foreign

Mali has officially taken control of the Yatela and Morila gold mines—two sites that had previously been left abandoned by their foreign owners, according to a government announcement over the weekend. This significant move reflects a broader trend in West Africa, where military-led governments are increasingly asserting control over strategic natural resources in response to soaring gold prices. The aim? To invigorate local economies and lessen reliance on foreign entities. Gold is not just a shiny metal; it represents…

Ethiopia's Bold Move Towards Banking Liberalization Ethiopia is embarking on a transformative journey poised to reshape its financial landscape. The nation's latest decision represents a pivotal shift aimed at liberalizing its banking sector, an initiative that breaks away from a long-standing restrictive approach. Indeed, this moment is not just a regulatory adjustment; it signifies Ethiopia's commitment to embracing global financial norms. This landmark announcement came directly…

Somali Foreign Minister Participates in OIC Council Session Istanbul (AX) — On Saturday, the vibrant city of Istanbul played host to the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Among the prominent attendees was the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali. This annual gathering represents a critical moment for diplomacy, as it brings together influential diplomats from across member states. An Agenda of Urgency This…

In a significant turn of events, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to attend a key meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul this coming Saturday. This information has been confirmed by a source within the Turkish foreign ministry, as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The backdrop of this summit is strikingly tumultuous. A special session of the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers is anticipated to address Israel's recent military actions against…

Navigating the Skies: Tanzania's Response to the EU Ban In an effort to foster stability in the wake of a recent ban imposed by the European Union, Tanzania has established an interim measure, effective for six months. This initiative aims to bridge the gap left by the restrictions, ensuring that travel, tourism, and trade remain uninterrupted. But what does this all mean for travelers, businesses, and the overall economy? Let’s delve deeper into the details. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA)…

Algeria's New Law: A Paradigm Shift in Mining and Economic Diversification Algeria's parliament recently approved a landmark law that transforms the landscape of its mining industry. This significant legislation allows foreign companies to own up to 80% of mining projects, signaling a bold new direction for this OPEC nation as it strives to diversify its economy. Have we reached a turning point in Algeria’s economic narrative? Only time will tell. A resounding majority of lawmakers supported this initiative during…

Ethiopia Raises Concerns Over Egyptian Military Presence in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — Tensions in the Horn of Africa are escalating as Ethiopia’s chief military officer recently raised alarms regarding an increased military presence from Egypt in Somalia. This situation poses what Ethiopia considers a substantial threat to its national security, drawing attention from both regional observers and the international community. During a parliamentary briefing in Addis Ababa, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, the Chief of…

Understanding the Recent Trends in the South African Stock Market Recent reports highlight a significant trend: nearly double the $1.9 billion in outflows recorded from early 2023 to early 2024 have left the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). As the Reuters report emphasized, this growing apprehension among investors is striking, particularly given that the JSE remains one of the world's top-performing markets in 2023. How do we reconcile this dichotomy? According to Bank of America, South African equities…

On Thursday, a significant dialogue unfolded between Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty and Annette Weber, the European Union's Special Representative for the Horn of Africa. This meeting, which took place against the backdrop of the annual Oslo Forum in Norway, touched upon a range of critical issues impacting the region, including the harrowing situation in Sudan, ongoing security threats in Somalia, and the essential matter of navigation in the ever-busy Red Sea. The backdrop of these discussions was…

Egyptian authorities have recently deported multiple foreign nationals who traveled to Egypt to participate in a pro-Palestinian march, with many more facing potential deportation, according to organizers as well as sources from the airport and security teams. This week, hundreds gathered in Egypt for the Global March to Gaza, a notable international initiative designed to advocate for an end to the Israeli blockade of the Palestinian enclave and to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis there. As one organizer…