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African Development Bank. New Leadership, Old Problems.

International crises, failed trade integration and governance problems: these are the main challenges that await the new leadership of the AfDB. With the planned 2063 agenda, courageous choices are needed not to betray the expectations of the continent.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has a new president, once again from West Africa: Sidi Ould Tah, former Mauritanian minister of economic affairs and finance.The AfDB website stresses that the institution must accelerate to achieve Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The AfDB’s five strategic priorities are: to light and power Africa, to feed it, to industrialise it, to integrate it and to improve the quality of life of Africans.

Sidi Ould Tah, the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Photo Badea

The bank has been operating since 1964. We often forget that the institution is part of a group that also includes the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund. All African countries and 27 non-African countries participate in the capital of the bank. African members hold 60% of the shares. The main African shareholders are Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa and Morocco. In Europe, the largest shareholders are Germany, France and Italy. Kuwait, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are the main Middle Eastern investors. The United States and Canada lead American participation, while Japan leads
Asian participation.

What to expect from the new leadership
Firstly, the new leader must take into account the changes in global political and economic balances. Events in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sahel, Israel, Ukraine and Iran will have repercussions on Africa, causing oil and food prices to rise due to disruptions in global supply chains. The bank finances infrastructure projects, and oil is a major cost. This will require larger loans or longer repayment periods. Which countries will be given priority to mitigate these global crises? Closely linked is the issue of tariffs. One of the AfDB’s five priorities is African integration. Trade is among the main drivers of integration, as the example of the European Union shows.

African countries should reduce tariffs to boost mutual trade. 123rf

Solidarity must start at home. African countries should reduce tariffs to boost mutual trade and abandon nationalism and deep ties with former colonial powers. The recent elimination of Chinese tariffs on African products is a positive example to follow. The new leadership cannot ignore Beijing’s growing influence on the continent.
Reducing tariffs is an easily achievable goal, even before building roads, ports, power plants and other infrastructure. African countries are more dependent on customs revenues than other regions. There are better alternatives to tariffs as sources of government revenue.

Improve the quality of life
The last of the AfDB’s five priorities is to improve the quality of life in Africa. Most Africans live in rural areas: urbanisation is estimated at 45% in 2024 and is expected to reach 80% by 2050. In the European Union, urbanisation is currently at 75% and in the United States at 83%. Can the African Development Bank reach this rural majority? Most policies, not only by banks but also by governments, focus on urban centres, which are a minority in Africa. Will the new leadership change this approach? In addition to addressing global crises, what else should the Bank’s new leadership focus on? One priority is debt sustainability. Few African countries have surplus balance sheets and must resort to internal or external borrowing to cover deficits. The most common measure of debt is the percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Malagasy family travelling on a zebu cart on the sandy road. Most Africans live in rural areas. 123rf

This criterion, in addition to facilitating comparisons between countries and regions, encourages governments to grow the economy to sustain higher levels of debt. If rigorously applied, this approach could lead to more countries reaping debt “dividends” in the form of accelerated economic growth and resource transfers from current expenditure. A country’s income level is a key indicator of its creditworthiness, but it does not take into account the inequalities that plague Africa. Does the AfDB take into account the Gini index, a statistical measure used to quantify inequality in the distribution of income or wealth within a population, when granting loans? Combined with the urban-rural divide, a new creditworthiness index would be needed. The AfDB uses the World Bank’s debt sustainability framework (DSF) to assess the manageability of debt in low-income countries, most of which are in Africa. Should it be revised to take global crises into account? Should we have a national or African DSF? Is the AfDB too influenced by external actors?

Climate the priority
The priority areas are changing, with climate change at the top of the list: it received $5.5 billion of the bank’s $11 billion in new operations in 2024. Could this focus on new projects divert resources from established programs? Think of food security, sanitation, education, health and infrastructure. Africa’s Achilles’ heel is governance. Who finances this sector? Who supports democracy and the rule of law? How can we tackle corruption and waste, especially in the public sector?

Young Girl collecting fresh water. The priority areas are changing, with climate change must be at the top of the list. 123rf

Governance is not one of the AfDB’s five priorities, yet nothing can improve the quality of life in Africa more than good governance. Africa must integrate into global supply chains. We must not forget that the rest of the world is bigger than Africa. China, the US, Japan and the European Union see the entire world as their field of action. The AfDB should expand its presence beyond Africa. After all, space exploration is the next frontier. Finally, how many synergies has the Bank created with local institutions in each country? These could be local banks, research institutes or even community savings groups. Some of these institutions have a better understanding of the local context and could offer valuable insights into the AfDB’s programs. The new AfDB leader inherits a radically different context and will have to implement changes to address the new reality: 2063 is not far away and every African deserves a high standard of living during their lifetime. (Open Photo: The African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters, in Abidjan. Ivory Coast CC BY 3.0/Citizen59)

 XN Iraki

 

 

Antarctica, the new Eldorado.

Antarctica, although formally neutral and without a stable population, is today at the centre of growing geopolitical tensions related to the management of its natural resources. The historic territorial claims of countries such as Argentina and Chile, combined with the global race for fishing, hydrocarbons and minerals, make the continent a critical point for future equilibrium.

In contemporary geopolitical debates, the Arctic and its trade routes, gas fields and tensions between Russia and NATO are often discussed. Yet, Antarctica, a continent at the antipodes, remains a silent enigma for many. Its strategic importance is less visible but far from marginal.
A continent that, despite not belonging to any state, is at the
centre of global ambitions. The fundamental legal reference for understanding this dynamic is the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, signed in Washington by 12 countries during the International Geophysical Year. Coming into force in 1961, the treaty established the principle of peaceful use of the continent, expressly prohibiting military activities and the economic exploitation of its resources.

Antarctic region Map. Shutterstock/PorcupenWorks

In reality, the treaty represents a fragile compromise: temporarily freezing territorial claims without eliminating them. Countries such as Argentina, Australia, Chile and the United Kingdom have suspended, but never renounced, their claims.
Today, the balance seems to be holding, but it is creaking under the weight of new geopolitical, climatic and technological challenges. Antarctica has remained a unique scientific and diplomatic laboratory, but its neutrality, guaranteed by an agreement signed over sixty years ago, risks being put to the test. Despite the ban on economic exploitation imposed by the Antarctic Treaty, the continent is a sort of natural treasure chest full of potential.
At sea, intensive fishing – particularly that of krill, the base of the food chain – has already had devastating ecological impacts. On land, the Antarctic soil hides enormous mineral deposits and potential offshore hydrocarbon reserves. Gold, iron, uranium, nickel, oil: resources that are protected today, but at the centre of growing ambitions.
The management of this heritage is based on a complicated multilateral system. Since 1994, the Consultative Parties to the Treaty – only 29 out of 56 signatories – have met every year to discuss the future of the continent during the ATCMs (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings).

Icebreaker clears its pass in Antarctica. Shutterstock/Mozgova

This is where the strategic interests of the powers, disguised as scientific initiatives, collide. Russia, for example, has the largest fleet of icebreakers in the world, useful for both research and future mining logistics. China, with an expanding network of scientific bases, has installed radar, telescopes and dual-use technologies, which can also be used for military purposes. And Australia, which claims over 40% of the continent, is investing millions to explore and map resources. The risk? That, in 2048, the year in which the formal ban on mining will expire, the fragile balance could be upset. At that point, Antarctica could transform from a scientific sanctuary into a new theatre of global competition. Antarctica is the only continent never colonised, without indigenous populations and inhabited only by researchers.
Yet, since the 1940s, it was clear that it would not remain outside the power games. After the Second World War, it was thought that the United Nations could administer it as a common good. But the rivalries that emerged during the Cold War – especially between the USA and the USSR – caused the idea to fail.

