Walden Bello and Soren Ambrose write on that its time to take the IMF off life support. “For over 25 years the world has had one answer for countries that find themselves in a financial crisis: take the IMF policy medicine and get on the debt treadmill that comes with IMF and World Bank loans. This path has worked very well – for big corporations in wealthy countries which walk into countries through the doors opened by the IMF’s policies and walk out with massive profits.”

René Préval’s inauguration on 14 May 2006 opens a crucial window of opportunity for Haiti to move beyond political polarisation, crime and economic decline, says the International Crisis Group. "During his first 100 days in office, the new president needs to form a governing partnership with a multi-party parliament, show Haitians some visible progress with international help and build on a rare climate of optimism in the country."

Reporting to the Chief of Party in Rumbek and the IRC Deputy Director-Programs, the Program Coordinator will take responsibility for the implementation of the program in three areas (Bahr-el-Ghazal (Malual Kon), Southern Kordofan (Kauda) and Upper Nile (Leer)).

Mali’s northern desert capital Kidal was back in government hands on Wednesday, a day after Tuareg rebels demanding a better economic deal for the region blitzed a string of barracks. The rebels, who attacked two bases in Kidal and one in Menaka further south, made off with vehicles, arms and munitions.

Congo arrested a group of foreign security guards, including three Americans, on suspicion of plotting a coup ahead of national elections, a government official said Wednesday. But a United Nations official cast doubt on the claim and said the UN was confident the country would remain calm for the country's long-delayed vote, now set for July 30.
* Related Link
Interview with special UN representative