Central Africa

Ever wondered why Coca-Cola is everywhere, why Nike is a global fashion statement, or why so many people dream of strolling through Paris or catching a Hollywood premiere? That’s the power of influence, soft power, to be exact. Soft power is a country’s ability to influence global perceptions, behaviours, and alliances, not through force, but through attraction and persuasion. According to the Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Index, it’s measured through a nation’s impact on business,…

“What is politics but the art of pulling wool over the eyes of the people?” mused a seasoned diplomat over coffee once. With these words echoing in my mind, let me delve into a story that adds another layer to the intricate tapestry known as Somali politics. On a balmy Thursday, the air was heavy with anticipation at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The reason? The unexpected arrival of Mohamed Hussein Roble, a man who once steered Somalia from the turbulent raft as its Prime Minister. This, however, was…

The strife engulfing eastern DRC is casting a long shadow over South Kivu. The notorious M23 rebel group has gained considerable ground, snatching up vital towns such as Kalehe and Kavumu, and has recently breached the gates of Bukavu, the provincial capital. This relentless advance creates a scene reminiscent of a disheartening tableau, where hope is suffocated under the weight of conflict. Marcus Bachmann, who heads the programs for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the region, painted a bleak picture of the situation:…

A recently published study raises an urgent alarm about the precarious status of the world’s peatlands. Described as "dangerously under-protected," these landscapes are not just patches of soggy earth; they are crucial players in our ecosystem. Covering a mere 3% of the Earth's surface, peatlands store more carbon than all of the world's forests combined. Yet, their significance often goes unnoticed. Why is this? Perhaps it's our tendency to overlook the quiet, steadfast guardians of carbon storage. Peatlands serve multiple…

The New Frontier: Somalia's Ambitious 200-Square-Kilometre Development Project The winds of change are blowing across Somalia's landscape, bringing with them a project that aspires to revolutionize commerce and connectivity. Over the next few months, a comprehensive surveying and feasibility study will mark the beginning of a 200-square-kilometre endeavor designed to enhance the country's trade and economic potential. Picture a gateway not merely for Somalia, but for its landlocked and coastal…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling streets of Somalia's capital, a significant initiative quietly unfolds, marked by the colorful presence of health workers armed with life-saving vials. With palpable determination, the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, bolstered by global allies like WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has embarked on a crucial four-day polio vaccination campaign. Their mission? To immunize 2.5 million children under the tender age of five against a persistent adversary:…

The M23 rebel group has recently made headlines by calling for direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government, following their seizure of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. This development has ignited yet another chapter in an enduring saga of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In their statement, M23 asserted that their entry into Bukavu aimed to "restore security" and "aid the local population." This declaration raises an eyebrow, considering the group’s controversial history. They…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a pivotal election steeped in African political dynamics, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious as the newly appointed chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). His triumph came after he secured 33 decisive votes in a fiercely competitive election on Saturday in the bustling heart of Addis Ababa. The contest was no simple affair. Youssouf faced formidable opponents in Kenya's Raila Odinga and Madagascar's Richard Randiamandrato. The climactic announcement came…

Global Shift: Is Abdul Qadir Mumin Leading the Islamic State? Mogadishu (AX) — The quiet hum of intelligence networks across nations is singling out a name with increasing urgency: Abdul Qadir Mumin. Rumblings echo that Mumin, erstwhile leader of IS-Somalia, may have ascended to worldwide command of the Islamic State (IS) network. Could this signify a strategic directional shift for a militant group long anchored in the heart of the Middle East? According to an incisive United Nations Sanctions…