Central Africa

The European Union's recent summons of the Rwandan envoy marks a crucial development in a protracted crisis that has left parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in disarray. Accusations of Rwandan meddling have interwoven themselves into this narrative of upheaval, leading to a humanitarian ordeal that has displaced millions and resulted in untold devastation. Who can truly fathom the magnitude of such human suffering? Despite constant refutation from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the pressure from the…

Understanding the Diplomatic Tussle: A Close Look at Rooble’s Journey to South Africa Every trip can encounter a few hiccups—delayed flights, missing luggage, or the wrong kind of weather. However, former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble faced a uniquely diplomatic snag when seeking clearance for his travel to South Africa. This particular episode makes one ponder: how often do the bureaucratic wheels turn seamlessly? "In any bureaucratic setting, is it ever as simple as it seems?" This question…

Imagine a sprawling complex nestled in a strategically vital location—a hub of constant activity. These military bases, scattered across foreign lands, serve multifaceted purposes. Their roles range from counterterrorism painstakingly orchestrated from afar to safeguarding maritime borders. But have you ever wondered about the hidden layers beneath their ostensibly benign existence? Strategic military bases often appear as essential instruments of peace and stability. They’re pivotal for intelligence operations and for…

With the emergence of Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new leader of the African Union Commission (AUC), a pivotal question arises: how will this new stewardship navigate the escalating continental and global crises? Often overshadowed by global news headlines, the recent African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa marked a significant turning point for Africa's foremost multilateral institution. A tectonic shift, if you will, was felt as Youssouf, an esteemed diplomat, was ushered in to replace Chad's Moussa…

A quiet Tuesday afternoon turned significant when the African Development Bank (AfDB) broke the news that the list of candidates for the presidency had been finalized. The esteemed Steering Committee, after an arduous evaluation process, has endorsed a select group, ushering them closer to the coveted position. Is the race more about continuity or change? The contenders themselves reflect a tapestry of aspirations, visions waiting to be realized. It's a poignant moment for the AfDB. As the sun begins to set on the tenure of…

In an obscure corner of the world, far from the eye of most international media, the Al-Karrar office has metamorphosed into something more sinister—a financial command center crafted intricately for the Islamic State’s sprawling empire, extending its dark reach from Afghanistan to Mozambique. Picture a warren of clandestine activities where ancient hawala networks blur seamlessly with cutting-edge cryptocurrency transactions, a place surviving on the gritty art of extortion. Entire economies within these insurgent zones…

Rwanda's Complicated Role in the DRC Conflict In the ever-tense region of Central Africa, Rwanda's actions have once more brought international pressure. Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department placed sanctions on Rwanda’s former army general and the current Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, following allegations of Rwanda’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict. But what does this mean for the embattled region? The accusations are severe: Rwanda is said to…

The world's prosperity gap, a measure of the disparity between average incomes and a target of $25 per person per day, has stagnated ever since the pandemic began. Why, you might ask? The culprit seems to be a dual assault of dwindling economic growth and an uneven income distribution among countries. While it’s easy to blame this on external shocks, could it be a call for introspection on how intertwined our economies really are? Achievements are not made overnight. Here's a compelling statistic: between 1990…

Mogadishu (AX) – The tapestry of diplomatic relations often weaves itself in unexpected patterns. Recently, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi found himself at the center of a swirling storm of speculation, dismissing allegations that the federal government barred former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble from securing diplomatic passport clearance for a journey to South Africa. During a candid discourse with VOA Somalia, Minister Fiqi painted a picture of respect and regard for Rooble, highlighting…

Certainly, the global stage seems to be witnessing yet another chess move, as Russia anchors its media ship on African shores. Specifically, Ethiopia sets the stage for this audacious debut, marking a significant tectonic shift in media landscapes across the continent. But what does this mean? Does Russia’s sudden media presence spell a new era for Ethiopia and Africa at large, or is it a strategic ploy woven into geopolitical ambitions? Introducing a new media center, strategically stationed in Ethiopia,…