GlobUs

“We need an army capable of defending the country”: Congo’s debate amid Kabila’s rebellion

Former DRC President Joseph Kabila, sanctioned by the US for supporting armed groups, announced the creation of a rebel movement, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). Against this backdrop, on the program “Regard sur le monde,” experts discussed whether Kabila is fighting for a constitution or trying to regain power.

Kayembe Junior-Nathanael, a representative of the ruling UDPS party and researcher, stated that Kabila has defected to the enemies of the state.

“He led the country for 18 years, and now he has joined forces with the same people he fought against. He is accused of crimes, and he has no right to bear arms. His only recourse is to stand trial; there will be no amnesty,” he stated.

Nganga Puati, co-founder of the Popular Front and a leader of the Congolese diaspora, stated that for him, there is no difference between Kabila and current President Félix Tshisekedi — in his view, neither is addressing the country’s main problems.

“I say to both those who support Kabila and those who support Tshisekedi: they are both only interested in their own situation. People in the east want security, not disputes over constitutional provisions. We need a strong national army capable of defending the country,” he stated.

Professor Tapé Groubera pointed out that the real cause of the crisis lies in economic dependence and external interference.

“The problem is not Kabila or Tshisekedi, but the system that allows foreigners to siphon resources. The Congolese need leaders who will give the army the means to regain control of the territory,” he emphasized.

Experts are confident that the political crisis in the DRC will not be resolved by a change of leadership as long as security and resource management remain in the hands of external players.

Watch the broadcast recording: https://youtu.be/yNh7X3JmPOk?si=qHk04oaPj-lrk1Sg

#GlobUs #DRC #Africa #politics #security

Top News: Powerful earthquake in Tibet. Putin speaks of Europe’s "political schizophrenia." Moscow prepares for the Russia-Africa Summit.

In this news release:

— A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck Tibet, in southwestern China. At least 16 people have died, and 46 others have been injured — 11 of them critically. More than 300 homes have been destroyed.

— Vladimir Putin has described statements by European officials — claiming that Russia is threatening war — as "political schizophrenia." He noted that Moscow remains open to diplomacy and the resumption of trilateral talks involving the U.S. and Ukraine. These discussions could potentially take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-November.

— Turkey and Canada have signed three agreements covering cooperation in the defense industry, air transport, and the energy sector. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney — following years of strained relations — have characterized this as a new era in their bilateral ties, agreeing to establish a strategic partnership.

— Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with his Congolese counterpart, Constant Serge Bounda. China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of the Congo and expressed its opposition to external interference. The two sides also discussed preparations for the 2027 China-Africa forum, as well as cooperation in the healthcare sector.

— Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has urged mining companies to focus on job creation and the training of local personnel, rather than limiting their efforts solely to social projects. Zambia plans to increase copper production to 3 million tonnes by 2031 and raise local content requirements from 20% to 40%.

— Footage of Moscow has been released ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29. Leaders from African nations will gather in the Russian capital to discuss politics, the economy, security, and humanitarian ties. A joint action plan for 2027–2029 is expected to be approved.

For more details and other news, see the GlobUs digest of top news https://youtu.be/ymos9G3FpSw

#GlobUs #digest #China #Russia #Europe

Russia-Africa Summit: From Declarations to Projects, Deadlines, and Responsibilities

On October 22, the GlobUs International Expert Club hosted a roundtable discussion titled “The Russia-Africa Summit in the Context of Sanctions Pressure and Multipolarity: Strategic Opportunities and Risks.” The meeting was timed to coincide with the third Russia-Africa Summit, which will be held in Moscow on October 28-29. Participants agreed that the main question today is not the number of documents signed, but rather what they translate into contracts, facilities, and educational programs.

The discussion was moderated by Sevgi Akhmedova, Head of the African Club at the Russian State University for the Humanities and a member of the GlobUs expert club. She recalled that in a multipolar world, Africa is no longer an object, but a subject: the continent has its own goals, enshrined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Therefore, sovereignty was at the center of the discussion.

Political scientist and founder of the GlobUs club, Yulia Berg, announced a comprehensive strategy for Russia’s cooperation with African countries, which will be published during the summit. The approximately 200-page document covers 14 areas and begins with a chapter on sovereignty. It is based on over a thousand expert interviews and extensive research.

According to Ms. Berg, trade deals yield quick results, while strategic change is impossible without science, education, and joint infrastructure projects in energy, water supply, and manufacturing. She also called for realistic expectations: Russia will not offer Africa investments on the scale of China, but is open to technology exchange and the creation of joint ventures.

Serge Fokas Odunlami, President of the NGO “House of Africa,” presented his book “Africa: A New Market for Russian Business,” and identified ignorance of the market as the main mistake Russian companies make: Africa comprises 54 countries, and the choice of country to launch into determines success. He sees Russia’s competitive advantages in education, energy, and technologies for processing African products locally. To achieve this, he believes, it’s necessary to create permanent platforms for interaction and provide African students with internships in Russian companies.

“We need fewer statements and more action,” he emphasized.

