North Africa

The Geopolitical Balancing Act: Somalia's Navigating Partnerships As the new year unfolded on January 1, 2024, Egypt’s strategic ambitions took a significant leap forward. The country eagerly embraced an agreement with Addis Ababa, granting naval and commercial access to the vital port of Berbera in North Western State of Somalia for an extensive period of up to fifty years. In a swirl of diplomatic tension, this memorandum of understanding drew sharp criticism from Somalia, which condemned the deal as an “illegal…

Egypt and Somalia: Strengthening Bonds Amid Regional Tensions In a bold declaration filled with resolve, Egypt has recently asserted its commitment to thwart Ethiopia’s push for access to the Red Sea. On Sunday, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi conveyed this message during a press conference that followed strategic discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo. This development highlights not only Egypt's deep-rooted concerns but also its expanding security partnership with Somalia. El-Sissi…

In recent discussions, South Africa has firmly rejected the perception that it harbors anti-American sentiments, reiterating its dedication to forging a robust trade agreement with the United States. This commitment comes at a time when geopolitical narratives can often cloud intentions. President Donald Trump has previously voiced concerns about countries he associates with the "anti-American policies" of the BRICS bloc, suggesting that these nations, including South Africa and Egypt, may soon face an added tariff of 10%.…

The long-anticipated 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat kicked off with unexpected flair at the Stade Olympique on Saturday night. The host nation, Morocco, faced a formidable challenge against Zambia, ultimately ending in a gripping 2-2 draw. Both teams showcased remarkable skill and tenacity, each rallying to equalize, illustrating the heart of competitive football. Analysts praised their relentless spirit; Morocco's ability to respond under pressure was particularly impressive. The atmosphere in the…

The Geopolitical Ripple Effects of Trump's Tariff Threats On a recent Sunday, the atmosphere of global diplomacy was stirred by none other than former President Donald Trump. In a statement that reverberated well beyond U.S. borders, Trump issued a stern warning to nations contemplating partnerships with the BRICS bloc. He labeled their policies as “anti-American,” threatening an additional 10% tariff on countries that align themselves with this coalition of emerging economies. This declaration has raised eyebrows and…

The moment Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun in November 1922, a wave of fascination rippled through the world. This was no ordinary archaeological find; it revealed treasures that had lain undisturbed for millennia, invoking dreams and tales that danced in the minds of historians and the public alike. However, this excitement soon gave way to chilling anecdotes. Mysteriously, several members of the excavation team, including Lord Carnarvon—Carter's financial backer—succumbed to sudden illnesses, leading…

A recent study entitled AFRAA Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024 has shed light on a significant issue affecting travelers in Nigeria. The report highlights that Nigerians are paying an astonishing average of $180 in taxes and charges for each international flight, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the continental average of just $68. This disparity raises an important question: what does this mean for ordinary Nigerians who wish to explore the world or conduct business abroad? The financial burden,…

African Currency and Trade Dynamics: A Comprehensive Overview In May 2025, nearly half of the currencies across the African continent experienced depreciation. This trend highlights persistent foreign exchange pressures, underscored by a range of ongoing reforms and stable economic growth. Insights gleaned from the African Export-Import Bank’s Monthly Developments in the African Macroeconomic Environment report, published in June 2025, illuminate this complex landscape. The bank's…

Egypt's Innovative Approach to Debt Management: A Model for the Future In a significant step towards economic resilience, Egypt has announced groundbreaking debt swap agreements totaling over $900 million with Germany and Italy, as stated by Rania Al-Mashat, the country’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. These agreements aim not only to alleviate financial pressures but also to bolster Egypt's developmental agenda. Furthermore, the nation has entered into a novel debt swap deal…

Freedom and Democracy in Africa: A 2025 Perspective In recent years, we have witnessed a disheartening trend where some nations deepen their commitment to civil liberties and democratic norms, while others regress into authoritarianism. The world seems to be at a crossroads, and how we navigate this path may fundamentally shape the next generation of our global community. Have we considered what this divide means for our shared future? According to the 2025 Freedom House report, we are…