North Africa

A Sombre Tale from Hurghada Imagine a serene morning in Hurghada, a beacon for tourists nestled by Egypt's spectacular Red Sea shores. Here, an adventure on the inviting waters turned tragically wrong. The loss was profound, as at least six lives were claimed when the "Sindbad" viewing submarine, crafted to offer tourists an underwater spectacle, succumbed to the ocean's might. Hurghada, situated roughly 250 miles southeast of Cairo, stands as a jewel along the Red Sea, drawing visitors…

On January 20, 2025, just moments after stepping into office for his second term, Donald Trump made a consequential move that reverberated across continents. By halting USAID funding, a major lifeline for numerous African countries, Trump set off a storm of questions about the future of U.S. support for the region. Imagine for a moment the far-reaching impact of abruptly cutting off such a crucial funding source. Programs that focus on healthcare, agriculture, and education have long depended on this aid to…

Although Russia may not match the economic footprint of Western nations or China in Africa, its influence lies in specific sectors that echo the priorities of global superpowers: armaments, mining, and energy—extending into nuclear energy. Have you ever wondered why Russia, despite its relatively modest economic stakes in Africa, holds such sway politically? Analysts have unraveled a layer of this intricate relationship, unveiling a remarkable political influence Russia commands on the African continent, a power that belies…

The current political unrest in South Sudan illuminates the fragile nature of peace and power dynamics within the nation. As South Sudan grapples with tenuous stability, recent developments threaten to unravel the delicate fabric of peace woven since the end of the brutal civil war. This unrest underscores a critical turning point in South Sudan’s political landscape, where every decision could either fortify or shatter the fragile peace. Recently, the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar and several key figures has ignited…

Can you imagine holding a Nigerian passport as a foreigner simply because you made a significant economic contribution? This is not a far-fetched dream but soon could be a reality thanks to Nigeria’s bold new initiative: the citizenship by investment program. But what does this move really mean for the country and investors alike? It's fascinating to observe that countries across the globe are tapping into the potential of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, using it as a magnet to…

In the heart of Mogadishu, whispers of hope intertwine with the calls of street vendors and laughter of children, creating a melody of resilience that is unmistakably Somali. This sense of tenacity, however, met an untimely stumble on the soccer field, as Somalia's cherished ambition to record a historic victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers faced a fresh challenge. On a somber Tuesday afternoon, under the African sky, the Ocean Stars bowed to Botswana in a 2-0 defeat—a match marked by stark defensive errors, according to…

The humanitarian challenges we face today are profoundly complex and daunting, steered by four prominent global forces: escalating conflicts, increased assaults on civilians, the worsening impacts of climate change, and the widening chasm of economic inequality. Have you ever wondered how such factors collectively intensify the need for humanitarian intervention, compelling the world to act with urgency? These elements coalesce, forming a brewing storm of humanitarian needs…

Understanding the IMF's Financial Grip on Africa The economic landscape of Africa took a transformative turn during the 1980s and 1990s. These were tumultuous times marked by plunging commodity prices, soaring energy costs, and regrettably poor fiscal management. You might recall those decades—a time when many African nations found themselves tethered to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial resuscitation. The IMF, stepping in with what can be likened to an olive branch, introduced Structural…

The recent decision by Norway to shut its embassy in South Sudan speaks volumes about the increasing tensions that have been gripping this young nation. Not far behind, we see the delicate ties between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar straining under the forces of conflict. It’s a tale as old as time—political discord scraping away at the facade of unity. Picture yourself in Juba, the heartbeat of South Sudan. It's here that Norway’s Foreign Ministry declared on a Wednesday, cloaked in…

Currency Stability: A Key to Economic Resilience In a world where financial trends are as volatile as they are timely, it becomes crucial to explore the moments that bring clarity amid chaos. March 2025 unfolds a tapestry of economic narratives across Africa, each highlighting one indisputable truth: the stability and strength of a country's currency can be a formidable pillar in fostering economic resilience. This insight, albeit nuanced, tells us that maintaining…