Africa

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and South Africa's Diplomatic Dialogue Pretoria (AX) – On a notably sunny Friday afternoon, the serene atmosphere of Pretoria buzzed with enthusiasm as two prominent figures in international diplomacy came together for a pivotal meeting. Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, sat down with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola. Their discussion was more than just another diplomatic gathering; it was…

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko for defamation, a verdict first delivered in January 2024. This decision pertains to accusations against him for attempting to tarnish the reputation of former tourism minister Mame Mbaye Niang. The ramifications extend far beyond the courtroom, playing a pivotal role in the political landscape of the nation. As the Supreme Court dismissed Sonko’s appeal for a reversal, the implications for his political career became…

Highlighting Africa: A Closer Look at the 2024 Best Countries Rankings In a remarkable testament to growth, heritage, and cultural relevance, three African nations—Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa—have earned distinguished spots in the 2024 Best Countries Rankings. This prestigious list, produced by U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with the Wharton School and the global marketing agency WPP, offers a lens through which we can view the evolving narratives of countries around the world. Among these nations,…

Angélique Kidjo has taken a monumental step in history, becoming the first Black African artist to earn a star on the revered Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition is an extraordinary milestone, not only for Kidjo but for countless artists who dream of global influence. The vibrant, five-time Grammy-winning vocalist, hailing from Benin, is among the 2026 honorees, which also includes luminaries such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and towering figure Shaquille O'Neal. Kidjo's journey through the music industry spans…

Next week promises to be a pivotal moment in international relations as U.S. President Donald Trump embarks on his first significant diplomatic initiative focused on Africa since re-entering the political arena. A summit of this magnitude raises important questions: What will be the outcome of these discussions? What implications will this gathering have on U.S.-Africa relations moving forward? The meeting is set to convene five esteemed African leaders: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President Bassirou Diomaye…

Nigeria's political landscape is once again stirring, as a group of formidable opposition leaders has come together to form a coalition under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Among them are notable figures like Peter Obi, who made waves during his presidential campaign, and Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned political player. Their objective? To take on President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. This coalition does not merely consist of a handful of politicians; it embodies a response to a populace…

David Mabuza, a prominent political figure who once held the position of deputy president and later served as the premier of Mpumalanga, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. His tenure as Deputy President, spanning from 2018 to 2023, made a significant mark on South Africa’s political landscape. President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Mabuza's unwavering dedication to not only the government but to the very fabric of the nation. He noted, “Mabuza deserves our appreciation for his…

The recent peace agreement facilitated by the United States between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo unfolded against the backdrop of a less explored narrative. As noted by Edward DeMarco, a strategist and commentator on African affairs, “Behind last week's U.S-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a hidden storyline: Togo's quest to become West Africa's Rwanda.” This intriguing comparison draws attention to the ambitions of this small West African nation. How did Togo, a…

The 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda provided a remarkable platform for transformative dialogue and strategic engagements that are poised to redefine economic partnerships between the United States and Africa. This gathering was nothing short of historic, as it brought together an unprecedented number of Heads of State and Government. Twelve leaders—among them Presidents and Prime Ministers from various African nations—graced the summit, amplifying its significance. This summit wasn’t just marked by the…

The 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit, held in Luanda, served as a pivotal platform to unveil ambitious initiatives, with a staggering $2.5 billion earmarked for projects across Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda. In a post-summit statement, the State Department articulated that this monumental gathering aimed not only to cement key agreements but also to foster an environment conducive to enhancing U.S. exports and investments in Africa. The overarching goal? To champion mutual…