Central Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – In a pivotal election steeped in African political dynamics, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious as the newly appointed chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). His triumph came after he secured 33 decisive votes in a fiercely competitive election on Saturday in the bustling heart of Addis Ababa. The contest was no simple affair. Youssouf faced formidable opponents in Kenya's Raila Odinga and Madagascar's Richard Randiamandrato. The climactic announcement came…

Global Shift: Is Abdul Qadir Mumin Leading the Islamic State? Mogadishu (AX) — The quiet hum of intelligence networks across nations is singling out a name with increasing urgency: Abdul Qadir Mumin. Rumblings echo that Mumin, erstwhile leader of IS-Somalia, may have ascended to worldwide command of the Islamic State (IS) network. Could this signify a strategic directional shift for a militant group long anchored in the heart of the Middle East? According to an incisive United Nations Sanctions…

The grand boulevards of Addis Ababa are once again alive with a sense of purpose as African leaders begin their descent into Ethiopia's bustling capital. Their reason for gathering? The prestigious 38th African Union summit, an event poised to serve as a critical juncture for the continent's myriad challenges. Set for February 15 and 16, this summit promises to be more than just a meeting of minds; it's a beacon of potential solutions and collaborative spirit. One of the summit's focal points is the escalating conflict in…

Mogadishu (AX) — Like characters in the dynamic theater of geopolitics, nations vie for influence on the African stage, painting the canvas of history with choices and alliances. Recently, Ethiopia emerged as a pivotal protagonist by securing a seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for a three-year tenure. But how did this happen? And what significance does this hold for the continent? Ethiopia's triumph at the 46th Executive Council meeting, held under the imposing shadows of Addis Ababa's…

The ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern regions such as Goma, is reaching critical levels. Civilians, especially children, are bearing the brunt of this turmoil. According to UNICEF, the situation grows increasingly dire with each passing day. The refugee agency estimates that hundreds of thousands have been uprooted by the relentless fighting. Imagine for a moment the sheer chaos—a family that once shared laughter and meals finds itself scrambling for safety, with little to no…

Mogadishu (AX) — Amid the scenes of bustling markets and vibrant streets in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, whispers of hope rise, echoing with the dreams of young footballers poised to make history. The anticipation is palpable. On February 13, in the heart of Cairo where grand history resides, the next chapter for Somalia’s burgeoning football talent unfolds with the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, precisely at 13:45 local time. Is this the dawn of a new era for Somali…

The recent takeover of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, by the M23 armed group has captured global attention, reigniting discussions about the tumultuous conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While many media outlets hastily attribute the turmoil to a desire to exploit the area’s abundant mineral resources, an analysis from The New Humanitarian reveals a far more intricate web of causes. The narrative framing the conflict as a mere scramble for minerals paints an oversimplified picture. It’s alluring to…

For nearly a month now, the judicial system has come to a standstill, with magistrates resolute in their decision to abstain from their duties. This protest stems from persistent grievances regarding subpar working conditions and insufficient salaries. As a result, countless court cases have languished in limbo, leaving many seeking justice in a precarious state of uncertainty. The National Trade Union of Magistrates, known as SYNAMAG, has voiced strong disapproval toward the government’s apparent neglect of the judiciary.…

In a recent assertion that reverberated through the corridors of Parliament, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola unequivocally dismissed the mounting calls for South Africa to withdraw its military presence from the tumultuous Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). To suggest such a retreat, Lamola stated, is nothing short of “worse than surrender.” His words were steeped in concern, reflecting the gravity of the situation following the tragic loss of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who…

Libya, an unwitting waypoint for countless migrants and refugees hoping to navigate the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Europe, has again emerged as a focal point of tragedy and despair. The recent discovery of mass graves, punctuated by grim gunshot wounds on some bodies, paints a harrowing portrait of the dangers faced on these treacherous journeys. How did we come to this? The United Nations, in its latest report, has confirmed the alarming revelations about these graves, further intensifying the urgency with which…