Ambassador

Hamas has put forth its response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. However, the lead negotiator for the US has rendered the response "totally unacceptable." The militant group described its reaction as positive but underscored the necessity for a permanent ceasefire—a long-standing contention for Israel. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "Hamas continues to cling to its rejectionism," reiterating the US envoy Steve Witkoff's stance on the response being inadequate. Israel previously issued a…

Paul Johnston, the British Ambassador to Ireland, recently characterized a new agreement between the EU and the UK as particularly "significant." This milestone was reached yesterday, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighting that it could potentially inject nearly £9 billion (€10.6 billion) into the UK economy by 2040. Central to this agreement is the establishment of a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal covering plant and animal products, a framework that is not bound by time constraints. In an…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a remarkable Monday, the vibrant city of Mogadishu welcomed its new guest, the newly appointed UK Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King. As he stepped onto Somali soil, King officially began his mission, representing the United Kingdom in this fascinating yet complex region of the Horn of Africa. As he takes on this important role, one can’t help but ponder: What does this transition mean not only for the diplomatic landscape but for the everyday lives of Somali citizens? Having been appointed in…

The Meeting That Could Shape Somalia's Future Mogadishu (AX) – On a balmy Saturday afternoon, a pivotal meeting unfolded at the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu. The leader of the SSC-Khaatumo administration, Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, affectionately known as Firdhiye, engaged in a dialogue with Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yi. Their meeting, rich with hopes and aspirations, was centered around enhancing development ties and fostering cooperation. The air was thick with purpose as they delved into discussions that could…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia’s bustling capital, a significant encounter unfolded last Sunday, one that could potentially shape the nation’s political landscape. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed sat down with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley. The agenda? To delve into the pressing issues surrounding political stability and security, and to explore avenues for advancing Somalia’s state-building endeavors. The discussions between Sharif and Riley were not merely transactional; they were a testament…

In a recent address, China's ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, emphasized the importance of finding common ground with Washington and fostering a spirit of peaceful coexistence. He cautioned, however, that China stands prepared to respond decisively to escalating trade tensions. Speaking at an event in Washington, the details of which were subsequently shared on the Chinese embassy's website, Ambassador Xie warned that tariffs could lead to significant harm to the global economy. He drew a striking comparison to…

South Africa Appoints New Envoy to the U.S. In a move that experts describe as both strategic and timely, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as the new envoy to the United States. This decision entrusts Jonas with the critical task of advancing South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities. A question arises immediately: Why Jonas, and why now? The backdrop to this appointment is a tapestry of strained relations. The past few months have witnessed a tumultuous…

Reflecting on international diplomacy, one cannot underestimate the complexity of appointing national ambassadors, a process laden with strategic considerations and diplomatic repercussions. Recently, the nomination of Leo Brent Bozell III by former President Donald Trump as the United States Ambassador to South Africa has sparked substantial discussion. This decision has stirred controversy, leaving many to wonder: Is this a step forward or a regression in U.S.-South Africa relations? Bozell, known widely as a…

In the wake of Ebrahim Rasool's recent expulsion, President Cyril Ramaphosa finds himself at a pivotal crossroads, contemplating the appointment of South Africa's next ambassador to the United States. This decision carries significant weight in a time when diplomatic relations between the two nations remain fraught. President Ramaphosa is not rushing this choice. The stakes are high, and his deliberations reflect a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics at play. As Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the…

Diplomatic Storm: US Declares South African Ambassador 'Persona Non Grata' In a dramatic and unexpected move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that South Africa's ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is "no longer welcome" on American soil. The language used was unambiguous. "Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and President Donald Trump," Rubio asserted in a social media post. It was a statement that caused ripples across international diplomatic circles. Such a…