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Pro-Democracy protesters gather in front of the headquarters of the Sudanese army in the capital, Khartoum. Credit: Masarib/Ahmed Bahhar via UN News

By Robert Misik
VIENNA, Austria, Jan 5 2026 (IPS)

Consider our political systems not merely as battlegrounds of passions, ideologies and economic interests, but as systematically functioning arrangements of interactions, akin to game theory. In recent decades, we have witnessed the dissolution of large homogeneous groups into numerous subgroups — a patchwork of minorities.

This fragmentation, compounded by individualisation and the resulting weakening of strong political bonds, has profound consequences for democratic governance.

In nations with majority voting systems, this process fragments the party system itself. As dissatisfaction with political parties grows – initially quietly but eventually becoming pronounced – new parties emerge, further splintering the political landscape.

This increasing fragmentation complicates government formation and makes majorities more precarious. Often, only coalitions that can agree on the lowest common denominator are formed. Consequently, the outcomes of politics do not necessarily improve; in most cases, they worsen.

A vicious circle

Decisive action, bold moves and clear leadership have become increasingly elusive. This reinforces dissatisfaction and the prevailing sentiment among voters that politicians are failing to achieve meaningful results. Doubts about the effectiveness of the political system become self-perpetuating, creating a situation where decisive politics is nearly impossible.

The rise of populists and right-wing extremists is both a consequence of this stagnation and a further catalyst — a ratchet effect. Right-wing agitators stoke discontent, transforming it into anger and outrage while exploiting negative emotions.

As they gain strength, democratic politics becomes more paralysed, often preoccupied with defending against radicalism, preventing the worst outcomes, and forming coalitions whose members can agree on little more than a lacklustre commitment to ‘more of the same’.

When social cohesion erodes, the radical right gains ground — which then leads to even more division. The perceived polarisation and alienation that accompanies the rise of right-wing extremism increases the perception of social disintegration and decay.

Democracy gives rise to its own threats

In a sense, right-wing radicalism is itself the problem that it then laments in a subsequent cycle. It is the disintegration that it denounces. In this way, it contributes to the chain of evidence that reinforces authoritarian reflexes. Authoritarianism feeds authoritarianism.

These framework conditions of political systems – fragmentation and the resulting weakness of action – lead German democracy theorist Veith Selk to diagnose that modernisation and social change are increasingly putting democracy under stress, making a reversal unlikely.

This presents a rather depressing diagnosis of decline: democracy gives rise to its own threats.

Additionally, globalisation necessitates ‘global governance’, which, even under favourable circumstances, has historically produced solutions at an unbearably slow pace and is now reaching its limits amid chaotic multilateralism.

Conversely, ‘de-globalisation’ – through national power politics, tariffs and trade wars – provides no relief and instead creates new problems, such as the loss of sales markets, disrupted supply chains and a consequent decline in economic growth, potentially destroying whole economic sectors.

Europe’s mounting crises

The emergencies of the future are already on the horizon. The climate catastrophe threatens not only our livelihoods but also has tangible economic repercussions. Crop failures due to droughts and floods are already contributing to rising inflation in the cost of living, particularly for vegetables and fruit.

This situation is certain to become much more severe. Even if successful, socio-economic transformation will be costly. Insurance companies may face financial difficulties, asset portfolios could lose value rapidly, and if we are unfortunate, a sudden ‘Minsky moment’ could trigger a downward spiral leading to a financial crisis.

Ageing populations are already straining public finances, with healthcare and care systems becoming increasingly expensive, pushing European welfare states to their financial limits.

Government debt is rising, and under current conditions, it will be more challenging to “grow out” of debt than it was in the past. Growth will be harder to mobilise, and austerity is not a viable alternative, as contraction strategies lead to dire consequences. These are all concerning prospects.

Here are a few highlights:

Germany’s economy has stagnated for six years, and private investment remains weak. France is facing a budget deficit of 5.8 per cent and a public debt ratio of 113 per cent of GDP, while sliding from one government crisis to another. Political actors are unable to achieve a socially just change of course that would reconcile savings in the pension system with additional revenue from wealth taxes.

Austria was projected to have a budget deficit of six per cent, prompting left-wing Keynesian Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer to assemble a package of tightening measures aimed at reducing the deficit to 4.5 per cent by 2025.

Ensuring that large fortunes contribute to costs through higher taxation is not only a matter of fairness but also an economic necessity — yet there is a lack of parliamentary majorities for decisive measures nearly everywhere.

There is a growing desire for politics to provide sensible solutions instead of getting bogged down in petty details.

