North Africa

As part of its ongoing reevaluation of foreign policy, the Trump administration is contemplating the closure of an extensive number of diplomatic missions. This plan, which suggests shutting down 10 embassies and 17 consulates around the globe, has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the future of U.S. diplomacy. According to an undated internal memo from the State Department, revealed by The New York Times, if enacted, this decision would considerably contract the U.S. diplomatic footprint across all continents,…

In a startling twist in diplomatic relations, France has made the significant decision to recall its ambassador from Algeria while simultaneously expelling 12 Algerian diplomats from Paris. This bold maneuver marks a pivotal moment in a relationship that has been increasingly strained. The immediate catalyst for this diplomatic spat can be traced back to the arrest of a consular staff member implicated in the alleged kidnapping of an exiled government critic within French borders. Algeria, responding with indignation,…

In a striking move that sends tremors through an already fractured Sudan, the paramilitary outfit known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has proclaimed the establishment of a rival government. This audacious announcement seeks to extend control over territories in its grasp, including the war-torn western region of Darfur. Recent United Nations reports bear grim witness to the havoc wrought by this group, with more than 400 souls perishing in the wake of its attacks. But was this move just a reaction to the pressing chaos,…

The European Commission made a significant announcement on Wednesday, designating several nations—including Egypt and Tunisia, both of which face considerable scrutiny regarding their human rights records—as "safe countries" for the return of failed asylum seekers. This decision has sparked a flurry of debate and concern among human rights organizations and advocates. Critics of the updated list argue that it effectively allows EU member states to expedite asylum applications from the nationals of these countries,…

Cairo (AX) — This past Tuesday, a significant meeting took place in the vibrant heart of Cairo, where a high-level Somali delegation had a productive dialogue with General Osama Sayyid, the Secretary-General of Egypt’s Council of Ministers. This gathering aimed to foster and enhance bilateral cooperation in the realms of public sector development and institutional reform. The discussions underscored a shared vision: strengthening the bonds between Somalia and Egypt. At the core of these talks was the aspiration to modernize…

Reevaluating U.N. Peacekeeping Funding: A Proposal from the White House Budget Office The recent proposal from the White House budget office to cut funding for United Nations peacekeeping missions has sparked significant concern. The reasoning behind this decision primarily hinges on what officials describe as operational failures in regions such as Mali, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These areas have faced numerous challenges, making the efficacy of peacekeeping missions a point of contention. Can…

Rising Tensions: France and Algeria in Diplomatic Conflict Emotions ran high this Tuesday when France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, voiced strong disapproval over Algeria's decision to expel a dozen French officials. His tone was stern, mirrored by a warning to Algeria: Paris would not let this incident pass unnoticed. "This is regrettable," he lamented, hinting at inevitable repercussions. But what triggered these tensions in the first place? Behind the current diplomatic storm lies a contentious event. An…

Sudan Conflict: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Two Years On It has been two years since the outbreak of a devastating war in Sudan—a conflict that has taken tens of thousands of lives and driven 13 million people from their homes. Labeled by the United Nations as the world's most dire humanitarian crisis, there seems to be no end in sight. Sudan has unwittingly etched this grim anniversary into its history on Tuesday. Chaotic Beginnings On April 15, 2023, Sudan became a fiery arena of war as tensions boiled over between…

France-Algeria Diplomatic Row Escalates: An In-Depth Analysis of the Recent Developments Diplomatic relationships often reflect nuanced histories and complex interactions. Such is the case with France and Algeria, two nations bound by a complicated past, currently at the epicenter of escalating tensions. On Tuesday, in an unexpected twist, France made clear its intentions to expel twelve representatives from Algeria's diplomatic and consular network. This episode marks a significant escalation, as France also confirmed the…

Kenya Looks Toward Private Investors to Unlock Strategic Growth at Key Seaports In a move underscoring Kenya’s keen awareness of escalating competition along East Africa’s coastline, the government is turning decisively toward private investors. The goal? To boost the development and operation of two crucial ports—Mombasa and Lamu—positioning Kenya firmly as a maritime trade leader in a bustling, increasingly competitive region. Imagine for a moment the intricate hum of Mombasa port: containers swinging…