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Defence`s Feeds

Stop the Madness: Civil Society Cannot Thrive on Burnout

Africa - INTER PRESS SERVICE - Mon, 18/05/2026 - 19:44

Credit: Emmanuel Herman/Reuters via Gallo Images

By Hannah Wheatley, Joanna Makhlouf and Taís Siqueira
BAGAMOYO, Tanzania / BEIRUT, Lebanon / WASHINGTON D.C., May 18 2026 (IPS)

In an era when civil society funding is in decline, it’s time to rebel against a broken system.

Today, too much is being asked from the people already doing the most. In a time of multiple and connected global crises – of climate, conflict, democracy, disinformation, global governance, human rights and inclusion – and in a context of intensifying civic space restrictions and collapsing funding, funders and the intermediary organisations that distribute resources somehow expect frontline organisations to transform systemic injustices that have built up over centuries. At the same time, these groups are expected to keep meeting inflexible targets, writing flawless reports and keeping their teams emotionally and physically afloat.

As governments, international organisations, investors, philanthropists, civil society and business leaders meet at the Global Partnerships Conference on the future of international development, it’s time to do things differently.

Let’s stop asking local leaders to transform their communities before they’ve had space to heal. Let’s stop training grassroots organisations to become international clones. Let’s stop intermediaries replicating burnout culture.

No single organisation can undo the long legacy of colonialism or the systemic problems of global capitalism. And they shouldn’t have to. The role of the civil society ecosystem must be to build and protect space, redistribute power and resources and, most of all, stop transferring institutional pressure downwards. If we truly trust local civil society, we must also trust its limits. That means intermediaries must stand their ground with funders, set realistic expectations and champion the right to do less when circumstances demand it.

At CIVICUS’s Local Leadership Labs – an initiative to tackle the barriers that get in the way of local leadership of development – partners often report feeling compelled to deliver ambitious workplans that involve them reaching every district, leading multiple initiatives and facilitating extensive community engagements, even as civic space is closing around them. Driven by passion and the need to prove their worth in a competitive ecosystem, many have overextended without realising the toll on their wellbeing and sustainability.

Burnout is not just about long hours. It stems from impossible expectations in unsafe, high-pressure contexts. Civil society is striving to stretch every grant dollar, prove its worth at every reporting cycle and ensure the survival of communities. In restrictive civic space conditions, these pressures are compounded by harassment, intimidation, surveillance and violence.

The result is a constant feeling of not doing enough, even when the demands are structurally impossible. Over time, this erodes morale, health and leadership sustainability.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, funders proved that another way was possible. They provided unrestricted funding and offered flexibility and simplified reporting. Trust was extended. Partnerships were strengthened. But that willingness to experiment has not lasted.

What must change

It must be recognised that in these conditions, scaling back is not failure. It is how movements endure.

We have seen that investing in healing and reflection is not a luxury. It is what sustains movements. At Local Leadership Labs, partners working with survivors of state violence realised they could not move forward without first addressing exhaustion and trauma. Their care-centred approach showed that the process itself can be the outcome. Taking time for healing and thoughtful collaboration produces more sustainable, transformational results.

This is what the civil society ecosystem should support: not chasing impossible targets, but creating conditions for dignity, reflection and resilience.

Addressing burnout requires more than acknowledgement. It calls for rethinking about how support is structured and how expectations are set. Funders and intermediaries can help break the cycle by:

1. Budgeting time and priority for healing
Leaders are often asked to deliver systemic change while carrying unaddressed trauma. Without space for healing, burnout is inevitable. Intermediaries can normalise pacing, integrate healing into workplans and advocate with funders for timelines that reflect reality.

2. Showing funders the way
Funders need guidance on becoming more adaptable to intensifying civic space conditions and contexts of high volatility. Intermediaries can convene learning spaces where funders reflect on how flexibility and responsiveness protect communities and sustain movements. They can also challenge extractive, funder-driven processes and advocate for spaces where local civil society can lead and influence on its own terms.

3. Bridging, connecting and humanising
Behind funders, intermediaries and frontline civil society are people, all under institutional pressure. Intermediaries can help in both directions, by shielding local partners from unrealistic demands while working with funders to develop an understanding of what’s achievable. By cultivating empathy, they can replace transactional directives with reciprocal accountability, unlocking collaborations that go beyond the extractive.

In many contexts, civil society is holding the line in the face of authoritarianism, even worse attacks on human rights and still stronger repression. The enemies of democracy and human rights thrive when those defending freedoms and demanding social justice burn out. When forced to compete for scarce resources, organisations try to over-deliver to prove their worth, further deepening stress and accelerating exhaustion.

In this context, supporting the wellbeing of local civil society is not optional. It is central to protecting the energy that drives activism. Funders and intermediaries must pause, reflect and reset expectations. If we create space for healing, rest and resilience, movements will survive the current storm, and emerge equipped to resist, transform and win.

Taís Siqueira is Local Leadership Labs Coordinator at CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation. Hannah Wheatley is CIVICUS’s former Data Analyst and Joanna Makhlouf is a former member of the Local Leadership Labs implementation team.

 


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Civilian Casualties Grow Amid Russian and Ukrainian Drone Strikes

Africa - INTER PRESS SERVICE - Mon, 18/05/2026 - 18:55

Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, addresses the Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. Credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

By Oritro Karim
UNITED NATIONS, May 18 2026 (IPS)

Four years after the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War, 2026 has marked a significant escalation in hostilities, with intensified bombardments from both sides causing immense destruction across the region, complicating humanitarian operations, and deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis. As exchanges of attacks have intensified in recent days, the United Nations (UN) warns that women and girls will be disproportionately impacted as violence disrupts access to basic, lifesaving services.

