trade

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,…

Discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump are anticipated to focus significantly on the recently imposed US tariffs on Israel, alongside the rising tensions with Iran. Netanyahu marks a notable moment as the first foreign leader to hold a meeting with the US President at the White House since Trump announced considerable tariffs on multiple countries last Wednesday during his "Liberation Day" address. Arriving in Washington directly following a visit to Hungary, Mr.…

"A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing," declared Elon Musk, the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX. These words weren’t spoken in passing; they were shared in a social media post, sparking curiosity and raising a few eyebrows. "Results in the ego/brains>>1 problem," Musk appended in his characteristically concise style. This got many of us scratching our heads, questioning what underlies this bold assertion.…

On Thursday morning, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a roundtable discussion with business leaders, focusing on the implications of "Liberation Day". During his remarks to the media, Starmer's tone was noticeably more assertive. "Last night, the President of the United States acted for his country, and that is his mandate. Today, I will act in Britain's interests," he stated, conveying a sense of determination. Following former President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 10% tariff on the UK and a 25% tariff on…