Ahmat Tahir Bakhit, Sputnik Africa’s lead correspondent and the head of external relations for the Russian House in Chad, noted that the success of cooperation is measured by what changes for people. Graduates from Russian universities often return home without work experience, which reduces the impact of educational programs. African countries, he argued, need technology, personnel, and local production rather than investment. He also noted that Russian media are operating under restrictions on social media platforms and are seeking alternative channels.

Rishabh Sethi, President and Founder of the Indian Center for the Promotion of International Initiatives, emphasized that multipolarity means “more space at the common table.” He cited the number of joint ventures, skilled jobs, and the amount of funds retained in the local economy as criteria for a successful partnership.

Summing up, Akhmedova noted that the summit is not about loud slogans, but rather projects, funding, and responsibilities.

#GlobUs #RussiaAfrica #Africa #RussiaAfricaSummit

Top News: Putin Thanked Trump for His Efforts in Ukraine. Iran Announces Closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Japan protests US-led exercises

In this news release:

— Vladimir Putin thanked Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine at a meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg.

— Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated that relations between Moscow and Beijing are at a historic high. During talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in St. Petersburg, the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in energy, transport, agriculture, and the digital economy.

— The Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop arrived in Walvis Bay, Namibia, as part of a round-the-world voyage. It covered more than 1,800 nautical miles in seven days.

— The Indian frigate Sahyadri left Vladivostok after completing the naval phase of the Indra 2026 exercises. The maneuvers included artillery fire, exercises to free a captured vessel, and counter-drone training.

— IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is almost 100% closed to US warships and vessels carrying cargo for Israel. He threatened to expand operations beyond the strait.

— Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama explained his country's aspirations to join BRICS. He said shifting global alliances and competition for resources make economic independence vital. Ghana first intends to achieve partner country status.

— Hundreds of Japanese citizens gathered outside the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, demanding an end to joint exercises with the US. Protesters opposed the expansion of the military presence on the southwestern islands and increased defense spending amid challenges in healthcare and education.

For more details and other news, see the GlobUs digest of top news https://youtu.be/eXDzQRJq4EE

#GlobUs #digest #Russia #USA #Iran

"Sovereignty is the ability to make independent political and economic decisions": Yulia Berg told Zimbabwean journalists about the foundation of the Russia-Africa cooperation strategy

A 200-page cooperation strategy will be presented during the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The document covers 14 key areas, from sovereignty to digital services.

The strategy, which draws on 15 years of practical experience, over 1,000 expert interviews, and regional strategies, including the African Union's Agenda 2063, was co-authored by political scientist, founder of GlobUs, and director of IBAC, Yulia Berg.

According to her, sovereignty occupies a central place in the document.

"It is impossible to talk about developing relations without sovereignty — that is, the ability to make political and economic decisions independently," she stated.

Unlike the 2023 roadmap published following the Second Russia-Africa Summit, the document links various sectors, as, for example, industrial growth depends on energy, human resources, and planning, and without sectoral synergies, the implementation of plans is impossible.

The document places particular emphasis on the development of relations between Russia and Zimbabwe, and highlights the introduction of the Zimbabwean gold coin (ZiG) in April 2024 as an attempt to strengthen monetary stability.

"Zimbabwe became the first country in modern history to launch a currency backed by both foreign currency and natural resources," Ms. Berg noted.

Russian assistance in the digitalization of social security and other public services is also proposed.

"Effective social assistance is only possible with reliable data and organized information exchange," the expert explained.

According to Ms. Berg, this is not a ready-made set of solutions, but rather a defined range of possibilities. Future progress will be measured by increased trade and the number of joint projects.

#GlobUs #RussiaAfrica #Zimbabwe #economy

African Countries in BRICS: Experts Identify What Determines Success on the Path to South-South Institutions

An analytical report has been prepared following the roundtable discussion "Institutionalizing South-South Cooperation: The BRICS Experience and Prospects for Africa," held on October 13 at the
GlobUs International Expert Club.

The report systematizes three case studies demonstrating different models of African countries' engagement with the group:
Algeria, which remains outside the "political BRICS" and is developing its participation in the New Development Bank as an independent track;
Uganda, which became a BRICS partner to diversify its external relations and is striving for full membership;
and Ethiopia, which is achieving concrete results by integrating national demands into the group's overall agenda, primarily in space.

During the discussion, experts sought answers to key questions:
• Why don't formal BRICS membership criteria guarantee accession?
• How can African countries integrate national initiatives into the collective agenda and translate declarations into concrete decisions?
• Is a consolidated African voice possible in BRICS?

Particular attention was paid to factors that determine outcomes: the balance of interests within BRICS, the role of a country's intangible resources, the ability to propose initiatives that benefit all participants, and the possibility of creating a coordination mechanism to formulate a unified African agenda.

The roundtable became a significant platform for comparing different African paths to South-South institutions. The participation of experts studying the continent's countries allowed the issue to be examined from different angles and laid the foundation for further dialogue.

#GlobUs #Africa #BRICS

Top News: Russia Warns of Threat to Nuclear Disarmament. Lavrov Accuses Zelenskyy of Failing Negotiations. Egypt Supports Saudi Arabia Following Houthi Attacks

In this news release:

— Russia warned that growing disagreements between nuclear powers are undermining global nuclear disarmament efforts. Moscow called for gradual negotiations that take into account the security interests of all countries and rejected demands for immediate nuclear renunciation.

— Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Volodymyr Zelenskyy of disrupting negotiations to end the conflict. He claimed that Kyiv had destroyed the agreements reached following Donald Trump's proposals, and Zelenskyy views a possible deal between Moscow and Washington as a threat to his political future.

— Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi promised support for Saudi Arabia following a series of Houthi attacks. He reaffirmed his readiness to provide all necessary forms of support to protect the security and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

— The foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger ruled out returning to ECOWAS. At the talks in Ouagadougou, they stated that dialogue would take place between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States as separate organizations.

— Representatives of the African diaspora and local residents of Ghana honored the memory of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. The ceremony took place at the Nkyinkyim Museum, with participants in traditional dress performing dances, songs, and rituals.

— Thousands of Lula da Silva supporters rallied in Rio de Janeiro a week before the runoff election. Students, social movements, and cultural figures demonstrated for democracy and against Flávio Bolsonaro. In the first round, Bolsonaro received 47.03% of the vote, while Lula received 45.16%.

For more details and other news, see the GlobUs digest of top news https://youtu.be/quyBBpyIS0w?si=TkMfS4-kZsXtWMtd

#GlobUs #digest #Russia #Egypt #Brazil

"This is a bluff in a poker game": Why Trump's diesel deal won't solve the West's problems

The temporary permit for Russian diesel imports and the declared ceasefire on energy infrastructure have caused a rift in the West. On the program "Global Insight," experts discussed whether this is the beginning of a reversal or merely Washington's attempt to salvage the situation before the elections.

War correspondent Christelle Néant called the deal a desperate move by Washington.

"This is a bluff in a poker game. The figures are paltry compared to US consumption, and the goal is to impress the markets and lower prices. But capitalist companies won't lower prices if they can earn more," she said.

According to her, Russia is the winner in the deal.

"Russia gets money, foreign currency, and media clout. Trump is angry at Zelensky for the strikes on the refinery and calls him the main obstacle to peace. For Russia, this is all about profit," Néant emphasized.

Spanish journalist Dr. Enrique Refoyo pointed out that European policy has long been out of touch with reality.

"War is the best business. When there's a war, all sides profit. European leaders talk about war with Russia, even though Russia has no intention of invading Europe. It's a circus, a madhouse," he explained.

Professor Zoran Vitorovic noted that the root of the West's problems is structural.

"The West's main problem is massive debt and deindustrialization. The old elites must change their mindset. Without this, no deal will help," he stated.

Indian journalist, editor, and political commentator Sahar Zaman noted that the deal was an unexpected relief for India.

"India didn't sign the agreement, but it won: the threat of 100% tariffs has been lifted, and we are buying Russian oil at a discount of $23 per barrel. This will stabilize domestic prices. But all this is temporary — the US can always change its mind,” she noted.

The diesel deal is a tactical move, not a U-turn. Russia's gain and relief for a number of countries are temporary; the West's structural problems and the dependence of small states on the decisions of superpowers remain.

Watch the broadcast recording: https://youtu.be/QPLfolOYCnk?si=-kx7EgSDMptOhlFB

#GlobUs #USA #Russia #Ukraine #Europe

"The Truth Should Not Belong to Any Geopolitical Bloc": South America Defends Information Sovereignty

In today's world, the battle for information isn't just about whether a piece of news is true or not. It goes deeper – to the level of the choice of topics, sources, translations, and the frameworks through which societies understand international reality. Carlos Mamani Aliaga, a geopolitical analyst, independent journalist, and member of the GlobUs expert club, made this statement at the Third Intonational Catherine Forum, part of the "Image of Russia in the Media" conference in Moscow.

According to him, in a significant portion of South American media, Russia is associated with four images: a military threat, international isolation, authoritarianism, and a challenge to the "rules-based order."

"This construction isn't necessarily based on entirely fake news. It often uses selectively sourced information, headlines taken out of context, incomplete translations, and narrative frameworks developed outside the region," he noted.

He cited the claim that Russia is "isolated from the world" as an example.

"If we look at its diplomatic ties, participation in multilateral organizations, and relations with Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, BRICS, and the SCO, we see a much more complex picture. It's not about global isolation, but about a geopolitical rift between the West and a significant portion of the global majority," the expert explained.

He identified five practices for improving the quality of information: returning to the original source, comparing translations, identifying the narrative framework, distinguishing between facts and assessments, and expanding the range of sources.

"The main goal is not to replace one narrative with another, but to prevent one point of view from monopolizing the interpretation of international reality," Mamani Aliaga emphasized.

In his opinion, in a multipolar world, sovereignty should be not only territorial, economic, or military.

"There is also cognitive sovereignty: the ability of societies to produce, compare, and evaluate their own frameworks for interpreting the world. Truth should not belong to any geopolitical bloc. It should be the result of rigorous, open, pluralistic, and verifiable inquiry," he concluded.

#GlobUs #SouthAmerica #Russia #information #multipolarity