What Does the UAE Have to Gain from Sudan’s War?
Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is being exacerbated by foreign actors. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a key player, reportedly supporting the RSF with arms and financing, despite its denials. The UAE’s interest in Sudan centers on […]
Military-led West African Nations to Issue New Passports
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, three West African countries led by military juntas, plan to launch new biometric passports in the coming days as part of their withdrawal from the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The passports, part of the Sahel Alliance formed by the three nations, aim to harmonize travel within […]
South Sudan Elections Postponed Amid Preparation Delays
South Sudan has postponed its December 2024 elections by two years, citing the need to complete vital processes. These processes include conducting a census, drafting a permanent constitution, and registering political parties. According to the Presidential Adviser on National Security Tut Gatluak, the election will now hold on December 22, 2026. This is the second […]
Somalia Weighs Backing Ethiopian Rebels
Somalia’s foreign minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has suggested that Somalia may support Ethiopian rebel groups if Ethiopia continues its agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty. In January 2024, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that would see Ethiopia recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange […]
Elon Musk’s Starlink Explores South African Expansion
President Cyril Ramaphosa has revealed that Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is in discussions with the South African government to launch in the country. Musk was born in South Africa. However, Starlink is not yet available in his birth country, despite being operational in neighboring countries such as Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. Ramaphosa […]
South Africa Launches New Visa Scheme to Boost Tourism
South Africa will launch the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) in January 2025 to boost tourism from China and India. The scheme will streamline visa processes for vetted tour operators to reduce red tape for Chinese and Indian tourists. In 2023, 93,000 Chinese nationals visited South Africa. However, the government believes this number could increase […]
Deforestation Accelerates Warming in African Montane Forests
Deforestation in Africa’s montane forests is accelerating a rise in temperature rise and cloud levels, according to a new study. As a result, water resources in these ecosystems are at risk. The research discovered that, over the past 20 years, 18% of Africa’s montane forests have been lost, causing air temperatures to rise by 1.4°C […]
