North Africa

Cairo, Egypt, 24 March 2025: In a strategic move that echoes both promise and progress, Somalia has officially joined the ranks of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), becoming its 53rd member state. This pivotal accession marks a step closer to Afreximbank’s vision of an integrated African financial synergy, aiming to extend its diverse suite of offerings across the continent. With a committed signature from Hon. Hirsi Jama Gani, State Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, this accession wasn’t merely a…

Picture this — a land rich with potential, the world's newest nation teetering on the delicate threshold of peace and chaos. South Sudan, a country birthed from years of struggle and yearning for independence, finds itself once more at a crossroads. Can it navigate the precarious path to sustained peace, or will history repeat itself in a torrent of conflict? In a move illustrating the growing unease, Germany has prudently shuttered its embassy in Juba, the pulsating heart of South Sudan. As tensions ravage this…

Football: Africa’s Cultural Canvas Football in Africa is akin to wind in the Sahara, omnipresent and unyielding. More than just a sport, it's a binding force that stitches communities together, telling tales of euphoria, despair, and patriotism. Gather around as we unravel the beauty nestled in this passion. Whether it's local derbies igniting age-old rivalries or international arenas throbbing with energy, the African love for football is profound. There's an electrifying enchantment that envelops the fans as…

We all seem to chase happiness almost as if it's snow on a hot summer day, an uncanny endeavor, isn't it? As universal as this pursuit is, not every country provides an ideal canvas to paint a life of contentment and joy upon. Who wouldn’t want to dwell in a place that radiates happiness like a beacon? But, do such utopias even exist? Ah, the World Happiness Report! An annual affair that ranks nations, shining a spotlight on the ones dancing in joy while subtly nudging those grappling with…

It's a moment none of us wished to witness: Germany taking the weighty decision to temporarily close its embassy in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The reason? A situation spiraling out of control, with tensions escalating to the point of threatening a relapse into civil war. This close of diplomatic doors was publicly shared by the German foreign ministry on a gloomy Saturday. For South Sudan, a nation still tender in its young years, the threat of plunging back into conflict feels perilously close. Who could…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected yet exhilarating twist, Somalia clinched their first-ever point in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. What unfolded on Friday at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan was not just a goalless draw against Guinea but a story of sheer resilience and unyielding spirit. Why, you might wonder, is this such a big deal? Against a backdrop of skepticism and doubt, Somalia delivered a disciplined defensive performance that left spectators, pundits, and even their opponents in disbelief. It…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-evolving landscape of global migration, fresh stories emerge that remind us how interconnected our world truly is. Just recently, the spotlight turned towards Bangladesh as border guards nabbed a Somali individual, citing unauthorized entry from neighboring India. This incident is yet another chapter in a growing narrative of unorthodox crossings in the region. Early on a Saturday morning, near the Nijkalika Border Outpost in Feni district's Parshuram sub-district, Abdiwali Mohammed Ali was…

In recent developments in East Africa, the Somali government has warmly acknowledged the Sudanese Armed Forces’ successful takeover of the presidential palace in Khartoum. This event marks a pivotal moment in Sudan's journey to reclaim sovereignty after enduring two challenging years of civil unrest with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a heartfelt statement on Friday. They highlighted the solidarity and sacrifices made…

Unfreezing Aid: A New Dawn In an unforeseen development, the United States has decided to thaw frozen aid funds, spotlighting a monumental moment in U.S. foreign policy. This decision arrives on the heels of a thought-provoking U.S. Supreme Court ruling that has, for lack of a better term, sent ripples across the boardrooms and communities alike. Can one decision truly alter the fabric of international relations? By revoking the freeze on aid, significant initiatives are back on track in healthcare, infrastructure, and…

Imagine living in a country where filling up your car's tank doesn't cost more than a handful of coins. In several African countries, this is not a distant dream but a refreshing reality. The benefits of low fuel prices are multifaceted, deeply entrenched in both economic stability and social wellbeing. Have you ever wondered how access to affordable gasoline could transform the daily narrative? Here's a detailed exploration into this phenomenon. Albert Einstein once said,…