External Relations

Niger has carved its name into the annals of public health history as the first African nation to successfully eliminate onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness. This parasitic disease has long been regarded as the second-leading cause of blindness globally, casting a shadow over the lives of many. How does one contract this affliction? The culprit is the bite of an infected black fly, predominantly found in areas along rivers, where these tiny marauders carry the parasitic worm that ultimately wreaks havoc on…

In a remarkable stride for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially applauded Guinea for its success in eradicating human African trypanosomiasis, more commonly known as sleeping sickness. This milestone is more than just a line on the achievement chart; it marks the first time a neglected tropical disease has been wiped out in the country, shining brightly as a beacon of hope amidst ongoing global health challenges. Coincidentally, this announcement was made on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day,…

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a move that signals a new era of stringent immigration enforcement as the Trump administration takes the reins. If you thought the conversation around immigration was heated before, just wait—things are about to get spicier. Among African nations, Somalia tops the list with a staggering 4,090 of its citizens facing deportation. It’s a sobering statistic that casts a long shadow over the political landscape.…

On January 20, 2025, an executive order from the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world, as the U.S. government enacted an immediate freeze on foreign aid for a staggering 90 days. This bold decision ignited apprehension among aid organizations, leaving vulnerable communities in despair and shaking the foundations of essential programs tackling hunger, healthcare, and education. The reality is stark: lives depend on this assistance, and the abrupt halt threatens to pull the rug out from under…

In a defining moment for South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled the country's ambitious vision for its upcoming G20 Presidency, a milestone that resonates with hope and potential. With a framework anchored on three pivotal pillars—solidarity, equality, and sustainable development—Ramaphosa’s agenda aims to reshape dialogues among the world’s economic heavyweights. "Our mission is clear," he proclaimed, setting the stage for a future that prioritizes a just energy transition while steering the ship toward…

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a boiling point, especially in the northern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. Here, the M23 group—an armed faction with a historical context of rebellion—has gone head-to-head with the Congolese army and their allies. The situation has escalated dramatically, turning lives upside down and forcing countless families to flee their homes in search of safety. Since January 2025, the echoes of gunfire in Masisi, Minova, and areas just outside Goma…

In a world increasingly obsessed with instant gratification and flashy blockbusters, it’s refreshing to see a film that digs deeper, shedding light on issues that truly matter. Enter "The Last Ranger," a poignant South African film helmed by the talented Cindy Lee, which has garnered a prestigious nomination for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. This powerful 28-minute cinematic gem draws viewers into the heart-wrenching reality of rhino poaching—a topic that resonates painfully with current environmental…

A new era is dawning in the realm of U.S.-Africa relations, and one can almost hear the gears of change grinding into motion. Yet, before we pop the confetti, it's important to note that the current administration’s policies are still taking shape, and this process won’t yield fruit overnight. Still, the impact of several Executive Orders that Donald Trump signed in the nascent days of his presidency might just reverberate across the African continent like a thunderclap in a hot, muggy summer. During his Senate confirmation…

Amid escalating violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations has raised a clarion call, expressing "grave concern" for the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported a staggering exodus, with over 400,000 individuals displaced due to renewed hostilities between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. That’s nearly double the figure reported just a week ago, illustrating how quickly the situation is spiraling out of…

The return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office has cast a long shadow of uncertainty over Africa. As the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s policies could either build bridges or deepen divides, and the continent is bracing for what lies ahead. On one hand, there’s a flicker of hope illuminating the darker corners of apprehension. Trump's meteoric rise back to power signals a potential shake-up of the status quo, not just domestically but internationally as well. As he gears up for the 2024 election, he touts a…