North Africa

Steve Witkoff captured the spotlight at a lively presidential inauguration parade held within the pulsating walls of Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on a chilly January 20. Washington, DC – Embarking on a daring diplomatic mission, the United States' Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced plans for a visit to Gaza within days. This journey is part and parcel of his endeavor, whimsically described as an “inspection team,” to keep a vigilant eye on the ceasefire pact recently inked between Israel and Hamas. In a…

Mogadishu (AX) - Against the backdrop of fluttering flags and the hum of bustling streets, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in the enchanting, ever-bustling city of Cairo. It was Wednesday, and the president, accompanied by an entourage of dignitaries, heeded the call to visit Egypt—a gesture of friendship extended by none other than Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Talk about rolling out the red carpet! Amid the aroma of Egyptian spices swirling through the air, the agenda of…

In a bold and transformative step, the Kenyan government has declared the elimination of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and visa requisites for travelers from across the African continent. Well, almost everyone—from the sands of Senegal to the shores of South Africa—can rejoice, except for those residing in Somalia and Libya, a decision influenced by persistent security concerns that linger like an unwelcome guest. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster regional integration and fuel tourism, promoting the idea that…

In a vibrant twist to the ever-evolving travel narrative, Kenya has revealed a groundbreaking shift in its visa policy, electing to ax eTA and visa obligations for its African brethren. Well, almost all—Somalia and Libya find themselves on the outskirts of this diplomatic accord, left in the visa-requiring zone due to discernible security qualms. Opening Borders, Opening Hearts Kenya's latest gambit isn't just a tale of policy shifts. It's a heartfelt invitation, a clarion call for vibrant unity across a continent brimming…

The scene was thick with emotion as jubilant crowds gathered to greet a busload of Palestinians who had tasted freedom again, following their release from Israeli jails. This act was a poignant part of a complex and tenuous dance of ceasefire and prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, all under the January sunshine of 2025. Imagine the hopeful yet weary faces outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer, nestled near Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. They stood in anticipation, waiting for a reunion forged in the…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia has once again taken center stage, highlighting its resolve for international diplomacy. At the helm of this diplomatic journey is Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, who praised the newfound ceasefire orchestrated by an unlikely coalition—Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. During an impassioned speech given at UN Headquarters, there's more than just routine platitudes; there's a nation standing firm on its principles. At the Security Council’s 9841st…

In a kaleidoscope of global diplomacy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty navigated the corridors of power as he conferred with European Council President Antonio Costa in the cosmopolitan heart of Europe, Brussels. They engaged in a tête-à-tête underscoring the instrumental role President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi has played in sculpting the Gaza ceasefire while orchestrating the symphony of peace and stability across the Middle East. Adams' son was quick to recognize Egypt as an indispensable confidant in…

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdel Aati - file In a bustling Cairo conference room, brimming with the energy of diplomacy and the aroma of richly brewed Egyptian coffee, Minister Badr Abdel Aati stood poised beside his Senegalese counterpart, Yassine Fall. The air buzzed with historical significance as he proudly proclaimed, "Egypt was the very first African nation to extend a gracious hand of recognition to Senegal." It was Saturday, January 18, 2025, a day marked not only by diplomatic…

(Minasse Wondimu Hailu - Anadolu Agency) In a world as tumultuous as a caffeine-fueled newsroom, where tensions flicker like a neon sign, there’s a brewing dose of hope. The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas resistance group has drawn applause from the African Union, Somalia, and South Africa, a trio adding harmony to what has been an all-too-dissonant symphony. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the orchestrator and chief conductor of the African Union Commission, lauded the pivotal ensemble cast of…

Picture this: a weary South Sudanese delegation is once again preparing to set foot on Nairobi's buzzing soil. Their mission? A quest for peace that has been as elusive as a shadow at dusk. This Saturday marks another step in the tortuous journey towards stability for the world’s fledgling nation, South Sudan, still wobbling on its new legs. The diplomatic endeavor, colorfully christened "Tumaini" — the Kiswahili word for 'hope' — has brought together South Sudan's transitional government and a bouquet of holdout opposition…