connections

Displaced people ride in an animal-drawn cart, fleeing the recent attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the Zamzam displacement camp in Tawila, North Darfur, Sudan, on April 15, 2025. The scene, marked by fear and uncertainty, reflects the harsh realities faced by many in this conflict-ridden nation. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo In a world grappling with complex geopolitical issues, the situation in Sudan stands out as both tragic and troubling. On April 29, 2025, a U.N. panel of experts responsible…

Unraveling Arms Supply Dynamics in Sudan: A Complex Tale of Conflict and Accountability In the heart of Africa's tumultuous landscape lies Sudan, a nation grappling with conflict, dislocation, and the haunting scars of violence. Recently, media coverage has illuminated a particularly troubling chapter within this narrative—the investigation into how mortar rounds exported from Bulgaria to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) found their way into the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The story is not just about…

During the funeral of Pope Francis, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged world leaders and mourners alike to "build bridges, not walls," a powerful echo of the late pontiff's calls for compassion toward migrants, peace, and urgent climate action. Leading the Requiem Mass in St. Peter's Square, the 91-year-old cardinal delivered a poignant message that was as political as it was pastoral. He stated, "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," a remark that…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Tuesday, the atmosphere at Villa Somalia was more than just pleasant; it buzzed with the excitement of possibility. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Souleiman Hassan Waberi, a notable figure in the football world who wears many hats—President of the Djibouti Football Federation, Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and member of the FIFA Council. Their meeting wasn't just a standard diplomatic affair; it was a conversation brimming with potential for the…

The United States has announced new port fees targeting ships built and operated by Chinese entities as part of an effort to revitalize the domestic shipbuilding industry and reduce China's influence in this crucial sector. This initiative arises from an investigation initiated during the previous administration and comes during a significant trade conflict between the United States and China, exacerbated by tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. As a consequence, this move may further escalate existing tensions…

Imagine being a small territory with ambitions as grand as a nation! North Western State of Somalia stands out as a unique player on the geopolitical chessboard. Since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it has functioned with its government, military, and even its own currency. Yet, the world hasn't officially recognized it. Intriguing, isn't it? For over three decades, they've sailed their ship with resilience and ambition. What adds a layer of complexity to this situation is North Western State of Somalia’s…

In recent developments, the U.S. government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the allocation and impact of past aid distributed to Nigeria and other nations. This initiative follows an unexpected decision made by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, to suspend all foreign aid for a period of 90 days. The suspension, marked by concerns regarding global destabilization and the perceived misalignment of aid with American strategic interests, raises questions that demand careful consideration. Such a…

In a significant move, the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have successfully severed their electricity systems from Russia's power grid. This landmark decision, communicated by regional operators, is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing their integration with the European Union and bolstering regional security. With the disconnection from the IPS/UPS joint network complete, these nations are poised to synchronize with the EU's electricity grid by midday tomorrow, pending final confirmation from…

Somali Government's Firm Stance on NGO Collaboration with Militant Groups In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where every word reverberates with anticipation, a stern pronouncement emerged from the Somali Federal Government this week. It was not just another statement; it carried the weight of a nation striving against the odds. The essence of the message was unequivocal: International and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must halt all forms of cooperation with the notorious…

Turkey Sets Its Sights on Building Stronger Bonds with Africa at the Djibouti Summit Next week, Turkey's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, will set out for Djibouti to engage in significant dialogues at the Turkey-Africa ministerial meeting, aiming to strengthen ties between Ankara and the African continent, as officials noted. Turkey, a NATO ally, has been increasingly active on African soil in recent times. Its presence is marked by a hefty climb in trade — nearly eight times higher than before. It's also known…