Science exploration at the South Pole. Shutterstock/Mozgova

The 1959 Treaty was a compromise between states with direct interests, but already in the 1980s, it was criticised for its elitist nature. Countries of the Global South, in particular, were calling for more inclusive governance. Today, Russia and Australia are emerging among the protagonists of the Antarctic scene, but China and the USA also maintain a strong and growing presence. In January 2025, Chilean President Boric visited the South Pole, underlining Chile’s territorial claims and its environmental and strategic concerns. A symbolic gesture, which hides the anxiety of a minor country caught between geopolitical giants. China maintains the largest fishing fleet in the Antarctic, operating year-round. Russia continues its geological surveys, given a possible post-2048 change of rules. The United States is watching, ready to counterbalance. It is a silent race, made up of scientific bases, investments, satellites and diplomatic flows. Antarctica, frozen and distant, is already the testing ground for 21st-century geopolitics: a continent that belongs to no one, but that many would like to control. (Open Photo: Huge Arch-Shaped Iceberg in Antarctica. 123rf)

Riccardo Renzi/CgP

Jubilee Year. Bringing Hope to Politics.

How in the jubilee year can give hope in the world of politics. “To overcome resignation and despair, refusing to accept that corruption and self-advancement are inevitable in politics, and demanding honesty and accountability from people in public life.”

In many parts of the world, especially in some of the longest-established democracies, people seem to have given up on established patterns of political life; they feel that the traditional institutions and old ways of conducting politics no longer deliver what they want. Often, they hanker after some supposed ‘golden era’, when things were better, politicians were more honest, and policies were more effective.
As has been observed many times, such nostalgia plays into the hands of populist leaders who cast themselves as political outsiders on a mission to rid their countries of stultified and self-serving ruling elites, and instead promise to bring back the good days. But populism never delivers what it promises – since it proposes superficial solutions to complex problems – and thus leaves voters even more disillusioned.

To be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in the political world implies making hope materialise. 123rf

In some places we see politics and political systems perverted and manipulated to serve narrow interests; those in power refuse to let go of it.  Both these political phenomena can be seen as ‘structures of sin’ – the false hope offered by populists, and the resulting frustration of people’s shattered dreams for a better future caused by oppressive and unaccountable regimes.
Against this background, it is interesting to see how the late Pope Francis describes the original Jubilee Year as observed in the time of Moses. Writing in the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Pope Francis said it was “a moment of grace, offering freedom to those imprisoned by sin, resignation, and despair.” And even now, he continues, so many centuries later, “in the face of life’s uncertainties, people long to overcome mistrust, scepticism, and despair.”
There is no doubt that, all over the world, people are imprisoned by the political sins of populism and dictatorship; hence, they are often inclined to give in to resignation and despair. Meanwhile, as the Pope said, there is a still a longing to overcome these evils and to prevent mistrust and scepticism to triumph.

In some places we see politics and political systems perverted and manipulated to serve narrow interests. 123rf

How can the 2025 Jubilee Year inspire us in this regard? Two thoughts come to mind. Firstly, to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ in the political world implies making hope materialise. Hope is not handed to us on a silver platter; as Pope Francis put it in the Bull announcing the Jubilee, we must “encourage and sustain” hope as part of our Christian journey. This means finding ways to overcome resignation and despair, refusing to accept that corruption and self-advancement are inevitable in politics, and demanding honesty and accountability from people in public life.

A group of people with placards in the city at night. “ We must demand honesty and accountability from people in public life.123rf

Secondly, Christians, as ‘people of hope’, must avoid succumbing to cynicism and negativity. This does not imply being naïve or starry-eyed about politics – there are many problematic people and policies out there, causing great harm and unhappiness, making it difficult to avoid disillusionment. But politicians and political parties are not ‘all the same’. Some individual politicians are more honest and more diligent than others; some policies are more likely to bring about prosperity and safeguard dignity than others; some political strategies are more constructive and well-considered than others.
To fold our arms and dismiss the world of politics as beyond salvation is to give up hope. Let us use our intelligence, our critical thinking, and the social values our faith gives us, to find the good in our politics and politicians, and then do what we can to support them. In that way, we will become ‘pilgrims of hope’ in our societies during this Jubilee Year and beyond. (Open Photo: Shutterstock/irfan6354ali

Mike Pothier
Programme Manager, South Africa Bishops Conference,
Parliamentary Liason Office

The Arctic: becoming increasingly strategic.

Access to Arctic shipping routes is not only a commercial opportunity, but also a matter of strategic security. For countries such as Russia, China and the United States, controlling these routes would give them a significant economic and geopolitical advantage. The importance
of Greenland.

Greenland, a remote island located beyond the Arctic Circle, is increasingly becoming a global geopolitical focus. This is partly due to global warming, which is accelerating the melting of ice and unlocking vast natural resources that were previously inaccessible. These include strategic materials such as rare earth rare metals, gas and oil, which are essential for the development of new technologies in key sectors, including digital and renewable energy.
The warming of the ice sheet is also opening up new shipping routes, which could revolutionise international trade, shorten distances and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, Greenland is also vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
“Polar amplification” is causing temperatures in the Arctic region to increase at twice the rate of the global average, with serious impacts on local living conditions. Greenland’s indigenous communities are facing changes to their habitat, with potentially devastating economic, social and environmental consequences.

Oil platform in the Arctic Ocean. Shutterstock/vitstudio

Despite its difficult geography, with 80% of its surface covered by ice, Greenland is slowly turning into a key player in international geopolitical dynamics. In this context, Donald Trump’s statements about “buying” Greenland, an offer that almost seems like a provocation, are examples of a growing interest in natural resources and Arctic trade routes.
Although Denmark has maintained sovereignty over the island, the growing attention of the United States and other powers such as China reveals how strategic this land at the edge of the world has become. Greenland is facing a geopolitical dilemma: preserving its autonomy while being drawn into a web of global economic and military interests.
New Arctic trade routes are emerging as one of the most dynamic aspects of the current geopolitical transformation. Two major passages are becoming increasingly viable: the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which runs along the northern coast of Russia, and the Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, passing between Greenland and Canada. With global warming, these once ice-blocked routes are becoming viable for much of the year, significantly reducing travel times and distances between continents.

The Arctic city of Ilulissat, Greenland. 123rf

Access to Arctic routes is not only a commercial opportunity but a matter of strategic security. For countries such as Russia, China and the United States, control of these routes represents a crucial economic and geopolitical advantage. China, for example, has taken decisive action to expand its influence in the Arctic region, using the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote the Polar Silk Road, a trade route that directly connects China with Europe and North America through the Arctic. China has also conducted scientific exploration and icebreaking expeditions, seeking to establish its presence in this strategic area.
At the same time, the United States, through NATO, is concerned about the expansion of Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic, fearing that these powers could threaten the security of sea lanes vital to global trade. This growing interest in the Arctic has led to a militarisation of the region, with military exercises and the construction of military bases in all Arctic countries, a clear sign that the Arctic has become a new battleground between superpowers.

icebergs in Atlantic Ocean in western Greenland. 123rf

Greenland is a paradigmatic example of how global geopolitics is evolving in the context of climate change and new trade dynamics. Despite having gained increasing autonomy from Denmark since 2008, Greenland is faced with internal and external challenges. The March 2025 general election saw a surge in support for the Demokrats party, which declared itself in favour of greater independence from Copenhagen, while maintaining ties with the United States and NATO.
Although 85% of Greenland’s population does not want annexation by the United States, the island’s strategic location, rich in resources and with an increasing importance in the Arctic shipping lanes, makes it a target for the great powers. The United States, for its part, could be tempted to push for greater involvement, perhaps using as a pretext any threats to NATO’s security. On the other hand, China, despite not having a direct interest in terms of sovereignty, continues to look for ways to invest economically and acquire natural resources, as evidenced by recent initiatives in the mining sector.
In this scenario, the balance between local independence and international pressure becomes one of the greatest challenges for Greenland. While there is a desire to assert its own sovereignty, global powers are increasingly ready to intervene in this strategic area. The prospects for Greenland are therefore complex, and its choice to navigate between the desire for independence and global geopolitical needs will be fundamental in determining its future role in the new world order. (Open Photo: Arctic iceberg in Greenland. 123rf)

Riccardo Renzi/CgP

Herbs & Plants. Microglossa pyrifolia. A Botanical Treasure of Traditional Healing Across Africa.