Last week on May 13, Russian forces launched a massive barrage of approximately 800 drones, targeting western regions of Ukraine, including areas that surround the Hungarian border. Local authorities informed the UN’s country office in Ukraine that the attacks resulted in multiple civilian casualties and extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including energy facilities and railway hubs. Significant destruction was reported in the Rivne, Volyn, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, where several sites came under fire.

This attack triggered what UN Ukraine described as “one of the most intense and prolonged attacks of the war to date,” with continuous hostilities from Russian forces reported across the country for nearly 24 hours. Violence intensified the following day in Kyiv, where drone and missile strikes targeted major residential neighborhoods and key civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainian authorities reported that at least 140 Ukrainians were killed, including six children, with figures expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Officials also stated that a high-rise residential building in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district sustained significant damage following a direct strike, leaving numerous residents trapped beneath the rubble.

Approximately 24 civilians were killed and 48 others were injured in the strike, including three children who were found dead. UN Ukraine reported that emergency teams carried out search-and-rescue operations and extinguished fires despite immense risks, as strikes continued to land. That same day, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that a “clearly marked” UN vehicle was struck twice in Kherson City while delivering aid to vulnerable communities.

“Families should always feel safe,” said Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees’ (UNHCR) Representative in Ukraine. “Mothers should not be waiting to know if their children are alive under the rubble after these missile attacks,” she continued, stressing that attacks that target civilians are a violation of humanitarian law.

According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) , civilian casualties in Ukraine over the first four months of 2026 were higher than any four-month period recorded in any of the last three years. The Mission found that this is primarily due to a massive rise in the use of long-range weapons, which carry a far greater capacity for destruction and civilian harm, especially when used in densely populated urban areas.

HRMMU found that in April of this year, at least 84 civilians were killed and 628 others were injured as a direct result of long-range weapons use, accounting for approximately 43 percent of the total civilian casualties recorded during that period.

“I deplore the resumption of these large-scale attacks which have resulted in civilian casualties across the country,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on May 14. “Attacks by long-range weapons are one of the leading causes of civilian casualties in Ukraine. Their expanded use in populated areas will only increase the already mounting toll on civilians,” Turk added, urging for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities.

Ukrainian women and girls have been severely and disproportionately impacted by the war, with the first three months of 2026 marking the deadliest winter for women and girls since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. According to figures from UN Women, approximately 199 women and girls were killed between January and March of this year. This follows a 27 percent increase in casualties among women between 2025 and 2024.

More than four years into the Russian invasion, women and girls in Ukraine are facing immense stress under the threats of war and subsequent attacks on energy infrastructure. Credit: UN Women/Aurel Obreja

During a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on May 12, UN Women’s Representative in Ukraine Sabine Friezer Gunes informed reporters that attacks on energy infrastructure have devastated mental and physical wellbeing for women across Ukraine, particularly those in caregiving roles. Gunes noted that many of these women are struggling to manage increasing household responsibilities, growing financial pressures, and shrinking access to essential resources, such as reliable electricity.

“Women are significantly more likely than men to report having no backup energy supply during disruptions – 73 per cent of women say that they have no alternative energy sources,” said Gunes. “Nearly eight in ten women’s organisations in Ukraine told UN Women that funding reductions are seriously affecting their work, including some organisations reporting having to reduce the number of women and girls supported by their services. Official donor assistance to support women has reduced, and inequalities in Ukraine are increasing.”

Over the weekend, on May 17, Ukraine launched one of its largest long-range drone offensives against Russia in over a year, mainly targeting Moscow. This attack, described by reporters as retaliation for the missile and drone strikes in Kyiv, killed at least three people and injured 12 others, while local authorities reported damage to several unspecified infrastructure and numerous high-rise buildings.

“Our responses to Russia’s prolongation of the war and attacks on our cities and communities are entirely justified,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a statement shared to X (formerly Twitter). “This time, Ukrainian long-distance sanctions have reached the Moscow region, and we are clearly telling the Russians: their state must end its war.”

Nigel Gould Davies, a senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, warned that Ukraine’s retaliatory strikes against Russia will only work to exacerbate regional tensions going forward.

“There is no ongoing peace process to disrupt. What (the attack) is more likely to do is add to the darkening cloud of anxiety over Russia, which has developed palpably over the last three or four months,” said Davies. “The fact that Ukraine is reminding the Moscow population that it is vulnerable to these attacks is likely to intensify the mix of concerns now. I see no prospect, though, in the shorter term, that even these factors together will induce Russia to consider the compromises that will be necessary for peace negotiations.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 


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Hearings - SEDE-ITRE Joint Public Hearing on "Cyber-defence and cybersecurity” - 29-01-2026 - Committee on Security and Defence - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

The Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) are organising a joint public hearing with the title: “Cyber-defence and cybersecurity”, which will take place on 29 January 2026.
The hearing will highlight the interplay between civil and military ecosystems, while emphasising on dual use technologies, cybersecurity and cyber-defence, as well as the crucial role of public-private partnerships and industrial policies in reinforcing Europe's resilience.
Location : ANTALL 4Q2
Programme
Poster
Presentation-OSW
Presentation-ECCC
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Hearings - SEDE-ITRE Joint Public Hearing on "Cyber-defence and cybersecurity” - 29-01-2026 - Committee on Security and Defence - Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

The Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) are organising a joint public hearing with the title: “Cyber-defence and cybersecurity”, which will take place on 29 January 2026.
The hearing will highlight the interplay between civil and military ecosystems, while emphasising on dual use technologies, cybersecurity and cyber-defence, as well as the crucial role of public-private partnerships and industrial policies in reinforcing Europe's resilience.
Location : ANTALL 4Q2
Programme
Poster
Presentation-OSW
Presentation-ECCC
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Breaking Cultural Barriers to Equip Marginalised Kenyan Girls With Entrepreneurial Skills

Africa - INTER PRESS SERVICE - Mon, 18/05/2026 - 13:54
For generations, communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) have viewed girls through the lens of marriage, with some being married at 11 in exchange for livestock or soon after secondary school, denying them opportunity for further education and skills training. However, in West Pokot, a community deeply rooted in traditions, something extraordinary is […]

EMPFEHLUNG zu dem Entwurf eines Beschlusses des Rates über den Abschluss des Abkommens zwischen der Europäischen Union und Kanada zur Festlegung der Bedingungen für die Beteiligung von kanadischen Rechtsträgern und Gütern mit Ursprung in Kanada an...

