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Botswana’s long-standing ruling party, which has held power for nearly sixty years, is attempting to rebrand itself in the upcoming general election by adopting a phrase that’s typically associated with the opposition: “change.” In its manifesto, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) calls for citizens to “change together and build prosperity for all.” President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who has been in office since 2018, emphasizes in his introduction the need for a new approach.

Yet, analysts are cautious, noting that the BDP’s ability to enact real change is under scrutiny, especially from the opposition, which argues the party is ill-equipped for such a shift. Historically, the BDP has enjoyed substantial electoral success, having secured a strong parliamentary majority in each of the 11 elections since Botswana gained independence in 1966.

Despite this legacy, Botswana faces significant economic challenges that Masisi’s call for change aims to address. The World Bank reports that over 25% of the working population is unemployed, a figure that is even higher among the youth. Professor Zibani Maundeni from the University of Botswana labels it a “jobless economy,” highlighting the disconnect between the education system, which produces numerous graduates annually, and the labor market, which fails to provide adequate job opportunities.

Moreover, wealth distribution remains a pressing issue, with Botswana ranked among the world’s most unequal countries according to the Gini index. The diamond industry, long a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy, is under pressure as global demand declines.

Nonetheless, during a recent campaign rally in opposition territory, President Masisi showcased his confidence by arriving in a locally assembled electric vehicle. His entertaining demeanor and humor energized the crowd as he embraced supporters dressed in party colors. The area, which previously elected three opposition MPs in 2019, has a complex political history, including the fallout between Masisi and former President Ian Khama, who accused the government of attempting to poison him after he left the BDP to form a new party.

At the rally, Masisi appealed to voters, saying, “I am sorry, please come back home and also call others over.” Some attendees, like hair salon owner Thandiwe Potso, expressed optimism about Masisi’s leadership. She stated, “Masisi truly understands our challenges and brought better programs to fund our businesses.” Another supporter, Kabelo Selemo, echoed this sentiment, crediting Masisi’s policies for boosting local agriculture.

However, a recent opinion poll by Afrobarometer indicates that many citizens have a negative view of the government, citing corruption and a lack of trust in Masisi’s administration. Kagelelo Banks Kentse, a BDP spokesperson, countered the poll’s findings, insisting that past elections have underestimated the party’s support. He acknowledged the high unemployment rate but noted it’s a common issue across the continent, emphasizing the BDP’s commitment to creating 300,000 new jobs.

Dumelang Saleshando, leader of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), criticized the BDP for merely mimicking the ideas of others. His party’s campaign slogan, “Save Botswana,” aims to unite the public against the ruling party, which he believes can no longer claim to be a catalyst for change.

In the meantime, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which has garnered significant support, is also active in the campaign. Its leader, Duma Boko, has raised concerns about potential election rigging and stressed the importance of vigilance among voters.

While the BDP grapples with its challenges, divisions within the opposition may play to its advantage. The first-past-the-post electoral system allows the ruling party to win seats with just a plurality of votes, potentially splitting the opposition’s support among various parties.

Political analyst Lesole Machacha points out that the BDP is facing its own internal issues, with some politicians running as independents due to dissatisfaction with the primary process. As the election approaches, it remains unclear whether the BDP can convince enough voters that it is capable of leading the necessary changes that Botswana requires.

According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany on October 21, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for industrial products in Germany decreased by 1.4% year-on-year and 0.5% month-on-month in September.

A representative from the Federal Statistical Office highlighted that the primary reason for this decline in the PPI during the month was the drop in energy prices, specifically in September 2024. Meanwhile, the prices for capital goods, consumer goods, and intermediate products have seen an increase.

The data revealed that energy prices fell by 6.6% year-on-year in September, with oil product prices experiencing the most significant decrease at 14.4%. In contrast, the prices for intermediate products rose by 0.5%. Capital goods and consumer goods experienced year-on-year increases of 2.0% and 1.5%, respectively.

Furthermore, when excluding the impact of energy prices, the PPI actually showed a year-on-year increase of 1.2% in September, although it fell by 0.1% compared to the previous month.