A versatile plant renowned for its medicinal properties has been traditionally utilized across Africa for centuries.

Microglossa pyrifolia, commonly known as the shrubby and climbing plant, exhibits distinctive characteristics. Its stem is adorned with a delicate covering of fine glandular pubescence, adding to its aesthetic allure and tactile appeal. The leaves, alternately arranged along the stem, are notable for their simplicity, their short petiolate nature, and oval-shaped morphology.
A striking feature of this plant is its inflorescence, which takes the form of a branched panicle composed of yellowish-white capitulums clustered densely in corymb-shaped groups. These capitulums, arranged in such a manner, contribute to the plant’s overall visual impact and attract pollinators with their vibrant hues.

The plant is revered for its efficacy in treating headaches and colds.CC BY-SA 4.0/Thomas Le Bourgeois

Moreover, the basal bracts of the involucre persist, providing structural support and protection to the developing reproductive organs. Microglossa pyrifolia thrives in various habitats, including forest edges, open forests, wetlands, and plantations, with a particular affinity for agroforestry systems.
Microglossa pyrifolia, a versatile plant renowned for its medicinal properties, has been traditionally utilized across Africa for centuries. This erect or scandent shrub, reaching heights of up to 5 meters, thrives in diverse habitats, including forest edges, river forests, grasslands, bushlands, and wastelands.
Local communities have long relied on Microglossa pyrifolia for treating a myriad of ailments, showcasing its remarkable therapeutic versatility. Notably, it was historically employed for the treatment of snakebites, with efficacy noted against various venomous species, except for the puff adder bites. The plant’s efficacy in this regard highlights its significance in traditional medicine practices, offering potential relief and protection against life-threatening situations.

Its roots’ juice is used as eye drops, showing it can treat conditions like cataracts. CC BY-SA 4.0/Thomas Le Bourgeois

Indigenous peoples have ingeniously harnessed the healing potential of Microglossa pyrifolia across diverse cultures and regions. In some communities, the above-ground parts and roots of the plant Indigofera spicata are combined for the treatment of meningitis, showcasing synergistic medicinal applications within local herbal traditions. Additionally, the leaves of Microglossa pyrifolia have been employed for addressing hard swellings on the skin and for managing jaundice and herpes outbreaks.
Moreover, Microglossa pyrifolia features prominently in the treatment of malaria-related symptoms, reflecting its integral role in combating one of the most prevalent and debilitating tropical diseases. The decoction of its roots serves as a remedy for stomach aches, offering relief from gastrointestinal discomfort through traditional herbal preparations.
In some communities, the plant is utilized for enemas to alleviate fever in infants, showcasing its application in pediatric care within indigenous healthcare systems. Similarly, in Liberia, the plant is esteemed as a remedy for coughs, demonstrating its efficacy in managing
respiratory ailments.

Microglossa pyrifolia is a testament to the rich tradition of herbal medicine. CC BY-SA 4.0/Thomas Le Bourgeois

In Tanzania, the plant is revered for its efficacy in treating headaches and colds, offering symptomatic relief to individuals suffering from common afflictions. Moreover, in West Africa, the powdered root of Microglossa pyrifolia is utilized as snuff to alleviate cold symptoms, highlighting its diverse modalities of administration and cultural significance.
The therapeutic potential of Microglossa pyrifolia extends beyond internal ailments to encompass external afflictions as well. In West Tropical Africa, the juice extracted from its roots is applied as eye drops, suggesting its efficacy in addressing ocular conditions such as cataracts. Additionally, the warmed leaves of the plant are applied topically to treat ringworm of the scalp, showcasing its dermatological applications.
Furthermore, Microglossa pyrifolia is valued for its ability to induce sweating, aiding in the management of fevers and associated symptoms. Its tea-like infusion serves as a remedy for fever accompanied by headaches, offering a natural approach to fever management within traditional healing paradigms.In childbirth, the decoction of Microglossa pyrifolia is administered to women in labor, potentially facilitating childbirth and easing labor pains through its medicinal properties. Moreover, in Tanzania, the decoction of its roots and root bark is utilized for managing epilepsy, highlighting its application in neurological disorders within indigenous healthcare systems.

The leaves of Microglossa pyrifolia are used to treat parasitic infections. CC BY-SA 4.0/Thomas Le Bourgeois

In Rwanda, Microglossa pyrifolia finds utility in addressing conditions such as coughs, elephantiasis, and wounds, reflecting its widespread acceptance and efficacy across diverse health concerns. Additionally, in Ethiopia, the plant is utilized for treating mastitis, showcasing its relevance in addressing lactational issues among livestock.
The Bench people, in particular, combine the leaves and roots of Microglossa pyrifolia with Indigofera spicata for the treatment of meningitis, further emphasizing its collaborative therapeutic potential within indigenous healing practices.
In Kenya, pounded roots of Microglossa pyrifolia are employed for alleviating colds and headaches, while infusions of its leaves are utilized for malaria management. Moreover, pounded leaves are utilized for treating limb fractures, underscoring the plant’s orthopedic applications within traditional medicine.
Across Cameroon, the softened leaves of Microglossa pyrifolia are consumed as a vermifuge, offering a natural approach to parasitic infections. Similarly, in Ghana, the plant is esteemed for its efficacy in treating dermal infections and wounds, providing relief and promoting healing in cases of cutaneous ailments.
From snakebite remedies to treatments for malaria, coughs, and wounds, its multifaceted therapeutic utility underscores its significance in indigenous healthcare systems. As communities continue to cherish and harness its healing potential, Microglossa pyrifolia remains a testament to the rich tradition of herbal medicine and the enduring wisdom of nature. (Open Photo: Microglossa pyrifolia, a versatile plant renowned for its medicinal properties. CC BY-SA 4.0/Hsiengan Huang)

 Richard Komakech

 

Youth. Between dreams and reality.

Three young Africans talk about their lives, and,
above all, their dreams.

Ghana. Francisca. “Resilience and loyalty”
My name is Francisca Appiah and I am a nurse. I was born in a small village in the Asante region of Ghana called Nkwankwaa, surrounded by vast fields and the sound of crickets at night. The main occupation of the population is agriculture.

Growing up in a close-knit family, I learned the values of hard work and the importance of personal relationships. My parents, despite not being rich, made sure we had everything we needed, often sacrificing their comfort. I have vivid memories of my mother teaching me how to prepare food in our outdoor kitchen, while my father worked long hours as a miner in Tarkwa.

