North Africa

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…

African Rig Counts: Navigating Economic Stability and Growth For nations dependent on oil and gas, a bustling rig count isn't merely a number; it's a heartbeat, an indicator of economic vitality and optimism. In the dynamic landscape of global energy sectors, regions rich in resources—like those across Africa—often measure their economic pulse by the rhythm of rigs diligently tapping underground reservoirs. But what does a healthy rig count truly mean for these economies? Could it symbolize more than simply barrels and…

Somalia’s Strategic Realignments: Stability or New Cold War in the Horn? Leaders of the Red SEE Alliance: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. From the bustling markets of Mogadishu to diplomatic hallways in Cairo and Addis Ababa—Somalia’s evolving security alignments are more than just regional posturing. According to a compelling new study, these partnerships are inadvertently fueling instability, increasing proxy tensions,…

Navigating the Quiet Power of Mine Warfare Fleets In today's world, oceans are more than just stretches of blue separating continents. They are lifelines, quietly keeping economies thriving and ensuring steady flows of resources every single day. But have you ever paused to wonder: how safe are these waterways? Indeed, the safety of our waters hinges largely on securing ports, harbors, shipping lanes, and coastal pathways. It's here—far away from the cinematic excitement of naval battles—that mine warfare…

Assessing Military Strength in the Horn of Africa: Challenges and Possibilities When discussing military strength and strategic capability across the globe, Somalia offers a poignant example of complexity and vulnerability. In a region characterized by geopolitical dynamism, Somalia's heavy reliance on external support, particularly foreign-led training missions and cooperation from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), underscores inherent weaknesses. Analysts caution that this dependence reveals deep…

African Leaders Embrace Crisis as Opportunity at Marrakech Summit Amid escalating global trade tensions, African heads of state, policymakers and key stakeholders converged over the weekend in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, united in their resolve to transform prevailing challenges into pathways for growth and development. The occasion—the third annual AfriHeritage Awards and Concert—blended vibrant celebration with candid conversations on Africa's strategic response to shifting global dynamics. Could this…

U.S. Tariffs and the Unforeseen Consequences on Africa’s Most Vulnerable Economies When President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff hikes, it wasn't only the usual global economic powerhouses that paused in their tracks. Beneath the major headlines, tucked away from mainstream international attention, were smaller developing nations—countries that, economically speaking, barely register a blip on the American trade radar. Yet these nations, many located in Africa, now face potentially devastating consequences. One…

Tensions Escalate Between Algeria and France In a diplomatic drama that could have been plucked from the pages of a novel, Algeria has commanded a dozen French officials to vacate its soil within a mere 48 hours. This dramatic directive has emerged as a riposte to the arrest of three Algerian nationals by France—a decision that has left diplomatic circles buzzing with intrigue. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, provided confirmation of this startling turn of events on Monday. But what next? How will this tightly…

In the hushed tones of a crisis that should never have happened, a harrowing scene unfolded at the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur. It was here, amidst makeshift shelters and the ever-looming specter of uncertainty, that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a ruthless assault. Amidst the acrid smoke of burning debris, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa reported an appalling death toll—at least 112 souls, extinguished. In any humanitarian tragedy, numbers speak louder than…

In recent weeks, the oil industry has faced a series of dynamic shifts, influenced by global activities that ripple through economies far and wide. Amongst these shifts, Donald Trump's recent tariff policy casts a long shadow, driving significant decreases in global crude oil prices. It's a complex web where the actions in one corner of the world set off reactions in others—almost like the sophisticated dance of dominos, unpredictable yet meticulously precise.…