Editor's note

Recent events in South Sudan have raised hopes that a peace agreement signed in 2015 might actually take hold. The return from exile of opposition leader Riek Machar could end a conflict that’s displaced millions of people, caused widespread hunger and gutted the economy, writes Peter Run. The bad news is that the threat of renewed conflict is never too far off, warns Luka Kuol.

Also, in today’s Global Perspectives, you will likely learn something you may not have known: Sperm donation websites are the Ubers and Airbnbs of the fertility world. But why are they so popular? Nicole Bergen of the University of Ottawa explains.

Julius Maina

Regional Editor East Africa

Top Stories

South Sudan’s Riek Machar after peace talks with South Sudan President Salva Kiir in July 2018. EPA-EFE/Stringer

Machar’s return signals a significant stage in South Sudan’s peace process

Peter Run, The University of Queensland

The return of South Sudan's opposition leader is likely to solidify the permanent ceasefire.

South Sudan can be stabilised, but great effort is needed from numerous players. Shutterstock

South Sudan faces collapse if peace pact fails again. This can be averted

Luka Kuol, Africa Center for Strategic Studies

South Sudan faces numerous and serious challenges contributing to instability. But there are potential solutions.

While media portrayals of online sperm donation often portray “rogue breeders” or “super sperm,” research reveals that the real men who do this are motivated to help others. (Shutterstock)

Meet the men who donate sperm on Facebook

Nicole Bergen, University of Ottawa

Sperm donation websites are the Ubers and Airbnbs of the fertility world. But why are they so popular? New research explains the reasons why some men donate.

Politics + Society

Latinos can be an electoral force in 2020

Lisa Garcia Bedolla, University of California, Berkeley

Record high Latino participation shows this growing voter segment will turn out for parties and politicians who tackle issues they care about. That's a big lesson for 2020 – and not just for Dems.

Women candidates break records in the 2018 US midterm elections

Jennifer Mathers, Aberystwyth University

Several states now have their first female senator and more than 100 women will enter the House of Representatives.

Environment + Energy

Arts + Culture