Today’s demonstrations across Berlin, London, and Paris sent a message louder than any political statement: Europeans are no longer willing to watch their societies drift toward instability under the banner of “tolerance.” The crowds that filled the streets were not driven by hatred or exclusion — they were driven by a simple demand that every government should take seriously: security first. For years, extremist networks — especially the Muslim Brotherhood — have learned how to operate behind the shield of religious discourse. They present themselves as community leaders, activists, or “voices of the marginalized,” all while pushing agendas that undermine national cohesion, exploit public freedoms, and create parallel societies. Europe’s mistake was assuming these groups were harmless. But as today’s protests showed, citizens have learned the truth the hard way. They’ve watched radical narratives spread in schools and community centers, foreign-funded networks penetrate local ...
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the African Union, the European Union, and the United States of America have called for an urgent cease-fire and constructive discussions to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The appeal comes amid escalating tensions and violence between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, threatening the stability of the Horn of Africa.
Since April, Sudan has witnessed a surge in street fighting, particularly in the western Darfur region, resulting in seven million people being displaced and over nineteen million children being unable to attend school due to the conflict. The international community has pleaded with warring factions to abide by international humanitarian law and uphold agreements meant to bring about a cessation of hostilities, represented by envoys like Michael Hammer, the U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa.
Hammer stressed the importance of immediate action, emphasizing that if the conflict persists, those responsible could face the dire consequences of Sudan's breakup. The envoy urged leaders, including General Abdel-Fattah Burhan and General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, to fulfill their commitments made during the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit on December 9.
Ramtane Lamamra, the United Nations envoy for Sudan, echoed the urgency for a cease-fire, emphasizing the need for enforceable measures to monitor and silence the guns. Lamamra highlighted the broader impact of the conflict, stating that it threatens the stability of the entire region and beyond.
The diplomatic efforts also extended to address tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, with the international community recognizing Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, including the breakaway territory of Somaliland. The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, granting the latter access to the sea, has heightened tensions, with Somalia expressing concern over the potential recognition of Somaliland as an independent state by Ethiopia.
Michael Hammer expressed particular worry about the impact of these tensions on international efforts to combat militants in Somalia associated with al-Qaida. The European Union's special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, highlighted the interconnected nature of the two crises, citing the Red Sea as a strategically important waterway responsible for ten percent of global trade. Weber stressed the need for a coordinated response from Horn of Africa countries to address attacks on ships by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
As the international community emphasizes the urgency of resolving conflicts in Sudan and the Horn of Africa, a concerted effort is required to facilitate diplomatic solutions, promote stability, and address the broader implications for the region and global trade.
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