EMPFEHLUNG zu dem Entwurf eines Beschlusses des Rates über den Abschluss des Abkommens zwischen der Europäischen Union und Kanada zur Festlegung der Bedingungen für die Beteiligung von kanadischen Rechtsträgern und Gütern mit Ursprung in Kanada an Beschaffungen im Rahmen des SAFE-Instruments
Ausschuss für Industrie, Forschung und Energie
Ausschuss für Sicherheit und Verteidigung
Borys Budka, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2026 - EP

Media As Bedrock for Developing Russian-African Relations

Africa - INTER PRESS SERVICE - Mon, 18/05/2026 - 07:52

Credit: Africa Center for Strategic Studies

By Kester Kenn Klomegah
MOSCOW, May 18 2026 (IPS)

Under the auspices of the Faculty of Journalism of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Russian-African Club, in late April, held its IV International Forum of Journalists from Russia and Africa, which marked another historical milestone. According to an established annual tradition, discussions were focused on aspects of the media, its structure, current performance, information contents, and challenges as well as future perspectives.

The shared common purpose was also to critically review whether the media, both in Africa and in the Russian Federation, have played its role in strengthening bilateral relations, and promoted the important goals set out during the first and second Russia-Africa summits. Why Media?

As largely expected, there were in-depth discussions. There were also controversies over the dynamics of media performance, with prominent participating experts raising narratives and criticisms, in the context of the forum’s theme: “Mass Media of Russia and Africa: The Role in Strengthening Friendship and Solidarity among the Peoples of the World.”

Elena Vartanova, dean of the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University, pointed to the fact that the media has to build diverse partnerships between Russia and Africa, further emphasized the importance of intercultural dialogue in creating a unified information space amid the complex global transformations of the modern world.

Yaroslav Skvortsov, dean of the Faculty of International Journalism at MGIMO, spoke about his recent unique trip to South Africa, noting that South Africa and the continent as a whole remain a “media blind spot” for Russian media, just as Russia receives very little coverage for African audiences.

The expert emphasized the need for serious, thoughtful, and in-depth reporting work in this area. The necessity to explore more opportunities in building strong ties, deepening the understanding of geopolitical developments, while fostering dialogue among the continent’s public.

Underlining Reasons

The media performance gap between Russia and Africa stems from overwhelming dominance of Western media outlets, a little of direct African reporting in Russia (including a lack of accredited African journalists), and limited institutional investment. These are some of the reasons highlighted during the discussions by an African studies journalist and columnist for the ITAR-TASS Analytical Center, Oleg Osipov, Timur Shafir, Secretary of the Union of Journalists of Russia and Head of the International Department of the Union of Journalists of Russia, and Louis Gowend, chairman of the Commission for Relations with African Diaspora and the Media of the Russian-African Club of Moscow State University, and president of the African Business Club.

Oleg Osipov, unreservedly, expressed concern about information deficit in Russian and African journalism, emphasized the urgent need to expand the network of Russian correspondent offices across the African continent, as well as getting a few experienced African media practitioners to Russia. This is especially important in today’s reality, as geopolitics heightens in the world.

Assessing current global trends, Russia needs to expand its presence in all spheres, and the media space is a crucial component of this process, the Russian expert believes. But for Timur Shafir, the thoughts were on the fact that it was especially important now to find common grounds in the mutual perceptions of the peoples and cultures of Russia and Africa through media communication.

In addition, he further emphasized that the media landscape is currently undergoing significant transformations, with technologies, audiences, and means of communication changing. Therefore, journalism is currently an area of particular responsibility and professional integrity, and direct dialogue between journalists in Russia and Africa has become crucial now.

Search for New Approach

The IV International Forum of Journalists from Russia and Africa, was considered as the new dawn, turning a new chapter with suggestion and paving the path for improving media performance in both regions. The participants offered a deafening applause to this position. The speakers expressed confidence that the Forum will serve as a starting point for many new joint initiatives.

According to Louis Gowend, the RusAfroMedia media platform—an information resource, which was created by the Moscow State University RA Club in 2022, for instance has to undergo serious facelifting, by strengthening cooperation and to improve the image of Russia-Africa cooperation.

This platform provides all the conditions for a free and frank exchange of opinions, relevant useful information, and the promotion of initiatives in all areas of cooperation between Russia and Africa. The speaker expressed concern over the fact that Russian journalists are much less active on the RusAfroMedia platform than their African counterparts and urged those present to make greater use of this resource.

In his contribution, Alexander Berdnikov, executive secretary of the Russian-African Club, distinctively noted that, at a time when new development trends are unfolding in the world, journalism and the entire media sphere are literally becoming a battlefield for information wars and special operations.

The speaker reminded that the Forum, being held ahead of the Third Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for October 2026, indicates how crucial for participants to develop solutions and initiatives for cooperation in journalism between Russia and Africa, and which will form the basis for practical recommendations in preparation for the forthcoming African leaders’ Summit.

Preserving Traditional Practice

Lyubov Sakhno, head of the Protocol and African Section of the TASS International Relations Department, represented Russia’s oldest news agency and spoke about ITAR-TASS’s consistent efforts to provide African media with foreign-language news feeds. But then, Russian media expansion faces limited budget constraints.

