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Our Managing Director Declan G. spoke with CNBC Africa’s Power Lunch today on #Kenya’s #economy, #foreign #relations, and #governance amidst persistent national tension. “There is really no end in sight at the moment. Even if we are looking at more #normalcy in #Nairobi. We are still very much in the midst of a #crisis. This is a crisis of #confidence, and a crisis over #governance.” #exigentrisk #africanpolitics #kenya #ruto #economics #finance #bill #protests https://lnkd.in/dsBJHwNr

🌏 The Pulse is here! Every week, The Pulse gives a rundown of the news and events that have happened across the globe. ✨ It has been an eventful week with Brazil declaring a public health emergency, the United Arab Emirates mediating a prison exchange between Russia and Ukraine, UK farmers intensifying their protests, ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed victory after the general elections held in February and much more! 🙌 Huge shoutout to our Regional Correspondents for providing us with the latest global news events and trends! Noa D.: Australia & The Pacific Michaela Gyasi-Agyei: Sub-Saharan Africa Lachie Kappa: South & Central Asia Remy Szabo: East Asia Shajara Khan: North America Nicolas Buitrago: Europe Evangelia Wichmann: Latin America Tahlia Beckitt: Southeast Asia Swipe across to read about the other events that have happened this week! Tune in next week for another edition! ➡➡ #politics #internationalrelations #globalaffairs #yds #youngdiplomatssociety #internationalaffairs #worldnews

Nigeria grapples with its worst economic crisis in a generation, triggering widespread hardship and frustration. The recent protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) underscore the urgent need for meaningful government intervention to alleviate the challenges faced by its citizens. #NigeriaEconomicStruggles #NLCProtests #GovernmentIntervention #HardshipIssues https://lnkd.in/g58un6Qx

### Title 6: "The Spectrum of Influence: Democracy and the Power of Collective Action" ### Linked Story: The Arab Spring - A Testament to the Power of the People The Arab Spring, which began in late 2010 and spread across the Middle East and North Africa, stands as a powerful illustration of "The Spectrum of Influence: Democracy and the Power of Collective Action." It was a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that spread across much of the Arab world, driven by demands for democratic reforms, economic justice, human rights, and an end to endemic corruption. The movement ignited in Tunisia following Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in protest of police corruption and ill-treatment. This act of desperation resonated deeply across the region, sparking widespread protests. The rapid spread of discontent, facilitated by social media and mobile technology, demonstrated the power of collective action and the desire for change among the people of the Arab nations. In Egypt, Tahrir Square became the symbolic heart of a movement that ultimately led to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled the country for nearly 30 years. In Libya, the protests evolved into a civil war that ultimately resulted in the overthrow and death of Muammar Gaddafi. Each country in the Arab Spring had its unique set of circumstances, but all were united by a common demand for a voice in the governance of their countries and an end to autocratic rule. The Arab Spring's outcomes varied significantly from one country to another. While Tunisia achieved a relatively successful transition to a democratic government, other countries like Syria descended into prolonged civil wars, and some, like Bahrain, saw their uprisings brutally suppressed. The aftermath of the Arab Spring highlighted the complexities of implementing democratic reforms and the often-unpredictable path of revolutions. Through the lens of "The Spectrum of Influence: Democracy and the Power of Collective Action," the Arab Spring stands as a testament to the idea that collective will and action can challenge entrenched power structures and ignite political change. It underscores the role of individual agency and community solidarity in shaping political realities, demonstrating both the potential and the limitations of collective action in the quest for democracy. The legacy of the Arab Spring continues to influence global politics, serving as a reminder of the power of ordinary citizens to demand change and the importance of democratic principles in ensuring government accountability and respect for human rights. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of post-revolutionary transitions and the need for robust institutions and inclusive governance to sustain democratic gains.

