Mali junta launches forum on return to civil rule

Mali’s military-dominated government has launched a four-day national forum on returning the country to civilian rule following the country’s 2020 coup. The military junta in Mali have showcased the “National Conference on Reform” as a chance for the public to foster change, but major groups have already lashed the project and said they will boycott it. According…

Somalia’s international partners ‘deeply concerned’ over political standoff

Partners issue statement calling for de-escalation of political tensions. MOGADISHU, Somalia Somalia’s international partners expressed deep concern Monday over the latest developments in the country.  They called on its leaders to put the country’s interests first, to de-escalate political tensions and to refrain from provocation or the use of force, which could undermine peace and…

Turbulent 2021 for Middle East and North Africa

While reconciliation among Gulf nations gave hope, Gaza war, dismissal of civilian governments in Tunisia, Sudan were dampeners. ANKARA The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continued to witness plentiful events in 2021, from reconciliation among Gulf nations to Israel’s onslaught on the blockaded Gaza and the removal of civilian democratic governments in Tunisia…

Somalia’s president suspends prime minister amid election spat

Prime minister, marine forces commander suspended until corruption investigations are complete, president’s office says. Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has suspended the prime minister and removed the marine forces commander until corruption investigations are completed, escalating a destabilising dispute in the Horn of Africa country. “The president decided to suspend prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns anti-apartheid icon, Desmond Tutu

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a man of “extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid”. Tutu’s death was announced by relatives on Sunday December 26. As tributes continue to pour in, Cape Town’s City Hall and other landmarks across the South African city…