Global democracy plummets, press freedom at 50-year low, group finds
International IDEA highlights even established democracies are tested by shifting politics and weaker institutions.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa that was formerly known as Upper Volta. Its name, changed in 1984, means "Land of Incorruptible People." The country has faced significant political instability, including several military coups and a rise in security challenges in recent years.
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U.N. nuclear watchdog calls Israel-Iran attacks 'deeply concerning'
Iran retaliated - and Israel and Iran risked all-out war - after IAEA board's found Tehran breached nonproliferation duties.
Second round of U.N. emergency cash provided for crisis hotspots
More than a third of the funds will support aid efforts for people in Yemen ($20 million) and Ethiopia ($15 million).
ECOWAS summit undermined by coup nations' new alliance
The departure of three of its junta-led members raises questions about the West African regional bloc's future.
U.N. panel demands combatants protect humanitarian aid workers
The vote reflects the alarming number of attacks and threats that aid workers face each year around the world.
Uneven post-pandemic recovery widens gap between rich and poor
Europe dominates the top rankings as development in half of the world’s poorest nations falls below pre-pandemic levels.
ECOWAS holds emergency session urging coup nations not to withdraw
The West African regional bloc confronted a political rift over the 'potential exits' of nations led by military juntas.
West African bloc tested by crisis in Niger over military coup
ECOWAS' 15 nations set an Aug. 6 deadline for Niger's military to restore to power the democratically elected president.
World grapples with food insecurity as Putin blocks grain from Ukraine
The U.N. said Russia has been forcing up food prices globally by preventing grain from reaching international markets.
'Multiple challenges' undermine A.U.'s flagship peace plan for 2030
Facing a raft of complications, the A.U. goal of tackling root causes of conflict for sustainable development is in doubt.
At U.N., leaders link debt, climate to unity in fighting counterterrorism
Mozambique hosted a talk on how the U.N. and regional organizations can curb terrorism and violent extremism.
U.N. refugee agency warns of 'dramatic' Tigray crisis in Ethiopia
After warning of 'a full-scale humanitarian crisis' in Ethiopia, officials said 32,000 people fled and 200,000 more may follow.
U.S. derides U.N. effort to counter racism
The top American diplomat rebuked the U.N. Human Rights Council a day after it commissioned a report on racism and police brutality.
Racism debate slated for U.N. rights panel
The U.N. Human Rights Council agreed to an African Union request for an urgent debate on systemic racism and police brutality.
Argentinian diplomat Grossi named to lead U.N. nuclear watchdog
Argentina’s ambassador to Austria, Rafael Mariano Grossi, will head the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency.
UNICEF poll finds widespread online bullying of children affects school
The 170,000 young people polled were split over whether to blame governments, companies or other young people.