The Tunisian Elections (2014)

It was 2014 when Tunisia declared its first truly free and fair election. President Zine El Abidine  Ben Ali had been removed from office due what would be know as the Arab Spring uprisings that swept across North Africa and the Middle East. This video from five years ago reports on the polls by Euronews. Beji Caid Essebsi became Tunisia's next president, but his association with the former administration drew criticism. He served as parliament speaker under the Ben Ali administration and some feared that the authoritarian tendencies would reemerge. Like most North African countries the new political transitions did not bring about more freedoms or improved living standards. Moncef Marzouk of the Congress of the Republic party ran against him claiming human rights would be under threat. Beji Caid Essebsi 's rule was not long when he passed  away at the age of 92 in 2019. The concern about electing older leaders is that their health may effect their capacity to govern. Sudden deaths could put the country in turmoil and peaceful transitions may not be possible. The Nidaa Tounes party has to figure out its political vision without their leader. Tunisia faces a bigger challenge of being next to two countries Libya and Algeria which are also dealing with political crisis and insurrection. Essebi's legacy is already being mythologized for the sake of make it seem as if the 2011 revolution promoted progress. It is too early to make such a proclamation, however the next administration will have to confront security and economic problems. 

The World Health Organization Declares Ebola outbreak in the DRC an International Emergency

The World Health Organization has declared that ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached crisis levels. There were cases  of ebola in 2018, yet these matters were ignored. The DRC has struggled with armed rebellion and civil wars through its history, but now it faces a public health challenge. The ebola outbreaks in 2014 caused global concern and this new outbreak should not be considered any less of a threat. There comes a horrible realization with global pandemics. The developing nations are more at risk compared to developed countries. Healthcare  and proper medical facilities are a requirement to combat pandemics in the present and future. The WHO must develop a consistent plan of action to prevent major crisis. One goal for the UN should be to see the establishment of functional healthcare systems and contribute to the construction of more hospitals. The ebola virus could become as dangerous as AIDS when it was first identified. Unchecked public health will rapidly deteriorate. Many people may no seek healthcare simply because they do not have the financial means to do so. Other times there is a urban and rural divide between in terms of quality of care. Rural areas globally have limited options in terms of hospitals or medical clinics. The DRC alone does not have the resources to deal with an ebola outbreak combined with other social and political issues. It is important that the African Union become involved in the promotion of stable healthcare systems and the prevention of pandemics. As the DRC deals with this crisis it is also important that the public not panic. Doing so only creates more disorder or possible long term unrest.  

Facebook Will Launch a New Cryptocurrency

Facebook has become a social media phenomenon. It continues to define the standard of internet communication, with other imitators following. Now the company wants to get involved in cryptocurrency. From a point of business this makes logical sense. Getting involved in digital currency early may secure more profits and higher value for Facebook in the future. Facebook has given a name to its proposed cryptocurrency known as the libra. There are concerns about it development. Facebook has done a poor job at protecting user data. Privacy may not be guaranteed to users of the social media network. Facebook also found itself  answering questions about fake accounts connected to Russia attempting to influence elections in the United States. The spread of false information has also become a concern with a public that has limited media literacy. The fear about the use of the libra is that may enable massive financial fraud. When digital assets are traded it is done under a strong system of cryptography and firewall protection to ensure security. Facebook has difficulty or lacks the ability to protect user data, which makes the exchange of libra a risk. Other detractors have a concern that is not about Facebook in particular, rather they want to preserve private central banking. Beside the few nations that have national banks, cryptocurrency make to a serious threat. At the moment a large portion of the public is not doing financial exchanges in cryptocurrency. It may take some time before this type of money becomes available to most of the global population.    

Carrie Lam Declares the Extradition Bill Is Terminated and Protests Continue.

Carrie Lam stated "the bill is dead" while protests continue with no end in sight. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong faces a political crisis, which may become an wider problem for the People's Republic of China. The extradition bill would have seen residents of Hong Kong tried in mainland China. The fear is that a person would not get a fair trial for a certain criminal offense. Some believe that the law was designed to target dissidents who were either against Beijing or the Chief Executive. The sudden change in law and policy has created friction even outside of China. Boris Johnson who seeks to become Prime Minister in the UK has made comments in support of  the protests. This was followed by swift condemnation from China. Ever since Xi Jingping became core leader, his presidency has sought unity through crackdowns and a limited toleration for protests. Instances of police brutality forced Carrie Lam to make an apology for poor conduct. Gradually calls for her resignation became louder, but there is a fear that she could be replaced by someone more stern in approach. The former British colony was transferred to China in 1997. Ever since, there have been cases of civil disobedience. The current protests seem different with participants demanding more. Escalation could lead to serious violence, but Beijing may not be will to use force against Hong Kong. The memories of Tiananmen Square still remain with some government officials. Although China has proclaimed this is domestic affairs matter and no nation has the right to interfere, drastic action could change global public opinion. The situation is a delicate balancing act between the people of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, Xi Jingping, and the question of the law.   

West African Nations Adopt New Currency The Eco

It was agreed upon nations of West Africa in ECOWAS that a single currency be adopted by 2020. The Economic Community of West Africa States wants to strengthen economic and political ties among its members. This can be very positive news with Africans developing solutions rather than seeking advice form the International Monetary Fund or World Bank. Some may question what would currency do in the long term plan of development. It may make transactions easier with a single currency and may also encourage more collaboration among the 15 member states. If this can be successful then, it may serve as an experiment for not just a regional currency, but a currency for the entire African continent. It would make no sense for East Africa, Southern Africa, Central Africa, and North Africa to have single region based currencies. The African Union must consider in the future of having one currency for the entire continent. The challenge is development, employment, and a common political consensus among African nations. The eco  does have a level of risk, but at the same time it means West African nations will not be so economically dependent on France. Much of the success of the eco will depend on the policies of both Nigeria and Niger. President Mahamadou Issoufou  has succeeded  the office of Chairmen of ECOWAS form President Muhammadu Buhari. So far, he has not made any official policy statements about the monetary policy related to the eco.