suspends

Ecuador has recently made a significant shift in its immigration policies, announcing the cancellation of visa-free transit privileges for citizens from 45 nations. This change notably affects 34 countries in Africa, marking a pivotal moment in the region's relationship with Ecuador and its transit systems. Under the new directive, travelers hailing from these African countries will now be required to obtain a Transit Visa (Visa de Transeúnte) if they wish to transit through Ecuadorian airports, a process that includes…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation rich in mineral resources, has made the significant decision to extend its temporary suspension on cobalt exports by an additional three months. This announcement, made on Saturday by the DRC’s strategic minerals regulator, underscores the complexities and challenges faced by a country that is a linchpin in the global cobalt market. But what led to this extension? The answer lies in the ongoing oversupply of cobalt, a crucial ingredient in electric vehicle batteries and…

The Irish Embassy in Tehran has temporarily closed its doors due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, as announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris. Last Friday, Israel initiated a series of attacks on Iran, asserting that its long-time adversary was on the brink of developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran, which maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, has launched missile and drone strikes against Israel. Simon Harris, who also serves as Minister for Foreign Affairs, remarked,…

Chad's Response to U.S. Visa Restrictions: A Matter of Dignity and National Pride In a notable reaction to international diplomacy, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno publicly condemned the travel ban imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He characterized it as unjust and discriminatory, emphasizing that Chad felt it necessary to respond with reciprocal visa restrictions on American citizens. This action serves as more than a mere political maneuver; it is deeply interwoven with national pride. In a…

The US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) did not distribute any aid today as it called upon Israel to enhance civilian safety beyond its aid distribution centers. This comes in the wake of a tragic incident this week where dozens of Palestinians seeking assistance lost their lives. In a statement, the GHF urged the Israeli military to "guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks" near military zones. They emphasized the need for clearer instructions for civilians and improved…

In a significant development, Ghana has decided to temporarily close its embassy in Washington, D.C., and has promptly recalled all foreign affairs staff. This urgent action stems from an ongoing investigation enveloping an alleged visa fraud scandal that has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns both domestically and internationally. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa took to social media platform X to publicly announce this closure, shedding light on a serious issue that has come to light. This decision…

Shifting Dynamics: UPDF Suspends Cooperation with Germany On May 25, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) made a significant announcement that sent ripples through diplomatic circles: they have suspended all defence and military cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. The catalyst? Allegations surrounding Germany's Ambassador to Uganda, Mathias Schauer. UPDF spokesperson Chris Magezi indicated that credible intelligence had surfaced, suggesting Ambassador Schauer's…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant turn of events, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, widely known as Aden Madoobe, the Speaker of the House of the People in Somalia, has announced the suspension of 20 lawmakers from participating in upcoming parliamentary sessions. This decision, rooted in security concerns following a recent outbreak of unrest within the legislature, has sent ripples through the political landscape. On Wednesday, the Speaker issued a formal directive to parliamentary staff, instructing them to prevent the suspended…

The Complex Dynamics of North Western State of Somalia and Somalia: A Fork in the Road Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development reverberating throughout the Horn of Africa, the self-declared republic of North Western State of Somalia has formally ceased negotiations with the federal government of Somalia. The announcement, made by North Western State of Somalia’s Council of Ministers this past Wednesday, comes on the heels of a contentious visit by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod—a city marked by…

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a 90-day hiatus on trade tariffs for a multitude of countries, with one notable exception: China. This announcement, made through the ubiquitous channel of social media, has stirred quite a debate. In fact, President Trump stated that over 75 nations reached out to the U.S. administration, eager to "negotiate a solution." Isn't it intriguing how swiftly the global economy can find itself engulfed in complex negotiations, driven by the urgency to preserve…