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Kenya and Uganda Triumph in $2 Billion Railways Concession Dispute The recent judgment handed down by the London Court of International Arbitration is more than just a legal decision; it's a significant moment in the ongoing saga of East African infrastructure development. The ruling involved a colossal $2 billion railway concession dispute, highlighting the intricate dynamics of international commerce, regional partnerships, and, of course, the intricate relationships between nations.…

Long-Term Disputes and the Future of Kenya-Uganda Railway The tale of the Kenya-Uganda railway is not just a story of two nations; it's a narrative woven with ambition, setbacks, and the quest for progress. This saga gained notoriety with the contentious 25-year concession agreement established in 2006, which permitted Rift Valley Railways (RVR) the authority to manage and operate the impressive 2,350-kilometre railway line between these two East African countries. This agreement aimed to innovatively revitalize a vital…

New U.S. Visa Regulations for Nigerians: What You Need to Know The recent announcement from the U.S. State Department has created quite a buzz. Effective July 8, 2025, most nonimmigrant and non-official visas issued to Nigerian nationals will be limited to single-entry status and will only be valid for three months. Such a significant change prompts us to pause and reflect on its broader implications. Under these new guidelines, applicants for visas will encounter updated terms regarding validity and entry…

The New Era of Student Visa Applications: What You Need to Know Recently, the U.S. government made a significant announcement regarding the resumption of student visa appointments—an exciting development for many aspiring international students. However, there’s a catch: along with the green light comes stricter requirements. In a move that’s raising eyebrows and igniting conversations, the State Department has mandated that foreign students provide U.S. diplomats access to their social media profiles as part of the…

In a pivotal decision that could reshape the political landscape, the Supreme Court has thrown its weight behind stability within the House of Representatives. The Court has ruled against the group identifying as the "Majority Bloc," which claimed the authority to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa from his position. This ruling not only underscores the principles of legality and governance but also highlights the tension within the legislature, where factions have vied for influence. Richard N. Koon, leading the charge for the…

Nigeria Fully Gazettes AfCFTA Commitments: A Pathway to Enhanced African Trade It was a seemingly understated announcement on a social platform, but behind those succinct words lay transformational implications for Africa’s largest economy. Recently, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat proudly announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) page: "Congratulations Nigeria! Thank you for bringing the AfCFTA trade agreement to life." This brief message symbolizes a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s trade…

As the world becomes more interconnected, the processes governing international travel continue to evolve. In a statement that resonates with both anticipation and caution, the U.S. Embassies in Abuja and Lagos revealed recent changes to the visa application process. For many, these updates may appear as mere bureaucratic adjustments, but for the keen observer, they mark a milestone in diplomatic protocol. “Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa…

Exploring the Path to Ethical Organ Transplantation: Nigeria's New Regulations In the tapestry of modern medicine, organ and tissue transplantation holds a significant place. Yet, it’s a field often shadowed by ethical dilemmas and stories of exploitation. Just this past Thursday, Nigeria made a bold stride forward, unveiling comprehensive guidelines designed to navigate these murky waters. Stepping into the spotlight, Health Minister Iziaq Adekunle…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's National Communications Authority (NCA) has teamed up with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out fresh regulations aimed at enhancing submarine cable landings and ramping up competition in the telecom industry. Gathering for a two-day powwow in Nairobi, Kenya, the NCA and IFC sat down with telecom operators, industry gurus, and government bigwigs to sketch out a new rulebook. Their mission: to lay the groundwork for Somalia's digital future. These new regulations will dive into…

Belgium is taking a major step forward in returning items looted during colonial times. The authorities have just presented a new legal framework. The Belgians no longer want items that have been forcibly acquired, resulting in the return of thousands of works by the Democratic Republic of Congo. From our correspondent in…