According to her, over 400 media outlets in Africa use these resources. She also discussed the organization’s media forum, which traditionally takes place on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.

Sergey Grachev, deputy director of the Media Research and Analysis Directorate at Rossiya Segodnya International News Agency, agreed with his colleagues that today we are facing unprecedented pressure from Western media. African media, most often, depends on Western sources, which Russian officials argue creates a “vacuum” filled by biased or hostile information.

Despite this, Russian media projects in Africa continue to develop, presenting analytical models of Sputnik’s presence on social media, where it broadcasts in 33 foreign languages.

Editor-in-chief of the African Initiative news agency, Buinta Bembeeva, noted in her discussions that Africa has become noticeably, and more prominent in Russian news in recent years. The speaker discussed the African Initiative’s experience in Africa. The agency is noticeably represented in many African countries through cooperation agreements with local media outlets.

The agency also collaborates with bloggers and organizes a journalism school for young African journalists. This close, on-the-ground, direct collaboration with African media outlets is key to achieving full-scale journalistic activity.

Contributions from Nigerian Academics

Professor Babatunde Joseph, Kaduna State University, spoke about using strengthened strategic communications to strengthen partnerships and unite the cultures of African countries. He agreed with his Russian colleagues on the need to expand the presence of Russian news agencies in Africa and African media in Russia. The expert cited the example of a well-known British radio station that broadcasts in five languages in Nigeria alone: Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin English (called “Najin” there), and plain English. “This is a successful strategy,” the professor was forced to note.

Professor Mohammad Bashir Ali, Kaduna State University (Nigeria), leading the Nigerian delegation to the Forum, discussed at length, the traditional role of media in promoting economic and entrepreneurial cooperation between Russia and Africa. Despite the multiple challenges posed by the complex international environment in both Africa and Russia, there is enormous potential for opportunity in this area. He concluded that greater consolidation in the media sphere is essential.

Professors Yushau Ibrahim Ango and Ayodele Babatunde, both from Kaduna State University, presented a working paper entitled “African Creative Industries and Media Systems in the Context of Digitalization,” analyzing the impact of digital media on entrepreneurship in the Nigerian economy.

The paper, however, concluded that reliance on digital platforms introduces new vulnerabilities, including algorithmic unpredictability, into the economy. This paper contributed to entrepreneurship and media research by theorizing digital platforms as entrepreneurial infrastructure, which has implications for policy, platform governance, and understanding how media shapes economic life in the African context.

Concluding Remarks

Hafiz Basi, chairman of the Youth Projects Commission of the Russian-African Club, seriously echoed the opinion in closing remarks, stating that it is time to change outdated stereotypes that portray Russia and Africa through Soviet political clichés. “We need journalism that brings people together, not further distances,” Hafiz Basi emphasized. He also noted that the lack of accredited African journalists in Russia remains a pressing issue.

Meanwhile, African media outlets write about Russia primarily in political terms, failing to reveal the true depth of Russian culture and the soul of the Russian people. In his opinion, the Russia-Africa Journalists Forum, once more, demonstrated its importance, which discusses the most pressing issues, prospects, and strategies for strengthening media cooperation between Russia and Africa.

This is in reality, important during the time of rapid geopolitical changes, in response to the aggressive rhetoric of Western countries and their satellites, public diplomacy, soft power, and peacekeeping journalism which are becoming increasingly relevant careful analysis and take effective measures in building a solid foundation for Russian-African dialogue.

Kester Kenn Klomegah focuses on current geopolitical changes, foreign relations and economic development-related questions in Africa with external countries. Most of his well-resourced articles are reprinted in several reputable foreign media.

IPS UN Bureau

 


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Africa’s Golden Future

Africa - INTER PRESS SERVICE - Mon, 18/05/2026 - 07:41

Credit: The African Development Bank Group
 
Excerpts from remarks by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), at the Africa Forward Summit, Nairobi, May 11-12.

By Kristalina Georgieva
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 18 2026 (IPS)

It is very appropriate that this Africa Forward Summit is being held in Kenya. Two weeks ago, a Kenyan marathon runner, Sabastian Sawe, did what had been considered impossible: by running a marathon in under two hours! What we have set ourselves here is also a marathon—and we must show the same resilience and perseverance that Mr. Sawe did.

Because Africa is not just another region. It is the future; it is where the world will acquire its next growth engine.

And it must do so in a more complex and uncertain global environment, when imbalances are growing yet again. Export-led economies reduce the space for Africa to integrate into global supply chains. At the other end, countries with large deficits absorb a disproportionately large share of financial resources, limiting the availability of capital for the rest of the world.

But the most dramatic imbalance is in demographics—between aging and youthful societies, with capital mostly in the first group and growth potential in the second.

What should the countries of Africa do to build resilience against a world of more frequent shocks and secure the bright future that this continent so richly deserves?

Kristalina Georgieva

First, make better use of their own savings for growth enhancing investments—today we heard President Ruto talk of $4 trillion in domestic assets that Africa is underutilizing. But even more important: African countries must become more attractive to the world’s savings—to the $126 trillion in global equities, $145 trillion in fixed income—which today flow mostly to advanced and more-established emerging market economies and are hesitant to go where the population growth is fastest.

This requires action at home and stepped-up support from Africa’s partners.

At home, building economic and social resilience must be grounded in strong institutions and sound policies, creating the conditions for private sector-led growth. From credible macroeconomic policy to decisive steps against corruption and reforms to slash red tape, countries need to work to win investors’ trust.

Africa also has to speed up trade and economic integration. Just eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers in line with the continental free trade area can increase income per capita by more than 10 percent—with more purchasing power the continent becomes more competitive.

