trade

US President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs on numerous countries have now taken effect, imposing hefty duties of 104% on Chinese goods and 20% on products from the European Union. This move escalates his global trade dispute even as he prepares for negotiations with several nations. As President Trump himself noted, “We have a lot of countries coming in that want to make deals.” However, these punitive tariffs have disrupted a trading order that has been in place for decades, leading to heightened recession fears and…

Devastating torrential rains have unleashed a torrent of destruction in Kinshasa, claiming the lives of at least 33 individuals, as confirmed by local reports. This number may sadly rise, with authorities still assessing the situation. The heart of Kinshasa has been particularly vulnerable, with neighborhoods like Mont-Ngafula, Ngaliema, Barumbu, Limete, Matete, and Masina bearing the brunt of the deluge. Each of these areas presents a different story of loss, resilience, and community struggle, painting a vivid picture of…

Algeria recently found itself at the center of a diplomatic storm after allegations emerged that it shot down a Malian reconnaissance drone within Malian airspace. The Algerian defense ministry swiftly countered these claims, asserting that the evidence from radar systems undeniably indicated the drone had breached Algerian territory. This incident has exacerbated tensions that were already simmering between the two nations, complicating a relationship marked by historical grievances. The unfolding situation is reminiscent…

Trade Unions Applaud ICA's Courageous Stand Against Child Trafficking The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has thrown its weight behind the Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia (ICA) following their recent, impactful action against trafficking rings. These organized criminals have been covertly transporting young Somali girls and boys to the Gulf States and Europe, deceitfully cloaked under promises of meaningful employment. How often must we look the other way before such harrowing…

"Africa is fatigued from existing in the shadows. We must illuminate the continent—no exceptions." These compelling words resonated from Akinwumi Adesina in September 2016, mere months after he took on the formidable role as President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB Group). He underscored a crucial issue: electrification on the continent is not merely a luxury; it’s an imperative. Imagine, if you will, a vast expanse of land where cities pulsate with vibrant energy while remote villages grope in darkness.…

In the wake of numerous unmet deadlines for reinstating civilian governance, the military junta, led by General Mamadi Doumbouya, has announced a new timeline: a referendum on a proposed constitution is now slated for September 2025. This announcement follows the junta’s seizure of power in 2021—a time filled with hope for some, yet frustration for others. For many, these developments raise a pertinent question: what does the future hold for a nation striving for democratic restoration? As the junta continues to consolidate…

Despite a strong appeal from authorities urging them to reconsider, the organizers of the Take-It-Back Movement are resolute in their plans for a nationwide protest. Scheduled for April 7, this action is not merely a display of dissent; it is a reaction against what they perceive as an overreach by the Bola Tinubu administration. The Nigeria Police Force has denounced the timing of the protest, describing it as “ill-conceived and mischievous,” highlighting its coinciding date with the inaugural National Police Day…

In a significant turn of events, over 50 nations have approached the White House to initiate trade discussions following the introduction of sweeping new tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, as reported by his economic advisors. This surge in interest signals a potential shift in diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale. Amidst considerable volatility in the markets, representatives from the Trump administration have been working diligently to defend the tariffs, which have led to a staggering loss of nearly…

President Donald Trump has characterized the tariffs imposed by the United States on various nations, including numerous countries in Africa, as "reciprocal." He presents these measures as not only fair but also as a form of magnanimity towards the targeted nations. Trump claims that the tariffs levied on American imports from these countries are significantly lower than the duties those same nations impose on U.S. exports. This assertion begs the question: Are we truly engaging in balanced trade, or are we merely shifting…

On April 7, Rwanda solemnly observed the 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide—a cataclysmic event that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 people, predominantly from the Tutsi ethnic group, at the hands of Hutu militias. This year, the United Nations has formally recognized April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This designation marks the beginning of a hundred days steeped in remembrance, culminating in Liberation Day on July 4. It is a time for collective grief,…