International Alert’s Post

Title: The Interconnected Web: Berbera Port Deal, Somaliland-Ethiopia MOU, and Houthi Dynamics - Unraveling Security Implications in the Horn of Africa The geopolitical chessboard in the Horn of Africa is witnessing intricate moves that intertwine economic ambitions with regional security dynamics. Three key developments - the Berbera Port deal, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia for Red Sea access, and the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi rebels in Yemen - are shaping the security landscape in this crucial region.....continues

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed three new members to the Advisory Group of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).   With CERF being a critical resource that enables prompt and efficient action to respond to humanitarian crises, the Advisory Group plays an instrumental role in managing the fund efficiently and ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.   The new Advisory Group members are: 🔷Brazil: Ambassador Mr. Ruy Pereira, Director of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil. 🔷Ethiopia: Ambassador Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner for the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission.  🔷Luxembourg: Mr. Christophe Schiltz, Director General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs at Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defense, Development Cooperation, and Foreign Trade. The Advisory Group comprises 19 members representing Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Latin American and Caribbean region, North America, and Oceania. CERF Advisory Group members serve a single three-year term. Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/4ddYdQZ

Africa Natural Resources Fair Distribution Greed Armed Conflict Child Soldiers Blessing or Curse? How do we hold duty bearers accountable to ensure equitable distribution? Success of this solves greater chunk of the sources of armed conflict in Africa. And arguably, end the continent's reliance on 'unhealthy' economic bailouts. The relevance of this movie cannot not be overemphasized as I reflect. Blood Diamond (2006) ............................................................................................................... Djimon Hounsou Kagiso Kuypers Benu Mabhena Percy Matsemela (Commander Zero😉) Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) WANEP_Regional African Union Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)

Grievances between different ethnic groups and an unstable security situation are important drivers of ISIS recruitment, but other dynamics are often ignored. This was the case of rural northwest Iraq, argues Sinéad Barry in an article for the Climate Diplomacy platform. Employment opportunities outside of farming are rare. Without sufficient environmental resources to maintain these livelihoods, the so-called Islamic State offered an escape. Read the full piece for insights on how low-income, rural recruitment was important for the 2014 surge and how addressing water and livelihood issues is essential for Iraq's disaster risk reduction strategies. 📰 adelph.it/ISISWater Full research to be published in a Special Edition of The Defence Horizon Journal.

A step into the landscape of disaster response and global governance with Author Marta Cerafogli's detailed analysis of the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey. Despite the absence of a specific legal framework for natural disasters, initiatives like the International Disaster Response Laws (IDRL) Guidelines and the Model Act for Disaster Relief aim to streamline international aid coordination. Involving over 1,400 emergency response personnel from more than twenty NATO allies and partners, we dive into the diverse range of assistance provided to Turkey and witness the collaborative efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected populations. Discover the legal intricacies, international collaborations, and political ramifications in the wake of this tragedy. #GlobalGovernance #NATO #DisasterResponse read more at: https://lnkd.in/e2ksYVgW

In the midst of the intensifying Israel-Gaza conflict, the escalating bombardments have not only heightened tensions but also triggered significant humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people find themselves directly impacted by these overt aerial attacks, facing the devastating consequences firsthand. The toll on innocent lives, homes, and critical infrastructure underscores the urgent need for a swift and comprehensive international response. Now, more than ever, collaborative efforts must focus on alleviating the immediate humanitarian crisis, promoting meaningful dialogue, and working towards a sustainable resolution, such as a two-state solution. This approach aims to not only address the pressing issues but also ensure a more secure and stable future for all communities affected. We pray for a lasting peace and the well-being of those caught in the crossfire. #IsraelGazaConflict #HumanitarianCrisis #PeaceBuilding

Water-related violence is escalating rapidly, especially as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war and the violence in the Middle East. We must refocus on how water can be a medium for peace and cooperation. https://lnkd.in/gBFnhKy9

🗞️#GCMC's Dr. Ben Nickels’ article, "Libya's Other Strategic Resource: Water Politics, Water Security, and the Great Man-Made River" has been published by the SAIS Review of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins. 🔦Dr. Nickels highlights a significant but underappreciated reality: Libya’s 7 million inhabitants are entirely dependent for virtually all their water on the world’s largest water pipeline. This has proven to be a major security vulnerability for Libya as it navigates its path within today’s ‘polycrisis,’ the interlocking security challenges of climate change, conflict, migration, terrorism, and population growth. 👉Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eYCTQUHA

A World at War What Is Behind the Global Explosion of Violent Conflict? By Emma Beals and Peter Salisbury October 30, 2023 Meanwhile, those seeking to make peace will need to engage nontraditional actors—middle powers, humanitarian organizations, and actors from the private sector. These partnerships should harness the potential of the environmental, social, and corporate governance agenda to carve out a role for the private sector in supporting peace, forge new models of geopolitical cooperation, and use aid to support peace rather than serve as a substitute for it. These are big asks. But they are also the basic requirements for building sustainable peace, stopping the proliferation of conflict, and aiming for more than the temporary quelling of violence.

Impressed by USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance's Commitment to Iraq's Future Recently, Elise Jensen, Mission Director for USAID/Iraq, shared a powerful message on the importance of cultural preservation and community resilience in Iraq. Her story, masterfully showcasing the impact of international cooperation, resonated deeply. USAID/Iraq's commitment is evident: - $30 million invested: Recovering over 3,000 artifacts and vital historical documents. - Preserving minority cultures: Collaborating with the Yazidi Institute for Surveys to document their heritage. - Restoring lost treasures: Repairing, digitizing, and making accessible thousands of documents damaged by ISIS. These initiatives serve as powerful testaments to hope and renewal. They highlight the undeniable importance of safeguarding history and traditions for future generations. Beyond the borders of Iraq, this story resonates: - Elevates the importance of cultural preservation. - Underlines the transformative power of aid. - Demonstrates the critical role of the United States in fostering security and prosperity in post-conflict regions.