South Sudan
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World Bank backs Eastern Africa power grid integration with $1.6bn programme
The World Bank Group has approved a $1.6bn financing package for the RETRADE-EA, a 10-year initiative aimed at expanding cross-border electricity trade in east Africa and strengthening regional grid integration.
Illicit gold networks fuelling conflict, organised crime across Africa and global south, GI-TOC warns
Illicit gold has become a critical source of financing for organised crime, armed groups and sanctioned regimes across Africa, a Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime report finds.
UN Security Council extends South Sudan peacekeeping mission
The UN Security Council has extended the UNMISS peacekeeping mission in South Sudan until April 30 2027 and cut the troop ceiling from 17,000 to 12,500, with Russia and China abstaining and several parties warning the cuts could weaken the mission.
US freezes immigrant visa processing for 75 countries including Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
US State Department pauses immigrant visa processing for 75 countries from January 21 over public benefits concerns, with indefinite suspension pending reassessment of screening procedures.
Sudan has by far the most internally displaced persons – Statista
In 2024, the world witnessed a record estimate of 83.4 million people living in internal displacement - a stark increase from around 75 million the previous year, Statista reports.