North Africa

Unraveling Arms Supply Dynamics in Sudan: A Complex Tale of Conflict and Accountability In the heart of Africa's tumultuous landscape lies Sudan, a nation grappling with conflict, dislocation, and the haunting scars of violence. Recently, media coverage has illuminated a particularly troubling chapter within this narrative—the investigation into how mortar rounds exported from Bulgaria to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) found their way into the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The story is not just about…

Understanding GDP Growth and Its Implications for Africa The annual GDP growth rate serves as a vital barometer for assessing a country’s economic health. It reveals much more than just numbers; it uncovers the complex tapestry woven from various structural and socioeconomic factors. A low GDP growth rate usually signals deeper issues, raising questions about the underlying challenges that a country faces. What does a sluggish economy mean for the future? For many African nations, a low…

On Wednesday, the state media of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported a significant breakthrough in law enforcement. Authorities successfully intercepted a covert operation aiming to illicitly transport ammunition to Sudan's military. This incident reflects the intricate dynamics gripping Sudan, a nation beset by conflict and turmoil. According to the Emirates' WAM news agency, security forces unearthed a staggering cache of approximately five million rounds of ammunition concealed within a private aircraft…

The Complex Web of Arms in Sudan: A Call for Accountability The situation in Sudan has taken a worrisome turn, prompting an in-depth investigation by the United Nations. The inquiry seeks to unravel the mystery of how weapons, notably mortar rounds that originated from Bulgaria and were sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ended up in the possession of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan. This scenario is not merely a case of lost accountability; it raises profound questions about arms trafficking and the…

The Impact of Aid Cuts on Internally Displaced Persons: A Call for Compassionate Action The humanitarian landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, particularly for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) around the globe. As U.S. foreign aid policies have shifted, many lives hang in the balance, particularly in conflict zones like Nigeria. The cuts implemented during the Trump administration have reverberated through essential services provided by key United Nations agencies, leading to an…

Significant Leadership Changes in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy development, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has extended heartfelt congratulations to Abdisalam Abdi Ali on his recent appointment as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the country, as it seeks to navigate increasingly complex political landscapes and security challenges. In his message,…

Disturbing Power Outages Hit the Iberian Peninsula On the evening of Monday, a significant power outage plunged large portions of the Iberian Peninsula into chaos. As night fell, both Spain and Portugal found themselves grappling with a situation that disrupted daily life—grounding planes, halting public transport, and forcing hospitals to suspend their routine operations. The magnitude of this event has been unprecedented in recent European history, marking a moment that will inevitably be part of discussions in boardrooms…

Mogadishu (AX) — A striking incident has taken place involving the USS Harry S. Truman, an aircraft carrier known for its resilience and operational prowess. On Monday, during operations in the Red Sea, a $67 million U.S. Navy fighter jet, specifically an F/A-18E Super Hornet, unexpectedly fell overboard alongside a towing tractor. As Houthi fighters claimed responsibility for missile launches targeting the carrier group, U.S. officials have refrained from drawing any direct connections between these events. This ambiguity…

The Perilous Journey to Saudi Arabia: A Story of Hope and Despair Crossing deserts on foot, engaging with unscrupulous smugglers, braving the treacherous sea—these are the harsh realities faced by countless migrants attempting to reach Saudi Arabia. Their journey often entails enduring abuse from armed factions and navigating highly fortified mountain borders, which have long been the backdrop of conflict. In 2023, a report by Human Rights Watch shed light on the egregious abuses allegedly perpetrated by Saudi border…

Insights from IMD's Smart Cities Index 2025 As we navigate the complexities of urban life, IMD's Smart Cities Index 2025 sheds light on the progress of cities worldwide, including those across the African continent. This year’s findings are a tapestry woven with remarkable strides and lingering obstacles. The landscape of African cities presents a curious paradox—a blend of innovation and stagnation. A Glimpse of Progress and Challenges At the forefront, Cairo shines as the…