A whole panorama of emergencies is unfolding before us. As noted earlier, most of those in power have little energy or flexibility to think and act beyond daily problems. This situation has tangible and psychopolitical effects: citizens feel that things are deteriorating and that serious trouble is brewing, while simultaneously sensing that those in power are merely tinkering with details.

For many, this leads to outright fear and a generally pessimistic mood, which in turn fuels the rise of right-wing radicals.

The political forces of the left and the conservative centre must, above all, demonstrate their ability to act together. A few years ago, the prevailing view was that various political camps should dare to engage in more conflict to make democratic life more vibrant.

At that time, there were complaints about everyone crowding into the centre and becoming interchangeable. However, we find ourselves in a different situation today.

There is a growing desire for politics to provide sensible solutions instead of getting bogged down in petty details or wasting time on pointless culture wars. The left may need to acknowledge that states are reaching their financial limits, while conservatives must recognise that clientele politics, which ensures free rides for the super-wealthy, is no longer viable.
Urgent issues require swift action, and all of this comes at a high cost.

Rhetoric is no longer effective, and pandering to the extreme right leads nowhere. Conservatives, in particular, need to understand this, as they sometimes give the impression that they view fascists as merely slightly more radical conservatives (or conservatives as moderate fascists).

This perception is not only misguided; it also highlights a significant identity crisis within traditional conservatism. Fortunately, some are beginning to realise that authoritarianism is not a relative; it is the enemy. The best way to undermine it is to demonstrate a commitment to action.

Robert Misik is a writer and essayist. He publishes in many German-language newspapers and magazines, including Die Zeit and Die Tageszeitung.

This is from a joint publication by Social Europe and IPS Journal.

Source: International Politics and Society (IPS), Brussels, Belgium

IPS UN Bureau

 

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US strike on NATO ally would shatter postwar security, Frederiksen says

Security Council Meets on Threats to International Peace and Security. Credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten

By Cecilia Russell
UNITED NATIONS & JOHANNESBURG, Jan 5 2026 (IPS)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the immediate future of Venezuela.

In a statement read by Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, Guterres told the Security Council’s emergency meeting he was deeply concerned about “possible intensification of the instability in the country, the potential impact on the region, and the precedent it may set for how relations between and among states are conducted.”

On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he was putting Venezuela under temporary American control following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Adela Flores, in a raid and whisking them to New York to face charges, including drug trafficking.

Guterres stated at the emergency Security Council meeting, which was set to discuss threats to international peace and security, that the situation in Venezuela has been a matter of regional and international concern for many years.

“Attention on the country only grew following the contested presidential elections in July 2024. The panel of electoral experts I appointed at the Venezuelan Government’s request to accompany the elections highlighted serious issues. We have consistently called for full transparency and the complete publication of the results of the elections.”

Yet, he said, it was necessary to respect international law.

“I have consistently stressed the imperative of full respect, by all, for international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace and security.

“I remain deeply concerned that rules of international law have not been respected with regard to the 3 January military action.”

Guterres called on all Venezuelan actors to engage in an inclusive, democratic dialogue in which all sectors of society can determine their future.

Jeffrey Sachs, the President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, urged the UN Security Council to declare an immediate cessation and desist from any explicit or implicit threats or use of force against Venezuela.

He also requested the council demand the United States terminate its naval quarantine and all related coercive military measures undertaken without Security Council authorization.

Merchy de Freitas, founder and executive director of Transparencia Venezuela, the national chapter of Transparency International, said the country ranked among the world’s most corrupt countries, with over 500 documented cases involving USD 72 billion, mostly public funds.

She said there was a symbiotic relationship between the Maduro regime and criminal organizations, which have exploited national parks and the Amazon for gold and other illicit activities. The crisis has led to a decrease in state income, affecting basic services and causing severe humanitarian issues, including a lack of electricity, food, and medical care.

“The government has captured all institutions, beginning with the justice institutions,” she said. “We need a transparent state that is accountable and that will guarantee the rule of law and human rights.”

De Freitas called for a transparent and accountable state, respect for human rights, and the release of political prisoners.

A representative from Columbia expressed concern over what it considers a “violation of international law and the UN Charter and expressed concern over the regional impact, including a potential migration crisis.

She emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of peaceful conflict resolution while expressing concerns over the regional impact, including potential migration crises, and calling for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.

Russia and China, among others, condemned the United States’ action.

However, the United States informed the council that it had launched a “law enforcement operation” against Maduro and Flores, accusing them of “narcoterrorism and drug trafficking.”

