International Organizations and Africa

In a significant development for international relations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently delivered a ruling concerning the islands of Mbanie, Conga, and Cocoteros. These tiny, sparsely populated landmasses now officially rest under the sovereignty of Equatorial Guinea, a resolution that puts a close to a territorial disagreement that has lasted for decades with Gabon. While these islands may seem inconsequential at first glance, they lie in waters believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, a detail that…

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has sounded the alarm: a staggering number of individuals in West and Central Africa are grappling with unprecedented levels of hunger. Amidst a backdrop of armed conflict, widespread displacement, economic turmoil, and relentless extreme weather, the region teeters perilously on the edge of a humanitarian crisis. From June to August alone, over 36 million individuals faced challenges in meeting even their most basic food requirements. Alarmingly, projections indicate that this figure could…

In recent days, Tripoli has witnessed a devastating surge in violence, leaving significant portions of the city in shambles. Civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire, tragically losing their lives, while the war-torn landscape invites deeper scrutiny into Libya’s precarious political and security landscape. What does it take for a nation, once brimming with hope, to descend into chaos? The assassination of a prominent militia leader triggered a series of clashes across multiple districts, prompting hundreds of…

In a surprising revelation, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue recently took to X to discuss the U.S. government's proposal to deport African migrants to Equatorial Guinea. While no binding agreement has emerged from these discussions, Mangue's statement raises many questions and concerns in his home country. "What does it mean for our nation to accept these migrants?" This is a sentiment echoed by numerous Equatorial Guineans who worry about the implications of such a decision. Anxieties loom large, particularly…

In a stark shift in its foreign aid strategy, the United States has decided to withhold $50 million in health assistance to Zambia. This decision stems from the alarming issue of "systematic theft" of donated drugs and medical supplies within the country. What does this mean for those in dire need of medical support? U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, expressed the gravity of this choice. He described it as a "difficult" but necessary step after countless warnings to the Zambian government about the importance of…

In a world where development is often stymied by bureaucratic inertia, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Finance Minister of Mauritania, stands at the precipice of change. As he sets his sights on the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), his vision for reform promises not just a shift in policy but a fundamental evolution in how the institution operates. Tah's aspirations will take center stage during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting in Abidjan, where critical decisions affecting the financial landscape of the…

Rwanda finds itself at the beginning of negotiations with the Trump administration regarding the acceptance of migrants deported from the United States. This revelation comes from the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, whose words carry a weight of diplomacy. In the backdrop of these discussions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated a rather stark view, declaring that Washington is "actively searching" for nations prepared to welcome "some of the most despicable human beings."…

Despite global efforts to eradicate it, female genital mutilation (FGM) continues to pose a significant threat to the health and rights of millions of girls. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning: while cases of FGM have declined globally, the alarming trend is that healthcare professionals are increasingly becoming the perpetrators. As of 2020, an estimated 52 million girls and women worldwide—approximately one in four—have faced this harrowing procedure at the hands of those we trust to heal us.…

Gorée Island, a cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled off the coast of Senegal, serves not only as a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade but also as a vibrant community steeped in life and history. It’s a place where the echoes of the past resonate powerfully, inviting reflection and contemplation. At the heart of the island's narrative lies the Maison des Esclaves, or the Slave House, a solemn museum that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Among these are many individuals from diverse corners…

In Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a pivotal meeting. This gathering comes in response to a significant development: three member nations have announced their intent to withdraw from the bloc in January. As the discussions unfold, the leaders aim to explore the complexities surrounding the countries' exit and its broader ramifications for ECOWAS agencies. ECOWAS, a cornerstone of regional cooperation, has consistently upheld…