Africa’s hotspots in 2021
This year many African countries will go through a phase of instability and conflict. Some of them even risk of being torn apart by ethnic tensions and political rivalries. These tensions and rivalries run deep. There is no sign of change in some of these situations, but a change is possible. In this historical moment, […]
Latin America: 2021, elections in the shadow of COVID-19
Crisis in the economy, public health and the environment. Six countries will go to the polls to elect their presidents. Will the Bolivia effect lead to new scenarios in the continent? Many unknowns. Latin America, together with the rest of the world, is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic that has badly affected the region already sorely […]
Asia: 2021, Uncertainties and Ambiguities
How to confront the consequences of COVID-19 as they affect the countries of Asia. China will continue its domination on the various international chessboards. India joins the Security Council. Meanwhile, the Olympics are to be held in Japan. The management of the first phases of the epidemic and the ambiguity that followed it concerning the […]
Middle East and North Africa 2021: COVID-19 and Oil
Socio-economic tensions rise but the COVID-19 Pandemic buys time for governments under pressure. Tension between Ankara and Cairo. There are two lenses through which to frame prospects for the Middle East in 2021: the results of the U.S. election and the Abraham Accords that established the framework for diplomatic relations between Israel and the Persian […]
Africa 2021: Security and Elections
Clouds appear on the horizon in Sahel and forthcoming elections in several parts of the continent may contribute alongside with the economic crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic to raise tensions. The deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region and more particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger is the main concern in West Africa. […]
World Council of Church: Christmas message 2020
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah (Luke 2:10-11). The child in the manger, in its vulnerability, is an […]
How the Phoenix got her fine plumage
A very long time ago before men had learnt how to hunt and set traps, all the birds lived together peacefully in a great forest. Theirs was a happy and carefree existence, the forest supplied all their needs. There was a plentiful supply of nuts, fruits seeds and berries for the birds to feed on […]
Nigeria: The dance of the street children
The Dream Catchers Academy is an organisation that helps street children towards more dignity and a future. Lagos is the biggest city in the whole of the African continent and one of the most densely populated in the world. It is so big that other ‘cities’ have formed within Lagos itself. In the area of […]
Africa: Ubuntu, to live positively
In the African context, Ubuntu is a religious belief which concerns the need for humans to live together positively. This belief is found throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. African traditional religion is handed down orally. Unlike the other great ancient religions, for instance Hinduism or Buddhism, unless an outsider comes into contact with the practised […]
Christmas in the Philippines: The Longest Ever!
Nowhere else in the world can you witness Christmas celebrations lasting longer than in the Philippines. It starts in September and ends with the Epiphany. Simbang Gabi “night masses” in December is one of the main features of the season. Christmas observances officially start on December 16 and end on the Epiphany, that is, with […]
