Conflict

Opinion

‘Stop the impunity in eastern Congo’

30 December 2022 -

Following the recent massacre in eastern Congo, former minister Réginald Moreels, author David Van Reybrouck, political scientist and author Nadia Nsayi and others are calling for independent investigations to find out 'exactly what happened, and who is responsible for what crimes'.

Editorial

‘We must not get used to the horror in eastern Congo’

30 December 2022 -

On 29 November, yet another massacre took place in eastern Congo. The region has been plagued by ruthless violence for decades. Often the perpetrators are known, but they are rarely brought to justice. MO* contributor Kris Berwouts wonders who will stop this impunity.

Analysis

Russian mercenaries in exchange for African natural resources

12 December 2022 -

Two phenomena have been on the rise in recent years: privatised warfare and ultra-nationalist extremism in Russia. Its outflow is the infamous Wagner Group, the private military company that does not even officially exist. In recent years, Wagner has occupied more and more space in Africa.

News

Wagner acknowledges the death of a Zambian student recruited in Russian prison

12 December 2022 -

A young man from Zambia died at the war front in Ukraine in September. His family is left with questions. Lemekhani Nyirenda was a student in Moscow serving a prison sentence in Russia. He was one of the detainees recruited by the Wagner Group.

Analysis

Algeria and Morocco's paradoxical support for independence movements

22 November 2022 -

Are Morocco and Algeria using independence movements in a geopolitical joust for more power in the region? Polisario in Western Sahara has long enjoyed Algerian support, and now the Riffian movement is following suit. Conversely, Morocco supports the Kabylian cause in Algeria.

UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Editorial

‘Congo is sick and tired of UN peacekeeping mission’

3 August 2022 -

MO* journalist and Congo expert Kris Berwouts worked six months for Monusco in 2015. He shares his experiences and explains why he understands the Congolese frustration.

Analysis

Why African countries prefer not to get embroiled in Russia's war

18 May 2022 -

Africa voted very divided on the UN resolution condemning the Russian invasion in the Ukraine. What is the political impact of the conflict on Africa’s cohesion?

Editorial

What does Rwanda gain from the refugee deal with the UK?

26 April 2022 -

The United Kingdom aims to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, where they will be subject to the local asylum procedures. Boris Johnson wants the British electorate to forget party gate. But what does Rwanda gain from it?

News

Coronavirus in Northwest Syria: ‘We have survived ten years of war just to die of a virus’

2 November 2021 -

COVID-19 is leaving a trail of destruction throughout Northwest Syria. The region, which has experienced the evils of war in recent years, is an easy prey for the virus. Refugees in Belgium are losing one loved one after the other. MO* spoke to doctors and family members of victims.

Editorial

‘Afghans are pawns and players at the same time’

18 August 2021 -

Why was the West in Afghanistan, and why did it decide, after 20 years, that a Taliban takeover wouldn't merit even a timely evacuation? And what is the role and responsibility of Afghans in the 40 year-war? Since Kabul fell, everybody knows why and what. But few understand.

Analysis

War on journalism in Belarus: ‘European Union is reacting too slowly’

23 March 2021 -

‘Every journalist has spare clothes in his or her backpack. Because we are never sure we will make it home again.’ For more than a month now, Belarusian President Lukashenko has been waging a war on journalists. ‘But we keep on writing. That is our responsibility.’

Analysis

Belgium slams doors on asylum seekers from El Salvador

25 January 2021 -

Asylum seekers from El Salvador hardly ever receive a positive answer to their application for protection in our country. In 2020, barely 10 percent of Salvadoran asylum applications were approved; in 2019, the number was 90 percent. Does the change in trend indicate a revision of the policy?