The Producer Price Index is often seen as a leading indicator for changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). German media report that while the decline in energy prices has eased some pressures in various industries, the rising costs of capital goods are overshadowing hopes for a sustainable economic recovery. It remains to be seen whether the downward trend in energy prices will continue, or if other price factors, especially those related to consumer goods, will contribute to additional price pressures.

From October 22 to 24, the 16th BRICS Summit convened in Kazan, Russia, marking the first gathering since the group’s expansion, which has attracted considerable attention globally. Zukiswa Robogi, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, shared her insights in an interview, highlighting that the BRICS cooperation mechanism brings tangible benefits to countries in the Global South.

Robogi noted that the BRICS mechanism has made significant strides in recent years, with China playing a pivotal leadership role. “China is dedicated to fostering cooperation among BRICS nations and has been instrumental in initiatives such as the establishment of the New Development Bank,” she stated.

According to her, the BRICS platform has facilitated easier access to financing for emerging economies, creating improved opportunities for trade, investment, and development. “The New Development Bank is crucial in financing important infrastructure projects for countries in the Global South, helping them tackle pressing development challenges. These nations are not only gaining much-needed funding but can also maintain greater independence on their developmental paths,” she added.

The New Development Bank, headquartered in Shanghai, was established in 2014 by BRICS member countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—as a multilateral development bank aimed at supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS nations and other emerging market economies and developing countries. Recently, in 2021, the bank announced acceptance of new members including Bangladesh, the UAE, Uruguay, and Egypt.

Since its inception, the New Development Bank has invested nearly $35 billion across various sectors, such as clean energy, transportation infrastructure, water resources and sanitation, and digital infrastructure, positively impacting global economic governance.

Robogi emphasized that the commitment of BRICS countries to multilateralism and enhancing global economic governance aligns with the interests of emerging economies. “This stance resonates with the desire of these countries for greater representation in international decision-making processes,” she explained.

Additionally, she pointed out that BRICS represents the rising force of multipolarity globally and is appealing to nations looking to reduce dependence on Western powers and seek diversified diplomatic relationships.

Furthermore, Robogi highlighted the BRICS focus on collaboration in technology, energy, and climate change as valuable for countries striving for sustainable growth while addressing global challenges. “In this context, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become an increasingly important platform for countries in the Global South,” she noted.

“For example, through the support of the BRICS cooperation framework, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has significantly advanced infrastructure development in Africa,” she said. “This partnership not only boosts economic growth in Africa but also reduces dependency on Western aid and investment, allowing African nations to negotiate on more equitable terms and promoting South-South cooperation.”

She concluded by stating that BRICS countries are bringing tangible benefits to the Global South by promoting unity, enhancing representation in global governance, and fostering a more just and sustainable development pathway.

