Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • AU condemns coup in Guinea-Bissau, calls for return to constitutional order

    AU condemns coup in Guinea-Bissau, calls for return to constitutional order

    The African Union has issued a forceful condemnation of Wednesday’s military coup in Guinea-Bissau, demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional order after armed forces seized power and detained President Umaro Sissoco Embalo along with several senior government officials.

    In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf declared the military takeover a clear violation of the bloc’s fundamental principles. The coup occurred at a particularly sensitive moment as the nation awaited the official announcement of national election results.

    Youssouf reiterated the continental body’s absolute zero-tolerance policy toward unconstitutional government changes. He referenced a joint statement issued November 26 by AU election observers and other stakeholders that had emphasized the critical importance of protecting electoral integrity.

    The AU chair specifically emphasized that Guinea-Bissau’s National Electoral Commission maintains exclusive legal authority to announce official results, urging all parties to respect its constitutional role. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Embalo and all detained officials while calling for maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.

    The African Union expressed its readiness to collaborate closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and international partners to facilitate dialogue, ensure stability, and achieve a lawful resolution to the escalating crisis. Youssouf reaffirmed the Union’s solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau during this critical period, emphasizing the AU’s continued commitment to supporting their pursuit of peace, stability, and democratic consolidation.

  • How were Afghan evacuees vetted under Biden?

    How were Afghan evacuees vetted under Biden?

    A deadly shooting targeting National Guard members in Washington DC has triggered immediate immigration policy changes by the Trump administration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended all Afghan immigration applications pending comprehensive review of security protocols after identifying the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered through the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) program.

    Republican officials assert the suspect entered without proper vetting, though documentation indicates he underwent the Special Immigrant Visa process and was granted asylum under the current administration. The political response has been sharply divided: Trump administration officials characterize OAW as permitting ‘unvetted criminals’ while immigration advocates note the program resettled over 190,000 Afghans with this being the first major security incident.

    Government audits reveal mixed results regarding OAW’s vetting effectiveness. A 2022 Office of Inspector General report found incomplete documentation and admitted some evacuees without full vetting, while a more recent review commended the FBI’s handling of security risks. The suspect had previously worked with CIA operations in Afghanistan and underwent military vetting procedures before his U.S. entry.

    The tragedy has intensified debate about humanitarian protection versus national security, with the administration implementing immediate restrictions while critics argue the response unfairly penalizes thousands of successfully resettled Afghan allies.

  • UAE launched ‘lobbying blitz’ on European Parliament over Sudan war resolution

    UAE launched ‘lobbying blitz’ on European Parliament over Sudan war resolution

    A concerted lobbying campaign by the United Arab Emirates successfully pressured the European Parliament to remove any mention of its involvement in the Sudan conflict from a final resolution calling for an end to the violence, according to a Politico report.

    The development follows revelations that an Emirati delegation, led by envoy Lana Nusseibeh, engaged in a vigorous lobbying effort in Strasbourg this week. Their actions came in response to initial drafts of the resolution that referenced the UAE’s alleged role in supplying advanced weaponry to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

    Earlier, Dutch MEP Marit Maij had announced intentions to formally call on the European Commission to suspend trade negotiations with the UAE amid evidence that weapons were transiting through Emirati territory to reach the RSF. This paramilitary group stands accused of committing widespread atrocities during its siege and capture of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

    Multiple investigative reports, including from Middle East Eye and Amnesty International, have documented the UAE’s use of complex supply routes through Somalia, Libya, and Chad to arm the RSF. These weapons have enabled a campaign marked by mass killings, rape, ethnic cleansing, and torture.

    Despite these well-documented allegations and a formal accusation of complicity in genocide brought by the Sudanese government to the International Court of Justice, the final EU resolution passed on Thursday contained no specific references to UAE involvement. Instead, it broadly condemned the RSF’s atrocities and called for sanctions against unspecified ‘financiers and external enablers.’

    The resolution’s dilution occurred after the Emirati delegation circulated communiques vehemently denying any material or political support for the RSF. During voting procedures, conservative political groups including the European People’s Party and European Conservatives and Reformists bloc rejected amendments that would have specifically outlined the UAE’s role and called for greater accountability.

    The only remaining reference to the UAE was the parliament’s affirmation of a September 12 joint resolution issued by the Quad—comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States—which called for an end to the war.

    Following the vote, Envoy Nusseibeh issued a statement welcoming the resolution and affirming the UAE’s ‘unwavering commitment to support all endeavours to address this catastrophic civil war.’ This stands in stark contrast to accusations from Sudanese Armed Forces General Yasser al-Atta, who claimed that ‘this silence was bought by the power of the UAE’s money.’

  • Georgia marks a year of protests since EU talks stalled and crackdown intensified

    Georgia marks a year of protests since EU talks stalled and crackdown intensified

    TBILISI, Georgia — For 365 consecutive days, the streets of Georgia’s capital have echoed with dissent as thousands of citizens maintain unwavering demonstrations against their government’s controversial suspension of European Union accession negotiations. The sustained civic movement reached its one-year milestone on Friday with massive gatherings along Tbilisi’s central Rustaveli Avenue, where protesters brandished national flags, placards, and symbolic whistles while chanting pro-European slogans.

    The protest movement ignited immediately after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s November 28, 2024 announcement halting EU membership talks. Despite diminished crowd sizes over time, daily demonstrations have persisted both outside parliament and across other urban centers, representing what participants describe as a fundamental struggle for Georgia’s democratic future.

    In response to the enduring protests, the ruling Georgian Dream party has implemented increasingly stringent measures against dissent. New legislation has dramatically escalated penalties for protest activities, with administrative detention periods extending to 15 days for participants and 20 days for organizers. Financial penalties have skyrocketed from 500 lari ($185) to 5,000 lari ($1,850) for initial violations, with criminal charges following subsequent offenses.

    Critics argue these measures mirror Russian-style suppression tactics, noting similarities to legislation used by Vladimir Putin’s administration to stifle opposition. The government has simultaneously intensified pressure on opposition parties, petitioning the Constitutional Court to ban the country’s three primary opposition groups—the United National Movement, Akhali/Coalition for Change, and Lelo.

    Among hundreds detained under the new framework is Rusiko Kobakhidze, a researcher and mother of nine, who received multiple jail sentences for blocking streets during demonstrations. “I don’t want a country where my children cannot speak openly,” she told Associated Press, capturing the movement’s central ethos.

    Despite the suspended accession process, ruling party officials maintain their commitment to European integration. Lawmaker Mariam Lashkhi asserted that “EU integration and NATO integration remain unchanged,” while simultaneously rejecting international influence on domestic policy. This position contrasts sharply with the EU’s November 4 enlargement report, which cited “democratic backsliding” and described government actions as “fundamentally incompatible with EU values.”

  • Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    The Afghan community in the United States has united in condemnation of Wednesday’s fatal shooting in Washington DC that claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left her colleague Andrew Wolfe critically injured. The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. through a special immigration program established for Afghans who collaborated with American forces during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    In response to the incident, President Donald Trump has implemented an immediate suspension of all Afghan immigration applications and ordered a comprehensive review of green cards issued to nationals from 19 countries. The administration has signaled potential broader restrictions on migration from what it characterizes as ‘third-world countries.’

    The Afghan Community Coalition of America expressed profound sympathy for the victims’ families while urging authorities not to delay or suspend Afghan immigration claims. ‘Twenty years of Afghan-US partnership must not be forgotten,’ their statement emphasized, referencing the two-decade military engagement that began in 2001.

    Multiple Afghan immigrants who spoke with media outlets on condition of anonymity due to Taliban reprisal concerns described the shooting as ‘deeply tragic’ and ‘really shocking.’ They emphasized that the suspect’s actions represented an individual criminal act rather than reflecting their community’s values. ‘Afghans in the United States are hardworking, tax-paying members of society,’ one interviewee noted, adding that many remain grateful for American evacuation efforts during the Kabul crisis.

    Lakanwal reportedly assisted U.S. forces as a guard at Kabul airport during the withdrawal operation and entered America the same year. According to official sources, his asylum application was approved earlier this year after being filed in 2024. The FBI confirms the suspect had established relationships with ‘partner forces’ during the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

    The political fallout has created widespread uncertainty among immigrant communities, with many expressing concern about potential policy changes that could affect their status. One Afghan resident articulated the dual challenges facing his community: ‘For us Afghans there’s problem for us in Afghanistan as well as here.’