As a child, I often helped my family by selling vegetables, fish and other products from home. I was aware of their difficulties, so I was happy to contribute, especially knowing how hard my parents worked to raise me and my four siblings.

As I entered adolescence, I had to face internal struggles, often torn between the desire to fit in and the desire to maintain my authenticity. My awkwardness and shyness made it difficult for me to make friends, resulting in a lot of loneliness, despite the presence of classmates and family. However, during this time, I learned to persevere and found solace in studying and activities such as reading and drawing.

I remained determined to pursue my dreams. When I finished junior secondary school in 2015, I had the opportunity to live with my teacher in Kumasi. She believed in my potential. Moving from a quiet village to a bustling city was both exciting and overwhelming in terms of navigating the new environment. Soon after, I was transferred to the Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi to study Home Science for three years.

Overcoming the challenges of my new environment, I discovered my passion for helping others, which led me to pursue a diploma in nursing at St Patrick’s School of Nursing and Midwifery Training in
Offinso-Maase.

However, after completing my training and mandatory national service in February 2023, I encountered a stumbling block: the government has yet to approve my promotion. This process can take three to four years. To support myself during this time, I became a mobile money agent (MoMo) and work long hours to cover my basic needs.

Although the business has its challenges, especially in terms of security, my resilience and the knowledge I gained during my training as a nurse have helped me build a successful business. Now, many girls in Nkwankwaa and my neighbourhood in Sunyani look to me
for inspiration and advice.

Reflecting on my journey, I realise that resilience, adaptability and staying true to myself have been my greatest strengths. I look forward to being deployed as a registered nurse and continuing my training to contribute effectively to Ghana’s healthcare system. I also dream of reaching out to young girls, especially in rural areas, to help and motivate them to deal with the complexities of life. In doing so, I will take advantage of what I have learned along the way.

Congo. Glody. “The Passion for Images”.
My name is Glody Molinga and I am a young entrepreneur in the audiovisual content production sector. I was born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on April 17, 2002. I studied Communication and Information Technology at the Leadership University Academy of Kinshasa.

Since I was a child, I have had a passion for images and storytelling, which led me, after completing my studies, to embark on an adventure that involves transforming ideas and inspirations into audiovisual stories, such as documentaries and cinema. Through my projects, I try to capture authentic stories that reflect the richness and challenges
present in my country.

My goal is to capture emotions, freeze moments and use cinema as a tool for inspiration. My desire is to contribute to the development of the audiovisual sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering opportunities to young people who, like me, dream of telling their own stories. My country is beautiful, but also suffering. The war that has raged for three decades must not silence our voice. That is why I am making short films that denounce this reality and support the cause of young Congolese.

My story in this field began in 2017, when I was only 15 years old. The inspiration of my older brother, Plits, was fundamental. He encouraged me to dedicate myself to the production of short films. I started editing videos, creating content with my mobile phone, until I had the opportunity to enter a photography studio. From there, Collectif Bomoko was born, a project that I founded with a group of friends with the aim of covering major events and consolidating my professional career.

In this process, the support of Kingchrist Film in production activities was fundamental, because it gave me the opportunity, for the first time, to participate in a professional project with Fally Ipupa and Red Voyce. Later, the arrival of a manager, Dieumerci Gada, opened the door to new opportunities, allowing me to work with famous artists and become
well known.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several companies in my country, such as Village Chez Ntemba, SB Group, Joga and Go-Fashion. I have also worked with great artists such as Werrason, Pastor Moïse Mbiye and Koffi Olomide in various projects and concerts. All these events have enriched my experience in the audiovisual world.

However, the challenges are many: the lack of funding, the difficulty of accessing good equipment and the scarcity of opportunities for young people. Despite the difficulties, I continue to move forward with passion, perseverance and a very committed team that is part of Mol Prod.

To young people who want to follow this path, I would like to say that if you have a passion, you have to fight for it. It will not be easy, but everything is possible with hard work, patience and determination. I know what it means to go against the grain. My father dreamed of seeing me become a doctor, but he understood, after seeing my dedication and my efforts, that my vocation is cinema.

Sudan. Butros. “Words for a wounded people”
My name is Butros Nicola Bazia. I believe in the alchemy of words, in the way stories can transform pain into hope, silence into dialogue, and memory into a compass for the future. This inner voice has guided me since adolescence, when I was already fascinated by the idea of contributing something worthwhile.

I firmly believed that I would get somewhere as long as I tried to find my way. Inspired by the motto of Khartoum Comboni College, “Always More; Always Better,” and the sense of common good that lies behind it, I began my journey as a podcast creator in 2022 in Khartoum, Sudan.

Through one of them, “Young Black Voice,” I gave space to young Afro-African and Afro-Arab Sudanese to express themselves on topics such as freedom, culture, revolutionary art, or telling the stories of black Sudanese women who have suffered from breast cancer. When war stole my headlines, I dedicated myself to writing.

Today, as a columnist and blogger, I write not only to document the struggles, but to reimagine South Sudan, a youth-led story of courage, culture and change, and I actively contribute to the reconstruction of the country by improving digital storytelling and preserving its rich
cultural traditions. I showcase the unique rituals and stories of
Sudanese communities.

Sometimes I found it frustrating that there was not enough information and or stories about the country in the digital world. Therefore, I decided to change the destination of the narratives. By sharing these stories, I promote a sense of pride and belonging, actively changing the discourse about South Sudan.

I believe in the unifying power of storytelling. I believe in the power they have and how they can bring about immense change, because just as the division between Sudan and South Sudan was fuelled by words, unity and positivity can also be fuelled in the same way.

Celebrating cultural diversity is key to building a stronger and more cohesive nation. I use my platform, Autide Me, and my work as a columnist for the BBC’s online magazine 500 Words to raise awareness of the major challenges facing Sudanese society, such as migration, health inequalities and gender inequality. By shining a light on these issues, I aim to spark dialogue and inspire action towards
positive change.

In one of my recent contributions, “The Crisis of Potential”, I highlighted the challenges young people face, especially those that hold them back from realising their potential due to limited access to education, high unemployment and the lasting effects of war, with a particular focus on the specific challenges faced by young women.

Looking to the future, I am passionate about cooperation and innovation. Working with international media outlets such as “The New Humanitarian” has broadened my perspective. My long-term vision is to create a storytelling platform that amplifies cultural narratives and fosters connections between communities.

This platform would serve as a space where South Sudanese voices can be heard, celebrated and preserved, a space where South Sudan is not defined by war, but by the creativity of its people, contributing directly to the building of a rebuilt nation.
(Illustrations: Francis Marin)

 

Rice, the food of the Gods.

A long time ago, on the island of Java, there were no rice plants. The people only grew cassava for their daily food, as rice was reserved for heaven. At that time, rice was considered the food of the gods.

At that time, man was permitted to visit heaven by walking on the clouds. The gods and goddesses often came down to earth to chat with man. One day, a youth went to heaven. He happened to see the gods dining on food that he had not seen on earth. The youth did not know that the food he saw was rice. The fragrant smell of the rice made the youth’s mouth water. How he wished to taste the delicious rice!

He sought a way to get his wish. He went to see Dewi Sri, the Goddess of Rice. He found the courage to beg Dewi Sri to be permitted to stay in heaven and to learn to grow rice. He said, “Dewi Sri, Goddess of Rice. I beg to be permitted to stay for a while in heaven. Please allow me to help plant, harvest, and pound your rice. Even if I get only a handful of rice, I want to help. I want to taste this rice, even if only a little.”

