North Africa

As the clock ticks down to Somalia’s presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2026, the nation once again finds itself at a significant crossroads. In just twelve months, a myriad of uncertainties hangs precariously over the political landscape. Deepening political divisions threaten to pull us apart, while the rules governing the electoral process remain frustratingly ambiguous. In the shadow of rising insecurity and international partners who are showing signs of fatigue after years of engagement, it’s little wonder…

Today's announcement of the third cohort for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship by CcHUB is nothing short of inspiring. It showcases a significant step toward inclusive innovation in education, with an impressive equal representation of male and female founders. This balance highlights the pivotal role women are playing in revolutionizing learning in Nigeria and throughout Africa. The inventive solutions put forth by these startups aim to bridge the critical gaps in education, empowering a brighter future for…

FILE - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., defending sweeping cuts to foreign aid programs. Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently found himself at the center of a storm, facing increasing backlash from health experts and humanitarian organizations over his defense of substantial reductions in foreign aid. During a congressional hearing on May 21, Rubio made a contentious claim: “No one has died because of USAID”— a statement quickly challenged…

Nigerian Diaspora Remittances: A Heartfelt Connection In the intricate tapestry of Nigeria’s economy, remittances from its diaspora serve as a vital thread, weaving together families and communities. These small, often modest sums sent back home effortlessly transcend mere financial transactions. They capture emotional ties, familial commitments, and the enduring spirit of togetherness. Take, for instance, the remarkable figure of $20.93 billion in remittances recorded in 2024. This five-year high tells a compelling…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday, a significant chapter unfolded in Somalia’s evolving narrative, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed African football legends Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay-Jay Okocha to the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. This moment was not merely a casual gathering; it represented a powerful stride toward rebuilding Somalia’s international image through the unifying power of sports. The President spoke earnestly about the importance of this visit. “This visit by our African brothers is…

Immigration and Due Process: A Deep Dive into a Complex Legal Battle This aerial photo shows Djibouti, East Africa, in December 2024. Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images In an unfolding legal drama that captures the gravity of due process, a federal judge has recently ruled that immigrant detainees slated for deportation to South Sudan are not receiving the fair treatment guaranteed by law. Judge Brian Murphy, presiding over the District Court in Massachusetts, has expressed strong concerns about the actions of the Trump…

Understanding the Economic Toll of Visa Rejections on African Nations The losses incurred by African countries from rejected visa applications often serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals seeking opportunities abroad. These rejections are not just numbers; they represent dreams dashed and aspirations not realized. Specifically, these losses arise from a broad category of EU-issued visas, which encompasses national visas intended for study, employment, and long-term residence. Imagine…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently conducted a mission in Egypt, which offered intriguing insights into the nation’s economic landscape. After a thorough assessment, the IMF emphasized a single, pivotal need for Egypt: broadening its tax base. This step is crucial for reinforcing the progress Egypt has made toward achieving greater macroeconomic stability. "Egypt has made substantial progress toward macroeconomic stability," remarked Vladkova Hollar, the IMF Mission Chief for Egypt. Such affirmations from…

Kenya's Diplomatic Shift: Supporting Morocco's Western Sahara Autonomy Plan On November 12, 2024, Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi made headlines at the United Nations climate change conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. His appearance was not just a routine engagement; it marked a pivotal moment in Kenya's foreign policy. Following this, news broke that Kenya has declared unequivocal support for Morocco's initiative to grant autonomy to the disputed region of Western Sahara, aligning itself with a growing…

In recent discussions, Russia's Ministry of Defense shed light on critical conversations that took place, as reported by Sputnik. The agenda revolved around implementing existing agreements, military-technical cooperation, addressing both regional and global security challenges, and forging deeper military relationships moving forward. During this high-stakes meeting, the two delegations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a constructive dialogue. They emphasized the importance of regional stability and…