shift

NAIROBI, Kenya – In a pivotal announcement, General Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), addressed a critical juncture in U.S.-Africa military ties. Speaking candidly at a gathering of African military leaders in Nairobi, Langley underscored a transformative shift: the continent must increasingly stand on its own regarding defense and security. For decades, many African nations have leaned heavily on U.S. military aid—be it through strategic alliances, resources, or training…

Navigating a Strategic Shift: Indonesia’s Changing Oil Dynamics In an era where global trade dynamics are in constant flux, Indonesia's recent pivot away from crude oil exports to Nigeria marks a pivotal moment in international economic relations. This decision stems from Indonesia's attempts to rectify its trade imbalance with the United States and sidestep a daunting 32% tariff on its exports. It’s a well-calibrated move, yet it raises several questions about the future of Nigeria’s oil revenues and its standing within…

Nigeria Leads in Decline of Cash Transactions Consider for a moment, the bustling streets of Lagos where once the chime of cash registers dominated the soundscape, has now become a haven for digital transactions. How did we arrive at such a transformation? The answer lies in an intriguing report—WorldPay's Global Payments Report 2025 reveals Nigeria is at the forefront of this shift, recording the largest decline in cash usage among major global economies. Think back only a decade ago when…

There's a significant buzz in the world of global trade, and it seems to have taken root in the fertile grounds of Africa. Not long ago, experts projected a notable surge in Russian agricultural exports to the continent, with an estimation surpassing $7 billion by 2024. If you think that sounds impressive, the anticipated growth, a jump of 19% from 2023, reveals not only the ambitious spirit of Russian trade but also the burgeoning partnership between these distant lands. When it comes to the…

Ethiopia, a large and diverse nation, is in pursuit of a goal many consider essential for its economic vision: a solid hold on maritime access. This aspiration took a noteworthy turn in 2023 when Ethiopia struck a deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic. The deal, which found Ethiopia trading recognition of North Western State of Somalia's independence for a coveted 20-kilometer coastal stretch, soon sparked geopolitical unrest in the region. Not surprisingly, the course of this agreement has…

Mohamed Firin (top), Faisal Hassan (bottom left), and Sarah Jama (bottom right) – key Somali-Canadian candidates in the 2025 Ontario provincial election, reflecting both gains and setbacks in their respective races. The Dynamic Landscape of Somali-Canadian Influences in Ontario Politics The 2025 Ontario provincial election wasn't just another political event—it was a revealing portrait of the evolving identity and influence of the Somali-Canadian community within the province's political fabric. As tensions…

As Germany prepares for its impending federal election, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party finds itself buoyed by recent polling, showing support above 20%. This surge posits the AfD as a contender for the title of the second-largest party in the Bundestag, raising eyebrows and concerns alike. Yet, the prospect of the AfD wielding power remains remote. A longstanding agreement among the nation’s established parties forbids collaboration with the AfD, a stipulation deeply rooted in Germany’s complex historical…

Somalia's Democratic Leap: The Road to One-Person, One-Vote Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling corridors of Somalia's political heart, the visionary journey toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system is unfurling with vibrant ambition. On a crisp Monday morning, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the steely chairperson of Somalia’s Electoral Commission, engaged in earnest dialogue with the European Union Ambassador, Karin Johansson. Their tête-à-tête was a symphony of democratic dreams and international solidarity.…

Following the whirlwind events of the U.S. elections in November 2020, President Biden’s administration paused, opting to re-evaluate portions of an existing trade pact before rolling out a new series of discussions. Fast forward to August 2022, Kenya witnessed a leadership shift as former Deputy President William Ruto rose to the presidency, taking the reins in the ongoing negotiation process. The buzz around these trade talks, formally known as the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), brims with optimism in…

Kenya and Somalia: Building Bridges on Security and Cooperation In a recent pow-wow at Nairobi's State House, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Kenyan President William Ruto rolled up their sleeves to hash out a seamless handover for regional security. This pivotal transfer, set to launch in January 2025, will see the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) morph into the newly minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Monday saw President Mohamud touchdown…