Dewi Sri, who was wise and kind-hearted, agreed. “Did you know that rice comes from this plant?” She showed him a rice plant. “You may work here and learn to be a farmer and cultivate rice.” How joyful was the youth to get permission to stay in heaven. Dewi Sri taught the youth how to plant rice. First, she taught him how to plough the rice field with a kind of tool to turn over the soil. It was called waluku. Then she taught him how to soften the soil with a harrow called a garu.

After the soil was softened, the youth learned how to irrigate, raise seedlings, plant, and harvest. When the rice plant ripened, the goddess showed him how to cut the stalk using a small palm-held reaping knife called an ani-ani.

Dewi Sri also taught the youth how to pound the rice in a rice mortar called lesung. When all of this work was done, the youth was at last allowed to taste a small handful of the rice. It was delicious! Just as he had imagined it would be.

The youth stayed on in heaven and learned rice farming well. He also enjoyed delicious rice many times. But after several years of hard work as a farmer in heaven, the youth decided to go back home to earth. He longed for his family, relatives, and neighbours.

“How happy they would be if the people on Java Island could enjoy this delicious rice,” he thought. “By eating rice, the people could become as healthy and strong as the gods.”

The youth approached Dewi Sri and asked permission to go down to earth to visit his family and friends, whom he had not seen in such a long time. Dewi Sri agreed. But very early in the morning, without the gods’ knowledge, the youth took several ripe rice stalks. He carried them with him to earth.

Arriving on earth, the youth planted the rice grains just the way he had learned in heaven. The rice grew rapidly. He worked hard and his plants developed well. As soon as he had a harvest, he gave rice seeds to all of his neighbours and showed them how to plant and care for the rice.

Eventually, all places on Java Island were covered with rice plants. When the rice was ripening for harvest, a golden yellow colour covered the entire land of Java Island.

One day, the gods came to visit Earth. How startled they were to see golden rice plants stretching in all directions. They hurried back to heaven and reported to Dewi Sri. The gods were furious. Rice was permitted only in heaven. Dewi Sri descended to earth. She knew this must be because of the youth who had helped grow rice in heaven. He must have stolen the rice seeds when he left heaven.

She soon met that youth. At first, Dewi Sri was angry, “Young man, why did you betray my trust? You should not have stolen rice. This is the food of the gods.” “Forgive me, Dewi Sri,” said the youth. “I did take rice seeds back from heaven without asking permission first. I did not do this for my own interest, Dewi Sri. I brought this rice back for the benefit of all the people on Java Island. These people had only cassava to eat. I took pity on my fellow men and shared with them the rice seeds so that they also could taste delicious rice. I know I have angered you, Dewi Sri. I am willing to accept punishment for what I have done.”

Dewi Sri’s anger subsided. The kind-hearted youth had intended to do something sincere and noble because he thought of other people. “I forgive you,” replied Dewi Sri. “But you should always ask permission first and not take things by stealing. As punishment for this, I will never allow another human to come to heaven, the place where the gods live.” “However, – she continued – You will be allowed to cultivate this rice. But take notice that this rice plant is like my child. Take good care of it just as I have taught you.”

Dewi Sri gave clear instructions. “Irrigate the rice field regularly. Weed the wild plants around the rice plants. Fertilize the soil. Harvest carefully with the ani-ani knife, so that you do not waste any grains or damage them. Let the birds also enjoy a bit of the delicious rice. Don’t kill them, because the birds are the beloved animals of the gods. If you don’t pay attention to my orders, I will send natural calamities to destroy your work.” That was Dewi Sri’s advice.

Before Dewi Sri flew back to heaven, she spoke once more. “To make the rice plants grow best, follow nature’s rules. Plant the rice at the right time. I will give a sign from heaven by dropping jasmine flowers from my hair bun. These flowers will become waluku stars (Orion). This is the sign that the season for planting has come.” (Open Photo: 123rf)

Folktale from Indonesia

Jubilee Year. Discovering Life on the Camino.

Pilgrimage has long been part of the Jubilee experience, and the Jubilee 2025 has the eloquent motto “Pilgrims of Hope”.  The Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela is one of the most famous in the world. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Among the many pilgrimage routes that crisscross the globe, the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, holds a special place. Winding through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Spain to the revered shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Camino is more than just a path for devout Christians. It has become a meeting ground for people of all faiths, as well as those who don’t adhere to any particular religion. This remarkable diversity raises a fascinating question: What is it about the Camino that draws so many different people to its trails?

Group of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Photo: 123rf

For Christians, pilgrimage has always been about more than just reaching a physical destination. It’s a journey that mirrors the inner spiritual journey – a path to come closer to God, to seek forgiveness, or to offer thanks. This tradition can be traced back to the earliest days of Christianity, with pilgrims travelling to sites associated with the life of Jesus Christ. The Camino de Santiago, established in the 9th century after the discovery of St. James’ tomb, quickly became one of Christendom’s most important pilgrimage routes. During the medieval period, walking the Camino was seen as a way to atone for sins, and the journey itself was imbued with deep spiritual significance.
Walking the Camino is often described by pilgrims as a profound spiritual experience. The journey is punctuated by rituals such as receiving the Compostela – a certificate that recognizes the pilgrim’s effort after completing at least 100 kilometres on foot or 200 kilometres by bicycle. This recognition serves not just as a physical token of the journey but as a symbol of the spiritual renewal that many pilgrims experience along the way.

Walking becomes a kind of therapy, offering a chance to reflect, to heal, and to grow. Pixabay

Interestingly, the Camino de Santiago has a universal appeal that extends far beyond the Christian community. In recent years, there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of pilgrims who come from diverse religious backgrounds, or who don’t identify with any religion at all. This surge can be partly attributed to a growing desire for personal growth, adventure, and a break from the relentless pace of daily life. The Camino provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with oneself on a deeper level.
For many non-religious pilgrims, the Camino is less about a religious journey and more about seeking answers to life’s big questions. It’s a place where people can explore their purpose, reflect on their lives, and find peace in the simplicity of walking.
The historical and cultural richness of the Camino also plays a significant role in attracting these pilgrims. The route is often seen as a living museum, offering a tangible connection to centuries of European history and culture. The idea of pilgrimage is evolving in today’s world. It’s no longer confined to those seeking religious salvation; it’s also about personal exploration and healing. Many modern pilgrims approach the Camino as a form of meditation, a time to step away from their hectic lives and reconnect with their inner selves.

The Camino de Santiago has become a meeting ground for people of all faiths. 123rf

Walking becomes a kind of therapy, offering a chance to reflect, to heal, and to grow. The act of walking–slow, deliberate, and unhurried–provides a stark contrast to the speed of modern life, allowing for a deeper connection with nature and oneself.
This is where the Camino’s real power lies: in its ability to meet each pilgrim where they are, offering something unique to everyone who walks its paths. Whether it’s the physical challenge, the solitude, or the community of fellow pilgrims, the Camino offers a space for reflection and transformation. It’s a journey where each step becomes a metaphor for the challenges and triumphs of life.
The Camino de Santiago is not just a modern phenomenon; it’s a path steeped in history, stretching back over a thousand years. Its origins are tied to the discovery of St. James’ relics in the early 9th century, which sparked the creation of a sanctuary in his honour.
During the Middle Ages, the Camino became one of the most significant pilgrimage routes in Europe, attracting pilgrims from all over the continent. These medieval pilgrims faced numerous challenges, from the threat of bandits to harsh weather, but these difficulties were often seen as part of the spiritual journey, a test of faith and endurance.

