Interview
A losing battle: Sudan’s elusive peace deal
- The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are on the verge of capturing al-Fasher within the coming days and weeks, a timeline that has extended beyond initial analyst predictions.
- While negotiations remain distant, the RSF's top negotiator El-Zadeen al-Safi has proposed a settlement beginning with a ceasefire, frozen battle lines, and a demilitarized buffer zone potentially enforced by African peacekeepers.
- Proposed terms for a national dialogue would exclude former ruling party members and Islamists, though uncertainty persists regarding the RSF's genuine intent and the acceptability of such a deal to foreign backers like the United Arab Emirates.
- The regular army appears disinclined to negotiate seriously, citing military momentum and a previous goal of total national control, though internal dissent suggests some factions may be willing to concede Darfur.
- The RSF maintains a firm stance against a divided Sudan, yet the group faces significant obstacles to gaining trust from the international community and Sudanese civilians in the near term.
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro aims to run for re-election in 2026 despite legal experts and supporters acknowledging his imprisonment is likely inevitable, with supporters hoping he will remain a dominant political figure regardless of incarceration.
- Bolsonaro's campaign strategy includes potential support from Donald Trump and Elon Musk to influence the political landscape, although skepticism exists regarding their ability to sway Brazilian authorities or Alexandre de Moraes.
- Chinese food and beverage chains are expanding into international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, to offset declining domestic profits while benefiting from government support regarding exports and training.
- Expansion efforts by Chinese chains are projected to encounter greater challenges in North America and the UK compared to their success in Southeast Asia due to cultural differences and market conditions.