Conscientious objectors refused to take part in military campaign against Indonesian independence in 1940s
Senay Boztas in AmsterdamMon 14 Oct 2024 00.00 EDTShareFamilies of 20 men who were jailed for refusing to fight to preserve the former Dutch colony in Indonesia have formally asked for their names to be cleared, arguing that instead of “deserters, traitors and cowards” their relatives deserve to be recognised as having been on the right side of history.
An official investigation into the period when Dutch colonies asserted their independence after the second world war found a failed military campaign in Indonesia had systematically used “excessive violence” and massacred hundreds of innocent villagers, whose families eventually won compensation.
The former prime minister Mark Rutte apologised in 2022, and his government agreed that if conscientious objectors who were punished for their refusal to do military service definitely knew about the extreme violence, their reputations could be restored.
Now the relatives of 20 men known as Indonesië-weigeraars (“Indonesia-refusers”) have called on the current rightwing government to clear their fathers’ names. “We want the verdicts cancelled because our fathers are still registered as deserters, traitors and cowards,” said Nel Bak, 68, from Middenbeemster.
She and her 95-year-old mother have asked for a pardon for her father, Jan de Wit, who was imprisoned for three years alongside Dutch second world war fascists. “My father came from a communist background and respected the call for [Indonesian] independence. He thought we’d no business there,” Bak said.
The Dutch government conscripted 120,000 men to “defeat the Republic of Indonesia – which had declared independence on 17 August 1945 – at any cost”, according to the official investigation. “The Netherlands fought a hopeless war that became increasingly violent … The Dutch armed forces used extreme violence on a frequent and structural basis …in close consultation with and under the responsibility of the Dutch government.”
Eelco van der Waals, 68, from The Hague, received an apology for the “harsh” imprisonment of his pacifist father, Koos van der Waals, from the former defence minister Kajsa Ollongren in June. But he said full rehabilitation would bring important historical lessons.
“After the Japanese had been defeated in east Asia, the Americans and the British took over command,” he said. “But especially Dutch companies could not accept the loss of their interests. The Dutch government chose the wrong side … That is why it is so important to choose rehabilitation more than only [apologies].”
Peter Hartog, 70, from Rotterdam, said he also wanted rehabilitation for his father, Rienus Hartog, who realised he could not bring himself to kill when ordered to stab a straw man during training.
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View image in fullscreenRienus Hartog, one of the conscientious objectors. Photograph: courtesy of Peter Hartog“My father always stood up for his choices, and he deserves his place in history,” Hartog said.
Jurjen Pen, a lawyer campaigning on behalf of the conscientious objectors, said it was unfair to ask relatives to prove the men had known about excessive violence, given the limited communication and decades of official denial. “All of the sentences should be wiped,” he said. “They did this in Germany [for people who refused to fight for the Nazis].”
Pen said there were three forms of rehabilitation under Dutch law: an apology for a person’s improper treatment, the restoration of their good name, and a complete pardon that erases the entire verdict. He argued that the latter was most suitable for the Indonesië-weigeraars.
“The Netherlands has a lot to be ashamed of, in retrospect, and that’s why no amnesty comes,” he said. “It is a step that says we were completely wrong … and, actually, we were.”
But Klaas Meijer, a spokesperson for the Dutch ministry of defence, said such a move could have an impact on the Netherlands’ ability to withstand 21st century threats.
“The [last] cabinet said [the men] can only be rehabilitated if it can be shown that they knew about the extreme violence … with a reason. We still have national service, although the obligation to turn up has been suspended. If the threat from Russia became so big that war broke out … you pull the rug out from under national service.”

On October 23, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed a tragic incident at a facility of Turkish Aerospace Industries located in the Kahramankazan district of Ankara. In his statement, he noted that the site was targeted in a terrorist attack, which unfortunately resulted in casualties.

According to reports, an explosion occurred at the entrance of the factory complex, followed by gunfire. For safety reasons, personnel on-site were directed to nearby shelters.

As the situation unfolded, security forces, firefighters, and medical teams were dispatched to the scene to respond to the emergency.

On October 25, the Public Security Bureau of Tongzhou District in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, issued a statement via their official WeChat account regarding a serious incident. The police report noted that at approximately 9:35 PM on October 24, they received an emergency call from a member of the public reporting that someone had been stabbed outside a café on Chaoxia Road.

Upon investigation, authorities identified the suspect as a 23-year-old male, Kang, who was involved in a verbal dispute with another man, 32-year-old Cao. The altercation escalated, leading Kang to stab Cao. Following the attack, Kang fled the scene in a vehicle, crashing into the café’s glass door and several parked motorcycles nearby. He was subsequently apprehended by the police during his escape.

Tragically, despite medical efforts, Cao succumbed to his injuries. Fortunately, no other individuals were reported injured at the scene. The case is currently under further investigation.

On October 27, a significant academic conference titled the “China Miao Opera Translation and International Communication Symposium and the 2024 Annual Meeting of the China Miao Opera Research Society” was held in Beijing. This event drew experts and scholars from various universities, research institutions, libraries, publishers, and social organizations across regions including Beijing, Shanxi, Sichuan, Tibet, Hong Kong, and Osaka, Japan.

The conference was co-hosted by the China Miao Opera Research Society and Beijing Foreign Studies University. During the opening session, the president of the society, Li Zhiyuan, reflected on the organization’s journey over the past 36 years, highlighting key academic activities and significant achievements. He pointed out that more than 30 types of Miao opera have been recognized as part of the national intangible cultural heritage, underscoring the undeniable importance of Miao opera as a vital component of China’s excellent traditional culture.

