shift

In a world frequently defined by shifting alliances and strategic partnerships, the impending visit of Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Kenya carries significant weight. As whispers of concern echo through the chambers of Washington regarding President William Ruto's tilt towards China, this diplomatic mission becomes all the more crucial. According to diplomatic sources cited by the Star, Rubio's trip—which was initially slated for April before being canceled—will finally take place, although the exact dates remain…

Ghana’s Tertiary Education Commission Takes a Stand on Honorary Titles The Ghanaian landscape of academia and specialized titles is undergoing significant changes, as the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) makes a bold declaration: the misuse of honorary doctorate and professorial titles in public discourse is now officially prohibited. This initiative comes with a serious note; individuals who flout this directive may not only find themselves publicly named and shamed but could also face legal repercussions…

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.…