African

Horn of Africa's own Mogadishu—Somalia just tossed its hat into the ring for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), hoping to snag a spot for the 2025–2028 term. It's an ambitious endeavor to up its game in the arena of peace and stability across the continent.The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement this past Thursday, pointed out that since the inception of the AU PSC back in 2004, Somalia hasn't had the chance to represent. The ministry emphasized their candidacy isn't just a matter…

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the outgoing president of Ghana, has just given the green light for visa-free travel for all African citizens. This landmark decision stands to reshape the way Africans connect and explore one another’s countries. Historically, Ghana had already extended a warm welcome to travelers from 26 African nations, allowing them to enter without the hassle of a visa. However, citizens from another 25 countries had to jump through hoops to secure a visa upon arrival. Only a select few, specifically…

In a groundbreaking move, South Africa has stepped into the G20 presidency, marking a historic milestone as the first African nation to take the helm of this influential assembly of countries. The upcoming term is set to officially kick off on December 1, 2024, and will extend for a full calendar year. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound gratitude upon receiving the presidency from Brazil during the G20 summit held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. “I stand here humbled and honored to accept the G20…

Trump's Recognition of North Western State of Somalia: A Shift in International Dynamics? Rumor has it, according to a former UK defense honcho, that Donald Trump is plotting to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an official country. This move could turn political tides and shake old alliances. Gavin Williamson spilled the beans to The Independent, revealing his talks with Trump's camp. The crux of the matter? Official recognition of North Western State of Somalia, which lies strategically on the Red Sea, making it…

The task force known as Operation Vala Umgodi, part of the South African Police Service operating in the North West province, has reiterated its plea for illegal miners who remain underground to resurface. Currently, law enforcement is engaged in a tense standoff with a significant number of illegal miners who find themselves stuck in an abandoned mining shaft. In response to the situation, police have effectively sealed off the entry points that these miners use to bring in supplies. As a result, these individuals are now…

“A handshake in Istanbul colored the air with new possibilities,” noticed observers as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan last September . The meeting seemed to signal a thaw in icy relations and was a precursor to subsequent talks between Turkey and Egypt, centering on Africa and Libya. On a lively Monday, officials from both countries gathered to address mutual concerns. On the table were discussions about the Horn of Africa and simmering tensions in the Red Sea, alongside the…

In a significant move, the Somali Minister of Finance, Bihi Egeh, placed his signature on the dotted line next to the US ambassador. (Image courtesy of the US Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia.) Chronic turmoil involving warlords and piracy has long plagued this corner of Africa. Amidst such challenges, the USA gave Somalia a bit of financial breathing room by forgiving a hefty $1.1 billion (£860m) in debt. This reveals a new chapter for Somalia as it announces the cancellation of about a quarter of its total debt through…

This past weekend marked a significant shift in Botswana's political landscape as Duma Boko took the oath of office as the country's new president. This transition follows what many analysts are calling an unexpected defeat for the long-standing ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Yusuf Bangura from The Premium Times raises an intriguing question: Why did the once-dominant BDP, often regarded as a political powerhouse, falter in this election? The outcome has left political strategists and citizens alike…

The surge in monkeypox cases across Africa has led to a significant response involving the distribution of vaccine doses, with Kenya standing amongst the nine nations in the continent receiving these crucial supplies. The Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) has earmarked an initial batch of 899,000 vaccine doses for these nine African countries, aimed at tackling the monkeypox outbreak. This decision, articulated through a press release from the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores collaboration with the countries…

In the bustling heart of Salt Lake City, tucked away at 1578 West and 1700 South, there's a vibrant hub for Somali refugees trying to find their footing in a new world—a place that offers more than just services, it's a lifeline. "The Somali Community Self-Management Agency is here to help African refugees transition smoothly into their new communities," says Abdirizak Ibrahim, the inspired mind and executive director guiding this initiative. Ibrahim describes this haven as more than an agency: "We’ve carved out a…