North Africa

Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024: An Inspiring Kickoff in Rabat The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off on a cool evening in Rabat at the Stade Olympique, where anticipation hung in the air like the prelude to a great symphony. The hosts, Morocco, faced off against Zambia in a match that was as much about grit and determination as it was about skill. Despite being outpaced by Zambian zeal, Morocco showcased their resilience by fighting back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw. A Game of Resilience The…

Justice or Political Vendetta? The Case of Rached Ghannouchi In a courtroom shadowed by controversies, Tunisia's opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi finds himself ensnared in a legal battle that many observers argue extends beyond the realm of justice. This latest ruling, tacking on additional years to his existing sentences—over 20 years from previous convictions—has triggered a stir among advocates of political freedom and human rights, both domestically and internationally. The Latest Sentencing This week, Ghannouchi,…

The Role of Egyptian Troops in Somalia’s Fight Against Terrorism In an increasingly interconnected world, terrorism knows no borders. Somalia, a nation long tormented by the extremist group al-Shabab, is now bolstering its defense forces with a fresh wave of support from Egypt, marking a significant development in the African Union’s ongoing peace and stabilization efforts. A New Chapter in Somali-Egyptian Collaboration At the heart of this strategic alliance is the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission…

The Diplomatic Dance: Zuma’s Controversial Endorsement of Morocco’s Claim Over Western Sahara Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to Rabat has ignited fresh debate over the sensitive and long-standing issue of Western Sahara's status. By endorsing Morocco's claim of sovereignty over the region—as an autonomous area—Zuma has taken a surprising turn from his previous position, raising questions about motives and the implications for broader African unity. A Shifting Paradigm Once a staunch advocate for…

The head of Ethiopia Electric Power, Asheber Balcha, recently expressed concerns over Egypt's actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric project in Africa. Balcha accused Egypt of "scrambling to create hurdles" just as the dam nears its operational launch—a project deeply tied to the Nile River, a vital water source for Egypt and its neighbors. This statement comes at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions in the region. While visiting Uganda, the Egyptian foreign minister…

In a move that rippled across the geopolitical landscape, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has caught the attention of Arab nations by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The response from Arab countries was marked by support and approval.Over in Iraq, the government expressed solidarity with the ICC's decisive action. "The brave steps taken by the International Criminal Court echo a profound sense of justice," stated Basim al-Awadi, the…

Sudan’s football warriors have navigated the turbulent seas of civil conflict to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the chaotic backdrop, they triumphed in a fiercely competitive final round of qualifiers, joining Benin in the journey to next year's illustrious tournament. Due to the unrest that began in April of the preceding year, Sudan’s domestic league has been on pause, forcing the national team to play their home games on neutral grounds, far from the cheering home crowd. With Libya and South…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…

HELSINKI, Finland (AX) — In a recent move, Finland has decided to hit pause on its development cooperation with Somalia. The primary reason? A lack of progress in settling agreements about sending back Somali folks who don’t have legal residency in Finland. Minister Ville Tavio, who handles Foreign Trade and Development, made the announcement on a Wednesday. “The suspension means no fresh funds will be approved,” Tavio stated plainly during a media briefing. He emphasized that this hold will last until Somalia makes…

In a sweeping victory for the Waddani party, opposition leader Cirro emerged triumphant, clinching a resounding 64% of the vote, leaving Bihi at 35%, as confirmed by Musa Hassan, the head honcho of the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission. During a televised speech on Tuesday, Cirro remarked, "This election isn't about win or lose for the contenders. It's an election of solidarity and camaraderie, moving the North Western State of Somalia nation forward." Nested at the strategic crossroads of the Indian…