Burkina Faso's military junta has extended its transition period by five years following national consultations, despite most political parties boycotting the talks. The junta, which took power in September 2022, has struggled to address security issues and has shifted its military alliances from France to Russia. The new charter allows for potential elections before the end of the transition period, with Capt. Ibrahim Traore remaining as transitional president.
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are increasingly being relied upon to address the security challenges in operational technology (OT) environments. While CISOs have experience securing IT systems, they must understand the unique topography and security challenges of OT. In OT, safety is prioritized over confidentiality, and the separation of zones is stricter. Downtime is not an option for OT systems, and security controls must not disrupt operations. All access to OT environments must be monitored and controlled. IT tools do not always work for OT, and CISOs need to develop soft skills and seek support from experts to bridge the OT security divide.
China and Thailand are set to expand their military ties through more joint drills this year, as both countries face security challenges. Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu expressed Beijing's readiness for further cooperation during a meeting with the Royal Thai Army's commander-in-chief.
Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana for a weeklong visit to Africa aimed at deepening U.S. relationships amid global competition over the continent’s future. Harris plans to promote economic growth and food security and witness firsthand the innovation and creativity occurring on the continent. She will also visit Tanzania and Zambia. The expanded outreach is intended to counter China’s influence, which has become entrenched in recent years through infrastructure initiatives, lending money, and expanding telecommunications networks. Harris will focus on young people, and most of her events in Ghana will be centered around them.
Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana for a weeklong visit to Africa aimed at strengthening U.S. relationships on the continent. Harris expressed excitement about the future of Africa and plans to promote economic growth and food security. Ghana, one of Africa's most stable democracies, faces economic and security challenges, including a debt crisis, soaring inflation, and threats from instability in the region. Harris will meet with Ghana's president to discuss these issues and counter China's influence, which has become entrenched in recent years. Most of Harris' events in Ghana will focus on young people, and she plans to visit a skate park, co-working space, and Cape Coast Castle, where enslaved Africans were once loaded on ships bound for the Americas.
