During his recent visit to China, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. This visit is of particular importance for Syria, which is seeking support and funds for its reconstruction. China announced the establishment of a “strategic partnership” with Syria and pledged to continue working with the country and promote international cooperation. For China, this visit demonstrates its growing role in the Middle East and its “Silk Roads” project.

Despite the official recapture of all localities in Deir Ezzor province by Kurdish SDF forces, the situation remains tense due to daily attacks carried out by dissident Arab insurgents. The SDF are facing a guerrilla war led mainly by the al-Uqaidat tribe, led by Ibrahim al-Hafl. The attacks, often at night, are targeted and target FDS bases and their patrols. Tensions between Kurds and Arabs within the SDF fueled this animosity, creating dissident Arab armed groups. A peaceful resolution of disputes between Kurdish and Arab factions is essential to restore stability in the region.

This article highlights the power and commitment of Africa’s first ladies to promote gender equality on the continent. The Organization of African First Ladies for Development has launched the “We Are All Equal” campaign, aimed at closing gender inequalities in Africa. At a conference in New York, African first ladies discussed actions taken in their respective countries to promote gender equality, particularly in the areas of education, health, economic empowerment and of the fight against sexual violence. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, vice-president of OPDAD, called on the first ladies to move from words to concrete action. The presence of the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, marked the United States’ commitment to the fight against discrimination against women in Africa. The “We Are All Equal” campaign was a success and it is essential to continue efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive continent for all.

The visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Bordeaux was marked by a strong commitment to environmental protection. The royal couple met the city’s environmentalist mayor and stressed the importance of fighting climate change. They also visited an experimental forest and a vineyard converted to biodynamics. This visit demonstrates the commitment of the British royal family and their support for local environmental initiatives.

This week in Africa, several significant events made the news. In Rwanda, President Paul Kagame announced his candidacy for a fourth term, sparking discussions about his leadership and influence in the Great Lakes region. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi called for the rapid withdrawal of peacekeepers, highlighting their inability to fight effectively against armed groups. However, a violent crackdown during a protest in Goma led to the deaths of many civilians, sparking demands for justice and the truth about the incident. In Libya, floods displaced thousands of people and the town of Derna was devastated. Niger also faces worrying political instability after a coup, while in Ethiopia violence continues to escalate, calling for a renewed mandate for UN investigators to document war crimes. Finally, in Sudan, obtaining a passport has become a difficult ordeal, hindering citizens’ ability to flee war or continue their education. These events highlight the challenges facing many African countries, highlighting the need for lasting solutions to ensure stability and well-being of the population.