Author: Kudret

Captain Ibrahim Traore, the transitional president of Burkina Faso, garnered widespread attention on Tuesday after receiving the loudest applause at the inauguration of Ghana’s President John Mahama. Traore’s reception at the event underscored his growing influence in West Africa, as he stood out among the visiting heads of state. During the ceremony, President Mahama noted the popularity of his counterpart, remarking, “You can see how popular Mr. President (Traore) is in Ghana. He received the loudest cheer.” This acknowledgment highlighted the level of support Traore has cultivated, not just in Burkina Faso but across the region. The moment came when…

Seychelles’ Prime Minister, Jean-François Ferrari, welcomed Raila Odinga, Kenya’s prominent political leader and candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), for a high-level meeting at Maison Quéau de Quinssy. The discussion focused on Odinga’s strategic vision for the AUC during the 2025-2029 term. Odinga, who has been actively campaigning for the leadership position, presented his comprehensive agenda, which includes key initiatives aimed at addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges. These include strengthening continental unity, advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), tackling climate change, and enhancing the AUC’s capacity to drive sustainable development across Africa. Odinga’s Key…

Agricultural ministers from across Africa have gathered in Uganda this week to tackle the pressing issues surrounding food security and sustainability. The ministers are working to craft a 10-year action plan aimed at reducing Africa’s dependence on food imports, modernizing farming practices, and enhancing agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. The summit, taking place in Kampala with more than 2,000 delegates in attendance, is focused on developing sustainable agricultural practices and robust food production systems to address Africa’s growing challenges. With rising food prices, climate disruptions, and shifting consumer demands, African leaders are determined to reshape the continent’s…

Egypt has reiterated its full support for Chad’s efforts to maintain its security and stability, as stated by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Thursday. The statement followed a phone call between Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, and Chadian Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah. During the conversation, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations, focusing on strengthening economic, trade, and capacity-building cooperation. Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s commitment to supporting Chad’s development goals and fostering closer collaboration across various sectors. The call also addressed security concerns following a recent attack near the Chadian presidency. Abdelatty condemned the assault, attributed to Boko Haram…

China has reaffirmed its support for the development of a rapid response force to help tackle Africa’s increasing security challenges. This commitment was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a joint press conference with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in Abuja on Thursday. Wang emphasized that China is prepared to collaborate with African nations in advancing global security initiatives and in fostering a China-Africa community with a shared future. “We are committed to advancing a partnership for common security,” he stated, outlining China’s focus on bolstering Africa’s security infrastructure. As part of its support, China has committed 1…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has detained 10 of its own officers from the Lagos Zonal Command amid allegations of theft involving operational items. The EFCC confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday, underscoring that the action is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure internal reforms and maintain integrity within its ranks. The detained officials, who were apprehended last week, are being questioned about the stolen items that they failed to account for. The arrests came following direct orders from EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, who emphasized that the investigation is…

Venancio Mondlane, leader of Mozambique’s opposition, has returned to the country after fleeing in the wake of violent protests sparked by the disputed October elections. Mondlane, who has accused the ruling Frelimo party of electoral fraud, arrived in Maputo on Thursday, where large crowds gathered at the international airport to welcome him. His return comes at a time of heightened tensions in the southern African nation. The October 9 poll, which extended Frelimo’s decades-long rule, was marred by accusations of irregularities. Mondlane has called the election rigged and has urged his supporters to take to the streets in protest. Protests,…

A deadly assault on Chad’s presidential complex on Wednesday evening claimed the lives of 18 attackers and one soldier, according to government sources. The attack, which unfolded in the heart of the capital, left six attackers and three soldiers injured, Foreign Minister and government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah said in a televised address. Earlier reports suggested the involvement of Boko Haram, raising fears of regional instability. However, Koulamallah later clarified that the attackers were likely an armed group from a district within N’Djamena, rather than external forces. The group’s motives remain unclear, and authorities have yet to disclose further details about…

