North Africa

Strengthening Somalia’s Future: A Call for Unity and Inclusivity Entebbe, Uganda (AX) — In a region where challenges often seem insurmountable, African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf recently made a fervent appeal to the Federal Government of Somalia. His message was clear: it’s time to ramp up political efforts in building robust state institutions. But what does that truly mean for the ordinary citizen? How can inclusivity, as emphasized by Youssouf, shape a more resilient Somalia? During a pivotal…

Mogadishu (AX) — The air in Northeastern State feels charged with tension these days, as authorities remain tight-lipped regarding serious allegations that the United Arab Emirates has installed sophisticated radar equipment, manufactured in Israel, at the bustling port city of Bosaso. These claims have raised eyebrows, inviting both speculation and concern about the increasing shadows of covert security operations and the burgeoning rift with Somalia's federal government. The controversy has escalated following…

In April, the U.S. State Department took a significant step to safeguard its citizens by releasing revised travel warnings for several countries, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Morocco, and Uganda. This advisory urges U.S. citizens to approach travel plans with caution or, in some cases, to reconsider their trips altogether. The implications of such advisories run deep, affecting personal travel plans and the broader perceptions of safety in these regions. The advisory highlights a spectrum of concerns ranging…

Jigjiga, Ethiopia (AX) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has recently raised serious allegations against Ethiopian security forces, accusing them of violently disrupting a women's meeting in Jigjiga on April 24. These claims assert that not only were numerous participants arrested, but several also sustained injuries during the incident. The ONLF contends that this attack is emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent within the Somali Region, curtailing freedoms and silencing voices that challenge the status…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making substantial strides in establishing its presence in Africa, exemplified by its recent transfer of Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems to the junta-led government of Chad. This act signifies more than just a military transaction; it forms part of a larger strategy aimed at fortifying Chad’s defense capabilities amid the growing turbulence in the region. Just last week, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with His Excellency…

When we delve into the economic health of a nation, one term invariably rises to the top of the conversation: Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. This seemingly simple acronym encompasses a wealth of information about a country’s financial landscape. At its core, GDP represents the total value of all goods and services produced within a country over the span of a year. Imagine it as the price tag that reflects the sheer scale of a nation’s economic prowess. It’s akin to looking at the collective effort—the hard work,…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has sounded the alarm, urgently calling for the rapid deployment of an additional 8,000 peacekeepers. This plea is made against the backdrop of escalating Al-Shabaab attacks, which have cast a long shadow over years of stabilization efforts in Somalia. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, jeopardizing the hard-earned progress of the nation. During a ministerial meeting held in Kampala on Thursday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu…

MTN Group Addresses Recent Cybersecurity Incident In an era where digital security is paramount, MTN Group, a leading telecommunications giant, has recently found itself at the center of a significant cybersecurity event. The company's spokesperson emphasized that “our core network infrastructure, billing systems, and financial services platforms are safe and fully functional.” However, they did not disclose specifics regarding the number of countries affected or the scope of the incident,…

Morocco's transformative journey in the realm of rail transport is not merely remarkable; it’s a bold assertion of national ambition. Pioneering the continent's leadership in high-speed rail, Morocco already boasts the only operational high-speed rail (HSR) system in Africa: the Al Boraq line connecting Tangier and Kenitra. With this success as a springboard, the kingdom is now embracing an exciting new phase, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transportation and regional integration. A $9 Billion…

Turkey's Ambitious Initiative to Enhance Energy Independence In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the region, Turkey is gearing up to initiate a robust series of oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan. This strategic initiative, heralded by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, aims to significantly diminish Turkey's reliance on imported energy sources. Announced during a recent event in Istanbul, this plan reflects Turkey’s commitment to…