North Africa

When discussing the intricacies of maritime security, one of the most effective yet often overlooked strategies is the establishment and maintenance of a robust mine warfare fleet. This approach, rooted in history, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding nations amid the turbulent seas of geopolitical conflicts. Throughout human history, mine warfare has underscored important lessons about defense tactics. Despite its critical nature, it tends to languish in the shadow of other military strategies. Why is it that…

In recent years, African economies have encountered an array of global challenges that can only be described as a perfect storm. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still ripple through these nations, leaving them grappling with slowed economic growth, mounting debt, and strained fiscal positions. It's akin to a ship trying to navigate through heavy fog, where visibility is limited, yet the journey must continue. Have we collectively learned enough from this turmoil to chart a safer course? Compounding…

Fuel prices are more than mere numbers on a meter; they often symbolize momentary relief, economic stability, and political goodwill. For people living in African nations, a drop in fuel costs can have far-reaching implications, extending beyond the pump and into their day-to-day lives. When the fuel prices in a country decrease from the previous month, it brings a flurry of benefits. These advantages are not limited to the immediate, tangible financial savings. There exists a more nuanced, symbolic optimism associated with…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a compelling report that casts a stark light on Tunisia's alarming trend of arbitrary detentions, which have become a cornerstone of President Kais Saied's increasingly authoritarian regime since his contentious power grab in 2021. This 42-page exposé delves deeply into the government's systematic crackdown on dissenters. It reveals a landscape where fear prevails, and those who dare to speak their minds face politically charged prosecutions designed to intimidate and silence critics.…

Kenya's Stance on Sudan Conflict: A Commitment to Peace Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, during a recent public engagement, has taken a firm stand against allegations that Kenya has been supporting Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces. His remarks were made in a candid interview with the BBC. In a world increasingly marred by conflicts, the question of mediation becomes ever more significant. “We invite dialogue,” Mudavadi…

As part of its ongoing reevaluation of foreign policy, the Trump administration is contemplating the closure of an extensive number of diplomatic missions. This plan, which suggests shutting down 10 embassies and 17 consulates around the globe, has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the future of U.S. diplomacy. According to an undated internal memo from the State Department, revealed by The New York Times, if enacted, this decision would considerably contract the U.S. diplomatic footprint across all continents,…

In a startling twist in diplomatic relations, France has made the significant decision to recall its ambassador from Algeria while simultaneously expelling 12 Algerian diplomats from Paris. This bold maneuver marks a pivotal moment in a relationship that has been increasingly strained. The immediate catalyst for this diplomatic spat can be traced back to the arrest of a consular staff member implicated in the alleged kidnapping of an exiled government critic within French borders. Algeria, responding with indignation,…

In a striking move that sends tremors through an already fractured Sudan, the paramilitary outfit known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has proclaimed the establishment of a rival government. This audacious announcement seeks to extend control over territories in its grasp, including the war-torn western region of Darfur. Recent United Nations reports bear grim witness to the havoc wrought by this group, with more than 400 souls perishing in the wake of its attacks. But was this move just a reaction to the pressing chaos,…

The European Commission made a significant announcement on Wednesday, designating several nations—including Egypt and Tunisia, both of which face considerable scrutiny regarding their human rights records—as "safe countries" for the return of failed asylum seekers. This decision has sparked a flurry of debate and concern among human rights organizations and advocates. Critics of the updated list argue that it effectively allows EU member states to expedite asylum applications from the nationals of these countries,…

Cairo (AX) — This past Tuesday, a significant meeting took place in the vibrant heart of Cairo, where a high-level Somali delegation had a productive dialogue with General Osama Sayyid, the Secretary-General of Egypt’s Council of Ministers. This gathering aimed to foster and enhance bilateral cooperation in the realms of public sector development and institutional reform. The discussions underscored a shared vision: strengthening the bonds between Somalia and Egypt. At the core of these talks was the aspiration to modernize…