decision

The US-Congo Mineral Deal: A New Chapter in International Relations There's an interesting buzz in the air—a buzz tethering on the edges of hope, diplomacy, and commerce. It's about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United States forging a potentially lucrative mineral deal that could reshape not just economic landscapes but geopolitical dynamics. But who is at the helm of these critical negotiations? Meet Massad Boulos, President Donald Trump's newly appointed Senior Advisor for Africa. It's…

Refinery's Bold Move: Selling Petrol in Dollars In a world where the economic waves are as unpredictable as ocean tides, businesses must navigate carefully. Recently, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a powerhouse in the energy sector of West Africa, unveiled a striking decision to sell petrol not in the local currency, the naira, but rather in U.S. dollars. This development has certainly sent ripples through the economic waters. Why such a bold move,…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

In the bustling corridors of Garissa, a heated debate unfolds—one that delves deep into the heart of identity and equality in Kenya. The contentious issue? The abolishment of the Identity Card vetting process in the northeastern region. A group of Garissa Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have found themselves in the eye of the storm, staunchly defending the president's recent proclamation. Is it time for a shift in how we perceive citizenship and security? Just last week, President William Ruto, during his tour of the…

Credit: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya The global fight against pandemics like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis faces a precarious moment. Why? On a fateful Tuesday, the Trump administration in the United States pivoted, deciding to freeze the supply of essential, lifesaving drugs intended for countries supported by US-AID. Ironic, isn't it? A world grappling with medical crises now finds itself cut off from a vital supply line. In an abrupt curtain call, a memo surfaced, targeting contractors and partners associated with US-AID. The…

In a significant political shift, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has declared his intention to step away from leadership of the governing Liberal Party after nearly a decade in power. However, he plans to remain in his role until the party selects a successor. Facing intense pressure from members of the Liberal Party, who are alarmed by current polling forecasts indicating a dismal performance in the next general election, Trudeau addressed the media, confirming that parliamentary sessions would be on hold until…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government has warmly greeted the United Nations Security Council's collective choice to morph the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into a provisional mission over the coming two years, stepping up on November 1, 2024.

Mogadishu (AX) — The ball is in Somalia's court when it comes to deciding if Ethiopian forces will be part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, that's set to kick off at the start of 2025, said UK Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis.During a chinwag with reporters, Ambassador Nithavrianakis shed some light on diplomatic dances being orchestrated by Kenya and Turkey to help chill out the frosty relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.“Ethiopia’s been a key player in the ATMIS mission as…

This Saturday, Georgians will participate in a pivotal election that pits a coalition of pro-Western opposition parties against the ruling party, which has been accused of eroding democratic principles and leaning towards Russia. Brussels has underscored the importance of the October 26th election, emphasizing it as a critical moment for Georgia's emerging democracy and its enduring ambition to join the European Union. Current opinion surveys suggest that opposition parties might secure sufficient votes to form a coalition…

The Taiwanese government has firmly declined South Africa's request to shift its representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg. This demand followed pressure from China, which had urged the South African administration to complete the relocation by the end of October. Speaking on behalf of Taiwan, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized the importance of honoring a 1997 agreement. That year marked a significant turning point; Pretoria officially severed diplomatic ties with Taipei but allowed Taiwan to retain its…