leader

Ali Bongo Ondimba, the former president of Gabon, has recently embarked on a new chapter in his life following his ousting in a military coup back in August 2023. Accompanied by his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin, the family has left their home country for Angola. A statement released by the Angolan presidency confirmed their safe arrival, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga of Gabonese politics. This transition for the Bongo family isn't just one of geographical relocation; it’s a significant shift…

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his hope to meet with the "fantastic" European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen, as a new trade agreement with Britain raises optimism for ongoing tariff negotiations with other countries. “She's so fantastic. I hope we’re gonna meet,” Mr. Trump remarked to reporters while announcing the U.S.-UK trade agreement—his first deal of this kind since implementing a series of broad global tariffs. In his memorable words, “The European Union’s big thing, they want to make a deal very…

In the evolving political landscape of Gabon, the newly inaugurated President Brice Oligui Nguema has swiftly moved to establish his administration. Just two days after his oath of office, he appointed two vice presidents to assist in governing this oil-rich Central African nation. This prompt action signals his intention to solidify his leadership while navigating the complexities of governance. The appointments followed the dissolution of the cabinet previously led by Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima, a…

Somali President Highlights Multi-Pronged Approach to Combat Al-Shabab, ISIS MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a heartfelt address, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud articulated Somalia's relentless commitment to eradicating the threats posed by Al-Shabab and ISIS militants. His words revealed a nuanced strategy that combines military might with diplomatic engagement, underscoring his relentless pursuit of stability in a nation long-fractured by violence. At the forefront of this campaign, the Somali National Army (SNA),…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development on the political landscape of Somalia, Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo Regional State, touched down in Mogadishu on Saturday. His arrival comes just ahead of the anticipated National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, set to commence on Monday. This marks a notable moment in the evolution of SSC-Khatumo, as it prepares for its first-ever participation in the NCC since declaring itself a federal member state last year. The atmosphere at Aden Adde…

The planned rally in support of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the junta leader of Burkina Faso, was initially meant to symbolize a bold display of Pan-African solidarity. Yet, its very intention has ignited a whirlwind of controversy and raised alarms among authorities concerned about potential unrest. Speaking with SaharaReporters, a source closely associated with activist Edokpayi revealed striking details regarding his recent arrest. “He had organized the solidarity rally, but just a day before the event,…

On September 30, 2022, Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a military coup that removed then-interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Interestingly, Damiba himself had only ascended to leadership eight months earlier through a similar means. The recurrent theme of military takeovers raises an intriguing question: what drives such instability in Burkina Faso and its neighboring countries? Ibrahim Traoré's Rise to Power and Popularity Traoré, an artillery officer with a significant role in counterterrorism…

Baidoa (AX) — In a significant meeting held on Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, engaged in discussions with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, commonly known as ‘Laftagareen,’ and his cabinet. The focus was on critical issues that resonate deeply within the Somali context: national political dialogue, security operations, electoral planning, and the pressing need for humanitarian assistance. Following the meeting, Swan addressed the media, emphasizing…

In a bold move that has sparked significant discussion among political stakeholders, a national conference held in Mali has recommended appointing the junta leader, Assimi Goita, as president for a five-year term. This proposal follows a series of deliberations in the capital, Bamako, where attendees engaged in robust dialogue about the future governance of the nation. This recommendation shines a light on the complexities and challenges Mali faces today. During the conference, participants proposed not only the…

Significant Leadership Changes in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy development, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has extended heartfelt congratulations to Abdisalam Abdi Ali on his recent appointment as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the country, as it seeks to navigate increasingly complex political landscapes and security challenges. In his message,…