal. * Erdogan warns of US 'miscalculation' on Gaza Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the approval of forced displacement completely unacceptable and described it as pure brutality, referring to US President Donald Trump's proposal for the future of Palestine's Gaza. Discussing the United States' approach to the Middle East, Erdogan criticised its miscalculations, remarking, "One should not disregard the region's history, values, and heritage." "We expect Trump to fulfil the promise he made before the election. He should take steps to build peace, not start a new war," Erdogan said * Jewish People Say No to Ethnic Cleansing' — 350+ rabbis sign NYT ad More than 350 rabbis, alongside Jewish creatives and activists, have signed a full-page ad in The New York Times condemning President Donald Trump's controversial proposal for the forced expulsion of over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza. The ad features signatories from diverse Jewish denominations and notable figures such as Tony Kushner, Ilana Glazer, Joaquin Phoenix and Peter Beinart. The text of the ad on NYT's page A7 reads: "Trump has called for the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza. Jewish people say NO to ethnic cleansing!" * M23 rebels enter eastern DRC's Bukavu city M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have entered the region's second-largest city of Bukavu, the latest ground gained since a major escalation of their yearslong fighting with government forces. The M23 rebels entered the city's Kazingu and Bagira zone and were advancing towards the centre of the city of about 1.3 million people. Videos posted online appeared to show rebels marching toward the Bagira area. * Roadside bomb kills multiple mine workers in Pakistan's Balochistan A bomb targeting a vehicle carrying coal miners in southwestern Pakistan killed at least 11 people and wounded six others. The truck had brought the workers to a mine in the Harnai area of Balochistan province, where Pakistan is battling insurgency. A military official has said that an improvised explosive device was planted at the roadside which exploded when truck carting coal miners reached the site.

Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina inayotupeleka nchini Tanzania kumulika siku ya redio duniani, maudhui yakiwa Radio na Tabianchi, na ni kwa vipi chombo kinachodaiwa kutwamishwa na maendeleo ya teknolojia kinaendelea kusaidia kuelimisha umma kuhusu madhara ya mabadiliko ya tabianchi, Teonas Aswile wa TBC Taifa nchini Tanzania anaeleza.Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo DRC ambapo hali inazidi kuwa tete na leo Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa shirkika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kuhudumia watoto UNICEF, Catherine Russell, ameelezea wasiwasi mkubwa kuhusu kuongezeka kwa ghasia mashariki mwa mwa  nchi hiyo katika majimbo ya Kivu Kaskazini na Kivu Kusini, ambapo watoto na familia wanakabiliwa na ukiukaji mkubwa wa haki za binadamu.Naibu mkuu wa ofisi ya Umoja wa Mataifa ya kuratibu masiala ya kibinadamu na misaada ya dharura OCHA nchini Sudan Edmore Tondhlana akizungumza na UN News amesema hali nchini Sudan inaendelea kuwa janga la kibinadamu wakati vita ikishika kasi na watu wakiendelea kufurushwa makwao. Amesema "Tunashuhudia hali ambapo Sudan ina mahitaji ya kibinadamu yaliyo miongoni mwa makubwa zaidi duniani. Takriban watu milioni 30 wanahitaji msaada wa kibinadamu. Hili ni ongezeko la takriban watu milioni tano zaidi ikilinganishwa na mwaka uliopita, pia, Sudan ina idadi kubwa zaidi ya watu waliopoteza makazi yao.Na leo ni siku ya Redio Duniani mwaka huu ikibeba maudhui Redio na mabadiliko ya tabianchi. Kwa mujibu wa shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la elimu, sayansi na utamaduni UNESCO lengo la maudhui haya ni kudhihirisha jukumu la redio katika kusambaza ujumbe na kuelimisha kuhusu changamoto za mabadiliko ya tabianchi, kutanabaisha kuhusu hatua endelevu na kuwapa sauti wanaharakati wa mabadiliko ya tabianchi.Na katika kujifunza lugha ya Kiswahili leo fursa ni yake mtaalam wetu Onni Sigalla, Mhariri mwandamizi wa Baraza la Kiswahili la Taifa      nchini Tanzania, BAKITA anafafanua maana za neno “MSUMBI”.Mwenyeji wako ni Anold Kayanda, karibu!  