Maduro, who was indicted by a New York grand jury, faces serious charges for his role in a conspiracy involving cocaine trafficking and international weapons trafficking, he told the council.

He justified the operation because Maduro’s presidency was illegitimate due to his manipulation of Venezuela’s electoral system and commented that even the UN had questioned his legitimacy. The United States also highlighted the destabilizing impact of Maduro’s regime, including the largest refugee crisis in the world, with over 8 million Venezuelans fleeing.

“Maduro and his cronies have partnered with some of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers and narcoterrorists in the world for decades, facilitating the flood of illegal drugs coming into the United States,” the representative told the Security Council, reminding the council that the United Nations had documented the excesses of the Maduro government.

The action by the United States had taken place after Trump had exhausted diplomacy, he said.

“The United States will not waver in its actions to protect Americans from the scourge of narcoterrorism and seeks peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela.”

Venezuela’s representative denounced the events of January 3, 2026, as an illegitimate armed attack by the US government.

“The events of January 3 constitute a flagrant violation of the UN Charter perpetrated by the US government, in particular, the principal violation of the principle of sovereign equality of states, of the absolute prohibition of the use or threat of use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state,” he said.

“Today, it is not only Venezuela sovereignty that is at stake, but also the credibility of international law, the authority of this organization, and the validity of the principle that no state can set itself up as a judge, jury, and executor of the world order.”

He denied the country was dysfunctional.

“Venezuela would like to inform this body and the international community that its institutions are functioning normally, that constitutional order has been preserved, and that the state exercises effective control over all of its territory in accordance with our Constitution.

While Spain said they did not recognize the Maduro presidency, they were concerned that the United States’ action would set a worrying precedent.

“We share the view that fighting organized crime in the region is a priority, but that fight can only be waged through international cooperation. We also share the view that it is a priority to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms in Venezuela,” the representative said, adding that it would “work to unite Venezuelans, men and women. Spain is committed to dialogue and peace, because force never brings more democracy.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Supporting the demonstrations in Iran would not only be strategically wise; it is also plainly the right thing to do

For more than two centuries, Tamil tea plantation workers in Sri Lanka have been trapped in poverty, enduring structural discrimination and hazardous conditions despite repeated promises of reform.

Europe needs a new system compelling researchers, governments and companies to share risk from the earliest stages of therapy development

Maduro tells US judge he was ‘kidnapped’ from Venezuela

France has delayed a total ban on plastic in disposable cups, now the EU is reviewing its own rules

Le samedi 3 janvier 2025 marquait la fin des dix jours de formation des enfants de l'Académie de création et d'éveil scientifique (ACES). Au cours de la cérémonie de clôture, les apprenants ont démontré ce qu'ils ont appris. C'était en présence de parents, d'encadreurs et de responsables de l'académie et de ses partenaires, dont Younoussa Sanfo, le coordonnateur d'ACES, et Fadima Kambou, présidente de la fondation Go Paga.

C'était une journée pleine d'émotions pour les enfants bénéficiaires, leurs parents et les encadreurs de l'Académie de création et d'éveil scientifique (ACES) qui concluaient dix jours d'initiation aux domaines de la technologie, notamment la robotique, la programmation et d'autres disciplines.

Phase de démonstration en robotique

Shérif Kagoné, 9 ans, élève en classe de CM1, télécommande en main et yeux scintillants, téléguide un robot qu'il a conçu avec ses camarades campeurs. Pour lui, c'est une nouvelle expérience : c'est la première fois qu'il « manipule un ordinateur », comme il le confie.

Shérif Kagoné, tenant son attestation et un robotique sur lequel, il a travaillé avec les autres enfants

Il fait partie des sept campeurs du camp vacances technologiques, édition 2025, organisé par ACES pour les enfants. Venant de différentes couches sociales et de niveaux scolaires, ces enfants ont été initiés pendant dix jours à la robotique et à la programmation. Cette journée de démonstration était organisée en collaboration avec la Fondation Go Paga.

Vue partielle des parents et encadreurs mobilisés pour assister les tout- petits

Si cette initiative réjouit les parents, elle est encore plus significative pour le coordinateur de l'académie, l'expert en cybersécurité et investigation numérique Younoussa Sanfo, reconnu au-delà des frontières burkinabè. Selon lui, c'est un engagement de longue date, qui permet aux enfants burkinabè de rêver et de créer comme tous les enfants du monde. Il cite notamment l'exemple concret de l'une de ses anciennes bénéficiaires, le sous-lieutenant Maryse Traoré, première femme pilote de chasse du Burkina, révélée au public en 2023, ainsi que de nombreux autres.