  • Daughter of Zambia’s unburied ex-president loses seat as MP

    Daughter of Zambia’s unburied ex-president loses seat as MP

    Zambia’s parliamentary leadership has officially vacated the parliamentary seat of Tasila Lungu, daughter of late former President Edgar Lungu, following her extended absence during a period of mourning and ongoing legal battles. The decision has ignited fierce political controversy and accusations of governmental hypocrisy.

    Ms. Lungu, who represented the Chawama constituency for the opposition Patriotic Front, had been absent from legislative duties since the passing of her father in June. The situation originates from a deeply contentious dispute between the Lungu family and current President Hakainde Hichilema regarding the repatriation and burial arrangements for the former leader.

    The parliamentary process unfolded over several months despite initial accommodations. Speaker Nelly Mutti initially granted a 14-day compassionate leave period in July, with expectations that Ms. Lungu would return when parliament reconvened in September. When she failed to resume duties, further extensions were requested as the family continued legal proceedings in South African courts regarding burial arrangements.

    The parliamentary Committee on Privileges and Absences attempted to find a compromise by suggesting virtual participation until the burial matter was resolved. However, Speaker Mutti firmly rejected this proposal, asserting that physical representation remains indispensable for parliamentary responsibilities.

    The ruling United Party for National Development initiated the action against Ms. Lungu’s seat, with MP Brian Kambita questioning her eligibility due to prolonged absence. The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, including Independent MP Binwell Mpundu, who publicly denounced the government as ‘hypocrites’ for claiming solidarity with the grieving family while simultaneously pursuing legal action against them.

    In response to her removal, Ms. Lungu hinted at a potential challenge to the decision, telling constituents in a Facebook message that ‘where there is a will there is a way.’ She expressed gratitude to her local team for maintaining constituency services during her absence.

    The vacancy triggers a by-election that must be conducted within 90 days, creating an unexpected electoral contest just months before Zambia’s scheduled general election next August. The decision has divided public opinion, with some arguing for compassion during bereavement while others maintain that constituents deserve active representation.

  • Zelensky’s chief of staff resigns after Ukrainian anti-corruption raid on his home

    Zelensky’s chief of staff resigns after Ukrainian anti-corruption raid on his home

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resignation of his chief of staff Andriy Yermak following an anti-corruption operation targeting Yermak’s Kyiv residence. The development comes at a critically sensitive moment for Ukraine’s leadership as the country navigates both intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia and mounting domestic pressure over corruption allegations.

    Yermak, 54, who has served as Zelensky’s closest advisor throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion, maintained his cooperation with investigators while not facing formal accusations. The president expressed gratitude for Yermak’s “patriotic position” in negotiations during a Friday video address from Kyiv, while simultaneously announcing consultations for his replacement.

    The resignation strikes at the core of Ukraine’s leadership structure precisely as U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll prepares to visit Kyiv to advance President Donald Trump’s renewed peace initiative. American officials are scheduled to travel to Moscow the following week, highlighting the delicate timing of this political upheaval.

    In a solemn national address delivered outside his presidential office, Zelensky issued a stark warning about internal divisions: “We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future.” He emphasized that Russia anticipates Ukrainian missteps, vowing: “There won’t be any mistakes from our side. Our work continues, our fight continues.”

    Yermak had recently been appointed to lead crucial negotiations with Russia and maintained significant influence until his departure. Just hours before the raid, he explicitly stated Ukraine’s position against territorial concessions in an interview with The Atlantic: “As long as Zelensky is president, no-one should count on us giving up territory.”

    The corruption scandal that precipitated this political crisis involves alleged embezzlement of approximately $100 million from Ukraine’s energy sector. Investigators from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have uncovered an extensive scheme involving kickbacks and influence over state-owned companies, including nuclear energy firm Enerhoatom.

    The widening investigation has already resulted in the dismissal of two ministers and several detentions. Notably, Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelensky from his entertainment career and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio that launched the president’s acting career, has fled the country amid the scandal.

  • Russia’s Putin to visit India on December 4-5 at Modi’s invite

    Russia’s Putin to visit India on December 4-5 at Modi’s invite

    Russian President Vladimir Putin will undertake a significant state visit to India on December 4-5, following a formal invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Kremlin confirmed the diplomatic engagement through Russian state media outlets on Friday, November 28, 2025.

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that this high-level meeting presents a crucial opportunity for both nations to comprehensively evaluate the advancement of their bilateral relations. The ministry’s official statement outlined that the leadership summit aims to establish a forward-looking framework for enhancing the ‘special and privileged strategic partnership’ between Moscow and New Delhi.

