North Africa

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 2025 Global Housing Affordability Index, published by Numbeo, sheds light on a troubling reality for many African nations: a substantial disconnect between property prices and the average incomes of households. This gap underscores an urgent crisis that transcends mere statistics, affecting real lives and futures across the continent. Recent rankings show that Ethiopia and Cameroon sit near the bottom of the global affordability ladder, only surpassed by Syria and Cuba. This situation raises an inevitable…

In a troubling development that raises serious humanitarian concerns, at least 37 Ethiopian men currently face the death penalty in Saudi Arabia for drug-related offenses. This alarming situation has been spotlighted in a joint statement released by a coalition of 31 civil society and human rights organizations. They have expressed trepidation over what they describe as an “imminent risk” of execution for countless foreign nationals within the Kingdom. On June 17, 2025, the organizations declared they are “gravely fearful…

The ongoing assault on press freedom in various African nations illustrates a multifaceted challenge shaped by several intersecting factors. At the heart of this crisis lies an alarming tendency for political regimes to tighten their stranglehold over information channels, a development amplified by legal systems that remain out of reach for many. In conflict-ridden and authoritarian states, both government and corporate pressures coerce the media into submission, stifling the essential discussions and debates that a…

Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of the content, formatted appropriately in HTML and maintaining a professional yet approachable tone. The recently published 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has positioned South Africa as the most press-friendly nation in Africa, ranking 27th among 180 countries worldwide. This impressive leap of 11 places from last year's ranking underscores a significant improvement in the landscape of press freedom within the country. South Africa…

Nigeria, despite holding the title of Africa's largest oil producer, finds itself in an ongoing struggle to consistently deliver crude feedstock to its flagship Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is poised to refine up to 650,000 barrels daily. This disparity has compelled the refinery to look beyond its borders, seeking imports to maintain its operations. Why does this discrepancy exist in a nation rich in natural resources? It’s a question that can foster deeper discussions about the infrastructure, politics, and…

The world of wealth can often feel like a tumultuous sea, with some vessels rising dramatically on the waves, while others struggle to stay afloat. This dynamic environment has been particularly evident among African billionaires recently. While an impressive number have seen their fortunes balloon by billions, others have grappling with stagnation or even declines. What does this disparity reveal about Africa's complex commercial landscape? The fluctuations in wealth are not mere numbers on a balance sheet;…

In recent years, Africa’s aviation landscape has transformed remarkably. Airlines across the continent are not merely upgrading their fleets; they’re revolutionizing connectivity, enhancing customer service, and striving to meet—and even surpass—global standards. This dynamic shift marks a significant chapter in Africa's aviation story, filled with growth, innovation, and a touch of daring ambition. The impact of this transformation is palpable, and it hasn't gone unnoticed on the international stage. The…

The landscape of food security across several regions in Africa paints a complex picture. Nations like Ethiopia and Kenya, alongside Southern African states such as Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as Niger in West Africa, are grappling with varying degrees of hunger and need for assistance. What has shaped their current status, and what steps can be taken to improve their situation further? Recent evaluations suggest that conditions in Ethiopia are slowly but surely improving.…

In a significant development, the Chinese embassy in Israel has announced its commitment to assist Chinese citizens seeking to evacuate amid the escalating tensions in the region. Starting this Friday, the embassy plans to conduct evacuations in batches, a move indicative of the increasingly urgent situation. According to the embassy's announcement, arrangements have been made to transport Chinese nationals via bus to the Taba Border Crossing in Egypt. This crossing is approximately 360 kilometers (or 224 miles) from Tel…