Concerns

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…

On April 18, 2025, Zimbabwe celebrated its 45th Independence Day—a moment that should brim with pride. Yet, amid the flags and fanfare, a pervasive sense of disillusionment lingers. Corruption runs rampant, political repression remains a grim reality, and economic turmoil casts a long shadow over the nation. For many Zimbabweans, the celebration is bittersweet, marred by recent events that have rendered their struggles painfully visible. As the festivities unfolded, the government demonstrated its commitment to silencing…

Ethiopia's Decision: Strategic Move or a Recipe for Discord? By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring Amid the intricate labyrinth of political maneuvers, Ethiopia has embarked on a significant and somewhat controversial step. On a recent Friday, the government appointed Getachew Reda—former rebel and erstwhile leader of the Tigray region—as a ministerial advisor. This move arrives with its set of complexities, leaving analysts pondering over the potential consequences for the already volatile…

Ivory Coast and Cocoa Prices Amidst U.S. Tariff Proposals Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Abidjan, where the air is rich with the earthy aroma of cocoa—a scent that hints at its significance to the nation. Ivory Coast, often acclaimed as the world's largest cocoa producer, stands at a crossroads. Recent geopolitical developments have added layers of complexity to an already intricate web of international trade. The present situation stirs up a notable question: What…

Suspicion of Al-Shabaab Infiltration in Somali Army After Colonel Nur Farey's Tragic Death MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the wake of the shocking news, questions loom large over the tragic demise of Colonel Nur Farey. What transpired that fateful day has shaken the Somali National Army (SNA) to its core, leaving many to wonder: Could Al-Shabaab have found a crack in the army's armor? The circumstances surrounding the colonel's fatal shooting unfolded like an unsettling narrative. As reports…

European shares experienced a substantial decline today, marking their steepest loss in eight months. The drop comes amidst rising concerns that an intensifying trade war could hinder economic growth, particularly following the significant tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The CAC in Paris closed down 3.3% at 7,598, while Frankfurt's DAX dropped 3% to 21,700. London's FTSE index fell by 1.55% to settle at 8,474. Additionally, Dublin's ISEQ index saw a decline of over 2%, closing at 10,145. In the lead-up to…