Central Africa

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Rwanda has ordered the expulsion of all Belgian diplomats, requiring their departure within 48 hours. This decisive action sparked an immediate reaction from Brussels, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has accused Belgium of “consistently undermining” its efforts, particularly amid the ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This diplomatic fracture appears to stem from a…

Tensions Flare Between Belgium and Rwanda Over Diplomats Amidst an intricate web of diplomacy and history, Belgium and Rwanda are currently embroiled in a tit-for-tat expulsion of each other's diplomats. This clash, reminiscent of Cold War-era tussles, stems from deep-seated accusations about each nation's role in the turbulent conflict ravaging the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). What prompts two sovereign nations to take such drastic measures in today's interconnected world? A Move Rooted in…

Tensions have markedly increased as Belgium and Rwanda exchange diplomatic expulsions amid accusations revolving around their roles in the conflict unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This escalation reflects a deeper and more complex narrative, woven through years of historical tensions and regional conflict. Rwanda's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation articulated their stance with striking clarity in a statement posted on X, where they explained,…

Understanding the Ripple Effect of Rising Fuel Prices in Africa Let's take a moment to talk about something that affects all of us in more ways than we often realize—fuel prices. Recent shifts in the global oil market, along with various factors such as currency depreciation and reduced subsidies, have led to an unwelcome surge in fuel costs across many African countries. It's quite astonishing, isn't it, how a single market shift can create a domino effect felt across an entire continent? One might wonder,…

Industry Update: Dangote Refinery's Crude Strategy In a significant development that reflects the turning tides in Nigeria's oil industry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has chosen to pause its Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refineries. This arrangement, initially designed to empower local refineries to purchase crude in Nigeria's local currency, the Naira, has hit a procedural snag. But what does this mean for the industry at large? The immediate effect…

Diplomatic Storm: US Declares South African Ambassador 'Persona Non Grata' In a dramatic and unexpected move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that South Africa's ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is "no longer welcome" on American soil. The language used was unambiguous. "Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and President Donald Trump," Rubio asserted in a social media post. It was a statement that caused ripples across international diplomatic circles. Such a…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a move that echoes the sentiments of past policies, the United States seems poised to impose significant travel restrictions affecting citizens from an array of 43 countries, with Somalia notably among them. This development harks back to restrictive measures that characterized the Trump administration, as reported by The New York Times. At the heart of this unfolding story is a draft policy that’s buzzing through the corridors of U.S. diplomatic and security affairs. The document essentially classifies…

February opened with a flurry of activity for the U.S. Africa Command, commonly known as AFRICOM. Their mission was clear: address the escalating threat posed by extremist factions in Africa. The inaugural day of the month marked a significant move as AFRICOM executed airstrikes in Somalia’s remote Golis Mountains. Those strikes honed in on a local faction of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The operation culminated in the elimination of Ahmed Maeleninine—an ISIS recruiter of note, renowned for his pivotal role…

In an era marked by profound environmental challenges, the year 2024 stands out as a testament to the intensifying struggle against air pollution. Astonishingly, a mere seven countries succeeded in adhering to the World Health Organization's (WHO) stringent air quality guidelines. This startling figure not only underscores the gravity of global pollution but also beckons us to ponder: What steps should we be taking to remedy this dire situation? Countries meeting WHO air quality standards: The list of nations meeting these…

PANAMA CITY (AP) Imagine fleeing your homeland to escape turmoil, only to be whisked halfway across the world to a haven that feels anything but safe. From Afghanistan to Somalia, individuals have embarked on a formidable journey, with hopes pinned on reaching the United States—a beacon of safety and opportunity. These brave souls journeyed relentlessly, through lands where the language was a mystery, across the dangerous Darién jungle, all in a bid to stand at the U.S.-Mexico border. For many, arriving at this border…