North Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — It was an emotional scene at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Monday. The air was filled with a mix of relief, joy, and introspection as 145 Somali citizens arrived back home. For nearly a year, each of these individuals had been detained under dire conditions in Libya. Their return marks yet another chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the Somali government and international partners striving to dismantle the perilous networks that trap migrants in North Africa. The recently…

Over the past decades, the landscape of governance in Africa has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. The wave of independence that swept across the continent in the 1960s heralded a new era of self-rule. Yet, even as countless nations embraced democratic ideals, the journey has been anything but straightforward. While some African countries have steadfastly committed to democracy, others have circled back to a governance style reminiscent of Africa's early days of autonomy. But why does this oscillation occur?…

On a notable Sunday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi welcomed Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh to Cairo, sparking a crucial dialogue on regional security, the nuanced challenges in Somalia, the fragile state of Sudan, and the delicate balance of Red Sea security. This pivotal meeting came against a backdrop filled with concern over Ethiopia's persistent aspirations for sea access, a country that remains landlocked yet ambitiously forward-thinking. The discussions were graced by the esteemed presence of…

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…