And Africa must deal decisively with the burden of debt. Restructure or reprofile when debt is unsustainable; avoid non-productive borrowing; and shift the balance from debt to equity as much and as quickly as possible. For this, it is paramount to develop deeper, more diversified capital markets.

Under France’s G7 presidency we have made the issue of global imbalances a priority for our work. Africa benefits when the Fund advocates for fair treatment. To reflect our firm belief in Africa’s growth potential, we have also pursued multiple reforms to expand our support for the continent.

First, we put our money where our mouth is. We have vastly expanded our concessional lending for Africa, from $8 billion pre-COVID to $36 billion today. Thanks to the SDR channeling of $109 billion, which President Macron and leaders from Africa championed, we can deploy substantially more concessional lending. To put it simply, thanks to the SDR channeling we can do more as ODA does less.

And we make sure our financing unlocks support from our development partners and helps attract private funding.

Second, we reformed how we do our programs—as a genuine partnership with our members. We don’t just talk the talk on country ownership; we walk the walk—we listen, we adapt, we show flexibility when warranted.

There are many good examples across Africa of homegrown reform programs that we support, of countries maturing in their policy choices—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco, Rwanda, Zambia, to name a few.

And yes, good policies pay off. Closing half the gap vis-à-vis emerging market economies in areas like regulation and governance can raise sub-Saharan Africa’s output by up to 20 percent within a decade.

Third, we pursue reforms of the international debt architecture, with our efforts extending to the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, our new debt playbook for country authorities, the London Alliance, and proactive use of our good offices to help forge consensus.

Lastly, at the IMF we are delivering more voice and representation for Africa in our governance and resource allocation. We have established a third African chair at our Board and a strong focus on the continent in our work.

Our members are committed to addressing underrepresentation in the 17th quota review. And we work with regional institutions—the African Union, the African Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Africa—to ensure their deep local knowledge helps us better serve our members.

In this world of rapid transformations and repetitive exogenous shocks, there is much that individual countries cannot control. But you can, as they say here in Kenya, keep your own house “spick and span.”

You control your policies, you define your future, and your value proposition—which we will help amplify to the relevant audiences, the rating agencies included.

With the people of Africa in the front seat and we, as partners, firmly with them, I am confident that this continent will achieve its golden destiny.

IPS UN Bureau

 


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A New Order for the Gulf

Foreign Affairs - Mon, 18/05/2026 - 06:00
The region must build its own security, not buy it.

Hotel Europa Riva del Garda: Ihr Urlaubsdomizil

The European Political Newspaper - Sun, 17/05/2026 - 21:46

Das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda bietet Ihnen ein unvergessliches Urlaubserlebnis direkt am malerischen Gardasee. Eine ideale Wahl für Wassersportbegeisterte, die moderne Zimmer mit spektakulärem Seeblick und Balkon schätzen. Genießen Sie kulinarische Köstlichkeiten im hauseigenen Gourmet-Restaurant, das sich auf mediterrane Küche spezialisiert hat.

Für Ihre Entspannung sorgt der umfangreiche Wellnessbereich mit erstklassigem Spa-Angebot. Beheizte Außenpools laden zum ganzjährigen Schwimmen ein, und Fahrräder können bequem gemietet werden, um die reizvolle Umgebung zu erkunden. In perfekter Lage bietet das Hotel auch optimale Voraussetzungen für kulturelle Erlebnisse und ausgedehnte Shopping-Touren. Zudem warten zahlreiche familienfreundliche Angebote und Aktivitäten darauf, von Groß und Klein entdeckt zu werden.

Das Wichtigste in Kürze

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  • Familienfreundliche Angebote und Fahrradverleih zur Erkundung der malerischen Umgebung.
Direkt am Gardasee gelegen, optimal für Wassersport

Direkt am Gardasee gelegen, ist das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda der ideale Ort für Wassersportliebhaber. Die hervorragende Lage bietet Ihnen die Möglichkeit, zahlreiche Aktivitäten wie Segeln, Windsurfen und Kajakfahren direkt vor der Haustür zu genießen. Der See ist bekannt für seine konstanten Winde, die perfekte Bedingungen für diese Sportarten schaffen. Besonders hervorzuheben sind die professionellen Wassersportschulen in der Umgebung, die sowohl Anfängern als auch Fortgeschrittenen eine ideale Betreuung bieten. Freuen Sie sich auf einen unvergesslichen Aufenthalt im Hotel Europa Riva del Garda, wo Abenteuer und Entspannung perfekt ineinander übergehen.

Ergänzende Artikel: Länderkarte Europa: Grenzen und Staaten

Moderne Zimmer mit Seeblick und Balkon

Hotel Europa Riva del Garda: Ihr Urlaubsdomizil

Genießen Sie die modernen Zimmer des Hotel Europa Riva del Garda, die einen atemberaubenden Seeblick bieten. Viele dieser Zimmer verfügen über einen privaten Balkon, auf dem Sie sich entspannen und den Panoramablick auf den Gardasee genießen können.

Das Leben ist zu kurz für irgendwann. – Marc Aurel

Gourmet-Restaurant mit mediterraner Küche genießen

Im Gourmet-Restaurant des Hotel Europa Riva del Garda können Sie die einzigartige mediterrane Küche in einer entspannten Atmosphäre genießen. Die Gäste werden mit frisch zubereiteten Gerichten und exquisiten Weinen verwöhnt, was ein unvergessliches kulinarisches Erlebnis verspricht.

Entspannen im Wellnessbereich und Spa

Das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda bietet zahlreiche Möglichkeiten zur Entspannung im Wellnessbereich und Spa. Hier können Sie in der Sauna oder im Dampfbad relaxen, während aromatische Düfte für Wohlbefinden sorgen. Genießen Sie eine wohltuende Massage oder eine der zahlreichen Schönheitsbehandlungen, die von erfahrenen Therapeuten angeboten werden. Der Bereich umfasst zudem einen Ruhebereich mit bequemen Liegen, wo Sie bei sanfter Musik den Blick auf den Gardasee schweifen lassen können. Erholen und regenerieren stehen hier im Mittelpunkt – ein perfekter Rückzugsort vom Alltag.