Following the opening ceremony, the “Miao Garden Elegance—Exhibition of Miao Opera Mask Art and Mask-Making Workshop” was inaugurated. The masks on display were primarily provided by Mr. Qin Fazhong, the director of the Anshun Miao Sculpture Cultural Museum and a council member of the China Miao Opera Research Society. He explained the criteria used for selecting the exhibited masks and shared insights into their meanings, craftsmanship, and the stories behind them.

The mask exhibition will remain open until early November. Additionally, a collaborative cultural performance by the Chizhou Miao Art Troupe from Anhui and the Beijing Foreign Studies University Art Troupe took place in the East Campus auditorium, which included interactive activities like a mask-carving workshop.

This year’s academic conference featured two keynote speeches and six sub-forums, where attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on various topics such as the innovative development and cross-cultural studies of Chinese Miao opera, the regional and diversity studies of Miao culture, historical and theoretical research on Miao culture, and the new media dissemination of Miao opera. Notably, three sessions were dedicated to young scholars, providing them with a platform for academic exchange and collaboration aimed at contributing their youthful insights and energy to the preservation, development, and promotion of Miao opera.

In total, the conference received 73 submitted papers, including 38 for the young scholar forum, with 83 scholars presenting their research and insights. An expert committee was formed to select the top ten papers for the inaugural “China Miao Opera Research Young Scholar Forum.”

Enzo Maresca recently shared his thoughts on Reece James’ leadership during his recovery from injury. Reflecting on last Sunday’s match at Anfield, where James made his first appearance of the season in a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool, Maresca expressed that he “expected more” from the Chelsea captain, especially in the leadership department.

When discussing James’ role while sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Maresca emphasized the importance of a captain’s presence, saying, “Most of the time when they are captain, they think that because they are captain they have more, ‘because I am the captain, I expect that you give me more’. For me, because you are the captain you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest.” He added that a captain should not feel entitled to give less just because of their title.

Although James put in a decent performance upon his return, it was clear that Maresca expected him to elevate his leadership qualities. “I expected from him, and his teammates expected from him, to give always more in terms of leadership in general,” Maresca noted.

While James missed Chelsea’s recent Conference League victory over Panathinaikos as he works on regaining his fitness, he is anticipated to play against Newcastle this Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Maresca took this opportunity to stress that the need for leadership isn’t confined to James alone. “He [James] is a reserved guy, but not only him,” he remarked. “I think we don’t have a proper leader. We don’t have those guys. Probably Tosin [Adarabioyo] is one of the guys that is. So the rest we need to build them.”

(Spiritmuse)Sat between jazz, ambient and devotional music, the California artist evokes a pastoral wonderland – but disrupts it with surprising, volatile bursts of sound
John LewisFri 11 Oct 2024 04.00 EDTShareWhen Surya Botofasina was growing up on an ashram in California, he had no idea that his mentor, a woman he knew as Swamini Turiyasangitananda, was also known by millions around the world as Alice Coltrane. As a teenager on a visit to Los Angeles, he was astonished to see devoted fans greeting her like a rock star, rhapsodising about how her music had changed their lives. Botofasina now makes devotional music inspired by his late mentor, often working with the likes of Carlos Niño, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Dwight Trible and André 3000, part of a fertile Los Angeles scene that explores the overlapping spaces between jazz, ambient and devotional music.
View image in fullscreenAshram Sun cover artworkMuch of Ashram Sun aspires to the condition of nature, with instruments replicating babbling brooks, birdsong, chirruping insects and the rhythms of the wind. But this is an unpredictable and volatile take on the pastoral. There Will Be Brighter Days starts as a gentle, amniotic throb that slowly mutates into something tempestuous, with Botofasina hollering in tongues while clarinet player Angel Bat Dawid and guitarist Nate Mercereau spray out free improv. Chumash Pradesh Mandir Steps features Randal Fisher’s ecstatic flute over Bofotasina’s rumbling piano accompaniment, while (The Circle) Of Compassion starts as a piece of insistent minimalism that starts to break out of its straitjacket as woozy synth guitars and the torch-song vocals of MidnightRoba kick in.
A lot of meditation music is purposefully dull – it is designed to empty the mind, to instil a trancelike state, to focus thoughts inward. Parts of this album have that effect, creating the consciously torpid environment you might associate with a yoga class. But Botofasina also takes great joy in disrupting the pensive lethargy with rapturous improvisations, blissful drones and glistening, unsettling textures.
Also out this monthFlock is a supergroup of leftfield London musicians, and their second LP, Flock II (Strut), is a curious mashup of noisy improv, messy minimalism, electronic manipulations and Afrobeat rhythms. Intriguing moments come from the forays into ecstatic spiritual jazz and the more introspective, ambient, tabla-dappled tracks. Hawksmoor is the nom du band of Bristolian multi-instrumentalist James McKeown, whose second LP, Oneironautics (Soul Jazz), uses vintage analogue synths to draw from a specific era of 1970s electronica and krautrock, but often strays into pleasingly alien territory. Marysia Osu’s Harp, Beats & Dreams (Brownswood Recordings) is a piece of oddly wonky, disconnected R&B, where Osu’s heavenly harp flourishes are backed by ultra-slow breakbeats and mutilated samples. It’s most effective on the more minimal tracks such as Dream Language or Despite Being in Love, where her solos are drenched in reverb and wreathed in ghostly, highly textured percussion.

