Agreement

Somalia and Turkey move to seal a labor pact — and raise bigger questions about jobs, skills, and dignity In a quiet room in Doha on Friday, Somali Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Yusuf Mohamed sat down with Turkey’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, to push forward a bilateral labor cooperation agreement. On paper, it is a technical accord: training programs, civil service capacity-building, and a plan to spur job creation. In practice, it is also a test of whether two close partners…

Towards Peace: A Fragile Ceasefire Agreement in the Congo In a development that offers a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing turbulence, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have reached an agreement to establish a joint ceasefire monitoring body. The announcement, made through social media statements from both entities, marks a crucial step forward, emerging from protracted negotiations in the opulent surroundings of Doha, Qatar. This agreement, however, arrives…

The Complex Journey of Migrants: Navigating New Challenges in Ghana In an era marked by heightened migration and shifting geopolitical alliances, the arrival of a recent group of migrants at Kotoka International Airport in Accra underscores the complexities facing both the deportees and the welcoming nation. A Boeing 767-200 from Baltimore touched down, bringing with it 14 West African nationals, a somber reminder of the struggles many endure in pursuit of safety and stability. While the specific nationalities of these…

A fragile pause, a political gamble: what the new Gaza ceasefire really means Israel’s cabinet has approved a deal that, if implemented, would halt fighting in Gaza within 24 hours and set in motion the release of hostages held by Hamas over the last two years. For U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped shepherd the talks, it is a diplomatic trophy he says he will celebrate in person. For families who have spent nights in Hostages Square and displaced Palestinians sheltering under tarpaulin, it is a moment of raw,…

As AGOA Faces Expiration, What Lies Ahead for U.S.-Africa Trade Relations? The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to bolster trade between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries, is at a crossroads. Enacted in 2000 under President Bill Clinton, AGOA has been a beacon for economic development and trade for nearly 23 years. However, as its expiration looms, the ramifications are profound, extending beyond mere policy discussions into the realms of economic…

Kenya and Ethiopia deepen military ties in bid to secure unstable borderlands ADDIS ABABA — In a gesture that underlines shifting patterns of regional security cooperation in the Horn of Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at tightening the two neighbours’ response to cross‑border threats, including the al‑Shabaab insurgency that has long bled into northeastern Kenya. Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, and Ethiopia’s commander, Field Marshal Birhanu…

Rekindling Hopes for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo In a world where peace often feels just a shade more elusive than conflict, the commitment by key players in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to uphold a U.S.-brokered peace agreement offers a flicker of hope. This agreement, emerged from months of tireless U.S.-led mediation, aims to end decades of turmoil that have plagued the nation, a country rich in resources yet burdened by strife. But as the complexities mount, promises made may soon find themselves…

Somalia’s Political Crossroads: A Call for Electoral Unity MOGADISHU — As Somalia grapples with an ever-complex political landscape, former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has sounded a clarion call for urgency and unity in electoral matters. In his latest press conference held in Mogadishu, the leader of the opposition Salvation Forum vehemently opposed any attempts to extend the current government’s constitutional mandate, stating, “There is still ample time to conduct a credible and inclusive election before May 15,…

A New Chapter in Somalia’s Electoral Landscape: Progress or Peril? In a significant political shift, a faction of Somalia's opposition alliance has reached an electoral agreement with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This pact could alter the country’s democratic trajectory, signaling both hope and uncertainty. As the global audience absorbs this development, one must consider its ramifications within Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. A Historic Breakaway The Sehmiye faction, composed of influential figures like…

Somalia’s New Electoral Agreement: A Crucial Step Toward Unity NAIROBI—In a nation often marred by instability and political discord, the recent landmark electoral agreement between Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum marks a pivotal stride toward national unity and democratic governance. The Agreement: A Pathway to Stability After two months of contentious negotiations, the agreement outlines a distinctive approach to conducting the next elections. Under the new framework, the Federal Parliament…