The Scallop Shell is used as a symbol of direction along the Camino, pointing pilgrims towards Santiago. Photo: 123rf

However, the popularity of the Camino waned during the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment, periods when pilgrimage was viewed with suspicion or indifference. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the Camino experienced a revival, driven by a renewed interest in spirituality, cultural heritage, and tourism.
One of the remarkable aspects of the Camino is the variety of routes available, each offering a unique experience. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most well-known paths:
Camino Frances (The French Way): The most famous and widely travelled route, the Camino Frances begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and stretches across approximately 800 kilometres of stunning landscapes, including the Pyrenees, rolling plains, and vibrant Spanish cities like Pamplona, Burgos, and León. This route is beloved not just for its historical significance but also for its accessibility and the strong sense of community among pilgrims.
Camino Portugues (The Portuguese Way): Starting in Lisbon, this route takes pilgrims through some of Portugal’s most beautiful and historic cities, including Porto, before crossing into Spain at Tui. The Camino Portugues offers a mix of coastal and inland scenery and is known for being less crowded than the Camino Frances, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter journey.
Camino Portugues Coastal Way: This variant of the Portuguese Way follows the stunning Atlantic coastline from Porto, offering pilgrims breathtaking ocean views and the chance to walk along sandy beaches and seaside boardwalks. It’s a route that appeals to those who love the sea and want a relatively flat and scenic journey.

Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims in the Plaza del Obradoiro. Photo: 123rf

Camino del Norte (The Northern Way): Also known as the Ruta de la Costa, this route traces the northern coast of Spain, beginning in Irun and passing through vibrant cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao. It’s a route favoured by those who enjoy coastal scenery and don’t mind the physical challenge of hilly terrain.
Camino Primitivo (The Original Way): The oldest of the pilgrimage routes, the Camino Primitivo begins in Oviedo and is known for its challenging mountainous terrain. It’s a less-traveled path ideal for those seeking solitude, stunning natural beauty, and a deep sense of connection to the Camino’s ancient roots.
Camino Ingles (The English Way): This route starts in the port towns of Ferrol or A Coruña and was historically used by English, Irish, and Scandinavian pilgrims. It’s a shorter route but rich in history and offers beautiful coastal and rural scenery as it winds its way to Santiago.
The Camino de Santiago is a journey that touches the soul. Whether walking for religious reasons, personal growth, or simply the joy of being outdoors, the Camino has a way of leaving a lasting impression on all who undertake it.
It’s a place where the past and present meet, where different cultures and beliefs intersect, and where each pilgrim’s journey becomes part of a larger tapestry of human experience. In a world that often feels disconnected, the Camino offers a reminder of the power of simplicity, the importance of reflection, and the beauty of walking a path that has been travelled by so many before us. (Open Photo: Pixabay)

Marlon Bobier Vargas

Carlos Mallo Molina: a new generation of environmental stewards.

He helped lead a sophisticated, global campaign to prevent the construction of Fonsalía Port, a massive recreational boat and ferry terminal that threatened a biodiverse 170,000-acre marine protected area in the Canary Islands, Spain.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory in the Atlantic Ocean. Its southwestern waters are home to one of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity in Spain and its territories, including a 170,000-acre marine protected area (Zona Especial de Conservación Teno-Rasca) – Spain’s most important.

The area hosts a dazzling array of marine life, including 21 cetacean species, endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles, blue sharks, and giant squid, among other species.

Six million tourists visit Tenerife annually, drawn to the island’s lush marine environment, ideal for scuba diving and whale-watching. The island’s southwest coast is recognized by the World Cetacean Alliance as a whale heritage site – one of only five in the world – due to a unique resident population of more than 350 tropical pilot whales.

Yet, despite its ecological treasures, Tenerife’s marine environment has been under siege for decades, suffering from unsustainable development and mass tourism. Over half of its vital seagrass meadows have vanished, fish populations have plummeted, and its marine species face increasing threats from pollution and overfishing.

In 1999, the Spanish government proposed to build Fonsalía Port on the western side of Tenerife – in the middle of the marine protected area – for a sprawling ferry terminal and recreational marina. First, the government had to construct a highway – completed in 2016 – that would connect the island’s communities to the proposed port.

In 2015, the government announced its plans: the 15-acre port would cost US$203 million and have capacity for 470 recreational boats and berthing for five large passenger ferries.

In 2010, the construction of the Granadilla Port in eastern Tenerife had harmed marine species and damaged the ecosystem; large beds of endangered seagrass were destroyed. A port at Fonsalía would have devastating consequences for marine life, including habitat destruction, noise pollution, and vessel traffic through the whale heritage site. Environmentalists predicted hundreds of vessel strikes on whales and other marine species.

Carlos Mallo Molina, 36, was an accomplished civil engineer – specializing in port construction – who made a life-altering decision to switch careers and become a marine conservationist when he discovered the threat posed by the Fonsalía Port to the marine life of the Canary Islands. He was born in Galicia on the Spanish mainland and moved to Tenerife in 2012 after college.

Initially, he worked as a project manager on major construction projects, gradually learning about conservation and falling more and more in love with the waters of Tenerife – his “happiest place in the world.”

In 2015, while leading parts of the design and construction team for Tenerife’s new highway, Carlos discovered the local government’s plans for the Fonsalía Port, which would be located adjacent to the island’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem. An avid scuba diver, he began to map the underwater area where the port would be built and came to understand how it would devastate the marine ecosystem.

In 2018, deeply concerned about the environmental impact of the port, Carlos took the huge step of leaving his well-established engineering job and founded Innoceana to oppose the port and protect the Canary Islands’ marine ecosystem. Going against his own colleagues – and trying to persuade them to abandon the port project – was a major transition in his life and career.

With colleagues at Innoceana, Carlos created a baseline database on local marine species populations, their habitats, and the status of the ecosystem’s health. Drawing on his engineering knowledge, he wrote technical reports demonstrating the problems with Fonsalía Port and outlining alternatives to meet transportation demand, such as reinforcing an existing port.

Carlos engaged the Spanish media to cover the campaign against the port, drawing broad public attention to the issue. Under his leadership, Innoceana staff designed an interactive educational digital platform, called Innotales, to raise awareness about the wonders of Tenerife’s marine life, including a children’s book about a sea turtle searching for seagrass in the Canary Islands. He also facilitated the creation of a virtual scuba dive into the marine areas that would be damaged by the port, enabling people to see Tenerife’s underwater marine life and better understand the need for protecting it.

Working tirelessly with the Salvar Fonsalía Citizen Platform, uniting local residents, divers, and international organizations, Carlos helped collect more than 420,000 signatures on a citizen petition opposing the construction of Fonsalía Port. Government officials had no choice but to acknowledge the outdated and inadequate environmental impact assessment for the proposed port, which clearly threatened marine life.

In October 2021, facing enormous public pressure from Carlos and the coalition, the Canary Islands government decided overwhelmingly to abandon the construction of Fonsalía Port – a significant victory for the environmental movement in the Canary Islands. Thanks to Carlos’ leadership, the campaign safeguarded the 170,000-acre Teno-Rasca marine protected area—the only whale heritage site in European territorial waters, hosting 21 species of cetaceans and habitat for endangered green and loggerhead sea turtles.

Carlos’ fight didn’t end with stopping Fonsalía Port. Determined to ensure that the site would remain a haven for marine life, he spearheaded, with Innoceana, the development of the Canary Islands’ first marine conservation and education centre, located at the heart of the proposed port site.

