Author: Kudret

Libya has achieved a major victory in the restoration of its cultural heritage with the successful return of a looted Ptolemaic-era statue, which had been displayed for decades at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States. The statue, dating back to around the 3rd century BC, is believed to have been stolen from the ancient city of Ptolemais, modern-day Tolmeitha, during World War II. The statue resurfaced in the art world years later and was eventually acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remained for a lengthy period. However, after years of effort by Libya’s Department…

Peter Turkson, a 76-year-old Ghanaian cardinal, has emerged as a leading contender for the papacy, positioning himself as a prominent candidate to become the first African pope in modern history. With his advocacy for social justice and a strong track record in the Catholic Church, Turkson’s candidacy is gaining significant attention. Currently, Turkson is widely regarded as one of the top candidates in the betting markets, with odds standing at 5:1. A veteran of the Vatican’s key positions, he is known for his tireless work on issues such as climate change, poverty, and economic justice. His advocacy for marginalized communities…

Chad’s government has reached a peace agreement with armed factions in the northern part of the country, aiming to resolve long-standing conflicts over gold resources in the region. The deal, signed on Sunday, involves two groups operating in the Miski region of Tibesti province, which lies near the Libyan border. The negotiations were led by Saleh Kebzabo, a government mediator appointed to oversee the process. The unrest between the Chadian forces and local armed groups intensified in 2019 and 2020, largely driven by competition over gold mining in the Miski area, which is known for its significant gold deposits. Under…

The prestigious Tribeca Festival in New York City has announced its 2025 lineup, featuring a remarkable array of films, documentaries, and creative works, with several African-themed projects making their way to the big stage. Among the highlights are a documentary about Nigerian music sensation Wizkid and a Kenyan drama that addresses women’s land rights. The festival, renowned for its focus on bold and diverse storytelling, will run from June 4 to June 15, 2025, showcasing a record-breaking 118 feature films selected from over 13,500 submissions worldwide. As part of the festival’s commitment to global representation, this year’s program will also…

Botswana’s political landscape experienced a historic shift in 2024 when opposition leader Duma Boko unseated President Mokgweetsi Masisi, ending the Botswana Democratic Party’s uninterrupted rule since independence in 1966. Boko’s victory, under the coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), was not only a political milestone but also a statement of growing public frustration with corruption, economic inequality, and overreliance on diamond revenues. On his third presidential bid, Boko secured a decisive win, channeling voter discontent into a campaign focused on justice, inclusivity, and economic reform. The international spotlight soon followed. In April 2025, Time magazine named President Boko among its…

The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended the political party of former President Joseph Kabila and ordered the freezing of assets belonging to him and key allies, amid serious accusations of supporting the M23 rebel movement operating in the country’s troubled eastern region. In coordinated statements released by the interior and justice ministries late Saturday, authorities alleged that Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) provided backing to the M23 insurgents—an action the government equated to high treason. The justice ministry confirmed that prosecutors have been directed to begin formal legal proceedings, although no specific details of the accusations…

Morocco is fast becoming a global force in the export of fruits and vegetables, placing among the top three fastest-growing agricultural exporters worldwide, according to a new report by EastFruit. While many nations contend with worsening climate conditions, Morocco is turning adversity into opportunity. The North African nation is proving that innovation and sustainability can drive agricultural success even in the face of prolonged drought. From Survival to Strategy What sets Morocco apart is a shift in mindset—from coping with challenges to strategically overcoming them. The country’s transformation in agricultural management has been deliberate, according to Andriy Yarmak, an economist…

Egyptian archaeologists have made a major breakthrough at the Saqqara Necropolis, unearthing a 4,300-year-old tomb believed to belong to Prince Userefre, a little-known son of King Userkaf, founder of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. The find is shedding new light on a largely undocumented royal figure and revealing the first-ever pink granite false door discovered in the region. The announcement was made by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities following extensive excavations at Saqqara, located around 40 kilometres southwest of Cairo. Known for its ancient monuments — including the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser — Saqqara continues to be a focal…

Algeria is hosting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for two days of strategic dialogue aimed at reinforcing long-standing bilateral ties and expanding regional cooperation across key sectors. Fidan arrived in Algiers on Saturday for high-level meetings with Algerian officials, including his counterpart, Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. The two are co-chairing the third session of the Algeria-Türkiye Joint Planning Group (JPG), a mechanism that monitors progress under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLCC). Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and inaugurate Türkiye’s new Consulate General in Oran—marking an expansion of Ankara’s diplomatic footprint in North Africa. Focus…

A tragic road accident in Egypt’s southern Minya province claimed the lives of at least eight people and left 25 others injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The collision occurred along a desert route near Tuna El-Gebel village when a lorry struck a pickup truck carrying a group of workers and children. According to the provincial media office, the pickup was being used as an informal transport vehicle—despite not being designed to carry passengers. Officials warned against the continued use of such vehicles for commuting, stating that the practice endangers lives and contravenes safety regulations. “Pickup trucks are built to transport…

A high-security prison in central Chad descended into violence late Friday, leading to the escape of more than 130 inmates during a deadly riot that left three people dead and several others, including a provincial governor, wounded. The incident occurred at a correctional facility located about five kilometres from Mongo, the capital of Guera province. According to local authorities, the chaos erupted when inmates overpowered staff, stormed an office, and seized firearms, triggering a shootout with prison guards. The violence unfolded just as the regional governor was visiting the prison. He was reportedly caught in the exchange of fire and…

Zimbabwe celebrates 45 years of independence today, reflecting on the sacrifices of its liberation heroes and the journey towards a brighter future. With the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030,” the nation embraces decentralization, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. This year’s festivities include military parades, cultural performances, and the launch of the Realisation of the African Disability Protocol (RAD-P), an initiative focused on accessibility and equality for all citizens. Though challenges remain, such as currency instability and unemployment, Zimbabwe’s growth in sectors like lithium mining and agriculture signals a path toward economic recovery.

Several African nations now face the prospect of a diminished U.S. diplomatic presence—an unsettling development that echoes across the continent. A leaked U.S. State Department document reveals that under a sweeping proposal by the Trump administration, nearly 30 American embassies and consulates worldwide may be shut down. Among those targeted are key African missions in the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan, with reports also indicating the potential closure of a U.S. consulate in South Africa. For many African nations, these missions have served far beyond their traditional diplomatic roles. They’ve acted as lifelines for…

Uganda’s government is preparing to introduce legislation that would allow civilians to be tried before military courts, a move that directly challenges a recent Supreme Court ruling outlawing the practice. The proposed law, which is awaiting Cabinet approval before heading to Parliament, seeks to establish a legal framework under which civilians could face military prosecution in what officials describe as “exceptional circumstances.” Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao announced the draft law during a parliamentary session late Thursday, stating it would define the specific conditions where military jurisdiction could apply to civilians. The initiative has reignited concerns among human…

Zimbabwe marked its 45th Independence Day today with nationwide celebrations under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030,” as President Emmerson Mnangagwa committed to accelerating decentralization reforms while honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s liberation struggle. Historical Significance: From Colonial Rule to Sovereignty Zimbabwe’s independence journey was long and arduous. Formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, the country endured nearly 90 years of British colonial subjugation. The nationalist movements—the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), led by Robert Mugabe, and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), led by Joshua Nkomo—mobilized resistance during the Second Chimurenga, a liberation war that…

Health ministers from the Lake Chad Basin have launched a coordinated vaccination drive targeting over 83 million children under the age of five, as countries in the region step up efforts to halt the spread of variant poliovirus type 2. The week-long campaign, set to run from April 24 to 28, brings together Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria in a synchronized response focused on high-risk and mobile populations in border areas where disease surveillance remains weak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that variant poliovirus type 2 continues to circulate in the region, with 210 detections over the past…