On January 7, 2025, Jean-Claude Gakosso, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Congo, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brazzaville to discuss further strengthening their longstanding diplomatic relations. The talks centered on implementing the key outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which took place in late 2024, with an emphasis on advancing cooperation between the two nations. Gakosso welcomed the visit, noting the deep historical and diplomatic ties that have existed between the Republic of the Congo and China for more than six decades. Despite geographical and cultural differences, the…

In a dramatic turn of events, Nelson Mandela’s grandson has been arrested in connection with a hijacking near the family’s historic Houghton residence. The arrest, which has shocked the nation, raises significant concerns about the future of the Mandela family’s legacy, already under scrutiny due to internal family disputes. According to police reports, the vehicle involved in the hijacking was stolen from Benoni late the previous evening. Authorities apprehended the four suspects, including Mandela’s grandson, after they were found in possession of the vehicle near the Mandela property. While the driver’s fate remains unclear, he is reportedly under police protection…

Tensions have escalated in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, as widespread protests continue over the military government’s failure to meet its promised deadline for transitioning to democracy. The protests, led by civil society groups and opposition parties, have led to a lockdown in several parts of the city, as demonstrators demand the fulfillment of the military’s pledge to return the country to civilian rule. The United States has urged the military authorities to provide a clear and actionable timeline for holding the long-delayed elections, which have become a critical issue for many Guineans. The protestors’ frustrations stem from the failure of the…

The Namibian government has instructed that the long-awaited joint declaration between Namibia and Germany on reparations for the Nama and Ovaherero genocide be finalized and signed by March 2025. Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that the document must be concluded before this deadline, with crucial steps planned for the coming weeks. The agreement, which will be signed by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations, Peya Mushelenga, and Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, is set to be presented to the German parliament by the end of January. Both countries’ legislative bodies are expected to ratify the deal soon after, enabling Germany…

In a bid to deepen bilateral relations, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, held a phone conversation on Tuesday with Sylvestre Radegonde, the Foreign Minister of Seychelles. The two ministers discussed strategies to enhance cooperation and partnerships between the two nations, with an emphasis on bolstering African unity and promoting regional development. During the call, Dr. Abdel Aati reiterated Egypt’s commitment to expanding its cooperation with Seychelles, underscoring the importance of furthering economic, trade, and development initiatives that benefit both countries. He stressed the critical role of African collaboration in addressing the continent’s shared challenges,…

At least 46 people, including women and children, were abducted during a violent attack on Gana town in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria. The assault, which took place late on Sunday night, has highlighted the region’s growing insecurity. According to local residents and a traditional leader, a group of gunmen on motorbikes stormed the town around 10:00 PM GMT, indiscriminately firing into the community. The attackers also set fire to several homes and businesses, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. This incident follows a similar mass kidnapping in the state last month, with criminal gangs increasingly targeting vulnerable communities…

Mauritius has issued an arrest warrant for its former finance minister, Renganaden Padayachy, as part of an investigation into allegations of embezzlement. According to a police notice published in local media on Tuesday, Padayachy is accused of being involved in a financial scandal concerning the misappropriation of 45 million rupees from the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC), a state-run entity established to help businesses cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were allegedly diverted to benefit Menlo Park Ltd., a private company, raising serious concerns about potential corruption and misuse of public funds. The warrant for Padayachy’s…

São Tomé and Príncipe’s President, Carlos Vila Nova, has dismissed Prime Minister Patrice Emery Trovoada and his entire cabinet, citing a series of concerns about the government’s performance and the Prime Minister’s extended absences from the country. In a statement released by the presidency on Monday, Vila Nova explained that the Prime Minister’s prolonged absences had significantly hindered the government’s ability to address key national issues. The presidency also emphasized that the government had failed to provide effective solutions to the country’s economic and financial challenges, along with their broader social implications. The decision has raised questions about the political…