African Union

The African Union (A.U.) is a continental body of 55 member countries with the mission of achieving an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. A key diplomatic success for the A.U. was its achievement of permanent member status in the G-20 in 2023, giving the continent a stronger voice in global affairs.

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South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa gives a special address in Davos.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

S. Africa to focus G-20 on 'solidarity, equality, sustainable development'

2 min read

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The South African president invoked Nelson Mandela's emphasis on global 'interdependence' and cooperation.

A reporter gets video of a burning barricade in Haiti during a protest.

Justice & Accountability

Almost nine in 10 journalist killings went unpunished around the world

2 min read

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UNESCO verified 162 journalist killings in 2022 and 2023 – one every four days – including 44% in areas of armed conflict.

Climate & Health

Summit clinches $1 billion for U.N. health agency's funding gap

3 min read

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WHO says it needs $11.1 billion for its core work over the next four years, but has only $4 billion in projected income.

The U.N. and Sudan agreed to expedite aid from Chad for Darfur.

Humanitarians & Peace

Sudan aid deal reached in wake of U.S.-brokered peace talks at Geneva

2 min read

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The U.N.'s chief says it will work with Sudanese authorities to use a 'simplified system' for humanitarian aid deliveries.

African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina addresses the annual meeting

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

AfDB boosts capital as African leaders target climate-tied debt

4 min read

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Calls for more debt relief and climate finance dominated the multilateral development bank's annual meeting.

Climate & Health

U.N. climate chief says next 2 years will be 'essential' to saving the planet

3 min read

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This year and next mark the countdown to a 2025 deadline for governments to strengthen their carbon-cutting plans.

The U.N.'s highest court holds into the legality of Israeli occupation since 1967.

Justice & Accountability

Most countries side against Israel during ICJ's six days of hearings

3 min read

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The International Court of Justice heard testimony on the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian territories.

The U.N. now considers Africa a global epicenter of terrorism.

Security & Geopolitics

In Africa, an average day brings 8 terror attacks and 44 related deaths

2 min read

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The U.N. chief said groups such as Islamic State, al-Qaida and others have quickly made Africa a major threat to peace.

As the Earth grows ever hotter, African leaders see a new role for themselves in combating climate change.

Climate & Health

Africa aspires to major role in the effort to combat climate change

6 min read

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African leaders say they have a market-based plan to fight warming that will spread development on the continent.

An A.U. summit in Niger's capital Niamey in 2019

Security & Geopolitics

A.U. leaders suspend Niger until constitutional order is restored

2 min read

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The suspension is a standard reaction to Africa's military coups and bars Niger from voting on the A.U.'s proposals.

The African Union and West Africa's economic bloc say they oppose "anti-constitutional change" in Niger.

Security & Geopolitics

A.U. and ECOWAS close ranks on coup in Niger as tensions rise

3 min read

Free+

African Union and West African regional bloc leaders supported deployment of a standby military force and demanded that Niger's junta release the ousted president.