Europe and Africa

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

The United Kingdom has renewed its commitment to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—an initiative that aims to strengthen trade relationships with developing nations. This program, introduced in 2023, opens doors for Nigeria and 36 other African countries, allowing them to export over three thousand products with either no duties or significantly reduced tariffs. "Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the UK's aspirations for global trade," remarked British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He…

Julius Malema, a figure whose turbulent career often stirs both passion and controversy, has once again been denied entry to the United Kingdom. This is the second instance in just two months that the outspoken leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has faced such a setback. The UK Home Office has cited multiple reasons for this decision. Most notably, they highlighted his vocal support for Hamas, incendiary remarks directed at the white population of South Africa, and ultimately described his potential presence in…

In a decisive moment for Gabon’s economic future, President Brice Oligui Nguema has put forth an ambitious initiative aimed at industrializing the nation’s economy. This initiative isn’t just a flash in the pan; it is a calculated effort to harness Gabon's vast natural resources, transforming them into high-value goods that can benefit the entire population. As he articulated during his announcement, Oligui envisions a Gabon that thrives on its own merits, moving beyond mere extraction and embarking on a journey of true…

The United Kingdom has taken a notable step by lifting sanctions on four former security officials, as well as the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI). This decision marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations and has implications for both security and governance in Zimbabwe. The individuals removed from the sanctions list are Godwin Matanga, the former Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police; Isaac Moyo, who previously served as the Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO); Owen…

In a poignant gesture that acknowledges a challenging past, French President Emmanuel Macron recently articulated his intent to seek “forgiveness” for France’s colonial domination over Madagascar. This statement comes as part of a broader commitment to revisit the historical narrative, beginning with the return of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era. Madagascar, with its rich tapestry of history and heritage, endured French colonial rule from 1896 until it regained full sovereignty in 1960. This period marked…

In a startling twist in diplomatic relations, France has made the significant decision to recall its ambassador from Algeria while simultaneously expelling 12 Algerian diplomats from Paris. This bold maneuver marks a pivotal moment in a relationship that has been increasingly strained. The immediate catalyst for this diplomatic spat can be traced back to the arrest of a consular staff member implicated in the alleged kidnapping of an exiled government critic within French borders. Algeria, responding with indignation,…

In a tense diplomatic showdown, the French government has signaled its intent to respond robustly if Algeria proceeds with its threat to expel twelve officials from the French embassy in Algiers. This escalation follows Algeria's strong reaction to the detention of several embassy staff in Paris. The French authorities contend that these individuals are linked to the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime, raising questions about the intersection of diplomacy and human rights. Just last weekend,…

As South Africa prepares to step onto the world stage, it has officially assumed the Presidency of the G20, paving the way for the highly anticipated Johannesburg Summit, set for November 22-23, 2025. This event promises to be pivotal, not just for the nation, but for the broader global community as well. President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the inaugural gathering of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, eloquently articulated a vision for progress: "For nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be available to…