The Debate

Broken peace process? Colombia Indigenous people exposed to increased violence

The Minga Indigena movement converging on Bogota last week to remind the government of its responsibilities in the face of drug dealers, cattle ranchers, and dissident rebel groups that four years after a historic U-N-brokered deal to end civil war still hold sway over vast swathes of the country's remote interior and continue to kill and intimidate with impunity.

Right to blaspheme? Muslim nations launch 'Boycott France' movement

From Morocco to Pakistan, leaders have called out Emmanuel Macron for his defence of the right to blaspheme, with Gulf States even launching a boycott of French products. They say the French president unfairly stigmatised Islam after two recent terror attacks. Macron used blunt words at last week's national tribute for Samuel Paty, the French schoolteacher beheaded over a civics lesson on free speech that included cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The brutal murder followed a social media campaign calling for Paty's sacking, supported by a Paris-area mosque which has since been shut.

Boiling point for Nigeria? Old guard under pressure after #EndSARS bloodbath

How did overwhelmingly peaceful protests against police brutality turn to a bloodbath in Lagos? The anger still palpable in Africa's largest city after the army reportedly opened fire on unarmed demonstrators in the city center. At least 12 killed according to Amnesty International. Why the bloodbath at Lekki toll plaza? What response from Nigeria's old guard in the face of a youth-driven movement that is unmoved by the announcement of the dissolution of the notorious plain clothed SARS police unit? Who are the demonstrators who are transcending traditional political fault lines?

Hero of the Republic: France honours murdered school teacher

His name was Samuel Paty. In the courtyard of the Sorbonne University in the heart of Paris' Latin Quarter, French president Emmanuel Macron to lead a national tribute to the social studies teacher who was beheaded near the gates of his middle school last Friday for teaching a civics class on free speech that included Charlie Hebdo cartoons of the prophet. The attack of five years ago on the satirical newspaper was an assault on the values of free speech. Now it is the Republic itself targeted.

Turning point for Thailand? Pro-democracy movement defies protest ban

A turning point for Thailand? For the seventh day, Pro-democracy activists in Bangkok braving a ban on demonstrating, despite a tightening of the screws on independent media. Why are young people so determined? How does the biggest mass mobilisation since a 2014 coup differ from the past?