A collage of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) and Kenyan President William Ruto.[The Standard]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The two leaders held a phone conversation Friday evening, condemning the capture of Goma by M23 rebels, according to U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with President William Ruto to discuss the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, including the unacceptable capture of Goma and Bukavu by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. They emphasised that there is no military solution to the conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire,” Bruce said.
The US and Kenya also pledged to support diplomatic efforts to end the crisis.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global multilateral organization committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy, has concluded its fourth annual General Assembly in Jordan on 19th February 2025, launching new digital cooperation initiatives aimed at narrowing the global digital divide and endorsing the DCO’s 2025-2028 Agenda that will advance digital maturity across Member States.
In the Declaration of the General Assembly, the 16 DCO Member States reaffirmed their commitment to building an inclusive, human-centric, and sustainable digital economy. They also welcomed the decision to broaden DCO membership by establishing the Associate Membership mechanism, and the successful implementation of the WE-Elevate initiative.
DCO’s Member States furthermore endorsed the following cross-border initiatives: the DCO Entrepreneurship and Innovation Standard of Excellence, the DCO Interoperability Mechanism for Cross-Border Data Flows, the DCO Model Contractual Clauses, the AI Ethics Evaluator, the AI Readiness Toolkit, the Framework for Strengthening National Agendas to Combat Online Misinformation, the establishment of a Ministerial Committee chaired by Kuwait, and the E-Waste Management Framework.
These build upon successful initiatives endorsed at the inaugural International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF) held on the sidelines of the Assembly, including the Framework for Cross-Border E-Waste Management, the Responsible AI Governance Policy Tool, and the AI Readiness Toolkit.
Member States also adopted the DCO Model Startup Act, the DCO Data Privacy Principles, the DCO Principles for Ethical AI, the DCO Intent on Safe Digital Space for Children, and the DCO Intent on Digital Intellectual Property (IP) Protection.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, MoUs were signed between DCO and the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (MISK), HP Inc., the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, and between the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global. A Statement of Intent was additionally signed between DCO and United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
In addition, the four-year 2025-2028 Agenda was endorsed, providing clear direction for initiatives that drive transformative growth, ensuring we are prepared to succeed collectively through the power of multilateral actions in an increasingly interconnected, technology- driven world.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was additionally endorsed for the Presidency of the DCO Council for 2026. Also, the council announced the composition of the 2025 Executive Committee, which will be chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will include the following Member States: the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Cyprus, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Sultanate of Oman.
The Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Chairman of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Council, H.E. Engineer Sami Smeirat, stated that it is a great honor for Jordan to host the 4th General Assembly of the Digital Cooperation Organization, which represents a significant milestone in advancing digital cooperation among member states. He emphasized that through Jordan’s presidency of the organization in 2024, the country has demonstrated its ability to lead global efforts toward building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy that is human-centered and serves everyone without exception.
Smeirat added, “Throughout this year, we have launched ambitious initiatives, strengthened public-private partnerships, and laid solid foundations to empower youth and women in the technology sector.”
“Today, as we hand over the presidency to our brothers in the State of Kuwait, we reaffirm Jordan’s commitment to remaining an active partner in achieving the organization’s goals. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to realize our shared vision: a digital world marked by prosperity and fairness for all.”
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of DCO, said: “On behalf of the DCO Secretariat, I extend our appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and our deepest gratitude to H.E. Sami Smeirat and the Council of Member States, for their guidance and unwavering support provided throughout the year.
The General Assembly marked four years of progress for DCO, showcasing our commitment to uniting governments, the private sector, and civil society to discuss the state of the digital economy and the shared challenges in achieving inclusive and sustainable global digital prosperity.”
The Secretary-General highlighted DCO’s upcoming ambitions, adding: “While we have achieved much over the past four years, there is still important work ahead to drive digital economic growth for all. Our 2025-2028 Agenda marks the beginning of a new digital era for DCO. Global collaboration will be essential in achieving inclusive and sustainable development, benefiting more than 800 million people across our 16 Member States and shaping a better future for generations to come.”
Chaired by H.E. Sami Smeirat, Chairperson of the DCO Council for Digital Collaboration and Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the GA saw the handover of the DCO Council presidency for 2025 from Jordan to the State of Kuwait, where the next DCO General Assembly will take pace in February 2026. The 5th GA will discuss the impact of joint initiatives in line with the 4-Year 2025-2028 Agenda.
Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs, Kuwait, said: “The State of Kuwait is honoured to have been elected to the Presidency of DCO. We look forward to building on our contributions, including guiding efforts to combat online misinformation by chairing a Ministerial Committee that will oversee the implementation of the Framework for Strengthening National Agendas to Combat Online Misinformation”.
“Our Presidency comes at a pivotal time for DCO, with the 2025-2028 Agenda setting a blueprint for the next four years. We are ready to share our expertise so that all nations have an opportunity to prosper in the digital economy. Kuwait also affirms its commitment to supporting digital transformation by adopting initiatives and projects that enhance the digital economy, encourage innovation and digital entrepreneurship, thus contributing to empowering societies and achieving sustainable technology-based development.” Aetoswire
The army was long on the back foot militarily before making recent gains in the capital Khartoum and central Sudan [Getty]
Sudan's government has made changes to the country's transitional constitution to cement the army's control, removing references to civilians and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), two government sources said.
The changes, agreed late on Wednesday, represent the first comprehensive changes to Sudan's constitutional document since war broke out in April 2023, and come after army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said he was readying a wartime cabinet.
They also come as the RSF holds talks in the Kenyan capital Nairobi ahead of the signing of a political charter, expected on Friday, that would pave the way for its own "Government of Peace and Unity".
