North Africa

In a world where international dynamics shift like sands in the desert, the pursuit of stronger partnerships is a journey not for the faint-hearted. On a bustling Tuesday in the historic capital of Tripoli, this pursuit took a significant step forward. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on an official visit to Libya, an encounter filled with promising intentions and a refreshingly candid dialogue. Mohamed al-Menfi, the pragmatic chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council, echoed a sentiment that seemed…

Africa, while home to a vast spectrum of cultures and landscapes, encounters a unique geographical challenge—being landlocked. Surprisingly, one-third of the continent's countries do not have direct access to the sea. Yet, the presence of seaports on the African coastline is a beacon of economic hope and utility, facilitating access to international markets for even the most inland businesses. These maritime gateways are not just crucial for those positioned at the water’s edge, but they extend their opportunity-laden arms…

Global Brands: Nations Beyond Borders Imagine a world where countries are more than just landmasses; they are vibrant brands with a heartbeat and personality. Some nations are instantly recognizable, wield immense influence on the global stage and attract investments like a powerful magnet. But what makes a country a powerhouse brand? It's not just economic clout but also a blend of culture, innovation, and a generous dash of goodwill. Take the United States, for instance. An economic juggernaut that, come 2025,…

In the ever-evolving landscape of global aviation, the year 2024 beckoned with both challenges and achievements. A reminder of both human enterprise and its vulnerabilities, Africa's aviation landscape serves as a poignant reflection of this dual narrative. With ten incidents recorded, Africa positioned itself as the region with the second-highest number of plane crashes. An unsettling statistic indeed, it mirrors the perpetual conflict between ambition and the precarious nature of modern advancements. African…

Mogadishu (AX) – The rhythmic hum of helicopter blades slicing through the air above Mogadishu heralds a new chapter in regional cooperation against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab. In a remarkable display of unity and purpose, five African nations, each carrying the weight of their own hopes and histories, are contributing a formidable force of 11,900 troops to the African Union's recently unveiled Somalia Mission, aptly named AUSSOM. It's interesting to note that three of Somalia's immediate neighbors—Uganda,…

Libya and Somalia Forge a Path to Collaborative Growth In the vibrant city of Tripoli, a series of strategic agreements were recently inked, casting new light on the burgeoning partnership between Libya and Somalia. These agreements, encapsulated in several Memoranda of Understanding, aim to fortify collaboration across key domains such as investments, educational exchanges, and training opportunities. But what does this mean for the socio-economic fabric of these two nations?…

In an era characterized by fluctuating alliances and high-stakes diplomacy, the role of military forces in stabilizing tumultuous regions like Somalia becomes a complex symphony of negotiations and strategic maneuvering. Consider the intricate dance playing out between African nations and the African Union in crafting a new mission in Somalia—a nation that has, for years, been the battleground for competing interests and ideologies. The backdrop is Mogadishu, a city that has seen its fair share of turmoil, where a soldier…

Rethinking Egypt’s Mega Projects In today's ever-evolving economic landscape, countries are constantly challenged to balance growth with sustainability. Egypt stands at a pivotal point in its development journey, marked by expansive infrastructure projects and bolstered by the leadership's ambitious visions. Egyptian billionaire, Naguib Sawiris, brings a fresh perspective to this narrative—a perspective that warns against nesting ambitions solely on the laurels of grandeur. Sawiris…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal twist of regional dynamics, Burundi has commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia. This move marks the end of an 18-year era of military involvement under the auspices of the African Union's peacekeeping initiatives. But what's driving this significant change? The roots trace back to a contention over troop contributions to the recently minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, which took the baton from the African Union Transition Mission in…

A Historic Diplomatic Encounter: Bridging Gaps and Building Trust Mogadishu (AX) — On a windswept Thursday morning, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to grace the Somali capital’s horizon, setting the stage for an essential dialogue with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. These meetings, vivid with political undertones and strategic dynamics, capture a pivotal moment in the intricate relationship between these two Horn of Africa neighbors. Their journey, marked by maritime disputes and military…