On the potholed drive home from the pub the other night, a creature ran into the beam of our lights. Long, low and lean, for a moment it looked like an otter. One has occasionally been sighted in our village, though like Loch Ness’s fabled monster this is a source of some dispute. But in another second it was clear that this beast was not from the riverbank but the woods.

Hot air

Peacebuilding cannot succeed if half the population is excluded from the process. Crisis Group’s research in Sudan, Congo (DRC) and Uganda suggests that peace agreements, post-conflict reconstruction, and governance do better when women are involved.

More than a decade after the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) was requested by the African Union (AU) to give life to a new peace and security architecture, political and security cooperation on the continent is still in need of reinforcement.

The crisis that has been occurring in CAR is certainly the most dramatic in its history: more than 600 000 Central Africans are internally displaced or sought refuge in neighbouring countries; according to the United Nations, 1.7 million live in a constant situation of food insecurity and 878 000 need immediate medical assistance; Muslim communities are fleeing Bangui and the western region, subsistence economy no longer exists and the de facto partition of the country, caused by the sectarian violence, is gradually becoming a reality.

All is in place for a violent confrontation in Burundi. The failed coup on 13 May has intensified opposition to President Pierre Nkurunziza’s push for a third term in office. After ten years of peace, Burundi is in danger of reopening the fault lines that once led the country into civil war.

Burundi is back in the spotlight of the world’s media and the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. As recently as two years ago, the country was considered a success story in peacebuilding circles, but now the news is firmly of a negative variety. The UN is trying to prevent a new civil war in a region still haunted by the Rwandan genocide. How did success so quickly turn to failure?

As I write this message, Crisis Group experts are working to address urgent challenges ranging from escalating hostilities in Syria to the complex peace process in Colombia to the formation of a transitional government of national unity to calm violence in South Sudan. Our field-centred analysis and advocacy are influencing key players in each of these major conflict-prevention efforts. I ask you to consider making a donation to Crisis Group today, as we approach the end of our fiscal year on 30 June. We need your support now with the demand for our work growing alongside the terrible trend toward more wars, more civilians killed, and more people displaced worldwide.

As the OM sports team in Bangladesh rest after the recent R4TW running and rickshaw races, they look back on last year's event.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Thursday, May 15.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Friday, May 15.

On Peace Officers Memorial Day, Monday May 15 we pay tribute to the local, state, and Federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.  In accordance with federal law (36 U.S.C. 175), Governor Carney requests that the Delaware and United States flags be lowered to half-staff the morning […]

Tuesday, May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day.  On this day we pay tribute to peace officers across our country who have died, or who have been disabled in the line of duty.  In accordance with federal law (36 U.S.C. 175), Governor Carney requests that the Delaware and United States flags be lowered to half-staff […]

Wednesday, May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day. On this day we pay tribute to peace officers across our country who have died, or who have been disabled in the line of duty. In accordance with federal law (36 U.S.C. 175) and a proclamation issued by President Trump, Governor Carney requests that the Delaware and […]

As part of RT’s #VictoryPages, artist Vincent Bal is creating call-to-peace illustrations using shadows cast by toy soldiers. His unique technique is an art form in itself, which he refers to as “shadowology.”
Read Full Article at RT.com

At his meeting with NSA Mohib, Shringla reiterated India’s commitment to “stand with Afghanistan” as it pursues “sustainable peace and reconciliation."

Two years ago the photographer Palani Mohan received life-saving heart surgery. After his recovery he started to see the world and his work differently. He was drawn to images, old and new, that evoked silence and peace, and inspired reflection. ‘As we spend these days and weeks at home, I’m grateful for this time I have with my thoughts, and to witness the power of the small good things that surround us,’ he says. ‘My hope, especially in these difficult times, is that when you look at these images you can find a place for yourself within them, and be still.’

• Palani Mohan: the last rickshaws of Kolkata – in pictures

Greenpeace issued its annual report on the energy efficiency of Internet companies, praising Apple Inc., Facebook Inc. and other major providers of online services for improved use of energy resources.

Check here each week to keep up with the latest from John MacArthur's pulpit at Grace Community Church.

Israel stressed on Friday that it would discuss the reports about cutting the number of...

Yesterday 8 May, the largest high-level gathering of UN member states since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis was held as part of Estonia's presidency of the UN Security Council. The six-hour meeting brought together nearly 80 countries, around 50 of which were represented at a ministerial level, to exchange thoughts on lessons learnt from the Second World War. All the Security Council members were represented, with almost half attending with high-level participants: Germany, France, Belgium, Vietnam, United States and the United Kingdom in addition to Estonia. 'Yesterday's meeting was the largest international event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Second World War in Europe. It...

New Delhi: The United States is understood to have reiterated its desire for India to play a key role in the Afghan peace process, given New Delhi’s strong relationship with the Afghan Government. Strengthening its ties with Kabul amid the Coronavirus pandemic, New Delhi meanwhile has dispatched a consignment of 10,000 tonnes of wheat on Thursday to Afghanistan through the Iranian port of Chabahar and this brings...