North Africa

The Thriving Future of Space Collaboration: International Lunar Research Station In a recent gathering of space agency directors from BRICS nations, significant details emerged regarding a collaborative initiative that is set to redefine our understanding of lunar exploration. Dmitry Bakanov, CEO of Roscosmos, conveyed the palpable enthusiasm surrounding the development of the International Scientific Lunar Station (ILRS) by stating, "Our joint initiative with China to create an International Scientific Lunar Station is…

The Brewing Storm in South Sudan: Deliberate Discord? Amidst the political labyrinth of South Sudan, an opposition lawmaker has raised a grave concern. On a recent Sunday, a soft whisper became a thunderous accusation when President Salva Kiir’s government was accused of laying the groundwork for an impending “genocide.” At the center of this storm is the Nuer community, which some allege is being targeted merely for being aligned with Riek Machar, the opposition leader. The apprehension shrouding this claim traces back…

The Evolving Dynamics of Morocco and the Sahel Alliance The recent announcement made during a meeting with King Mohammed VI in Rabat marks a significant shift in regional dynamics, as reported by the Moroccan state news agency. The implications of this meeting may extend far beyond the realm of politics, spilling into the economic and social fabric of the Sahel region and its neighboring states. The three landlocked nations of the Sahel—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—find themselves in a unique and precarious situation.…

Temporary Suspension of Umrah and Family Visit Visas for Somali Citizens and Others Riyadh (AX) — Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a temporary suspension of Umrah and family visit visas for Somali citizens, alongside nationals from thirteen additional countries. This decision, aimed at effectively managing crowds and ensuring security in light of the upcoming 2025 Hajj season, is a hallmark of the Kingdom's proactive approach to facilitating one of the largest religious gatherings on the planet. Starting from April 13,…

As of March 2025, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has disclosed a troubling figure: member states collectively owe a staggering $58 million in contributions. This financial shortfall has sparked significant challenges for the bloc, leaving many to ponder the future of regional cooperation in East Africa. The pressing financial situation was the focal point of a recent meeting held by the EAC Council of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania. There, leaders gathered to confront the crisis laid bare by a…

The Ripple Effect of U.S. Aid Cuts on African Healthcare The recent disruption in humanitarian aid from the United States has not merely altered budgets; it has sent shockwaves through Africa, undermining healthcare infrastructures that depend heavily on American support. Despite the official cessation of a 90-day halt on aid, the repercussions have left a gaping wound in Africa’s healthcare landscape. When an administration decides to freeze $72 billion in spending, the ramifications…

Recent discussions have shed light on the United States' interest in the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. This initiative, as articulated by Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun, could mark a significant step in U.S. investment in Africa's energy landscape. According to The Cable, Minister Edun made this announcement during his briefing on the outcomes of the ministry’s discussions at the recent Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, D.C. It's…

The Supreme Court of Kenya recently delivered a significant judgment, rejecting a government initiative aimed at seizing assets belonging to Gibriel Cusman Mohamed, a former Somali diplomat. The assets in question included a striking residence valued at KSh 110 million and cash amounting to KSh 8.6 million. Authorities had accused Mohamed of having ties to Yemeni terrorist organizations, raising profound questions about the intersection of diplomacy, legality, and ethical governance. Representatives from the Asset Recovery…

At just 36, Captain Ibrahim Traore has carved a remarkable niche for himself as the youngest head of state globally, seizing control through a military coup in 2022. Yet, beneath the veneer of youthful vigor lies a precarious foundation; Traore himself has weathered numerous attempts at coups, making his position seem less a triumph and more a continual struggle for stability, as observed by Enoch Randy Aikins, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. Since taking office, Traore has voiced a fervent commitment to…

Rupert, the second richest individual on the African continent, has experienced a remarkable surge in his net worth, skyrocketing from $13.7 billion at the beginning of the year to $15.3 billion by April, as reported by Bloomberg's Billionaire Index. This extraordinary leap in wealth is not merely a numerical milestone; it echoes broader economic trends and personal anecdotes that encapsulate the complex intertwining of ambition, market dynamics, and the human spirit. Achieving a position as the 171st richest person in the…