Siehe auch: Hays Travel Europa: Ihr Reiseprofi

.table-responsiv {width: 100%;padding: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;overflow-y: hidden;border: 1px solid #DDD;overflow-x: auto;min-height: 0.01%;} Annehmlichkeiten Details Verfügbarkeit Wassersport Segeln, Windsurfen, Kajakfahren Ganzjährig Zimmer Moderne Zimmer mit Seeblick und Balkon Disponibel Wellness & Spa Sauna, Dampfbad, Massagen, Schönheitsbehandlungen Ganzjährig Ganzjährig offene beheizte Außenpools

Ganzjährig offene beheizte Außenpools – Hotel Europa Riva del Garda: Ihr Urlaubsdomizil

Genießen Sie das ganze Jahr über die wohltuende Wärme unserer beheizten Außenpools. Die Pools bieten Ihnen eine herrliche Aussicht auf den Gardasee und lassen Sie in jeder Jahreszeit vollständig entspannen.

Auch interessant: Die schönsten Weihnachtsmärkte in Europa

Fahrradverleih für Erkundungen in die Umgebung

Das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda bietet einen Fahrradverleih für alle Gäste, die die malerische Umgebung erkunden möchten. Nutzen Sie die Gelegenheit, um die wunderschönen Landschaften rund um den Gardasee auf zwei Rädern zu entdecken.

Perfekte Lage für Kultur und Shopping

Das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda überzeugt durch seine hervorragende Lage, die es Ihnen ermöglicht, sich ins pulsierende Kultur- und Shoppingleben des Ortes zu stürzen. Genießen Sie die Nähe zu historischen Sehenswürdigkeiten und interessanten Museen. Gleichzeitig bieten zahlreiche Boutiquen und Märkte ein breites Sortiment an lokalen und internationalen Produkten.

Familienfreundliche Angebote und Aktivitäten

Das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda bietet zahlreiche familienfreundliche Angebote und Aktivitäten. Kinder können sich im speziellen Kinderpool vergnügen, während die Eltern im Wellnessbereich entspannen. Der nahe gelegene Spielplatz und betreute Aktivitäten garantieren Spaß für die ganze Familie.

FAQ: Antworten auf häufig gestellte Fragen Gibt es Parkmöglichkeiten am Hotel? Ja, das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda bietet seinen Gästen kostenfreie Parkmöglichkeiten direkt am Hotel. Es gibt sowohl Parkplätze im Freien als auch eine Tiefgarage. Ist das Hotel haustierfreundlich? Ja, das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda heißt auch Ihre vierbeinigen Freunde willkommen. Bitte informieren Sie das Hotel im Voraus, wenn Sie mit Haustieren anreisen möchten. Bietet das Hotel einen Shuttleservice vom/unseren Flughafen an? Ja, das Hotel bietet auf Anfrage einen Shuttleservice von und zu den nächstgelegenen Flughäfen an. Bitte wenden Sie sich im Voraus an die Rezeption, um diesen Service zu buchen. Gibt es barrierefreie Zimmer im Hotel? Ja, das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda verfügt über barrierefreie Zimmer, die speziell auf die Bedürfnisse von Gästen mit eingeschränkter Mobilität ausgelegt sind. Bitte geben Sie bei der Buchung an, dass Sie ein barrierefreies Zimmer benötigen. Welche Sprachen werden im Hotel gesprochen? Die Mitarbeiter des Hotels sprechen mehrere Sprachen, darunter Deutsch, Englisch, Italienisch und Französisch, um den internationalen Gästen einen angenehmen Aufenthalt zu ermöglichen. Gibt es WLAN im Hotel? Ja, das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda bietet kostenfreies WLAN in allen Zimmern und öffentlichen Bereichen des Hotels. Gibt es Konferenzräume für Geschäftsreisende? Ja, das Hotel Europa Riva del Garda verfügt über mehrere Konferenzräume, die mit modernster Technologie ausgestattet sind und sich ideal für Geschäftsveranstaltungen, Tagungen und Konferenzen eignen.

Der Beitrag Hotel Europa Riva del Garda: Ihr Urlaubsdomizil erschien zuerst auf Neurope.eu - News aus Europa.

Afrique du Sud : sur les traces de Tyla, devenue fierté nationale

France24 / Afrique - Sun, 17/05/2026 - 11:41
Elle a récemment fait sensation au MET Gala et en couverture de Vogue. À seulement 24 ans, Tyla est déjà l’une des plus grandes artistes de la scène musicale mondiale. Son titre Water a dépassé les 9 milliards de vues sur TikTok. Qui est cette icône de la musique sud-africaine ?

Les États-Unis et le Nigeria annoncent la mort d'un chef de l'EI dans une opération conjointe

France24 / Afrique - Sat, 16/05/2026 - 15:54
Le Nigeria a confirmé samedi la mort d'un chef de l'organisation État islamique lors de la deuxième opération en cinq mois lancée avec les forces américaines par Donald Trump dans ce pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest en proie à des violences jihadistes. Le point avec le correspondant de France 24 à Abuja, Moïse Gomis.

Spheres by Default

Foreign Affairs - Sat, 16/05/2026 - 15:30
How U.S. concessions are quietly becoming Chinese influence.

