North Africa

The Nigerian government has firmly stated that it will not permit the presence of foreign military forces within its borders as it navigates ongoing security challenges from insurgents and bandits. Nonetheless, it has expressed a willingness to collaborate internationally to "domesticate" military equipment production, aiming to sidestep delays often associated with procurement processes. President Bola Tinubu made these remarks during a recent meeting in Abuja with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Furthermore, President…

Mogadishu (AX) — "The wind of change is blowing through Somalia," as the region witnesses ISS's intricate web of terror tighten its grip. On the brink of the new year, December 31 saw the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISS) launching a major assault on Northeastern State's security apparatus, illuminating the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by extremist factions. Through precision and coordination, attackers unleashed suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and suicide vests (SVESTs) on a…

Next week, Egypt is set for discussions with Somalia to explore the role Egyptian troops could play in a diverse force tackling Islamist extremists in the Horn of Africa. This is a notable development in a longstanding regional conflict, promising potential shifts in military alliances and strategies. According to Ali Balcad, the Somali state minister for foreign affairs, these crucial talks are slated for January 15-17 in bustling Cairo. Not too long ago, Egypt's foreign minister declared that Egypt would contribute…

Over a bustling weekend, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, found himself deep in conversation with prominent figures like US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. These chats centered around the ever-shifting dynamics of regional happenings and the potential pathways to strengthen bilateral ties. In a dialogue on January 4th, Abdelatty and Blinken honed in on the turmoil in Gaza and the messy quagmire that is the Syrian crisis. Abdelatty did not mince words, asserting…

The recent diplomatic exchange between Somalia and Egypt marks a step forward in their partnership. Highlighting efforts to strengthen Somali governance and boost its economic resilience, this conversation builds on meaningful discussions many moons ago, when Fiqi journeyed to Cairo. Egypt's longstanding role as a steadfast ally in Somalia's rebuilding has been characterized by the provision of training programs and support aimed at empowering state institutions. Foreign Minister Abdelatty emphasized that countering…

In this digital age, where technology morphs right before our eyes, the landscape of communication is forever altered. Gone are the days when handwritten letters reigned supreme. Now, screens and pixels dictate our interactions. We've adopted new ways, although some might muse nostalgically about the tangible ink and paper. Technology, like it or not, has redefined how narratives are shared. It’s like the grand conductor, orchestrating a symphony of messages conveyed through various digital mediums. Think about it: text…

The ministers of justice and Islamic affairs in Morocco are pushing for significant reforms to the nation's family law. For years, advocates for women’s rights have been calling for an overhaul of the legal framework designed to safeguard women and children within familial structures. They seek not just modifications but a fundamental shift towards equality, particularly regarding inheritance rights, custody of children, and a complete ban on child marriages. This bold initiative proposes more than 100 amendments to the…

In a move that rippled across the geopolitical landscape, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has caught the attention of Arab nations by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The response from Arab countries was marked by support and approval.Over in Iraq, the government expressed solidarity with the ICC's decisive action. "The brave steps taken by the International Criminal Court echo a profound sense of justice," stated Basim al-Awadi, the…

Sudan’s football warriors have navigated the turbulent seas of civil conflict to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the chaotic backdrop, they triumphed in a fiercely competitive final round of qualifiers, joining Benin in the journey to next year's illustrious tournament. Due to the unrest that began in April of the preceding year, Sudan’s domestic league has been on pause, forcing the national team to play their home games on neutral grounds, far from the cheering home crowd. With Libya and South…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…