The new centre will feature innovative educational programs, including an ocean classroom to help the community fall in love with the ocean. Securing more than $2 million in funding from the European Union, Carlos is transforming a once-threatened area into a global hub for marine conservation. And, by fostering connections between people and the ocean, he is nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards.

Last April, Carlos Mallo Molina received the Goldman Environmental Prize, known as the “Green Nobel Prize.” (The Goldman Environmental Report – Photo Goldman Environmental Prize)

Ethiopia. The coffee ceremony.

In the African country where coffee originated, women perform a magical ritual. The preparation of the popular drink resembles a religious liturgy marked by solemn gestures that have been passed down for centuries with the smoke of incense, prayers to the spirits and prophecies of the future.

In Ethiopia, the homeland of coffee, each family roasts its own beans, pounds them in a mortar and offers the drink to guests following a solemn ritual, with a strong symbolism of hospitality, friendship and respect.The preparation of Ethiopian coffee (called bunna by the local population) is long and evocative, an integral part of daily life and common to all social classes. A woman, usually the lady of the house, is in charge of officiating and the ritual.
Guests are welcomed into a room, where they are invited to sit in a circle. A carpet of freshly cut grass stems or sprigs of rue is laid out on the floor, giving off a pleasant scent. A small table serves as a support for the traditional cups without handles.

Preparing Ethiopian coffee is long and evocative, an integral part of daily life.Shutterstock/vivver

The mistress of ceremonies lights the incense, whose bittersweet vapours purify the air in the room and accentuate the sacredness of the moment. The woman roasts the beans, shaking them in a hollow bowl to toast them just the right amount, then shows them to the guests so that the aroma of the coffee spreads throughout the room.
The powder obtained by grinding the beans in a wooden mortar is poured into the jabana, the traditional coffee pot, filled with boiling water: it is a round clay jug with a potbelly at the base and a long neck that ends in a thin spout.

An Ethiopian woman pours Ethiopian coffee from a traditional coffee pot into small cups. Shutterstock/Stewart Innes

When the coffee boils, a little is poured into a cup to cool it, and then it is put back into the coffee pot. At this point, the coffee is ready to be offered to the guests. It is served by slowly turning the coffee pot upside down so that the powder remains deposited on the bottom. Sometimes a filter made of horsehair or other material is used.
The hostess pours the hot coffee, serving the guests with small cups with no handles, without stopping until each cup is full. She then adds sugar and, often, a sprig of rue. The taste is full-bodied, intense and not bitter. The ceremony is accompanied by songs and prayers. A small cup is poured in honour of the spirits.

The coffee ceremony is an important part of the Ethiopian culture. Shutterstock/hecke61

The mistress of ceremonies blesses the coffee and the women raise their palms upwards as if in prayer. Tradition dictates that three cups be offered. The first (called abol or awel in Tigrinya), already sweetened, is served to the eldest person, then the other two (tona and baraka) are served, obtained by adding water to the jabana from time to time. The three coffees are served with corn, wheat or toasted barley. The preparation of the popular drink is shrouded in an aura of mysticism and magic. At the end of the ceremony – in many ways similar to a religious liturgy – the officiant shows off his clairvoyant skills and interprets the signs of destiny in the dregs of the cups. (Open Photo: A Young woman in traditional clothing is preparing a coffee ceremony. Shutterstock.com/Rudi Ernst)

Claudia Nuzzo/Africa

Pier Giorgio Frassati. A man of the eight beatitudes.

He will be canonised with Carlo Acutis on 7 September. A joyful character and lover of nature, Pier Giorgio renounced his privileged position to dedicate his life to the poor. He inspired thousands of youths, relatable in his humble lifestyle yet blessed with an extraordinary personality.

Born into a well-off family in April 1901. His father, Alfredo, owned the famous Italian newspaper La Stampa, served in the Italian Senate, and was Italian ambassador to Germany. His mother, Adelaide, was an artist whose works were sought after by Italian royalty.
One can imagine that such a child, with only one sibling (a sister born in August 1902), could have grown to be a spoilt brat. Instead, he was generous with all that he had. He gave the very shoes off his feet to a woman begging with her barefoot child and persuaded his mother to care for a drunk man who turned up on the Frassati doorstep.

He was “just one of the boys.” Archive

And lest we imagine that this was all due to a pious ethos in the household, the story goes that his father, an atheist, had turned that drunk man away. A Catholic influence saw him receive his first Holy Communion in 1911. Young Frassati seems to have been a bit of a class joker, which led to him failing his exams.
He was then sent to a Jesuit school for private tuition. Perhaps this Jesuit influence shaped what he would become in his teens and early twenties. His track record is one that most teenage boys and young men will never achieve; yet while we read his inspirational words and note his close following of the Beatitudes (St John Paul II called him “The Man of the Eight Beatitudes”), there is an overriding impression that he exuded the notion that he was
“just one of the boys.”

Choices of life.
The choices he made in his life have the power to “awaken us from our lethargy”. Firstly, there was his spiritual life. If we remember that his father was an avowed atheist, it is most likely that he was sent to the Jesuit school simply to get better exam results. But he was open to all that Catholicism had to offer and joined the Marian Sodality and the Apostleship of Prayer. At a time when it was rarely permitted, he impressed the clerical hierarchy sufficiently to allow him to receive daily Communion. The fact that as a teenager, he sought this is evidence enough of the depth of his faith. Nor was he reticent about sharing that faith with his friends.

Pier Giorgio Frassati (C) with friends. Archive

When he was 17, he joined the St Vincent de Paul Society and his free time was spent serving the sick and those in need, caring for orphans, and for returning World War I soldiers. He studied to become a mining engineer at the Royal Polytechnic University of Turin. He was not following in either Dad’s or Mum’s footsteps, but he confided in a friend that he could “serve Christ better among the miners”. He joined the Catholic Student Foundation, but to participate in political activism, he also became a member of a group called Catholic Action. This was after all the young man who had said, “Charity is not enough; we need reform.” And to underpin all of that, he became active in the People’s Party which promoted the Catholic social teaching that followed Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum.

Care for the poor.
He gave of his cash, and he gave of himself. The family owned a holiday home at Pollone in the countryside near Turin. Pier Giorgio didn’t join the family, he devoted himself instead to caring for the marginalised, the poor, the sick. Of the summer exodus from the city, he said, “If everybody leaves Turin, who will take care of the poor?” However, he did have his hiding place from the city. Pier Giorgio was a skilled mountaineer, swimmer and athlete. He climbed mountains such as the Grand Tournalin (3,379 metres or 11,086 feet) and Monte Viso, which is the 10th highest mountain in the Alpine range, and invited friends along on what seemed to occasionally become spiritual retreats. But, as regards “normality”, he also enjoyed the theatre and films that met the standards of his moral code.On June 30, 1925, Frassati experienced a severe headache, back pains and a fever after his boat trip with friends on the River Po. He kept these symptoms to himself because his grandmother had died that day, and he didn’t want to add to his mother’s emotional burden. It wasn’t until July 2 that a doctor had to be summoned because he could not get up. Paralysed by polio, he died on July 4, having given his final instructions to his sister and receiving the Last Rites. As he breathed his last breath in his mother’s arms, he said, “May I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.”

The funeral of Pier Giorgio Frassati. Archive

Thousands of people lined the streets when his funeral cortege passed on its way to the Frassati family mausoleum in Pollone. These were the people who soon began to petition for this young man to become a saint. By 1932, the Church had decided to begin the process of canonisation, and by 1938 there was agreement on all fronts that Pier Giorgio Frassati had met all the appropriate criteria, including a miracle occurring after his death.
Frassati was proclaimed Venerable on 23 October 1987, when Pope John Paul II issued a decree confirming that he had lived a Christian life of “heroic virtue”, a concept required for beatification.  By that time, his remains had been removed from the family vault and placed in the Turin Cathedral. When they were inspected, they were found to be incorrupt.  He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 20 May 1990.