Une nouvelle épidémie d'Ebola frappe la RD Congo, un décès en Ouganda

France24 / Afrique - Sat, 16/05/2026 - 14:59
Une nouvelle épidémie d'Ebola a été déclarée vendredi en République démocratique du Congo (RD Congo), l'Ouganda voisin déclarant également dans la soirée l'état d'épidémie après un décès causé par le virus enregistré sur son territoire. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, virologue et co-découvreur du virus Ebola, était l'invité de l'antenne de France 24 ce samedi 16 mai.

Camps de regroupement en Algérie : "Une histoire extrêmement inhumaine" et oubliée

France24 / Afrique - Sat, 16/05/2026 - 09:33
Entre 1954 et 1962, l'armée française a déplacé de force dans des camps de regroupements plus de 2 millions de paysans algériens du djebel et des Hauts plateaux. Environ 200 000 personnes y ont trouvé la mort. Dans "Une tragédie occultée de la guerre d'Algérie", la journaliste Lorraine Rossignol livre une enquête sur ces camps de la honte passés sous silence en France comme en Algérie.

Le Nigeria confirme l'élimination d'un chef de l'EI lors d'une opération avec les États-Unis

France24 / Afrique - Sat, 16/05/2026 - 09:13
Donald Trump a annoncé, vendredi, que les forces des États-Unis et du Nigeria avaient tué un chef de l'organisation État islamique (EI), basé dans ce pays d'Afrique en proie à des violences jihadistes.

Madagascar : les concertations nationales sur la refondation débuteront le 3 juin

France24 / Afrique - Sat, 16/05/2026 - 00:06
À Madagascar, après plusieurs reports successifs, les concertations nationales sur la refondation du pays débuteront finalement le 3 juin. Une annonce faite ce mercredi par le président de la Refondation, le colonel Michaël Randrianirina, lors de sa visite officielle au Congo, au retour du sommet Africa Forward de Nairobi. Cette annonce intervient dans un contexte tendu : un député vient de saisir la Haute Cour constitutionnelle pour demander la destitution du chef de l’État.

What the Trump-Xi Summit Won’t Solve

Foreign Affairs - Fri, 15/05/2026 - 23:20
A conversation with Orville Schell.

Roukiata Ouedraogo : “Black Tax”, identité, diaspora… le rire comme miroir des Africains

France24 / Afrique - Fri, 15/05/2026 - 22:33
Humoriste, autrice, chroniqueuse radio, romancière et désormais actrice au cinéma… Roukiata Ouedraogo est l’invitée du Journal de l’Afrique sur France 24. Née à Fada N’Gourma au Burkina Faso et arrivée en France à 20 ans, elle a transformé son parcours migratoire, son accent et ses contradictions identitaires en une œuvre profondément humaine, drôle et engagée. À l’affiche de Black Tax au Studio Raspail à Paris jusqu’au 27 juin 2026, elle met en scène deux personnages aux trajectoires inversées : un Burkinabè qui rêve d’Europe et un Afrodescendant qui veut “retourner au pays”. Une réflexion sur la famille, les injonctions sociales, la diaspora et l’appartenance.

Europäische Wassernattern: Die gefährlichsten Arten

The European Political Newspaper - Fri, 15/05/2026 - 21:46

Im Herzen Europas gibt es eine faszinierende Vielfalt an Schlangenarten, die oft wenig Beachtung finden. Zu den beeindruckendsten gehören zweifellos die Europäische Wassernattern, welche in verschiedenen Lebensräumen wie Sümpfen, Seen und Flüssen zu Hause sind. Während einige dieser Arten für den Menschen relativ harmlos sind, bergen andere ernstzunehmendes Gefahrenpotenzial durch ihr Gift.

Es ist interessant zu wissen, dass nicht alle Wasserbewohner gleich gefährlich sind. Einige nutzen Ihre Gifte hauptsächlich zur Jagd auf Ihre Beute, während Sie Menschen kaum Schaden zufügen können. Doch es gibt auch Arten unter den europäischen Wassernattern, die mit ihrem neurotoxischen oder starken Gift durchaus ernste Auswirkungen haben könnten. Diese Einführung erläutert die wichtigsten Fakten und bietet einen Überblick über die bemerkenswertesten Vertreter dieser Schlangefamilie.

Das Wichtigste in Kürze

  • Europäische Wassernattern: Vielfalt an Schlangenarten in feuchten Lebensräumen.
  • Ringelnatter ist harmlos für Menschen, jagt Amphibien und Fische.
  • Würfelnatter besitzt starke Neurotoxine, bevorzugt Flussauen und Sümpfe.
  • Vipernatter: blitzschnelle Angriffe und gefährliches neurotoxisches Gift.
  • Einige Wassernattern, wie Würfelnatter und Vipernatter, stehen unter Naturschutz.
Ringelnatter: Harmlos für Menschen, giftig für Beute

Die Ringelnatter ist für Menschen harmlos und gilt als ungiftig. Ihr Biss stellt keine Gefahr dar. Hingegen ist Sie für Ihre Beute, vor allem Amphibien und Fische, äußerst gefährlich.

Mehr dazu: Hays Travel Europa: Ihr Reiseprofi

Würfelnatter: Starke Neurotoxine, bevorzugt feuchte Lebensräume

Europäische Wassernattern: Die gefährlichsten Arten

Die Würfelnatter ist bekannt für Ihre starken Neurotoxine, die Sie zu einem effektiven Raubtier machen. Sie bevorzugt feuchte Lebensräume wie Flussauen und Sümpfe, wo Sie leicht auf Beute stößt. Ihre Jagdmethoden sind besonders faszinierend: Mit ihren scharfen Sinnen und schnellen Reflexen fängt Sie kleine Amphibien und Fische.