Beneath the Surface: Unpacking the Threats to Nigeria's Sovereignty The recent protests in Nigeria, where some individuals were seen burning the Nigerian flag while waving Russian flags, have raised serious concerns about the understanding of national sovereignty and the true intentions behind such actions. As we navigate this complex issue, it is essential to explore the gravity of such acts, the potential external influences at play, and the importance of prioritizing economic development and stability. First, it is crucial to recognize the distinction between opposing a government and opposing national sovereignty. While citizens have the constitutional right to express dissent against their government, challenging the sovereign integrity of their country is a grave matter. Burning the national flag, a symbol of unity and identity, is a provocative act that transcends mere protest. It is an affront to the very fabric of the nation and its people. The question remains: what drives individuals to engage in such actions? The sudden affinity for Russia, a country with no significant historical or cultural ties to Nigeria, raises suspicions. This anomaly hints at a more complex geopolitical game at play. Furthermore, the timing of these protests, amidst political instability, banditry & insurgency adds to the concern. It is vital to recognize that such actions can have far-reaching consequences, potentially destabilizing the region further. Citizens must be cautious of external influences and avoid becoming pawns in a larger geopolitical game. By understanding the gravity of their actions and seeking nuanced solutions, Nigerians can work towards a more prosperous and united future. Finally, while activism and dissent are essential components of a healthy democracy, it is vital to prioritize economic development, stability, and national sovereignty. Citizens must be aware of the potential threats to Nigeria's sovereignty and work towards a future that benefits all Nigerians.

🧷 "Islamabad’s Turmoil: A Nation Divided" by Syed Atiq ul Hassan examines the political tensions in Pakistan’s capital on October 4, 2024, as PTI staged a massive protest. The government responded by blocking key access points with shipping containers and deploying police to maintain order. This protest coincided with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit, along with planned arrivals of a Saudi delegation and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, challenging Pakistan’s efforts to showcase stability to these global partners. While PTI-backed candidates won a majority in the February 2024 elections, allegations of misconduct cast doubts on their victory. The government views PTI’s actions as refusal to accept democratic outcomes, claiming they disrupt political processes. Authorities took significant security measures, blocking access to Islamabad’s Red Zone, where key institutions are located, and patrolling the streets. As Pakistan seeks foreign investment and strengthened alliances, the protests risk harming the country’s image of stability. With high-profile international visits underway, Islamabad’s response will be critical in shaping perceptions of its political resilience. The situation underscores the ongoing influence of PTI and highlights the need for constructive political engagement to ensure national cohesion. Click the link below to explore how these events impact Pakistan’s political and diplomatic landscape. https://lnkd.in/duXDmQN2 https://lnkd.in/dhFS-pwK The author is a senior journalist and an analyst based in Australia. #PTI #Islamabadprotests #Pakistan #PakistanObserver

Is there the winds of change in a continent where populations are predicted to far outgrow Europe? I was pleased to see that one of my final pieces of work I initiated and led for IOP, resulted in a successful new £multi million funding programme with bids that must include the role that female physicists in Africa will play in successfully advancing science and technology in Africa and through improved international collaboration. Unless we tackle the lack of diversity, the socio economic challenges we will be storing up for future generations will remain - at best - on shifting sands. More on these issues below. #africascience #equity #gender

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#Nigerians 🇳🇬 are on the street to protest gainst the government because of perceived economic mismanagement which resulted into high cost of living. Although it’s #democratic to protest against economic woes, organizers must consider that civil unrest invariably shakes investor confidence, posing a significant threat to the economic stability that they want. Investors, both domestic and international, seek stability and predictability in markets. Protests, particularly when prolonged or escalating, create uncertainties that deter investments. This reluctance to invest can lead to reduced job creation, diminished economic expansion, and even currency depreciation, exacerbating the very issues protesters are rallying against. Let’s make reference to the protest in Hong Kong(2019-2020). This was a protests against a proposed extradition bill. This escalated into broader demands for democratic reforms and autonomy. The unrest led ito a decline in tourism, retail sales, and investor sentiment, impacting Hong Kong’s economy amidst geopolitical tensions. Moreover, in 2017, after decades of military rule, Myanmar experienced protests and international criticism over the Rohingya refugee crisis. This unrest prompted several multinational companies to reassess their operations in the country. Notably, the Japanese beverage giant Kirin Holdings suspended its joint venture with a Myanmar military-owned conglomerate due to concerns over human rights abuses and the deteriorating political situation. This decision reflected how protests and political instability can directly impact corporate investment decisions, highlighting the significant role of social and political stability in attracting and maintaining foreign investment. While the right to protest is fundamental in democracies, #stakeholders must engage in constructive dialogue to mitigate #economic fallout. Nigeria has a lot of potentials but stability and good governance is the only way to realize them. It’s understandable that protests amplify societal concerns but strategic measures to restore economic confidence and stability are imperative. By fostering an environment conducive to investment and growth, Nigeria can navigate these challenges while addressing the legitimate grievances of its citizens.