Decades

Across the diverse tapestry that is Africa, a continent rich in culture and history, the realities of governance often invoke spirited discussions. It is intriguing to consider that while the general retirement age in most African nations hovers around 60, some leaders remain in power well beyond these years. This leads us to ponder: what drives these figures to extend their tenure, and what implications does this have on the countries they govern? Let's take a closer look at the African presidents who have held onto power…

Mitch McConnell has officially announced his decision to step down from the U.S. Senate, marking the end of an era in American politics. At the age of 83, McConnell has played a pivotal role in shaping the Republican Party's shift toward conservatism, often navigating the turbulent waters of political alliances and rivalries. His complex relationship with former President Donald Trump has often made headlines, painting a portrait of a leader caught in a storm of shifting loyalties and ideologies. As McConnell reflects on…

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, there’s a campus event that, year after year, breathes life into the rich tapestry of Somali culture. This Saturday, The Ohio State University’s Somali Students Association (SSA) will host its shimmering 20th anniversary celebration, featuring the celebrated Somali Night—a cultural resurgence for those near and far. Picture this: two decades ago, an intimate, unassuming gathering marked the humble beginnings of what would become a cornerstone for cultural celebration. Now, it blooms into a…

For nearly three decades, Alexander Lukashenko has stared defiantly from the presidential palace in Belarus, and recently, he secured his seventh consecutive term in what many are calling a farcical election. The results, according to an official exit poll, claim that a whopping 87.6 percent of voters cast their ballots for the 70-year-old incumbent. This election has been widely criticized by both exiles and the European Union, branding it a travesty of democracy. With major opposition figures either languishing in jail or…

Authorities in Germany have officially reported the country's first case of foot-and-mouth disease in almost four decades, discovered in a herd of water buffalo just outside Berlin. This disease, known scientifically as a viral infection, primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and goats. Symptoms include high fever and painful blisters in the mouth, causing considerable distress to the animals. To combat this highly contagious illness, which doesn’t directly harm humans but can be transmitted…

This past week was a rollercoaster for Manchester United, culminating in a 1-1 stalemate with Chelsea and the grim announcement that the club has experienced its worst league beginning in nearly four decades. Moises Caicedo’s sensational long-range volley salvaged a point for Chelsea, leaving United stranded on a mere 12 points — the lowest tally after ten games since the infamous 1986-87 season, according to Opta, the Premier League’s data supplier. Interesting enough, this was the same year when Alex Ferguson took charge,…

 The Somali administration has greenlit a federal budget of $1.34 billion for 2025. This represents a hefty 24.4% uptick from last year’s allocation of $1.079 billion. This financial boost stems from an uptick in local earnings and the need to tackle ongoing expenses, with homegrown revenue expected to hit $429.4 million, up 24% from $346.2 million in 2024.Taking a gander at the 2025 budgets of East African Community (EAC) nations:Kenya: $31.9 billion (up by 3.1% from 2024/25) Uganda: $19.61 billion (a whopping 36% increase)…

DUBAI — Saudi Arabia has embarked on a significant surge in executions, hitting a 30-year apex. With three more executions announced on Saturday, the 2024 tally skyrocketed to 198, per AFP's count. The kingdom ranks third globally in executions, trailing only China and Iran, Amnesty International reported for 2023. This latest figure supercedes previous peaks of 196 in 2022 and 192 in 1995, according to the London-based human rights organization, which has been documenting annual data since 1990. The Saudi Press…

For decades, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah helmed Hezbollah, steering the organization through relentless confrontations with Israel. Under his leadership, Hezbollah evolved into a formidable military entity, gaining considerable influence across the region, buoyed by Iran's steadfast support. Nasrallah emerged as one of the most significant Arab figures of that era. Tragically, the Iran-backed Hezbollah announced that Nasrallah had succumbed to an Israeli aerial attack on Beirut just yesterday. To his admirers, Nasrallah was a…

Folks gathered at the University of Nairobi in Kenya on September 13, 2024, to delve into "Strengthening Sino-African Relations: Reflections on Two Decades of FOCAC". The event, held last Friday, examined the significant milestones since the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) kicked off over 20 years ago. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) This insightful seminar took place on a Friday in the heart of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, scrutinizing key achievements since FOCAC's inception over two decades ago. High-profile…