North Africa

Imagine a sprawling complex nestled in a strategically vital location—a hub of constant activity. These military bases, scattered across foreign lands, serve multifaceted purposes. Their roles range from counterterrorism painstakingly orchestrated from afar to safeguarding maritime borders. But have you ever wondered about the hidden layers beneath their ostensibly benign existence? Strategic military bases often appear as essential instruments of peace and stability. They’re pivotal for intelligence operations and for…

Amidst a blazing inferno of a heatwave, South Sudan has decided to shutter all schools for the next fortnight. It's a move prompted by an alarming reality: some children have fainted under the intense sun. How did we get here? For the second year in succession, this nascent nation, already grappling with severe climate oddities that flood its lands in the rainy season, finds itself at odds with the February-March heat spikes. Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi paints a vivid picture of an…

With the emergence of Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new leader of the African Union Commission (AUC), a pivotal question arises: how will this new stewardship navigate the escalating continental and global crises? Often overshadowed by global news headlines, the recent African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa marked a significant turning point for Africa's foremost multilateral institution. A tectonic shift, if you will, was felt as Youssouf, an esteemed diplomat, was ushered in to replace Chad's Moussa…

In African urban centers, the robust financial empowerment of residents translates into an enhanced quality of life and stimulates economic dynamism. Ever wondered how this interaction plays out in the day-to-day lives of city dwellers? Looking at global standards, if a purchasing power index reads 40, it means individuals in these locales can acquire 60% fewer goods and services compared to their counterparts in New York City. A higher score naturally indicates enhanced financial security and prosperity for its…

Sudan has taken a bold step—recalling its ambassador from Kenya in a dramatic response to the latter's decision to host discussions aimed at forming an alternate government. The story, intricate and multi-layered, reflects not just a geopolitical quarrel but the often unpredictable dance of diplomacy. Sudan's Foreign Ministry, never one to mince words, remarked that Ambassador Kamal Jabara was summoned "for consultations." Why, you wonder? Kenya's seemingly audacious move to bring together individuals from the Rapid Support…

It's said that history doesn’t repeat, but it often rhymes. Can this phrase apply to Kenya's economic journey? Recently, whispers from unnamed insiders suggest a major shift in financial strategy. Insider sources, who chose to remain anonymous, leaked that the promised loan to Kenya will be delivered in full rather than in stages as originally intended. Such a financial influx at one go is quite unconventional, isn’t it? Not much has been said publicly; neither Kenya's Treasury Secretary John Mbadi nor the UAE…

Inflation, a relentless specter haunting the African continent, burdens both individuals and enterprises. Though inflation is not unique to Africa, the continent's fragile economies, heavy import dependence, and capricious global influences exacerbate its impact manifold. This situation makes it exceedingly arduous for citizens to afford essentials and maintain business sustainability. But why does this happen with such intensity in Africa? Several factors contribute…

In an obscure corner of the world, far from the eye of most international media, the Al-Karrar office has metamorphosed into something more sinister—a financial command center crafted intricately for the Islamic State’s sprawling empire, extending its dark reach from Afghanistan to Mozambique. Picture a warren of clandestine activities where ancient hawala networks blur seamlessly with cutting-edge cryptocurrency transactions, a place surviving on the gritty art of extortion. Entire economies within these insurgent zones…

The world's prosperity gap, a measure of the disparity between average incomes and a target of $25 per person per day, has stagnated ever since the pandemic began. Why, you might ask? The culprit seems to be a dual assault of dwindling economic growth and an uneven income distribution among countries. While it’s easy to blame this on external shocks, could it be a call for introspection on how intertwined our economies really are? Achievements are not made overnight. Here's a compelling statistic: between 1990…

During the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Johannesburg, President Cyril Ramaphosa made a compelling case for a more inclusive and cooperative global community. This moment is particularly momentous as South Africa steps into the G20 Presidency for the first time, a milestone that amplifies the nation's voice on the world stage. In his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the profound significance of convening the G20 Leaders' Summit in Africa, emphasizing that the continent is not just a place rich in cultural diversity…