North Africa

A new era is dawning in the realm of U.S.-Africa relations, and one can almost hear the gears of change grinding into motion. Yet, before we pop the confetti, it's important to note that the current administration’s policies are still taking shape, and this process won’t yield fruit overnight. Still, the impact of several Executive Orders that Donald Trump signed in the nascent days of his presidency might just reverberate across the African continent like a thunderclap in a hot, muggy summer. During his Senate confirmation…

When two leaders put pen to parchment in the vibrant heart of Cauri on a sunny Thursday, it was more than mere ink gracing paper; it was the birth of a potent promise. Egypt and Somalia ushered in a new era of camaraderie with a vibrant joint political declaration, underscoring their alliance with fervent assurances of military support as part of a pact born from their covenant sealed in mid-August 2024. Who would have thought yesterday’s rivals would become tomorrow’s allies?In this bold scheme, Egypt pledges its formidable…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a city rich with history and the reverberations of eras long past, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a significant tête-à-tête with Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, the esteemed Speaker of the Arab Parliament, against the backdrop of bustling Cairo on a sunny Egyptian Friday.Amidst the ancient pyramids and the bustling souks, the discourse unfolded like a captivating narrative, weaving threads of diplomacy and camaraderie. Their discussions circled the pivotal role of the Arab Parliament in…

FILE – Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, share a moment in Cairo, August 2024 – Egyptian Presidency In a move that could stir the diplomatic waters of the region, the heads of state from Egypt and Somalia put pen to paper on Thursday, sealing a joint political declaration. This pact aims to forge a strategic partnership, elevating the bilateral ties to a higher echelon. The grand halls of Cairo saw President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi roll out a warm Egyptian…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

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…