The pro-army government recalled its ambassador to Kenya on Thursday in protest at the RSF-led talks.
The conflict between the army and the RSF has splintered Sudan, caused a massive humanitarian crisis and drawn in regional powers. Diplomatic efforts to resolve it have stalled.
The army was long on the back foot militarily before making recent gains in the capital Khartoum and central Sudan. Together with the government that supports it, the army has used Port Sudan on the Red Sea Coast as a base.
The constitutional document dates to 2019, when it was signed by the army, the RSF, and the civilian Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition shortly after the military factions toppled Omar al-Bashir during a popular uprising.
It was meant to lead to full civilian rule after elections, with former rebel groups also given government positions. But the army and RSF staged a coup in 2021, appointing new civilians to the country's Sovereign Council and cabinet, which hold formal power because a parliament was never formed.
War broke out when the RSF and army disagreed on how to share power during a renewed push towards democracy. The RSF made quick advances and still controls swathes of the country, especially in the west.
The changes to the constitutional document codify the removal of all references to the RSF and FFC, and remove civilians from the ruling Sovereign Council, according to the sources, who were speaking on condition of anonymity.
The council will have nine members: six officers appointed by army command and three former rebel leaders.
The changes give Burhan, as the council's head, power to appoint and remove a civilian prime minister, the sources said.
Former rebels, on whom the army depends for military support, will retain allocations of seats in the future cabinet. The New Arab Staff & Agencies
From the withdrawal of President Donald Trump’s USAID, the Chief Executive Officer of The Africa Centre in London sees things differently for this year, even though the year is still some few months from its beginning.
Painting a rather glowing picture of some happenings in the Continent of Africa and beyond, he said: “2025 is certainly living up to expectations of being a pivotal year.
“While some developments are worrying, especially the escalation of conflicts in DRC and Sudan, others provide us with opportunities.
Delving deeper into his view of the current political and economic conditions of the continent of Africa, he stated: “The decision of the Trump administration to suspend the activities of USAID, the main agency responsible for administering financial assistance around the world, is especially a mixed blessing.
Reiterating his stand-point, he added: “There is no gainsaying that there will be an immediate impact for several programmes across Africa in employment, access to certain medication, poverty alleviation and gender equality initiatives.”
Although a cross section of some Africans are not too happy about the situation, he has got a different view, saying: “Beyond this though, Africa needs to see this for what it is: a moment of critical opportunity for the continent via its relevant agencies to develop internally focused and financed initiatives that would not be subject to the whims and caprices of international donor governments and agencies.
“This would also help to alleviate some of the concerns that many have of how these Western agencies directly or indirectly contribute to insecurity.”
According to the C.E.O of The Africa Centre, “The 5 biggest USAID beneficiaries in Africa last year were Ethiopia, Congo DR, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria, receiving between $1.2billion and $738m in 2024.”
In his explanation: “These amounts are dwarfed by the remittances most of these countries receive from their Diaspora. These are also some of the most resource-rich nations on the continent.”
Praising two presidents from the East and West of Africa Mr Olu said: “Kenya’s President Ruto and Ghana’s President Mahama have both been quite correct in identifying that there is opportunity in this seeming adversity.”
Buttressing his points, he said: “With the right investment and the development or strengthening of appropriate institutions, this could be a catalyst for harnessing Africa’s natural resources into the development of pharmaceutical, healthcare and other sectoral industries.
“For long, we have stated that Africa needs trade and not aid. Now we have a wake-up call that can jumpstart an internally powered and sustainable engine for growth.”
Telling it as he sees it, he continued that: “It is apt that this conversation is happening in the month of the anniversary of the end of the 1884-85 Berlin Conference.”
Concluding with an Africa Centre statement, he said: “One of the key aims in The Africa Centre, is not just to highlight the history that continues to have immense impact on Africa’s geopolitics, but to also interrogate how we can gain true economic, cultural and political emancipation.”
In a resolution, MEPs have strongly condemned the occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by M23 rebels and the Rwandan defence forces as an unacceptable breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
MEPs denounce the indiscriminate attacks involving explosive weapons as well as unlawful killing, rape, and other apparent war crimes in populated areas of North Kivu by all parties. They deplore the use of forced labour, forced recruitment, and other abusive practices, by M23 with the support of Rwanda’s military, and by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).
Critical humanitarian situation
Calling for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war, Parliament urges the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility. MEPs also say that any attack on United Nations-mandated forces is inexcusable and may be considered a war crime.
MEPs are extremely concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in the country and demand the immediate reopening of Goma airport and the creation of humanitarian corridors to re-establish humanitarian operations in eastern DRC.
Immediate suspension of EU Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda
Parliament regrets the European Union’s failure to take appropriate measures to address the crisis and pressure Rwanda to end its support for M23. It urges the European Commission and the Council to immediately suspendthe EU’s Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda, until the country ceases all interference in the DRC, including exporting minerals mined from M23-controlled areas.
MEPs also call on the Commission, EU member states and international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until it allows for humanitarian access to the crisis area and breaks all links with M23. The Commission and EU countries should also halt their military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces to avoid contributing directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in eastern DRC.
MEPs are concerned about the consequences of Russian interference in the conflict, as well as the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the DRC’s mining sector and in wider region and working without respect for economic and social responsibility.
Support for peace negotiations
Parliament welcomes the jointSADCandEACpeace summit held in Dar es Salaam on 8 February and expresses its full support for the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. MEPs call on all countries in the Great Lakes region, in particular the DRC and Rwanda, to urgently pursue negotiations under these frameworks.
The resolution was adopted with 443 votes in favour, 4 against and 48 abstentions. euReporter
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