North Africa

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote recently expressed his comfort regarding the implications of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on his urea exports to the United States. His assessment provides a nuanced perspective on global trade dynamics, highlighting that his principal competitor, Algeria, faced an even steeper tariff. This is a timely reflection considering how international trade often feels like navigating a never-ending chess match, each move influencing the subsequent strategies of market players.…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Thursday, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe, the Speaker of Somalia’s Lower House, embarked on a significant journey to Algeria. He is set to participate in the forthcoming Arab Parliament Speakers Summit. This event promises a convergence of legislative leaders from across the Arab world, offering a platform for dialogue on pressing issues such as regional cooperation and the alignment of legislative frameworks. Yet, amidst this important diplomatic undertaking, Somalia finds itself in a tumultuous…

Economic freedom. At first glance, this term may conjure images of spreadsheets, policies, and perhaps even the dusty pages of an economic textbook. Yet, peel back the layers, and you'll find that it is far more than an academic concept. Economic freedom intricately weaves its way through our lives, influencing the jobs we can secure, the quality and variety of goods available for purchase, the education our children receive, and even the very air we breathe. The Index of Economic Freedom,…

Unraveling Arms Supply Dynamics in Sudan: A Complex Tale of Conflict and Accountability In the heart of Africa's tumultuous landscape lies Sudan, a nation grappling with conflict, dislocation, and the haunting scars of violence. Recently, media coverage has illuminated a particularly troubling chapter within this narrative—the investigation into how mortar rounds exported from Bulgaria to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) found their way into the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. The story is not just about…

Understanding GDP Growth and Its Implications for Africa The annual GDP growth rate serves as a vital barometer for assessing a country’s economic health. It reveals much more than just numbers; it uncovers the complex tapestry woven from various structural and socioeconomic factors. A low GDP growth rate usually signals deeper issues, raising questions about the underlying challenges that a country faces. What does a sluggish economy mean for the future? For many African nations, a low…

On Wednesday, the state media of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported a significant breakthrough in law enforcement. Authorities successfully intercepted a covert operation aiming to illicitly transport ammunition to Sudan's military. This incident reflects the intricate dynamics gripping Sudan, a nation beset by conflict and turmoil. According to the Emirates' WAM news agency, security forces unearthed a staggering cache of approximately five million rounds of ammunition concealed within a private aircraft…

The Complex Web of Arms in Sudan: A Call for Accountability The situation in Sudan has taken a worrisome turn, prompting an in-depth investigation by the United Nations. The inquiry seeks to unravel the mystery of how weapons, notably mortar rounds that originated from Bulgaria and were sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ended up in the possession of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan. This scenario is not merely a case of lost accountability; it raises profound questions about arms trafficking and the…

The Impact of Aid Cuts on Internally Displaced Persons: A Call for Compassionate Action The humanitarian landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, particularly for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) around the globe. As U.S. foreign aid policies have shifted, many lives hang in the balance, particularly in conflict zones like Nigeria. The cuts implemented during the Trump administration have reverberated through essential services provided by key United Nations agencies, leading to an…

Significant Leadership Changes in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy development, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has extended heartfelt congratulations to Abdisalam Abdi Ali on his recent appointment as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the country, as it seeks to navigate increasingly complex political landscapes and security challenges. In his message,…

Disturbing Power Outages Hit the Iberian Peninsula On the evening of Monday, a significant power outage plunged large portions of the Iberian Peninsula into chaos. As night fell, both Spain and Portugal found themselves grappling with a situation that disrupted daily life—grounding planes, halting public transport, and forcing hospitals to suspend their routine operations. The magnitude of this event has been unprecedented in recent European history, marking a moment that will inevitably be part of discussions in boardrooms…