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French prime minister resigns hours after naming new cabinet, deepening political turmoil What happened France's newly appointed prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, abruptly resigned on Thursday morning just hours after unveiling his cabinet, throwing President Emmanuel Macron's government into fresh and immediate uncertainty. The Élysée confirmed the move in a brief statement: "Mr Sébastien Lecornu has submitted the resignation of his Government to the President of the Republic, who has accepted it." Lecornu, a close ally…

The Resignation that Shakes Nigeria's Technology Landscape In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has stepped down following revelations that have thrown his academic credentials into question. This unexpected resignation not only highlights the fragility of trust within the ranks of Nigeria's political elite but also touches upon deeper issues of accountability, integrity, and public trust in governance. Storm Brewing in the Political Arena The sequence of…

As AGOA Faces Expiration, What Lies Ahead for U.S.-Africa Trade Relations? The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to bolster trade between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries, is at a crossroads. Enacted in 2000 under President Bill Clinton, AGOA has been a beacon for economic development and trade for nearly 23 years. However, as its expiration looms, the ramifications are profound, extending beyond mere policy discussions into the realms of economic…

In a groundbreaking move, South Africa has stepped into the G20 presidency, marking a historic milestone as the first African nation to take the helm of this influential assembly of countries. The upcoming term is set to officially kick off on December 1, 2024, and will extend for a full calendar year. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound gratitude upon receiving the presidency from Brazil during the G20 summit held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. “I stand here humbled and honored to accept the G20…

Mia le Roux, South Africa's representative, has decided to withdraw from the Miss Universe finals taking place in Mexico due to health issues, as announced by the pageant organizers. This sudden decision means South Africa will not have a contestant at the 73rd Miss Universe event. In a public statement, the Miss South Africa organization emphasized that le Roux's health is their "number one priority." They pledged unwavering support until she makes a full recovery. It’s worth noting that le Roux made history by becoming…

Just a few days after Donald Trump clinched the presidential election in the United States, Meg Whitman, the Ambassador to Kenya, decided to step down from her position. In a candid chat with her team at the US embassy, Whitman said, "I informed them today that I submitted my resignation to President Joe Biden. It has been an honor to work for the American people, especially in strengthening our bond with Kenya." Reflecting on the time she spent in her role, starting from 2022, Whitman shared her experiences in enhancing…

Mogadishu (AX) - In a surprising political twist, Sadam Mohamud Abdi, the Deputy Minister of Ports and Marine Transport in Somalia, decided to part ways with his post on a Tuesday night, marking him as the third minister to have done so in a matter of days. What’s cooking behind these ministerial resignations?Abdi, who finds dual roles as a federal parliament member from Northeastern State, now stands with Abdirashid Jire Qalinle and Ahmed Isman Ibrahim Daqare of Jubbaland fame. Both had already thrown in their resignation…

President Joseph Boakai has officially accepted the resignation of Commerce Minister Amin Modad. This decision came in the wake of significant public backlash regarding Modad's acquisition of a vehicle that surpassed the established price ceiling. "His actions demonstrate a serious lapse in judgment and an insensitivity to the prevailing economic circumstances in our nation," Boakai remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability in leadership. The former Minister of Commerce defended his choice, explaining that the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has decided to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags, aiming to cut down on pollution and join hands with international environmental crusades. "Plastic bags are no longer welcome here. Anyone caught in the act—using or selling—will be met with the full force of the law," declared the Police Spokesman Abdifitah Adan Hassan. The announcement of this ban in February 2024 marks a turning point. It outlaws the import, creation, sale, and use of these pesky plastics. While fines are still a bit…

In a striking turn of events, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has made history by clinching a significant win in the recent Austrian parliamentary elections. However, this victory has left the party somewhat in a lurch, balancing precariously under the scrutiny of a prominent adversary: the president, who holds the reins in guiding the search for a workable coalition government. For the first time ever, the Eurosceptic and pro-Russia Freedom Party garnered 29% of the vote, yet this figure falls short of securing a…