Younoussa Sanfo, coordonnateur de l'académie de creation et d'éveil scientifique ( milieu) posant avec les enfants et leurs mères

Au-delà de cet aspect, le camp spécial permet, selon la présidente de la Fondation Go Paga, Fadima Kambou, un brassage d'enfants issus de milieux très différents. « Chaque enfant est une étoile qu'il faut faire briller », a-t-elle déclaré, tout en ajoutant que le but, c'est de faire de l'ACES la Silicon Valley du Burkina Faso.
La journée s'est conclue par la remise d'attestations aux enfants bénéficiaires.

Vue partielle des enfants du camp spécial Noël, édition 2025

Yvette Zongo
Lefaso.net

In Venezuela erschütterten am Wochenende schwere Explosionen die Hauptstadt Caracas. Staatschef Nicolás Maduro wurde bei einer US-Militäraktion gefangenengenommen und soll sich ab heute Abend unserer Zeit in New York wegen Drogenhandels vor Gericht verantworten. Venezuela hat den Notstand ausgerufen. Dutzende Menschen sollen bei dem Angriff durch die USA getötet worden sein.

Der US-Angriff auf Venezuela nutzt der dortigen Bevölkerung nicht, sagt Expertin Claudia Zilla. Die Interimsregierung und die USA würden wohl kooperieren, Bürger und Opposition blieben dabei außen vor. Die Reaktionen in Südamerika fallen gespalten aus.

Even Amsterdam cut off by increasingly rare snowfall

Le ministère des affaires étrangères, de la coopération du Niger a déclaré ''persona non grata Seidou Imourana, Premier conseiller de l'Ambassade du Bénin à Niamey''. Le diplomate avait 48 heures pour quitter le territoire nigérien selon le communiqué du gouvernement nigérien.

Le commissariat central de police de Kombissiri a mené, le 29 décembre 2025, une opération de lutte contre la vente et la consommation de boissons frelatées et de produits prohibés dans la ville. Cette action, qui s'inscrit dans le cadre de l'opération « WIBGA », vise à protéger la santé publique et à renforcer la sécurité des populations, notamment en cette période de fêtes.

Les éléments du commissariat central de la ville de Kombissiri ont investi la ville pour lutter contre la vente et la consommation des boissons frelatées et des produits prohibés, devenus un réel problème de sécurité et de santé publique pour les populations.
Dans la journée du lundi 29 décembre 2025, sous la coordination de la direction provinciale de la police nationale du Bazèga, le commissaire central de police de Kombissiri, Boureima Koussé, et ses éléments ont mené une opération pour la saisie desdits boissons et produits.

L'objectif de cette opération, selon le commissaire Koussé, vise à lutter contre la prolifération, la vente et la consommation de ces produits et boissons, assainir le milieu de commerce de ces produits, dissuader et décourager les commerçants qui s'adonnent à la vente de ces boissons et produits. L'opération a permis de saisir plusieurs lots de cartons de boissons frelatées et de produits prohibés. Il s'agit notamment de 106 paquets de boissons ''ICE'', 1 carton et demi de boissons ''Vody'', 7 cartons de boissons ''Cyclone''.

Selon le commissaire central de police de Kombissiri, cette opération a eu un écho favorable auprès des citoyens qui ont salué l'initiative. « De nombreux citoyens estiment que cette action aura un impact positif notamment en cette période de fêtes de fin d'année. Ils souhaitent la poursuite régulière de telles opérations afin de protéger la santé publique et assainir le marché local », a-t-il indiqué. Pour lui, la mission de cette opération est de montrer à la population les dangers liés à la consommation de ces produits, contribuer à leur prise de conscience et de faire connaître le caractère illégal de cette vente.

Les tenanciers des débits de boissons situés à moins de 400 mètres des lieux protégés (les structures scolaires et sanitaires, les édifices de culte, les cimetières, les centres sociaux et autres organismes publics dédiés au développement physique et moral des jeunes) sont priés de se mettre à jour vis-à-vis de la réglementation en vigueur en matière de débits de boissons.
Selon le Commissaire, cette action de saisie de boissons frelatées et des produits prohibés s'inscrit dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de l'opération « WIBGA ».

Lefaso.net

Agence d'information du Burkina

Selon l'Agence d'Information du Burkina (AIB), un grave accident de la circulation survenu dans la nuit du 3 au 4 janvier 2026 sous le pont de la Nouhao, sur l'axe Bittou–Cinkansé (RN16), a fait un mort et plusieurs blessés. La répétition des drames au même endroit relance les appels des usagers pour l'aménagement et la sécurisation de cet ouvrage routier.

