Outcry

South Africa's Telecom Landscape: A Controversial Shift in Policy Recently, the Financial Times reported significant developments in South Africa’s telecommunications policy, initiated by the government's Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi. He announced a plan that would permit telecom companies, including Starlink, to bypass the mandated 30% Black ownership requirement through measures such as ‘equity equivalence’. This initiative proposes that these companies might engage in local partnerships, create jobs, or…

Understanding the Harvard F-1 Visa Controversy In early May 2025, a contentious update from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security turned heads and raised eyebrows. This ban prohibits prestigious institutions like Harvard from issuing I-20 forms for F-1 student visas, specifically those related to online degree programs. It’s a policy decision with substantial implications, particularly for students across Africa and other regions, who are now left grappling with uncertainty regarding their educational…

The arrest earlier this week set off a wave of discontent in Algiers, prompting the Algerian government to demand clarifications from France and an immediate release of the consular agent involved. In this fast-paced world of diplomacy, where every move is scrutinized and questioned, what does this mean for France and Algeria’s deeply layered relationship? The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quick to take action. They summoned the French Ambassador to Algiers, Stephane Romatet, to express a vigorous…

In Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, a rare public outcry has erupted, revealing the deep-seated emotions and concerns of its citizens. Picture this: an eight-year-old girl, absent from her family's embrace for six unsettling months, emerges in the unsettling confines of an adult man's household who audaciously claims to be her husband. Imagine the disbelief that swept across the nation! Last September, this young girl vanished from her home in the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State. Her family's growing…

Hargeisa (AX) — What would a city like Hargeisa be without the rhythm of its music echoing through its vibrant streets? For a fleeting moment, it seemed we might find out. The regional administration of Maroodi Jeeh stirred quite the cacophony when it initially issued a decree aimed at silencing the melodies of live music in Hargeisa. Yet, just as swiftly as the silence descended, it was uplifted. How did we get here? Let's explore. The initial announcement, unveiled by Governor Ahmed Mohamed Adaad on February 19, 2025,…

Execution of Somali National Unveils Complexities in Legal Systems In a sobering revelation of the harsh global punitive measures, Saudi authorities executed Mohamed Nur Hussein Ja'al, a Somali national, for drug smuggling on Sunday. Alongside him, a Saudi citizen found guilty of murder faced the same unforgiving fate. These recent events were announced by the Ministry of Interior, underscoring the nation's stringent criminal justice approach. Imagine a person caught in a web of intrigue and peril, Mohamed…

The recent decision by US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) has drawn a wave of condemnation from Ireland, joining a coalition of 78 nations in expressing their disapproval. This collective response signals an alarming trend concerning the respect for international law and the enforcement of accountability for severe crimes. Tánaiste Simon Harris has openly articulated his distress over this sudden and impactful measure. Reports indicate that he is advocating for a unified…

President Nana Akufo-Addo's recent decision to unveil a statue of himself has ignited a fiery discussion across the nation. This revelation is part of a broader initiative to highlight development projects as he approaches the end of his tenure. Many dissenters argue that erecting a statue is misplaced, especially since several vital projects remain incomplete. “The citizens of the Western Region deserve more than these self-indulgent actions,” an MP took to X to voice their discontent. As President Akufo-Addo prepares to…