Concerns

The Starlink Conundrum: Diplomacy or Manipulation? In an intriguing investigation by ProPublica in 2025, a complex tale unfolds involving significant tensions at the intersection of business and international diplomacy. At the heart of this narrative lies the government of The Gambia and its controversial dealings with Starlink, the satellite internet service spearheaded by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Quite remarkably, the campaign entailed at least seven Gambian ministries embroiled in what could be perceived as veiled threats…

34th Arab League Summit Takes Center Stage in Baghdad: A Call for Unity On a significant Saturday in Baghdad, the 34th Arab League Summit opened its doors to discussions that reverberate far beyond the confines of the conference hall. It marks not only Iraq's fourth summit but also its first since 2012, making this an occasion of great importance. The shadows of Israel's ongoing conflict with Gaza loomed large over this gathering, overshadowing numerous regional concerns. As the world watches with bated breath, the…

In Ghana, the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has resurfaced with renewed vigor. Originally passed by Parliament in February 2024, the bill has yet to be enacted, but its implications loom large. It stipulates severe penalties, proposing prison terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex relations and five years for promoting LGBTQ+ rights. The nation's Supreme Court recently dismissed attempts to block this legislation. Their ruling underscored…

Political Tensions Escalate as Somali Lawmakers Call for Presidential Resignation Mogadishu (AX) – A significant development in the Somali political landscape has unfolded, as a robust bloc of 103 members from Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament has issued a striking joint statement. They are not just calling for change; they are demanding the resignation of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This bold move comes amid serious allegations, including gross constitutional violations, abuse of power, and a perceived…

Jubaland Warns of Authoritarian Risks in Somalia Amid Centralized Power KISMAYO, Somalia - In a landscape rich with history and complexity, the region of Jubaland sends out a sincere plea to the international community. They urge an intervention to prevent Somalia from slipping into what they term a looming dictatorship. Recent political shifts, they argue, seriously jeopardize the cherished principle of federalism that many believe is the backbone of Somalia's future. Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, the…

In a stark shift in its foreign aid strategy, the United States has decided to withhold $50 million in health assistance to Zambia. This decision stems from the alarming issue of "systematic theft" of donated drugs and medical supplies within the country. What does this mean for those in dire need of medical support? U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, expressed the gravity of this choice. He described it as a "difficult" but necessary step after countless warnings to the Zambian government about the importance of…

In a significant development, Togo's President, Faure Gnassingbé, has been appointed to the newly created post of President of the Council of Ministers. This pivotal role, which notably comes with no defined term limits, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, labeling the appointment a "constitutional coup." Many question whether this move might enable Gnassingbé to maintain his grip on power indefinitely. The responsibilities of the President of the Council of Ministers are substantial. According to…

Somalia's Dilemma: A Ban on Taiwanese Passports Amid Geopolitical Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a recent twist of international diplomacy, Somalia’s former Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, justified the country's decision to ban Taiwanese passports. He accused Taipei of undermining Somalia’s unity by supporting separatist movements within its borders. This bold assertion raises pertinent questions about sovereign rights and international relations. How far should a nation go to protect its territorial integrity?…

Nigeria’s Strategic Move to Re-Enter JPMorgan's Bond Index Recently, Patience Oniha, the head of Nigeria's Debt Management Office, delivered an exciting update: following significant reforms in the foreign exchange (FX) market, Nigeria is on track to re-enter JPMorgan's Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets. This news, announced during the Nigerian Investor Forum held at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among investors and…

Somalia-Turkey Oil Deal Sparks Controversy over Transparency By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia - A confidential oil partnership has surfaced between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey, igniting a flurry of skepticism and public debate. Why the controversy? Many Somalis argue that the agreement was woven together with the threads of opacity. Could there be more beneath the surface? This clandestinely crafted deal, since unveiled through documents leaked by the…