foreign

IGAD Embraces Somalia’s New Foreign Minister with Hope and Collaboration MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recently, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) extended a warm welcome to Somalia's newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdisalam Abdi Ali. In a country grappling with heightened security challenges and diplomatic hurdles, Ali's arrival is seen as both timely and crucial. Taking over the reins from Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who has shifted to the defense portfolio under Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s…

Clarifying the Status of Dangote Refinery's Fuel Production In a recent conversation with the Punch, a senior spokesperson from the Dangote Refinery shed light on some misconceptions surrounding its fuel production unit. Reports suggested that operations were halted due to maintenance. However, according to the spokesperson, these claims don't reflect the current reality at the facility. “It is simply not true,” the spokesperson stated candidly during the interview. “Don’t believe everything you read online. We invite…

Recent Changes in Somalia’s Political Landscape In a significant reshuffling within Somalia’s leadership, Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi has been appointed as the second deputy prime minister. This appointment certainly adds a fresh dynamic to the current administration. Abdirashid is not a newcomer to the political scene; he brings a wealth of experience garnered from his previous role as the Minister of Commerce and Industry. As we navigate uncertain waters in the realm of governance, one can't help but wonder: how will…

Ghana Directs Foreign Nationals to Exit Local Gold Market by April 30, 2025 It was barely a year ago when a conversation over coffee in Accra turned to the booming gold trade and the significant presence of foreign entities involved. My companion, a dedicated small-scale miner by profession, voiced a wary hope, "One day, perhaps, Ghana will have better control of its own precious resources." It seems now, that day has come. On April 14, Ghana officially announced a sweeping directive urging all foreign nationals…

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced that indirect negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program have come to a close in Oman. The ministry characterized the discussions as "constructive." "The indirect talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States concerning sanctions relief and nuclear matters have concluded," the ministry shared in a statement, noting that discussions were held in a "constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere." High-level discussions commenced today…

Diplomatic Turbulence: A Tale of Visas and Citizenship In the heart of South Sudan, political waves are stirring. The recent dismissal of Goc, the former Foreign Affairs Minister, serves as a vivid testament to the ongoing diplomatic strife between South Sudan and the United States. This turmoil stems from a contentious deportation of a man initially presumed to be a South Sudanese national. The unfolding events offer a profound lens into the complexities of immigration and national identity.…

The Reinstatement of International Aid: Balancing Acts and Humanitarian Needs In a world where the need for international aid is as pressing as ever, the decisions made by governments can ripple far and wide. Such decisions were recently brought to light regarding the reinstatement of four awards to the International Organization for Migration in the Pacific region. This change in course sheds light on a narrative filled with challenges, missteps, and eventual corrective action. Two sources with insider…

Diplomatic Endeavors for Peace: A Human Touch In a world often overshadowed by turmoil, genuine efforts toward peace shine like beacons of hope. This past Saturday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, accompanied by his Turkish colleague, Hakan Fidan, embarked on a significant dialogue aimed at rekindling the flames of peace in the Gaza region, focusing on reinstating the ceasefire agreement. The question is, can diplomacy restore what war has shattered? Both ministers engaged in a comprehensive phone…

Djibouti Appoints New Foreign Minister: A Shift in Leadership Change is an inherent and often exhilarating aspect of governance, and this week, Djibouti embraced such a transition. In the wake of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf's esteemed election as head of the African Union, the nation has welcomed Abdoulkader Houssein Omar as its new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The presidential decree announcing this appointment was made public on Tuesday, marking a new era in Djiboutian diplomacy.…

Building Bridges: A New Chapter in Somali-Djibouti Relations In a world that thrives on connection, the words spoken between nations carry a significance that transcends borders. The echoes of diplomacy are particularly resonant in the Horn of Africa, where unity and cooperation can lead to prosperous and stable futures. Against this backdrop, a recent developmental chord was struck during a conversation between two key figures in African diplomacy, marking the beginning of a promising era. On a recent…