Central Africa

Equatorial Guinea is actively advocating for a petition submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICJ), aiming to block the French government's sale of a high-value property owned by Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. This residence was seized in 2021, following his conviction under French legislation that targets wealth illicitly acquired by foreign leaders. The stakes are high, both politically and financially. The response from Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Carmelo Nvono-Ncá, has been…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant leap towards enhanced diplomacy, Somalia and Tanzania have signed a series of nine bilateral agreements, a development that reflects the two nations’ commitment to collaboration across diverse sectors. These areas of cooperation include vital themes such as foreign policy coordination, public health, tourism, defense training, education, and civil aviation. Each partnership not only serves to strengthen existing ties but also paves the way for a more integrated economic and cultural…

Remittances to Somalia represent a lifeline in a landscape marred by challenges. In 2023, the Somali diaspora generously sent approximately $1.73 billion back home, a staggering figure that surpasses the total of all development and humanitarian aid received. This essential flow of funds is crucial—it’s estimated that these remittances account for between 30% and 50% of Somalia's GDP. Families depend on this support for their basic needs, including food, education, healthcare, and even access to clean water. However, as we…

The disparities in how fragility is defined point to significant shortcomings in our understanding of conflict and vulnerability. This situation begs the question: how can we refine our global metrics to better encompass the complexities of fragile states? A revealing report by the World Bank classifies Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (FCS) as nations grappling with weak institutions, persistent violence, or challenges in post-conflict recovery. But what does being ‘fragile’ truly mean for the people…

Diesel fuel stands as the backbone of logistical operations and heavy-duty industries across Africa. Unlike gasoline, which is often associated with personal vehicles, diesel plays a crucial role in powering farm equipment, trucks, buses, and even electrical generators in regions where the power grid is unreliable. This importance means that fluctuations in diesel prices reverberate across the continent, significantly impacting supply chains, food prices, and overall economic activity.…

Coordinated Sanctions Target ISIS Financing Across Africa Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant show of international cooperation, the United States, alongside six Gulf nations, has implemented coordinated sanctions against three individuals believed to be deeply entrenched in financing and facilitating ISIS operations across Africa. These individuals include Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, who has been identified as the longstanding leader of ISIS’s Somali affiliate. The announcement, made on Monday by the Terrorist Financing…

The recent report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) sheds light on a troubling reality: eight African nations are grappling with some of the most overlooked humanitarian crises in the world. These crises—rooted in ongoing conflict, climate shocks, and displacement—are often sidelined by limited funding, inadequate media coverage, and insufficient response from the global community. What does this mean for the lives of millions? In many cases, these crises unfold in obscurity, far removed from the pages of…

President Paul Biya has officially declared his intention to run for another term in the upcoming presidential elections. This announcement, which surfaced on social media, has ignited discussions and concerns regarding his advancing age and health. Biya, who has been at the helm of Cameroon since 1982, took over President Paul Biya has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections. This declaration, made through social media, has rekindled ongoing concerns about his advancing age and health.…

The Importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa Africa is not just a continent; it is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, histories, and ecosystems. Each unique thread contributes to our global experience. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes this by designating landmarks and regions that hold exceptional cultural, historical, or environmental significance as World Heritage Sites. This designation not only emphasizes Africa's growing importance…

President Paul Biya: Commitment or Controversy? As Cameroon gears up for its presidential election on October 12, a familiar figure has resurfaced in the headlines. President Paul Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state at 92, has publicly affirmed his intention to seek re-election. The announcement, made via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, has reignited discussions about his lengthy tenure and the implications it holds for the future of the nation. Biya first stepped into leadership in 1982,…