This week: Donald Trump proposes the US take over the Gaza Strip (0:32), prompting mixed responses at home (9:16) as well as abroad (15:18); the US vows to return to a "maximum pressure" Iran policy (17:08); in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the M23 ceasefire fizzles out (20:04); Trump threatens to cut off funding to South Africa over certain land policies (22:10); Ukraine offers minerals in exchange for Trump's support (25:02); Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to Latin America, addressing tension over the Panama Canal (28:37), entertaining an offer from El Salvador to take in US convicts (30:44), as well as an offer from Guatemala to aid in deportations (32:14); China responds to Trump's tariffs (36:43); and the Trump Administration rigs Google searches concerning deportation cases (38:37).  Subscribe now for much more content and an ad-free experience! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's news roundup from American Prestige: Donald Trump proposes the US take over the Gaza Strip (0:32), prompting mixed responses at home (9:16) as well as abroad (15:18); the US vows to return to a "maximum pressure" Iran policy (17:08); in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the M23 ceasefire fizzles out (20:04); Trump threatens to cut off funding to South Africa over certain land policies (22:10); Ukraine offers minerals in exchange for Trump's support (25:02); Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to Latin America, addressing tension over the Panama Canal (28:37), entertaining an offer from El Salvador to take in US convicts (30:44), as well as an offer from Guatemala to aid in deportations (32:14); China responds to Trump's tariffs (36:43); and the Trump Administration rigs Google searches concerning deportation cases (38:37). Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kamishna Mkuu wa haki za binadamu wa Umoja wa Mataifa, Volker Türk, leo akizungumza katika Kikao Maalum cha Baraza la Haki za Binadamu kinachofanyika jijini Geneva, Uswisi, ameonya kuwa ghasia zinazoendelea mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC) zinaweza kuwa mbaya zaidi ikiwa hazitashughulikiwa. Flora Nducha na taarifa zaidi.

Derek speaks with Marie-Rose Tshite, a peacebuilding advocate and Ph.D. student in Political Science with a concentration in Feminist Comparative and International Politics at the University of Cincinnati, about M23 and the situation in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They explore the group's origins, its ties with the Rwandan government, other external actors, the recent seizure of Goma, minerals and the economic factors driving the conflict, the humanitarian situation, and more. Read Marie-Rose's recent article on Congolese women's experiences during the Second Congolese War between 1998 and 2003, “Capturing Congolese Women's Memories of War and Peacemaking”. Subscribe today for an ad-free experience and much more content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of American Prestige, Derek speaks with Marie-Rose Tshite, a peacebuilding advocate and Ph.D. student in Political Science with a concentration in Feminist Comparative and International Politics at the University of Cincinnati, about M23 and the situation in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They explore the group's origins, its ties with the Rwandan government, other external actors, the recent seizure of Goma, minerals and the economic factors driving the conflict, the humanitarian situation, and more.Read Marie-Rose's recent article on Congolese women's experiences during the Second Congolese War between 1998 and 2003, “Capturing Congolese Women's Memories of War and Peacemaking”.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The paperboy has been laid off, but fear not, for Danny and Derek are here with the headlines. This week: in Israel-Palestine, detainees were exchanged on Thursday (0:31), the IDF continues its operation in the West Bank (6:05), an update on the humanitarian situation in Gaza (7:40), and Trump proposes the idea of ethnically cleansing the Strip (10:34); in Lebanon, the IDF ignores its withdrawal deadline (15:02); in Syria, the political transition continues (17:00), the IDF remains in the country's south (19:04), and negotiations with Russia are underway over its bases in Syria as well as the fate of Bashar al-Assad (20:32); the rollout of China's DeepSeek AI roils tech stocks (23:00); the Sudanese army sees a string of military successes around Khartoum (25:24); in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the M23 military group takes Goma while advancing south (27:59); Putin comments on peace talks regarding Ukraine (32:43); Colombia and the US get into a spat regarding deportation flights (34:12); and in US news, arms sales hit a new record in 2024 (37:16), Donald Trump vows to build a migrant detention facility at Guantánamo (38:20), and some details on the effects of his foreign aid freeze (39:35).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week: in Israel-Palestine, detainees were exchanged on Thursday (0:31), the IDF continues its operation in the West Bank (6:05), an update on the humanitarian situation in Gaza (7:40), and Trump proposes the idea of ethnically cleansing the Strip (10:34); in Lebanon, the IDF ignores its withdrawal deadline (15:02); in Syria, the political transition continues (17:00), the IDF remains in the country's south (19:04), and negotiations with Russia are underway over its bases in Syria as well as the fate of Bashar al-Assad (20:32); the rollout of China's DeepSeek AI roils tech stocks (23:00); the Sudanese army sees a string of military successes around Khartoum (25:24); in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the M23 military group takes Goma while advancing south (27:59); Putin comments on peace talks regarding Ukraine (32:43); Colombia and the US get into a spat regarding deportation flights (34:12); and in US news, arms sales hit a new record in 2024 (37:16), Donald Trump vows to build a migrant detention facility at Guantánamo (38:20), and some details on the effects of his foreign aid freeze (39:35).  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bodies are lining the streets of Goma, and hospitals are overwhelmed after an escalation in the long-simmering conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwandan-backed M23 group claims it took control of the city, and the DRC has called it a declaration of war by Rwanda. But why is Rwanda involved and what are its interests? In this episode: Kambale Musavuli (@kambale), Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo Episode credits: This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and YouTube