China's Role in Cancellation of International Conference in Zambia

 Skift, a digital media company and travel website, posted on 1 May 2026 an article titled "China Quietly Cancels a Digital Rights Summit in Africa" by Miguel Neves.  

Evidence is mounting that Beijing was behind Zambia's decision to cancel at the last minute RightsCon 2026 involving an estimated 2,000 international participants from over 150 countries.  RightsCon bills itself as the "world's leading summit on human rights in the digital age."

Beijing's concern was apparently attendance by civil society representatives from Taiwan.  The conference was scheduled to be held at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.  China granted Zambia $30 million in 2022 to expand the facility, giving it considerable leverage to influence the cancellation of the summit by the government of Zambia.  

UNESCO and China Join Forces to Advance Education in Africa

 UNESCO posted on 18 December 2025 an article titled "UNESCO at the Forefront of Partnership Development at 2025 China Africa Education Cooperation and Innovation Development Forum."

UNESCO strengthened China-Africa cooperation through a new education agreement, high-level artificial intelligence and technical and vocational education and training engagements, and strategic policy dialogue at the 2025 China-Africa Education Cooperation and Innovation Development Forum held in Wuhan, China.  

Ethiopian Troops Force Amhara Militia Out of One of Country's Most Famous Cities

 Aljazeera published on 9 November 2023 an article titled "Ethiopian Troops Force Armed Group Out of Orthodox Site of Lalibela."

Fierce fighting on 8 November between the Amhara Fano militia and Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) resulted in Fano control of much of this UNESCO world heritage site. The ENDF regained control of Lalibela on 9 November.   

Challenges Faced by Sudanese Journalists

 Media in Cooperation and Transition with support from UNESCO published in October 2023 a report titled "In the Shadow of Violence: The Pressing Needs of Sudanese Journalists."

The report looks at the role of journalism and journalists as political upheaval, violence, and a humanitarian crisis rage in Sudan.  It proposes recommendations for improving the situation. 

Tigray Forces Take Control of Lalibela, UN World Heritage Site

 Reuters published on 5 August 2021 an article titled "Tigrayan Forces Take Control of Ethiopia's Lalibela, a UN World Heritage Site."

The Washington Post published on 5 August 2021 an article titled "Tigrayan Forces Take Control of  Lalibela UNESCO Heritage Site" by Sammy Westfall.

The Tigray Defense Force reportedly entered the town of Lalibela and World Heritage Site on 5 August without facing any opposition, although numerous Amhara residents fled the area.  The US called on the Tigrayan forces to respect the cultural heritage of the town and earlier had urged Tigrayan forces to withdraw from Amhara Region.  At the beginning of the conflict, Amhara militia and central government forces took control of historically significant Aksum in western Tigray Region.  

Somaliland, Ancient Caves, and Political Recognition

 The Washington Post published on 31 January 2021 an article titled "Somaliland's Quest for Recognition Passes through Its Ancient Caves" by Max Bearak.

Somaliland's campaign for international recognition as an independent state has taken a novel turn as it emphasizes its ancient rock paintings.  

Is South Sudan Trying to Force UN Peacekeeping Operation out of Country?

Foreign Policy published on 10 October 2016 a grim article titled "South Sudan's Attacks on U.N. Could Imperil Future Peacekeeping" by Colum Lynch. It raises the question whether the policy of the government of South Sudan is to force the UN peacekeeping mission out of the country.

Conference on Education in Mogadishu

The Somali Federal Government held a High Level Conference in Mogadishu to Discuss the Future of Somali Education from 18-20 June 2013.  UNESCO and UNICEF supported the conference.  Former Minister of Education Abdinur Mohamud attended the event and prepared a National Education Conference Report.