UN, EU push back on Trump decision to leave arms trade treaty

UN, EU push back on Trump decision to leave arms trade treaty

The European Union says that U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to leave the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty will fail to “contribute to the ongoing efforts to encourage transparency in the international arms trade, to prevent illicit trafficking and to combat the diversion of conventional arms.” The statement from EU…

EU holds back on new Zimbabwe sanctions but warns it’s watching

EU holds back on new Zimbabwe sanctions but warns it’s watching

While the European Union has declined to impose additional sanctions against Zimbabwe, there remains much concern over human rights and democratic principles amid the country’s economic and political crisis. “We have seen a crackdown on demonstrations in January – just a month ago – as well as the disproportionate use of force by…

EU extends sanctions against Congolese candidate Shadary

The European Union on Monday approved a one-year extension on sanctions placed against 14 people for human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the hand-picked presidential candidate and close ally of outgoing President Joseph Kabila. Emmanel Ramazani Shadary, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) candidate…

EU approves €800 million for Africa, regional investment

As part of its External Investment Plan, the European Union has approved €800 million for investment earmarked for Africa and the regional “neighborhood” countries, a number of which also are North African states. The funding will support programs including a new lending alternative for refugees or the internally displaced, who…

Barrow in Brussels for The Gambia-EU donor conference

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia is in Brussels Tuesday for a donor conference to help support the country’s democratic transition from the decades of rule under former dictator Yahya Jammeh. The conference, jointly organized by The Gambia and the European Union, will see Barrow co-chair the meeting alongside High…