„Die Natur ist unerbittlich und unveränderlich, und es ist für den Menschen die größte Torheit, gegen Ihre Gesetze zu kämpfen.“ – Charles Darwin

Vipernatter: Blitzschneller Angriff, neurotoxisches Gift

Die Vipernatter beeindruckt durch ihren blitzschnellen Angriff und ihr neurotoxisches Gift. Diese Kombination macht Sie zu einer besonders effektiven Jägerin in ihrem natürlichen Lebensraum. Während Ihre Schnelligkeit es ihr ermöglicht, Beute nahezu mühelos zu überwältigen, sorgt das Gift dafür, dass die Beutetiere rasch immobilisiert werden.

Barrenringelnatter: Toxische Beißkraft, jagt Amphibien

Die Barrenringelnatter zeichnet sich durch Ihre besonders toxische Beißkraft aus und bevorzugt es, Amphibien wie Frösche und Molche zu jagen. Durch das injizierte Gift wird die Beute rasch immobilisiert, was der Schlangenart ermöglicht, effizient zu fressen. Man trifft diese Natter häufig in Feuchtgebieten an, welche reich an ihren bevorzugten Beutetieren sind.

Auch interessant: Die schönsten Weihnachtsmärkte in Europa

.table-responsiv {width: 100%;padding: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;overflow-y: hidden;border: 1px solid #DDD;overflow-x: auto;min-height: 0.01%;} Art Merkmale Gefährlichkeit für Menschen Ringelnatter Ungiftig für Menschen, jagt Amphibien und Fische Harmlos Würfelnatter Starke Neurotoxine, bevorzugt feuchte Lebensräume Gefährlich Vipernatter Blitzschneller Angriff, neurotoxisches Gift Sehr gefährlich Glattnatter: Tiergifte für Jagd genutzt, menschlicher Kontakt selten

Glattnatter: Tiergifte für Jagd genutzt, menschlicher Kontakt selten – Europäische Wassernattern: Die gefährlichsten Arten

Die Glattnatter nutzt Tiergifte für die Jagd, wobei der menschliche Kontakt meistens selten ist. Diese Nattern setzen ihr Gift hauptsächlich zur Beutejagd ein.

Zum Weiterlesen: Bilderberg Europa Hotel Scheveningen: Ihr Traumhotel

Schwarzbauch-Würfelnatter: Tarnfarben, giftig für Fische

Die Schwarzbauch-Würfelnatter zeichnet sich durch Ihre Tarnfarben aus, die ihr helfen, in ihrem natürlichen Lebensraum unentdeckt zu bleiben. Diese Europäische Wassernattern-Art ist besonders auf Fische als Beute spezialisiert und nutzt hierfür ihr Gift, welches gezielt für aquatische Beutetiere wirksam ist.

Osteuropäische Würfelnatter: Potent für aquatische Beute, harmlose Bisse

Die osteuropäische Würfelnatter ist bekannt für Ihre Effektivität bei der Jagd auf aquatische Beute wie Fisch und Amphibien. Diese Nattern besitzen ein Gift, das besonders potent für Fische ist. Allerdings sind Ihre Bisse für den Menschen harmlos. Ihre Fähigkeit, in feuchten Lebensräumen zu überleben, macht Sie besonders interessant.

Strauchnatter: Blitzschnelle Angriffe, giftige Zähne

Die Strauchnatter ist bekannt für Ihre blitzschnellen Angriffe. Diese Natternart verfügt über giftige Zähne, die Sie effektiv bei der Jagd einsetzt. Sie zählt zu den gefährlicheren europäischen Wassernattern, obwohl direkte Begegnungen mit Menschen selten vorkommen.

FAQ: Antworten auf häufig gestellte Fragen Was ist der Unterschied zwischen neurotoxischem und hämatotoxischem Gift? Neurotoxisches Gift wirkt vornehmlich auf das Nervensystem und kann Lähmungen oder sogar den Tod verursachen, während hämatotoxisches Gift das Blut und Gewebe angreift, was zu Schwellungen, Gewebszerstörung und Blutgerinnungsstörungen führen kann. Gibt es in Europa auch ungiftige Wasserschlangen? Ja, in Europa gibt es auch ungiftige Wasserschlangen, wie zum Beispiel die Ringelnatter. Diese Schlangenart ist für den Menschen harmlos und jagt hauptsächlich Amphibien und Fische. Wie kann man sich vor einem Schlangenbiss schützen? Um sich vor einem Schlangenbiss zu schützen, sollte man beim Wandern in natürlichen Lebensräumen stets achtsam sein, hohe Stiefel tragen und niemals einfach in unübersichtliche Gebüsche greifen. Es ist auch ratsam, auf bekannten Wegen zu bleiben und Vorsicht walten zu lassen, wenn man wassernah unterwegs ist. Wie gefährlich ist ein Biss der Vipernatter für Haustiere? Ein Biss der Vipernatter kann für Haustiere gefährlich sein, da das neurotoxische Gift schnell wirkt und schwere Symptome verursachen kann. Bei einem Schlangenbiss an einem Haustier sollte man sofort einen Tierarzt aufsuchen. Was sollte man tun, wenn man von einer giftigen Schlange gebissen wird? Wenn man von einer giftigen Schlange gebissen wird, sollte man so schnell wie möglich medizinische Hilfe in Anspruch nehmen. Es ist wichtig, die Bewegung zu minimieren, um die Verbreitung des Giftes zu verlangsamen und die betroffene Gegend ruhig zu stellen. Man sollte den Biss nicht aussaugen oder abbinden. Welche europäischen Wassernattern stehen unter Naturschutz? Viele europäische Wassernattern stehen unter Naturschutz, um Ihre Populationen zu erhalten und ihren Lebensraum zu schützen. Dazu gehören beispielsweise die Würfelnatter und die Vipernatter, die in einigen Regionen als gefährdet gelten.

Der Beitrag Europäische Wassernattern: Die gefährlichsten Arten erschien zuerst auf Neurope.eu - News aus Europa.

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