In a powerful speech at the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping quoted a profound couplet: “Stay true to the path, but strive with effort halfway; the summit isn’t far, so don’t shy away from hard work.” This couplet, engraved at the Mid-Mountain Pavilion on Mount Heng, resonates deeply, encouraging us to push forward.

The Mid-Mountain Pavilion is strategically located at the halfway point of the climb to the summit, providing hikers a moment to rest and reflect on the wisdom of the couplet, revitalizing their determination to continue upward. Climbing a mountain mirrors the journey of entrepreneurship: though the road may be long, progress will come with effort; while challenges may seem daunting, action leads to success. Party members and officials must maintain steadfast beliefs, embody a spirit of hard work, and strive to be relentless climbers and fighters.

To build resolve, we must commit to our paths. The journey to the summit values adherence to the correct way and understanding. Ultimately, climbing is also a process of “correcting one’s heart” and “gaining insight.” With each ascent and overcoming of obstacles, our perspective broadens, clarity increases, and our steps become more assured.

Since the dawn of the new era, our party has united the people in navigating economic stability, poverty alleviation, pandemic control, and disaster response. Faced with unprecedented changes in a century, we have overcome significant hurdles and achieved seemingly impossible feats, showcasing the powerful truth and practical strength of Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The more we understand, the more determined our actions will be; the more committed we are in action, the clearer our insights will become. As we stride into a new chapter, party members and officials must remain true to their original intentions, following the right path and consciously embodying the party’s innovative theories.

This couplet also inspires us to “strive hard” and “not shy away from labor,” emphasizing the importance of steady progress. It’s crucial to realize that stagnation at the halfway point—becoming complacent or self-satisfied—will prevent us from experiencing the breathtaking views at the summit.

As National Medal and Honor recipients receive the highest accolades from the Party and the people, it’s clear that their remarkable contributions stem from dedication and hard work. Zhao Zhongxian, for instance, remains undeterred by past successes or setbacks in his relentless pursuit of breakthroughs in high-temperature superconductivity. Similarly, Wang Xiaomo recognizes that key core technologies cannot be purchased. With a pledge to innovate, he led his team through years of challenges to successfully develop domestically produced early warning aircraft, achieving nine milestones in the history of global early warning systems. The essence of great achievements is perseverance; every remarkable success originates from tireless effort. “The new journey is a glorious and dream-filled expedition.” Only by cultivating a strong sense of responsibility, unwavering resolve, and genuine skills can party members and officials faithfully implement their dreams step by step.

Today, as we transition from comprehensive reforms to deeper reforms, we face a complex and challenging landscape. However, those who do not seek ease will succeed, and those who do not shy away from difficulties will progress. Party members and officials must remain confident and motivated, tackling challenges with both advocacy for reform and practical implementation. “Our modernization is the most challenging and the greatest.” By continuing to climb with unwavering determination along this bright and just path, we will inevitably reach one summit after another, achieving victory after victory.