leadership

Niger's ruling junta recently unveiled plans for a five-year transition back to constitutional governance, appointing coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani as the transitional president. This significant decision marks a stark departure from the growing regional demands for a swifter move toward democracy following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum earlier in 2023. Tiani's leadership is set to continue until 2030, a timeline eerily reminiscent of the enduring military regimes in neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.…

Chris Harris has carved an intriguing path, charting his life's course through discipline, resilience, and a knack for high-stakes strategies. Emerging from a robust backdrop of 25 years as a military contractor, Harris spent these years shaping the skills of elite warriors in close-quarters combat. Today, he seamlessly translates those same principles into the realm of corporate leadership and sales teams. Imagine transforming an elite warrior into a corporate sage—quite the metamorphosis, isn’t it? This unusual…

Flights have resumed at Heathrow Airport in London following a significant disruption caused by a substation fire that left numerous passengers stranded. In a heartfelt apology, the airport's Chief Executive, Thomas Woldbye, addressed the situation, describing it as an "unprecedented" loss of power. Mr. Woldbye classified the incident as "as big as it gets for our airport," emphasizing that while safety measures were in place, "we cannot guard ourselves 100%." The fire, which impacted an electricity substation in Hayes,…

U.S. Ambassador Engages with FESTU Leadership to Catalyze Workers' Contributions to Somalia's Investment Ecosystem MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a world where investment often hinges on human capital, a recent dialogue between U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, and the leadership of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) underscores a vital theme: the indispensable role of Somali workers in steering the nation towards…

The political landscape of Gabon is undergoing significant transformation under the leadership of Brice Oligui Nguema. The country, nestled in the heart of West Africa, found itself at a crossroads when Nguema seized power in a coup on August 30, 2023. A nation rich in oil and natural resources, Gabon has since been charting a new course towards democracy and governance. This story of change took another remarkable turn with Nguema's recent announcement: his intention to stand for the presidency. The announcement came as…

In a world that's often as unpredictable as a winding road through hilly terrain, Ghana finds itself at a critical juncture. The nation's central bank has taken a bold step by pausing its innovative but tumultuous program of using gold to purchase oil. This decision arrives amidst expectations that the cedi, Ghana's steadfast currency, will find its footing after a stormy year. Anecdote: I remember sitting at a small café in Accra, drinking a freshly brewed cup, when I overheard a conversation about…

The anticipation surrounding the African Union Commission (AUC) elections is palpable, with Kenya throwing its weight behind Raila Odinga for the esteemed Chairmanship. Why does this matter so much? For those acquainted with Kenyan politics, Mr. Odinga’s bid embodies hope and a vision for a more integrated and prosperous Africa. Over recent months, Mr. Odinga has embarked on a diplomatic odyssey. In what resembles a chess game of alliances, he has engaged with over 40 African Heads of State, each conversation a move on a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the heart of the bustling city of Addis Ababa, where the air hums with anticipation and the scent of spiced coffee mingles with the vibrancy of the market, the African Union’s Ministerial Committee on Candidatures convened for its routine yet crucial biannual meeting. This day was not merely another tick on the calendar but a moment for Africa to unite in its quest to carve a more pronounced space on the world's stage. As delegates shuffled into the grand hall, the walls resonated with the…

International diplomacy often finds its most compelling narratives in the intimate settings of academia. It was in such an environment that the Somali Ambassador to Pakistan, Sheikh Noor Muhammad Hassan, graced the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (UET) with his presence on February 6, 2025. The day was not just a formal visit; it was a confluence of cultural dialogues and intellectual exchanges, captured beautifully in an evocative photograph where Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir handed a souvenir to the…

Dr. Hage Geingob, the esteemed third president of Namibia, passed away after a brief yet courageous battle with cancer on February 4, 2024. He was a titan of democracy and a foundational pillar in constructing and preserving Namibia's democratic ideals. According to Dr. John Stetler, his former Economic Advisor, “His sharp and brilliant mind shaped the free and independent Namibia we call home.” This sentiment not only encapsulates Geingob's political acumen but also reflects the deep respect he earned throughout his…