A joyous ‘normal’ youngster.
One hundred years after his death and as we approach his canonisation, today’s young people are on record saying that he inspires them because he was just like them; that “saints” aren’t usually as “normal” as Pier Giorgio. Perhaps we read too much into what other saints may have been like: if Gen Z and Gen Alpha had been contemporaries of St Francis, for example, they may have found him inspirational in his normality as well as in his extraordinariness. So perhaps we need to look more deeply into Pier Giorgio’s extraordinariness—and rest assured, he was indeed extraordinary. So extraordinary that two Popes have noted what an inspiration he is for young people.

Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis will be canonised together in St Peter’s Square, Rome, on 7 September 2025. Archive

The late Pope Francis placed him among the twelve exemplary saints for all young people in his apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit, including him among those “who devoted their lives to Christ… precious reflections of the young Christ.” He added “their radiant witness encourages us and awakens us from our lethargy” (CV 49). Pope Francis also echoed St John Paul II when he said that Frassati “was a young man filled with a joy that swept everything along with it, a joy that overcame many difficulties in his life (CV 60).
In a decree on Nov. 25, 2024 Pope Francis recognized the miraculous healing of a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles — who was ordained a priest in June 2023.  He will be canonised with Carlo Acutis on 7 September 2025.

 Marian Pallister

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Is North Korea Strengthening Its Military Alliance with Russia?

North Korea’s growing military ties with Russia reflect a strategic pivot to gain resources, technology, and relevance in a shifting global order.

In June 2024, North Korea and Russia signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking their most significant military cooperation agreement since the 1961 Mutual Assistance Treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union.

Article 4 of the new treaty stipulates that if either party is subjected to an armed attack, the other will “immediately provide military and other assistance using all available means,” invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter and the domestic laws of both states.

This provision laid the groundwork for North Korea’s subsequent decision to send nearly 12,000 troops to Ukraine, framing it as a response to Ukraine’s strike on the Russian city of Kursk following the military escalation triggered by Russia.

On June 17, 2025, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang and met with Kim Jong Un. The visit resulted in an agreement to dispatch an additional 1,000 North Korean engineering troops and 5,000 military construction personnel to support reconstruction efforts in Kursk. These actions suggest a level of strategic alignment and military cooperation between North Korea and Russia that is deeper and more enduring than previously assumed.

This closer alignment cannot be understood in isolation from North Korea’s shifting foreign policy trajectory following the collapse of the 2019 Hanoi summit with the United States. The failed negotiations, in which North Korea was ready to commit to dismantle parts of its Yongbyon nuclear facility in exchange for the partial lifting of sanctions (which were imposed on the civilian sector in 2017), left Pyongyang politically vulnerable.

The abrupt end to the talks without any tangible outcome not only discredited Kim Jong Un’s diplomatic gamble but also dashed any immediate hopes of economic recovery through engagement with Washington. This made his political position vulnerable. However, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un and deputy director of the Publicity and Information Department, said that the US should first abandon its hostile policy towards North Korea for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to be possible. This suggests that North Korea was willing to engage in further negotiations with the US until at least 2020.

In the aftermath, North Korea moved decisively away from its previous diplomatic posture. In 2022, it enacted a nuclear policy law that legalized the use of nuclear weapons under certain conditions. On 31 December, 2023, North Korea redefined its traditional ethnic-based approach to inter-Korean relations—once framed around future unification—as a hostile and adversarial relationship, effectively embracing a two-state framework that recognizes North and South Korea as permanently separate and sovereign states. It also amended its constitution to formalize the “hostile two-state theory,” signaling a full break from its longstanding policy of national reunification. These internal shifts coincided with North Korea’s perception of the changing international balance of power.

North Korea understands the world order as no longer unipolar and led by a US hegemon, but as a multipolar world. North Korea increasingly frames the current geopolitical moment as a “new Cold War,” one shaped by US-led policies to consolidate a trilateral alliance with South Korea and Japan against China, Russia and North Korea.

The 2023 Camp David summit among the three allies (South Korea-US-Japan), which introduced measures such as the Nuclear Consultative Group, further reinforced this perception. Against this backdrop, North Korea’s turn toward Russia mirrors earlier historical patterns—most notably, the 1961 alliance with the Soviet Union, which was also a response to perceived threats posed by the tightening US-Japan security alliance, the introduction of nuclear weapons into South Korea (and Japan) by the US, and the emergence of a military regime in South Korea.

Beyond geopolitical signaling, the military partnership with Russia is also motivated by more pragmatic considerations. With avenues for economic engagement severely limited by sanctions, North Korea seems to see the deployment of military troops to Russia as a rare opportunity
to earn foreign currency.

According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, Russian mercenaries typically receive around $2,000 per month, plus enlistment bonuses. If North Korea were to maintain an annual deployment of 10,000 personnel, it could generate approximately $260 million in foreign currency — an appealing prospect for a heavily
sanctioned regime.

This is a good opportunity for North Korea to earn money from Russia, as it lost the chance to open its market and trade with the rest of the world following the failure of the Hanoi summit meeting. Also, trade with China has declined. For example, North Korean exports to China in 2016 were $2.6 billion, but decreased to 0.2 billion in 2018 and only 50 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Military utility is another factor. North Korea’s armed forces have not engaged in live combat since the Korean War. Deployment to the Russia-Ukraine frontline provides soldiers with exposure to modern warfare tactics, including drone operations and electronic warfare—experiences that would be difficult to replicate and obtain domestically.

Most significantly, the military manpower deployment could be in exchange for acquiring nuclear technology from Russia. North Korea has already conducted six nuclear tests over the years and is now aiming to advance further its nuclear technology. In particular, Russian support is essential for the refinement and advancement of nuclear technology, including fuel solidification, lightweighting, simplification of transportation methods, ICBM redevelopment technology, and nuclear-powered submarines.

This evolving partnership is also unfolding amidst political change in South Korea. The impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol conducted a hostile and aggressive policy towards North Korea based on so so-called “global pivot state” strategy, whose foundations were the promotion of the democratic values mediated by South Korea and its tightening alliance with the US and Japan. However, the newly elected President Lee Jae-myung has adopted a more pragmatic diplomatic approach. His administration has already halted cross-border loudspeaker broadcasts across the DMZ, and North Korea has also ceased broadcasting messages to the South.

This could mark the beginning of a process to re-adopt a military agreement similar to the one signed on 19 September 2018 by the South and North. At the same time, the Lee government has expressed an interest in improving relations with North Korea, China and Russia, while maintaining strong cooperation with the United States and Japan. This suggests that Seoul may be seeking to ease regional tensions without compromising its broader strategic alliances.

North Korea’s growing entente with Russia thus reflects a complex interplay of strategic necessity, domestic legitimacy, and technological ambition. In a moment of renewed great-power rivalry and reconfigured global alliances, Pyongyang is repositioning itself not as an isolated outlier, but as an active player in an emerging multipolar order. For policymakers in Seoul, Washington, and beyond, this alignment poses new challenges that demand careful recalibration of deterrence, engagement, and a regional security strategy. (Open Photo: The flags of Russia and North Korea on a khaki military-style background.123rf)

Hee Kyoung Chang
University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
ISPI

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