    The upcoming discussions are expected to cover substantial ground on pressing regional and international matters where both countries share aligned interests. This visit marks another chapter in the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Russia and India, which has maintained resilience despite evolving global geopolitical dynamics and international pressures.

    President Putin’s travel plans indicate continued diplomatic outreach despite current global tensions, while Prime Minister Modi’s administration demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining balanced international relationships. The meeting will likely address economic cooperation, defense partnerships, and energy security arrangements that have traditionally formed the cornerstone of Indo-Russian relations.

    The timing of this visit holds particular significance as both nations navigate complex international relationships and seek to strengthen their bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, technology, and counterterrorism efforts.

  • Tunisia hands prison terms to dozens of opposition figures

    Tunisia hands prison terms to dozens of opposition figures

    A Tunisian appeals court has delivered severe prison sentences ranging from four to forty-five years to dozens of opposition leaders, lawyers, and business figures accused of conspiring to overthrow President Kais Saied. The verdicts finalize what human rights organizations have condemned as a politically motivated judicial process targeting dissenters.

    Among the most prominent defendants, opposition leader Jawahar Ben Mbarek received a twenty-year prison term alongside party leaders Issam Chebbi and Ghazi Chaouachi. All three have remained in detention since their arrest during the government’s 2023 crackdown on opposition voices. Businessman Kamel Ltaif received the maximum sentence of forty-five years, while opposition politician Khyam Turki was sentenced to thirty-five years.

    The trial proceedings have drawn international criticism, with Amnesty International’s deputy regional director Sara Hashash describing the sentences as “unjust” and “an appalling indictment of the Tunisian justice system.” Defense lawyers characterized the trial as a judicial “farce” designed to eliminate political opposition.

    Notably, twenty defendants who had fled abroad were sentenced in absentia, including prominent politician and feminist Bochra Belhaj Hmida and French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy. The appeals court unexpectedly acquitted three defendants while increasing sentences for others.

    The case has unfolded against a backdrop of democratic backsliding in Tunisia since President Saied suspended parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree. Tunisian authorities maintain the defendants, including former intelligence chief Kamel Guizani, genuinely attempted to destabilize the nation and topple the government.

    The sentencing has sparked renewed protests, with thousands marching through Tunis on Saturday accusing Saied of establishing one-man rule through judicial and police powers. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had previously expressed serious concerns about political motivations behind the trial, urging Tunisia to refrain from using counter-terrorism legislation to silence dissent.

  • Talks over UK joining EU defence fund break down

    Talks over UK joining EU defence fund break down

    Negotiations between the United Kingdom and European Union regarding British defense companies’ participation in the €150 billion (£130bn) SAFE loan program have reached an impasse due to unresolved financial disagreements. The breakdown occurred just before Sunday’s deadline for EU member states to submit initial funding applications for the massive rearmament initiative.

    The core disagreement centered on the substantial entry fee demanded by the European Commission for UK defense firms to access an enhanced share of the loans. While Britain acknowledged the necessity of contributing financially, officials maintained they would not accept an agreement at any cost. This stalemate effectively limits UK-based companies to providing no more than 35% of the total value of any finished defense products funded through the scheme.

    Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for EU Relations, expressed disappointment that discussions couldn’t be concluded before the first bidding round. ‘Our negotiators engaged in good faith throughout,’ he stated, ‘but our position remained clear: we will only sign agreements serving national interests and delivering value for money.’

    The European Commission indicated potential for future negotiations, with a spokesperson noting that while no agreement could be reached ‘at this time,’ constructive dialogue had occurred. Meanwhile, nineteen EU nations have already applied for funding from the program, with Poland securing the largest allocation at €43.7 billion.

    Industry representatives from ADS, Britain’s defense trade organization, characterized the development as a ‘frustrating setback’ for UK defense contractors. Chief Executive Kevin Craven maintained optimism that arrangements might be salvaged in the coming year.

    This negotiation failure occurs against the broader backdrop of ongoing UK-EU discussions aimed at resetting post-Brexit relations, including potential agreements on reducing border checks for food products and linking carbon trading systems. Separate talks with Canada regarding its participation in the SAFE program were also underway, with Brussels hoping to finalize an agreement before the weekend deadline.