North Africa

Sudan's Deepening Conflict: A Nation at a Crossroads As Sudan's civil war deepens, the African Union has taken a decisive stand against the formation of a rival government declared by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a statement issued Wednesday, the AU's Peace and Security Council implored all member states and the global community to reject the "parallel government" proposed by the RSF, warning of the severe implications it holds for both peace efforts and the nation's future. The Fragmentation of Sudan Once allies,…

Graves in the Path of Progress: A Tale of Loss and Resilience in Mogadishu On the outskirts of Mogadishu, the bulldozers of development are closing in on the past. This relentless push for progress has driven a Somali family to make a heart-wrenching decision—to exhume the remains of their parents from Moalim Nur cemetery and transport them to the distant soil of Guriel in the Galgaduud region. The memory of last year's destruction of the Policia (Bulusia) cemetery looms large, casting a shadow of anxiety over burial…

Somalia’s New Electoral Agreement: A Crucial Step Toward Unity NAIROBI—In a nation often marred by instability and political discord, the recent landmark electoral agreement between Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum marks a pivotal stride toward national unity and democratic governance. The Agreement: A Pathway to Stability After two months of contentious negotiations, the agreement outlines a distinctive approach to conducting the next elections. Under the new framework, the Federal Parliament…

Hope and Heartbreak at the African Nations Championship This past weekend, the energy in East Africa was palpable as the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship unfolded, yet the local excitement soon transformed into poignant heartbreak. Despite fervent home support for the co-hosts—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the tournament’s dramatic atmosphere didn’t culminate in the fairytale many had hoped for. Instead, it was the defending champions, Senegal, and the rising surprise team from Sudan that emerged victorious,…

Rwanda's Bold Move: A New Chapter in Migration Policy In a world where migration is often a contentious topic, Rwanda has taken a significant step that reflects both its historical context and its current ambitions. A recent agreement with the United States has paved the way for Kigali to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S. This partnership, which was formalized in June, marks a deepening of relations between the two nations and underscores Rwanda's evolving role as a hub for humanitarian support. The…

A Struggle for Survival: The Cholera Crisis in Darfur's Refugee Camps In the parched camps of Tawila, western Sudan, fear is as palpable as the scorching heat. Here, among the dusty landscapes, an invisible enemy strikes—and it's spreading with the relentlessness of a desert wildfire. Cholera, a ruthless bacterial infection, is carving through the refugee population with lethal speed, leaving healthcare workers racing against time to save lives. A Humanitarian Nightmare In the shadow of recent conflict, Mona Ibrahim's…

Libya’s Elections: A Nation Crossroads and the Quest for Democracy As Libyans prepare to head to the polls this Saturday for municipal elections, it's not merely a test of democratic processes, but a reflection of a nation struggling with deep-seated divisions and insecurity. The regions of Benghazi, Tobruk, and Sirte refusing to participate underscore the enduring fissures within the country. The Challenges of Fragmented Governance Since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, Libya…

Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024: An Inspiring Kickoff in Rabat The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off on a cool evening in Rabat at the Stade Olympique, where anticipation hung in the air like the prelude to a great symphony. The hosts, Morocco, faced off against Zambia in a match that was as much about grit and determination as it was about skill. Despite being outpaced by Zambian zeal, Morocco showcased their resilience by fighting back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw. A Game of Resilience The…

Justice or Political Vendetta? The Case of Rached Ghannouchi In a courtroom shadowed by controversies, Tunisia's opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi finds himself ensnared in a legal battle that many observers argue extends beyond the realm of justice. This latest ruling, tacking on additional years to his existing sentences—over 20 years from previous convictions—has triggered a stir among advocates of political freedom and human rights, both domestically and internationally. The Latest Sentencing This week, Ghannouchi,…

The Role of Egyptian Troops in Somalia’s Fight Against Terrorism In an increasingly interconnected world, terrorism knows no borders. Somalia, a nation long tormented by the extremist group al-Shabab, is now bolstering its defense forces with a fresh wave of support from Egypt, marking a significant development in the African Union’s ongoing peace and stabilization efforts. A New Chapter in Somali-Egyptian Collaboration At the heart of this strategic alliance is the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission…