Author: Kudret

Egypt has secured a landmark role in the global energy landscape by assuming the vice presidency of the International Gas Union (IGU) through the Egyptian Gas & Energy Association (EGEA). This appointment marks the first time that a country from either Africa or the Middle East has held this influential position within the IGU, a development seen as a major step forward in enhancing the region’s voice in the international gas dialogue. The vice presidency is part of a broader leadership trajectory, with Egypt set to take over the IGU presidency for the 2028–2031 term. This progression reflects the country’s…

Over 1,500 delegates, including heads of state, government officials, business executives, and policy experts, are convening in Angola’s capital for the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, signaling renewed momentum for commercial ties between the continent and the United States. The summit, hosted by the Angolan government and organized by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), is centered on the theme “Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for U.S.-Africa Partnership.” The event is drawing participants from across Africa and the U.S., with a strong emphasis on trade, investment, and economic development. Presidents and prime ministers from countries including Algeria, Botswana, Burundi, Cape…

Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema announced on Sunday, June 22, that he will officially unveil his new political party at a major gathering scheduled for Saturday, June 28, at the Palais des Sports in Libreville. Nguema, who secured a decisive victory as an independent candidate in the April 12 presidential election, shared the news in a video message. Standing beneath a tree and flanked by a group of supporters, the president extended an invitation to citizens to attend the party’s inaugural assembly. The name of the new party has not yet been made public. “The trust you placed in me…

Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goita, arrived in Russia on Sunday for an official visit focused on enhancing ties in security, energy, and infrastructure. Goita, who took control following successive coups in 2020 and 2021, has distanced Mali from Western allies—especially France—in favor of a growing partnership with Moscow. His trip follows the announcement that the Wagner paramilitary group, which has supported Mali’s armed forces since 2021, will be exiting the country. The group is expected to be succeeded by Africa Corps, its rebranded version. While the Russian government has consistently denied direct involvement, both groups are viewed as key…

South Africa has expressed strong concern over the rising tensions in the Middle East, following a series of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In a statement released on Sunday, the South African presidency described the developments as a source of “a great deal of anxiety,” emphasizing the urgent need for diplomacy over military action. The presidency urged U.S. President Donald Trump to use his leadership and the influence of his administration to encourage all parties involved—namely the United States, Iran, and Israel—to engage in meaningful dialogue. Pretoria underscored its “sincerest hope” that diplomatic channels would be prioritized to resolve…

Egyptian authorities announced on Saturday the discovery of a new archaeological site in the El-Husseiniya district of Sharqiya Governorate, situated north of Cairo, revealing remains that date back to the 4th century BC. The find, located at the Tell El-Faraoon site, was made by a British archaeological team from the University of Manchester. Excavations uncovered a range of well-preserved architectural remains, offering rare insight into life during Egypt’s Late Period. Among the most notable discoveries were residential complexes believed to have been constructed during the early to mid-4th century BC. These included rare examples of “tower houses,” multi-storey buildings constructed…

Algeria issued a strong condemnation on Sunday following recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that such military actions pose a serious threat to the security and stability of the entire region. In an official statement, the Algerian Foreign Ministry expressed deep alarm over the developments, characterizing the strikes as a dangerous escalation with potentially far-reaching consequences. The statement conveyed Algeria’s “deep concern” and “profound regret” over the renewed hostilities, particularly in light of longstanding international appeals for restraint and a diplomatic resolution. The ministry accused the U.S. of disregarding these global calls, stating that the military action reflected…

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has been chosen to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), assuming the bloc’s rotating chairmanship at a time when the region is facing deepening security and political challenges. The announcement came during the ECOWAS summit held on Sunday in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. Bio succeeds Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had held the position for the past year. The leadership transition occurs amid a deteriorating security situation marked by growing militant activity, repeated military coups, and faltering economic ties among member states. During the summit, West African leaders convened…

The Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) announced that radiation levels in countries bordering Iran remain stable, with no signs of unusual activity following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In an official statement, ENRRA assured the public that its monitoring systems have not detected any rise or deviation in radiation readings across the region. The authority emphasized that it is maintaining continuous, round-the-clock surveillance of developments in the vicinity of regional nuclear sites, especially in light of escalating tensions. The agency highlighted that it is closely coordinating with national institutions and actively following updates from the International…

The Democratic Republic of Congo has extended its suspension on cobalt exports for an additional three months as part of efforts to address persistent oversupply and stabilize prices in the global market, a national regulatory body confirmed on Saturday. The ban, originally introduced in February for a four-month period, was intended to curb a sharp decline in cobalt prices, which had dropped to a nine-year low of \$10 per pound. The measure was due to expire on Sunday but has now been prolonged due to continued high stock levels of the metal. In a statement, the Authority for the Regulation…

A deadly blast struck a busy fish market in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state on Friday night, killing at least 12 people and injuring many others, according to police. Authorities said the attack was carried out by a woman who entered the crowded market with an explosive device attached to her body. The device detonated amid the civilians, causing widespread casualties. Borno police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso confirmed the incident in a statement issued Saturday, noting that the wounded had been transported to a local hospital for treatment. Residents in the area reported that more than 30 people were hurt in…

A Zambian peacekeeper serving under the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) has died following an armed attack on a patrol in the country’s north, the UN announced on Saturday. The incident highlights growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the region. The patrol, part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), came under heavy gunfire on Friday from unknown armed individuals. Two Zambian peacekeepers sustained serious injuries in the assault, and one later succumbed to his wounds, according to a statement released by the mission. “This is the third…

Nigeria is taking a major step toward redefining its role in regional development by hosting a high-level economic summit in Abuja on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21. The event, which is the first of its kind not organized under the banner of ECOWAS, is bringing together heads of state, ministers, business leaders, and representatives from key development institutions across West Africa. The summit is not only intended to showcase Nigeria’s economic leadership but also to create a new, independent forum focused on trade, investment, and regional integration. While ECOWAS has traditionally served as the region’s primary political and…

Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire has been arrested and is being held at a detention center in the capital, Kigali, on accusations of inciting unrest and helping to establish a criminal organization, the Rwanda Investigations Bureau (RIB) announced in a statement released late Thursday. The RIB stated that Ingabire is suspected of “playing a role in creating a criminal organization and engaging in acts that incite public disorder,” but did not provide further details about the alleged activities or when she is expected to appear before a court. Ingabire, who heads the unregistered opposition party DALFA–Umurinzi, has had a longstanding…

Thirty-four soldiers were killed and 14 others wounded on Thursday when armed groups launched a major assault near Banibangou in western Niger, close to the country’s border with Mali, according to a statement from the defence ministry. The attack, described by the ministry as “cowardly and barbaric,” was carried out by several hundred fighters using eight vehicles and more than 200 motorbikes. It is one of the deadliest incidents in the region this year. Nigerien troops responded to the assault and were able to neutralize dozens of the attackers during the confrontation. In the aftermath, military reinforcements were deployed, and…

Dutch brewing giant Heineken has pulled its staff and ceased operations in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after losing control of its sites in areas seized by armed groups, the company announced on Friday. In a statement issued from its Kinshasa office, Heineken confirmed that conditions had deteriorated sharply in the cities of Goma and Bukavu, where armed actors have now taken control of its facilities. “As of June 12, 2025, we have lost operational control in these areas,” the statement read. The suspension comes months after Heineken halted its work in Goma, Bukavu and Uvira, citing insecurity.…