North Africa

Complex Web of Allegations: Gold Laundering and International Sanctions The Korean leader is deemed the 'real commander' of RSF, accused of enabling the laundering of gold money through Nairobi. Kenya's then deputy president William Ruto (right) and his then running mate Rigathi Gachagua in Nairobi, Kenya, on 4 June 2022 (AFP/Yasuyoshi Chiba) An Intersection of Politics and…

Have you ever paused to consider the critical role that airports play in our interconnected world? They are more than just places where you board a flight; they are arteries of economic lifeblood, especially in regions like Africa, where they promise to change lives and expectations. Often underestimated, airports serve as vital threads in the fabric of global commerce, tourism, and regional progress. This is nowhere more apparent than in Africa—a continent that stretches beyond our…

As the sun rose over the enchanting city of Rabat, a profound message was unveiled by a panel of distinguished speakers during the much-anticipated GITEX AFRICA Morocco press conference. This event, a beacon illuminating Africa’s tech future, heralded the continent’s grandest tech and startup gathering scheduled for April 14-16, 2025, in the culturally rich city of Marrakech. Cloaked under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI—may divine guidance continue to assist him—this…

Antalya (AX) – On a serene Thursday evening, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia gracefully touched down in the picturesque city of Antalya. His purpose? To partake in the much-anticipated 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF). The forum, a hub of intellectual and diplomatic exploration, officially opened its doors on Friday, continuing its discourse through to April 13. This year, the poignant theme is “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.” Such a theme prompts us to ponder: In a world splintered by various…

In the ever-shifting sands of Libya's southeastern desert, a haunting discovery emerged, deepening an already painful narrative of affliction and desperation. As the sun beat down mercilessly on the region, local authorities on Sunday reported the unearthing of almost 50 bodies from two mass graves—a grim testament to the ongoing saga of migrants endeavoring to escape the turmoil-laden nation in hopes of reaching Europe. How do these stories begin, one might ask? A mere glimmer of hope set against a backdrop of chaos and…

Libyan Cabinet Affairs Minister Survives Assassination Attempt in Tripoli On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday in Tripoli, Adel Juma, Libya’s minister for cabinet affairs, found himself the target of a shocking assassination attempt. According to a statement from the U.N.-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) that spearheads governance in Libya's capital, Juma barely escaped with his life after an unidentified assailant opened fire on his vehicle. An inquiry is currently underway to identify those behind this…

In a remarkable and significant announcement, the African Union (AU) declared Libya the destination of choice for the 2026 African-Turkish Summit. This revelation, shared on Monday, stemmed from decisions made at the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, held from February 15 to 16. The decision not only signifies a major diplomatic achievement for Libya but also an endeavor to restore its place of eminence within Africa. As Libya's Presidential Council declared, this milestone event is a testament to the…

In a world that constantly evolves, moments of diplomacy often unveil significant stories that, though small at first glance, ripple across borders. Recently, the grand halls of the Elysee Palace in Paris became the backdrop for such an encounter. Didier Lefevre, while sipping his morning espresso, wouldn't have imagined that later in the day, the distinguished French President Emmanuel Macron would engage with the controversial Libyan figure, General Khalifa Haftar. This unexpected meeting signals much about the intricate…

Imagine a network so complex and deeply intertwined, yet not where you'd expect to find it—no, not in a tech corporation or a sprawling conglomerate, but within mercenary operations. The Wagner Group is perhaps most notorious for providing soldiers for hire to authoritarian states, but the real story weaves through an extensive and intricate tapestry of corporate alliances. These range from mining to political influence, each thread tightly connected, forming an ensemble that performs on stages far and wide—especially…

In a paramount diplomatic meeting on Wednesday, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, engaged in intense discussions with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. This dialogue, rich in purpose and mutual respect, sought to weave a tapestry of support, unity, and collaborative vision between Egypt and Somalia. Minister Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's unwavering commitment to honoring Somalia's territorial integrity alongside its national institutions. "A nation's soul…