North Africa

Libya, a nation once brimming with promise, now finds itself teetering on the edge of instability. During a recent session of the UN Security Council, UN Political Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo painted a stark picture of a country burdened by deep-rooted political fractures, widespread economic mismanagement, and alarming human rights abuses. “Libya’s unity is imperiled,” DiCarlo stated, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with its own factions. Political divisions have become so pronounced that they threaten the…

Is it truly possible to capture the depth of destruction in mere numbers and figures? A comprehensive report co-authored by the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union posits the financial burden of rebuilding the Gaza Strip is staggering — a colossal $53.2 billion over the upcoming decade. While numbers carry their own weight, they barely scratch the surface of the economic devastation wrought by the recent conflict. The aptly titled 'Gaza and West Bank Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA)' provides a…

Amidst a backdrop of contentious geopolitics, Egypt is forging a path that defies conventional solutions. Unlike former U.S. President Donald Trump’s audacious proposition to depopulate the Gaza Strip for American takeover, Egypt's strategy has a touch of humanity: rebuilding Gaza without expelling its people. As reported by Egypt's state-affiliated Al-Ahram newspaper, the Egyptian initiative envisions creating "secure areas" in Gaza. This would enable Palestinians to stay while construction entities, Egyptian and…

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki (L) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (R) appear together during a past diplomatic sojourn. CREDIT / EPC Mogadishu (AX) — In recent developments, Eritrea has firmly rebutted allegations by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who suggested that Eritrea is preparing for military conflict against Ethiopia. Eritrea swiftly labeled these claims as unfounded, attributing them to an attempt to deflect from Ethiopia's internal challenges. Teshome, speaking through Al Jazeera, pointed…

Sudan Voices Dismay Over Kenyan Event Involving Rapid Support Forces In a world teetering on the edge of diplomacy and chaos, every action can send ripples across continents. On Tuesday, Sudan's foreign ministry articulated its profound regret regarding Kenya's decision to facilitate a political gathering for a coalition aligned with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). One might wonder, in a landscape where alliances define fates, why would Kenya host such an event? The Nairobi-hosted event unfolded on Tuesday, serving as a…

The New Frontier: Somalia's Ambitious 200-Square-Kilometre Development Project The winds of change are blowing across Somalia's landscape, bringing with them a project that aspires to revolutionize commerce and connectivity. Over the next few months, a comprehensive surveying and feasibility study will mark the beginning of a 200-square-kilometre endeavor designed to enhance the country's trade and economic potential. Picture a gateway not merely for Somalia, but for its landlocked and coastal…

Amidst a seemingly endless undercurrent of geopolitical tension, a group of Somali special forces captains stood stoically against the backdrop of 2022. They were part of a specialized commando unit, their faces stern as they engaged with their U.S. Army trainers. The photograph, captured by Luis Tato for The Washington Post, is a vivid reminder of the complex tapestry of military alliances woven across Africa and the Middle East. In Nairobi, recent developments have thrown a wrench into these delicate dynamics. An…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

On an ordinary Saturday, right amidst the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, an unassuming revolutionary shift occurred. Selma Haddadi was appointed as the next deputy chairperson of the AU Commission—an appointment that resonates across the continent like an unexpected melody echoing through familiar chords, signaling a fresh symphony for Africa. Hailing from Algeria, Haddadi holds the esteemed position of ambassador to Ethiopia. Her election marks the beginning…

Addis Ababa (AX) – Unfurling under the expansive African sky, the bustling city of Addis Ababa welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud this past Friday afternoon. His arrival marked a significant engagement in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) Summit, poised to commence on Saturday. What do African leaders yearn for in these annual gatherings? Perhaps it is the hope of sowing seeds for a more harmonious continent. As President Mohamud's plane touched…