North Africa

File photo: Al-Shabaab militants. AP It was an early Sunday morning when silence shattered near Mogadishu's bustling airport; Al-Shabaab militants, notorious for their swift and sudden attacks, sent a wave of mortars crashing perilously close. This hostile disruption wreaked havoc on international flight schedules, casting a shadow over Somalia's efforts to maintain its fragile peace. A security official confided in AFP, shedding light on the severity of the intrusion. Reflecting on the incident, one cannot help but ponder…

If your spirit yearns for exploration, Africa extends an invitation you can't refuse. The untamed beauty and sheer audacity of its landscapes beckon every traveler seeking the extraordinary. As of 2025, TimeOut highlighted four African wonders in its prestigious list of the 44 most stunning places globally. This is a testament to Africa’s unparalleled natural allure—reminding us of its place in the tapestry of the planet’s natural gems. But what makes these destinations so extraordinary? The discerning eyes of…

Diplomatic Endeavors for Peace: A Human Touch In a world often overshadowed by turmoil, genuine efforts toward peace shine like beacons of hope. This past Saturday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, accompanied by his Turkish colleague, Hakan Fidan, embarked on a significant dialogue aimed at rekindling the flames of peace in the Gaza region, focusing on reinstating the ceasefire agreement. The question is, can diplomacy restore what war has shattered? Both ministers engaged in a comprehensive phone…

Algeria and France: Towards Renewing Historical Ties In the intricate world of international relations, a simple day can hold the power to redefine destinies. Recently, after a series of high-level discussions, the spotlight shifted to an intriguing endeavor: reviving the long-standing, albeit complex, dialogue between France and Algeria. With the French officials meeting Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the air was thick with anticipation. Could this be the dawn of a new era, or…

In an unexpected twist of economic decisions, Libya's central bank announced a significant devaluation of their currency on a quiet Sunday. The dinar's value has been adjusted down by 13.3% against the U.S. dollar, pegging the official exchange rate at 5.5677 dinars per dollar. This change, undeniably, is laden with historical echoes and contemporary realities. It’s not just numbers; it’s a story unfolding. It's fascinating when you think about it, this is the first recalibration since 2020,…

The United States' Stance on South Sudanese Visas: A Critical Approach In an unexpected move, the United States has disclosed its intention to cancel all visas associated with South Sudanese passport holders. The rationale behind this drastic decision? South Sudan's continued noncompliance regarding the acceptance of their citizens who have faced repatriation. One might wonder, what implications does this decision hold for both nations? This announcement couldn't come at a more tumultuous time for Africa's…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an ambitious stride towards enhancing regional peace, the African Union alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, has sanctioned the inclusion of 2,500 Ethiopian troops into a redefined peacekeeping mission. This decision underscores a significant endeavor to quash the relentless aggression of Al-Shabaab, a group tethered to the al-Qaida network. The Ethiopian contingent falls under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia, commonly referenced as AUSSOM. Launched at the dawn of this year,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a whirlwind episode amid an already tumultuous expedition, seven players from Somalia's U-17 national football team have returned to their camp following a brief disappearance from their team hotel. This occurred during the ongoing TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, casting a complicated shadow over their campaign. The initial report came from Pan Africa Football, detailing how the players vanished on two separate occasions, with the latest incident unfolding just two days before their…

In many countries, a notable aspect of governance is the presence of senior leaders across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Their experience and knowledge significantly influence the political landscapes they navigate. But can age truly encapsulate wisdom, or does it sometimes hinder progressive governance? There's no denying the pull of executive power—the capacity to make decisions that shape the future. Yet, it's the legislature that transforms…

Sweden's Engagement with Somalia: A Chapter Closed, A Story Continued Since 2022, a committed advocate for humanitarian and developmental efforts, Högberg, carried the torch for Sweden’s engagement in Somalia. Her mission, a formidable undertaking, focused on weaving a stronger fabric of aid and cooperation between these two diverse, yet interconnected nations. Before her endeavors in Somalia, she had carved a significant path in Sudan, laying the groundwork for what would become key strategies in international aid. But…