North Africa

When it comes to Middle Eastern diplomacy, every suggestion is like a pebble tossed into a lake—ripples ensue that no one can control. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump fired off one of his trademark verbal grenades, proposing that Egypt and Jordan consider giving sanctuary to Palestinians displaced by the relentless cycle of conflict in Gaza. As expected, Arab nations rolled their eyes and replied with a resolute "Not happening," throwing the idea out with both hands. Trump casually pitched this bullish notion on…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent crackdown on swirling rumors, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) made it crystal clear that the freshly-minted national ID cards have absolutely zilch to do with Somalia's forthcoming nationwide elections using the one-person, one-vote principle. In a direct tête-à-tête with BBC Somali on a sun-drenched Sunday, NIRA’s head honcho, Abdiwali Ali Abdulle Timacade, set the record straight, emphasizing that this ambitious ID card initiative is all about offering a timeless…

In the ever-turbulent Horn of Africa, a new chapter unfolds as Somalia and Egypt ink cooperation to tackle a mutual adversary: the formidable al-Shabaab. It’s a partnership seasoned with more than just agreements on paper; it’s a blend of strategic foresight and a dash of cairo-esque optimism. Let’s take a moment to delve into this intriguing alliance. As the sun set on an eventful Sunday, both nations laid their cards on the table, announcing their resolve to unite against the specter of terrorism. The details were…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the swirling dance of diplomacy and military tensions, Sunday heralded another somber chapter from the knotty conflict front. A tragic incident shook the northern Gaza Strip as Israeli forces reportedly killed a Palestinian while they were attempting to make their way back to a place he once called home. As if on cue, Hamas unleashed a salvo of accusations, charging Israel with dragging its feet on the supposed ceasefire and leaving displaced folks in a lurch with bureaucratic shackles. Well, Israeli…

A new era is dawning in the realm of U.S.-Africa relations, and one can almost hear the gears of change grinding into motion. Yet, before we pop the confetti, it's important to note that the current administration’s policies are still taking shape, and this process won’t yield fruit overnight. Still, the impact of several Executive Orders that Donald Trump signed in the nascent days of his presidency might just reverberate across the African continent like a thunderclap in a hot, muggy summer. During his Senate confirmation…

When two leaders put pen to parchment in the vibrant heart of Cauri on a sunny Thursday, it was more than mere ink gracing paper; it was the birth of a potent promise. Egypt and Somalia ushered in a new era of camaraderie with a vibrant joint political declaration, underscoring their alliance with fervent assurances of military support as part of a pact born from their covenant sealed in mid-August 2024. Who would have thought yesterday’s rivals would become tomorrow’s allies?In this bold scheme, Egypt pledges its formidable…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a city rich with history and the reverberations of eras long past, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a significant tête-à-tête with Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, the esteemed Speaker of the Arab Parliament, against the backdrop of bustling Cairo on a sunny Egyptian Friday.Amidst the ancient pyramids and the bustling souks, the discourse unfolded like a captivating narrative, weaving threads of diplomacy and camaraderie. Their discussions circled the pivotal role of the Arab Parliament in…

FILE – Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, share a moment in Cairo, August 2024 – Egyptian Presidency In a move that could stir the diplomatic waters of the region, the heads of state from Egypt and Somalia put pen to paper on Thursday, sealing a joint political declaration. This pact aims to forge a strategic partnership, elevating the bilateral ties to a higher echelon. The grand halls of Cairo saw President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi roll out a warm Egyptian…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

Steve Witkoff captured the spotlight at a lively presidential inauguration parade held within the pulsating walls of Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on a chilly January 20. Washington, DC – Embarking on a daring diplomatic mission, the United States' Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced plans for a visit to Gaza within days. This journey is part and parcel of his endeavor, whimsically described as an “inspection team,” to keep a vigilant eye on the ceasefire pact recently inked between Israel and Hamas. In a…