The plight of civilians trapped between the opposing forces of the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tigers is causing increasing concern in the international community.
There are calls for camps housing people fleeing fighting in northern Sri Lanka to to be run by civilians and not the military.
Despite civilians being kept in a ‘no fire zone’, it has been reported that between 120,000 and 350,000 civilians are caught in the conflict zone. The Internatioanl Red Cross says at least 300 civilains have been killed so far.
Social Affairs Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir, a member of Iceland’s Social Democratic Alliance, was named Iceland’s new Prime Minister on Sunday. Joining the Sigurdardottir government will be joined by new Finance Minister Steingrimur Sigfusson, leader of coalition partner the Left-Green Party. Ms. Sigurdardottir, a former airline hostess and union organizer, also becomes the world’s first openly lesbian leader. Her tenure is likely to be short. Iceland heads to the polls on April 25th to determine the future of this North Atlantic country of 300,000 that has been severely impacted by the world financial crisis.
The State of Africa
The governance landscape of Africa is in transition with important democratic elections taking place across the continent.
What political and economic actions are required to shape the future of Africa in a challenging global economic environment?
Kofi Annan, Secretary-General, United Nations (1997-2006); Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum; Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2009
Luisa Dias Diogo, Prime Minister of Mozambique
Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda
Kgalema Motlanthe, President of South Africa
Raila Amolo Odinga, Prime Minister of Kenya
Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal
Chaired by Niall FitzGerald, Deputy Chairman, Thomson Reuters, United Kingdom; Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum.