The Ankara Agreement, the Wayuu People and AI in Medicine

Outriders Magazine #351

Russia's Influence in Southeast Asia and the Afghan-Pakistan Border Conflict

Russian and Indonesian authorities have engaged in significant talks in Jakarta to bolster their defence and security ties. Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, visited this shortly after Indonesia was officially welcomed as a full-fledged member of the BRICS bloc, comprised of dynamic emerging economies. Shoigu also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen bilateral relations, exploring avenues for collaboration across defence, security, and economic fronts.

On a different note, the prolonged closure of the Torkham border crossing – a vital link on the Afghan-Pakistani border – has caused considerable disruption to trade and the movement of people. Over 5,000 vehicles laden with goods remain stranded at the border as Pakistan shut down the crossing. This critical corridor, also used for transporting goods between Pakistan and Central Asia, became a point of contention due to a dispute over the construction of Afghan border posts along the Durand Line, a boundary that Afghanistan does not formally acknowledge.

In another tense development, Taiwanese authorities have condemned the live-fire exercises conducted by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army near the island’s southwest coast. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has reported a surge in military activity, detecting dozens of aircraft and ships operating in the area, including 34 that intruded into its waters and airspace within the last 24 hours.

The Role of Drones in Protecting Coral Reefs and the Impact of UV Filters on Marine Life

A groundbreaking initiative involving a swarm of underwater drones is set to revitalize marine life around the artificial coral reefs off the coast of Cyprus. This pioneering project employs a fleet of small, autonomous submersibles designed to monitor, protect, and gather invaluable data on these artificial reefs, attracting vibrant marine life to once-lifeless areas. Crafted from an eco-friendly cement mix, the reefs will feature a docking station where Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can recharge and send their collected data ashore, where experts from the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute will meticulously analyze it.

In a remarkable endeavour, the historic SS United States ocean liner is destined to become the world's largest artificial reef as it is sunk into the waters of Florida Bay. Officials in Okaloosa County envision this grand vessel as a standout attraction, drawing divers from all over to explore its depths and generating millions of dollars in tourism revenue each year alongside the county's more than 500 artificial reefs.

Moreover, a recent report published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin underscores the urgent need to scrutinize sunscreens' impact on marine ecosystems. The UV-blocking chemicals in these products are implicated in coral bleaching and deformation and a decline in fish fertility. Alarmingly, it is estimated that between 6,000 and 14,000 tonnes of these harmful substances are unleashed into coral reefs annually, with traces even discovered in the pristine marine environments of Antarctica.

Renewable Energy, Mining, Oil, and the Rights of Indigenous Communities

The La Guajira region in northern Colombia, home to the resilient and vibrant Wayuu community, holds immense promise for renewable energy, particularly wind power. Yet, ventures that tap into this potential have faced substantial pushback from the Wayuu. The La Guajira 1 wind farm project, which began construction in 2020, has faced fierce opposition. The Wayuu contend that the project encroaches upon their ancestral lands and violates their spiritual beliefs. Despite the prospect of generating an impressive 15 GW of wind power—an essential component of Colombia's journey toward renewable energy—tensions persist, underscoring the urgent need for genuine consultation with indigenous nations.

In Brazil, a significant lawsuit has been filed by the Federal Prosecutor's Office against mining giant Vale, the Brazilian government, and the state of Pará regarding alarming levels of heavy metal contamination found in the Xikrin indigenous people's bodies. This grave situation stems from Vale's nickel mining operations in the Onça-Puma region, where tainted water from the Catete River has infiltrated indigenous communities. Striking tests revealed dangerously high concentrations of metals such as lead, mercury, and nickel in the hair of nearly all 720 participants. The lawsuit demands ongoing health monitoring for the affected community and calls for stricter environmental oversight from the government to safeguard their well-being.

In Nigeria, the Ogale and Bille communities are taking a stand against Shell and its Nigerian subsidiary, SPDC, over the devastating environmental pollution resulting from oil spills in the Niger Delta. After enduring years of legal battles, the London Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of these communities, paving the way for a full trial against Shell. This pivotal four-week trial, which will determine Shell's liability for spills caused by third parties, is currently underway, with another hearing poised for 2026, marking a crucial moment in the fight for justice and accountability.

The Global Democracy Index and Media Restrictions Worldwide

The Global Democracy Index, a vital measure of government effectiveness, electoral integrity, political culture, and civil liberties, currently stands at a disheartening 5.17 out of 10. This reflects the lowest score recorded in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s esteemed annual report. Among the 167 countries surveyed, a mere 25 are deemed full democracies, accounting for only 6.6% of the global population, while an alarming 39% of people live under authoritarian regimes. Nations suffering the lowest scores include Afghanistan, North Korea, Myanmar, and Syria, whereas the highest accolades for democracy go to Norway, New Zealand, Sweden, Iceland, and Switzerland.

In Cambodia, the government has drawn sharp criticism for its aggressive crackdown on both local and foreign journalists and activists who dare to shine a light on sensitive topics, particularly environmental issues. Officials have barred certain foreign journalists from entering the country, local media workers are experiencing increased repression, and their employers are having their media licenses revoked with alarming frequency. Meanwhile, in Azerbaijan, BBC News has announced the closure of its offices following the government's suspension of the British broadcaster, continuing a disturbing trend of silencing independent media.

In the United States, a district court denied an Associated Press request to temporarily restore access to official White House events for reporters while a legal battle unfolds. This comes after U.S. officials imposed a ban on the Associated Press from the White House due to the agency's decision to retain the name “Gulf of Mexico” instead of adopting the government's preferred designation of “Gulf of America.”

The Ankara Declaration and the Kenya-Ethiopia Border Incident

On February 18-19, 2025, a pivotal dialogue unfolded in Ankara between Ethiopia and Somalia, aimed at resolving the contentious issue of Ethiopia's access to the sea. Turkey skillfully mediated these discussions following the historic signing of the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, which sought to mend diplomatic ties between the two nations after heightened tensions over Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland.

In a concerted effort to restore peace, Ugandan forces have deployed to the eastern city of Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, joining local troops in a mission to quell violence perpetrated by armed groups. This operation is part of a broader initiative to stabilize the mineral-rich region and restore safety and security to its people.

In another troubling development, over 20 individuals have gone missing following skirmishes between Kenyan and Ethiopian fishermen on the Omo River, which serves as the border between the two countries. Reports from local authorities indicate that 15 boats have also vanished. The pastoralist and fishing communities of the Turkana in Kenya and the Dassanech in Ethiopia have long grappled with such tensions, facing both clashes and raids on their livestock. In light of these recent conflicts, Kenya has reinforced its security presence along the border. It is poised to establish a checkpoint to monitor the movement of people better, striving to ensure safety and harmony in the region.

AI Models, Brain Health, and AI Application to Castleman's Disease

Researchers at the University of Southern California have made a remarkable breakthrough with an innovative AI model that measures the pace at which a patient's brain ages. This pioneering tool not only sheds light on the complexities of dementia and cognitive decline but also opens new avenues for understanding, preventing, and ultimately treating these conditions. By analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, it non-invasively tracks the brain’s biological age. Looking ahead, this sophisticated AI model holds the promise of tailoring treatments to individual patients, enhancing the effectiveness of care.

Across the Atlantic, British scientists have unveiled MELD Graph, an extraordinary AI-based tool that uncovers 64% of epilepsy-related brain abnormalities that often evade radiologists' attention. This cutting-edge technology enhances the detection of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a crucial structural defect in the cerebral cortex that is a leading contributor to epilepsy. The researchers believe that MELD Graph will accelerate the diagnostic process and ensure that patients receive timely surgical interventions, all while significantly lowering surgery costs.

In another exciting development, researchers who meticulously reviewed 4,000 reports found that an AI tool crafted at the University of Pennsylvania identified a life-saving drug for a patient battling idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD). This rare disease is known for its grim survival rate and limited treatment options. Thanks to this groundbreaking AI predictive system, this patient could be a trailblazer, beginning a new era of hope for others facing similar challenges. The potential applications of this technology could extend to other rare conditions, heralding a transformative shift in medical treatment.

Investment Relations Between Italy and the UAE and Between the EU and China

In February, Italy and the United Arab Emirates forged a remarkable partnership by signing a staggering $40 billion investment agreement, heralding one of the most significant foreign investments in Italian history. These groundbreaking agreements span crucial sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and defence to deepen economic and technological ties between the two nations.

After a year-long pause, the UK and India have rekindled their negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signalling a renewed commitment to collaboration. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal convened in New Delhi to advance talks that began in 2022. The UK is eager to capitalize on India’s fiercely growing economy, which is poised to become the third-largest in the world by 2028. It seeks enhanced access to India’s dynamic telecom, legal, and financial sectors. However, the road ahead has challenges, including the need to liberalize migration policies for skilled Indian workers and the UK’s ambition to lower tariffs on whisky and cars.

Former EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Franz Fischler, has passionately underscored the necessity of nurturing trade relations with China. In 2023, China emerged as the EU's most significant trading partner, accounting for an impressive 20.5% of all imports and ranking as the third-largest export partner, with a share of 8.8%. Despite this robust growth, the EU grapples with a considerable trade deficit with China, which soared to €291 billion in 2023. Fischler advocates for keeping trade channels with China open while urging the need for balanced cooperation and resolving prevailing imbalances.

The Deportation of Uyghurs and Support for Migrants in Mauritania

A school in Nouadhibou, Mauritania, stands as a beacon of hope for migrant children amid a surging migration crisis. As countless individuals from West Africa, Syria, and Pakistan embark on perilous journeys to Europe, this initiative plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable young lives. It is part of a broader European Union agreement, infused with over $200 million, aimed at curbing migration through enhanced border patrols, robust aid programs, and comprehensive refugee support. Yet, despite these considerable efforts, the number of boat arrivals in Spain’s Canary Islands has continued to swell, with nearly 47,000 migrants making the treacherous journey last year, including thousands of unaccompanied minors. Experts cast a critical eye on the long-term effectiveness of such initiatives, arguing that they fail to address the profound challenges and dangers that drive individuals to take such risks.

In a starkly different narrative, Thailand has deported 48 Uighurs to China, igniting international outrage over their safety. These individuals spent over a decade in Thai detention centres, fleeing their homeland out of fear of persecution by Chinese authorities. Human rights organizations and advocates have raised alarm bells, warning that this deportation could expose them to torture and other grave forms of mistreatment. Thailand now faces a wave of global condemnation for this act, with UN experts urgently calling for an immediate halt to the deportations, emphasizing the dire consequences Uighurs may face upon their return to China.