Selon l'AIB, le camion-remorque en provenance du Bénin et transportant des moutons s'est renversé sous l'ouvrage. Le bilan fait état d'un mort et de plusieurs blessés, rapidement pris en charge au Centre médical avec antenne chirurgicale (CMA) de Bittou.

Le conducteur du camion, joint sur les lieux du drame, a expliqué les circonstances de l'accident : « J'ai évité une collision avec deux véhicules. Le camion s'est retrouvé sous le pont. Nous avons perdu un passager et les autres ont été blessés », a-t-il confié.

Selon le média, moins de 24 heures plus tard, dans la nuit du 4 au 5 janvier 2026, un second camion-remorque en provenance de Cinkansé s'est également renversé au même endroit.

Fort heureusement, les occupants du véhicule sont sortis indemnes, selon des témoins. Face à la répétition des accidents sous le pont de la Nouhao, les usagers de la route ont lancé un cri de cœur à l'endroit des autorités compétentes, appelant à l'agrandissement et à l'aménagement des ponts sur l'axe Bittou–Cinkansé (RN16), afin de renforcer la sécurité routière et de prévenir d'autres drames.

Lefaso.net

Source : Agence d'Information du Burkina

The Hungarian leader brushed aside journalists' questions over the legality of seizing the Venezuelan president

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2025 - EP

Sa Majesté Naaba SANEM de Grand-Samba, province du Passoré,
La grande famille NOUGTARA à Grand-Samba, Ouagadougou, Béréba,

Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, France,
Le Gand-Naba à Tanguin/Grand-Samba,
La famille de Feu NOUGTARA Paul à Somgandé,
NOUGTARA Adrien et frères à Ouagadougou,
Les familles alliées : Sankara, Hounzangli, Tapsoba, Coty, Sawadogo, Zida,

Kaboré, Barry, Ouédraogo, Zoundi, Djiguemdé, Konkobo,
La grande famille IMA à Boulsa , Yaongo, Dapoya, Koulweoghin et à Pissy,
La grande famille Tiendrebéogo à Dapoya,

NOUGTARA N. Pierre
et ses enfants NOUGTARA Franck et NOUGTARA Sandrine à Ouagadougou,

très touchées par vos différentes marques de compassion lors du rappel à Dieu le 26 décembre 2025, de l'inhumation le 29 décembre 2025 et de la messe pour le repos de son âme le 04 janvier 2026 de leur fille, sœur, nièce, tante, épouse
et mère.

NOUGTARA née IMA Mariam Elalie,
Précédemment commerçante
au marché de Sankaryaaré
réitèrent leurs remerciements à tous ceux qui de près ou de loin, les ont apporté un soutien moral, spirituel, matériel et Financier.

Elles remercient particulièrement, les jeunes, les voisins du quartier Somgandé, les communautés
religieuses (chrétienne, musulmane, protestante,
coutumière), les collègues, amis et connaissances de la famille, les parents et familles alliées.

De peur d'en oublier des noms, soyez toutes et tous remerciés. Puisse le Bon Dieu vous rendre au centuple vos bienfaits.
« J'ai combattu le bon combat, j'ai achevé la course, j'ai gardé la foi »
2 Timothée 4 : 7
Union de Prière !

Tokayev proposed that the EAEU focus on artificial intelligence, logistics, digitalization, free trade, and global dialogue.

Dans la nuit du 1er au 2 janvier 2026, les États-Unis ont mené une attaque au Venezuela pour enlever le président Nicolas Maduro et sa femme, ensuite exfiltrés vers New York où ils vont être jugés. Perçue comme une prouesse militaire puisqu’il n’y a eu aucune perte étasunienne, cette attaque a tout de même causé plusieurs morts au Venezuela.

Si l’on peut se réjouir du départ du dictateur Maduro, on doit tout autant s’inquiéter de la méthode utilisée par une force étrangère en totale violation du droit international. D’autant plus qu’il est clair que Donald Trump est bien plus intéressé par les importantes ressources pétrolières du Venezuela que par le « rétablissement » de la démocratie dans le pays. L’histoire nous donne en effet de nombreux exemples d’interventions étasuniennes désastreuses de l’Iraq à la Libye en passant par l’Afghanistan.

Le président américain montre ainsi bien ses intentions de remodeler l’ordre international en toute impunité. Il se pourrait qu’il continue dans cette lancée avec le Groenland, territoire sous souveraineté danoise qu’il convoite depuis plusieurs mois.

L’article Venezuela-Trump : la force pour loi est apparu en premier sur IRIS.