Conflict Resolution
How has sexual violence been systematically used as a weapon during the prolonged conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Sexual violence has been deliberately weaponized throughout decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with armed groups systematically targeting thousands of women and girls. This isn't an isolated phenomenon but rather a calculated tactic used by various combatants to terrorize communities and assert control over territories. The situation in Goma exemplifies this brutal reality, where survivors like Sabina courageously share their experiences despite living in an environment dominated by fear and distrust. With nearly 3,000 casualties from recent battles and limited access to medical care, the systematic nature of these attacks reveals how sexual violence serves as both a weapon of war and a tool for psychological warfare. The testimonies of survivors highlight not only the immediate trauma but also the long-term societal impact, demonstrating the urgent need for justice, healing, and international intervention to address this humanitarian crisis.
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Al Jazeera English
01:46 - 02:01
What are Donald Trump's current diplomatic initiatives regarding the Ukraine conflict?
Donald Trump has outlined a multi-faceted diplomatic approach to addressing the Ukraine conflict through several high-level meetings. His delegation is scheduled to meet with President Zelensky in Munich on Friday, demonstrating continued engagement with Ukrainian leadership despite Trump not holding official office. Additionally, Trump has revealed plans for a significant meeting in Saudi Arabia involving all sides of the conflict. While he indicated this high-level diplomatic gathering will occur in the very near future, Trump himself will not be attending, suggesting he's facilitating negotiations while maintaining some distance from direct participation. These initiatives reflect Trump's strategy of leveraging international partnerships and neutral venues to potentially broker peace discussions between the warring parties.
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Al Jazeera English
02:15 - 02:36
What are the living conditions and humanitarian challenges faced by families in Gaza following the conflict?
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with families returning to find their neighborhoods completely destroyed and unrecognizable. Basic necessities like food, clean water, and medical care are severely limited, forcing people into desperate living situations where they must set up tents in cemeteries simply to have shelter. Healthcare workers like Onewa and Jonasif are operating emergency clinics to address surging health complaints, including significant psychological trauma among the population. As winter approaches, the situation becomes even more dire with inadequate humanitarian aid from international organizations, creating a grave threat to an already suffering population. The destruction is so complete that families have no choice but to create makeshift living arrangements in the most unimaginable places, highlighting the urgent need for sustained international support and intervention to address this ongoing humanitarian disaster.
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Al Jazeera English
01:45 - 02:08
What are Ukraine's concerns about being excluded from peace negotiations regarding the ongoing war with Russia?
Ukraine faces significant concerns about being sidelined in peace discussions, particularly following recent diplomatic developments. President Zelensky has emphasized that "nothing can be done about Ukraine without Ukraine," highlighting the country's insistence on being central to any negotiations about its future. The situation has become more complex with reports of direct communication between Trump and Putin occurring before consultations with Kyiv, creating troubling optics for Ukrainian leadership. This sequence of events, combined with Washington's apparent acceptance that Russia "won't be going anywhere," represents what Ukraine perceives as a potential body blow to their negotiating position. These developments underscore Ukraine's fear of having peace terms dictated without meaningful Ukrainian input, despite being the primary victim of Russian aggression.
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BBC News
04:32 - 05:42
What are the diplomatic tensions surrounding President Trump's peace negotiations with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict?
President Trump's direct diplomatic discussions with Russian President Putin regarding a Ukraine peace deal have created significant tensions with Western allies. This approach has opened what's described as a "diplomatic chasm" between the U.S. and its traditional partners, who appear skeptical of bypassing established diplomatic channels. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has explicitly warned world leaders against trusting Putin's peacekeeping intentions, highlighting the deep mistrust between Ukraine and Russia. The situation is further complicated by ongoing military actions, including reported drone strikes damaging Chernobyl's radiation shelter. These diplomatic efforts occur amid broader concerns about Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations and territorial integrity, creating a complex geopolitical landscape where traditional alliances are being tested by differing approaches to conflict resolution.
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BBC News
00:46 - 01:01
What is the current status of potential diplomatic negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict as it approaches its third anniversary?
As the Ukraine conflict nears its third anniversary, there are emerging signs of potential diplomatic engagement. President Trump has suggested that Russian representatives could meet in Munich, coinciding with a major security conference being held there. This development offers a glimmer of hope for those affected by the prolonged war who are desperately seeking an end to the conflict. However, the path to negotiations remains complex and uncertain. Ukraine has expressed caution about trusting Russia, tempering any optimism about immediate diplomatic breakthroughs. The ongoing tensions are further complicated by recent Russian drone strikes on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, raising serious concerns about radiation safety, though Ukrainian President Zelensky has assured that radiation levels remain stable.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)
BBC News
02:48 - 03:03