Africa

Explained | UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan And Its Impact on Immigration
Africa, Europe, Featured, World

Explained | UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan And Its Impact on Immigration

While the UK-Rwanda Asylum Plan claims compliance with the Refugee Convention, the lack of detailed information on detention, procedural safeguards, and fair treatment raises concerns. The implementation of this agreement puts pressure on continental law enforcement and asylum systems, potentially straining relations with the European Union. As countries consider such approaches, they risk neglecting long-term investments in political, development, and humanitarian efforts essential for stabilizing an already strained refugee regime amidst unprecedented displacement. The recent UK-Rwanda agreement has sparked debates and concerns over its impact on the traditional principles of asylum. This controversial deal goes beyond typical offshore processing, proposing a permanent relocation...
Volatile Geopolitics of Sahel – A Story of Greed and Global Capriciousness
Africa, Analysis, Featured, World

Volatile Geopolitics of Sahel – A Story of Greed and Global Capriciousness

The Sahel region's geopolitical landscape is experiencing a notable transformation, transitioning from a unipolar order dominated by France to a more competitive scenario. As major global powers vie for influence, Sahel remains a crucial focal point, hinting at a renewed global rivalry and the potential for a second "fight for Africa." While the region fights food insecurity, poor governance and a failing economy, the international powers are more interested in its minerals than rectifying the fundamental issues. In recent years, the Sahel region in Africa has witnessed significant transformations, marked by political upheavals, geopolitical shifts, and emerging challenges. This article provides a detailed examination of the evolving landscape in the Sahel, encompassing historical ...
The Red Sea Crisis – History, Importance and Contemporary Threats
Africa, Featured, Middle East, World

The Red Sea Crisis – History, Importance and Contemporary Threats

Established in 1869, the Suez Canal is a vital sea route that links the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, providing significant cost and distance savings. Historically, this strategic passageway has assisted in effective international trade, which has benefited the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. But a new trend indicates an alteration akin to the Middle Ages when commercial ships chose to circumnavigate the southernmost point of Africa. Vasco Da Gama undertook a voyage along the Cape of Good Hope in 1498, eventually discovering a new maritime route for trade in quest of India. This alternate route supplanted the Silk Road, which had been captured by the Ottoman Turks. However, the Suez Canal, constructed in the 1860s, provided a significant shortcut, aiding a sustainable path for inte...
Navigating the Complex Geopolitics: Ethiopia, Somaliland, and the Berbera Port Deal
Africa, Featured, World

Navigating the Complex Geopolitics: Ethiopia, Somaliland, and the Berbera Port Deal

The Berbera port deal places Somaliland in legal limbo, likely joining de facto states without international recognition.Mogadishu's weak position suggests that maintaining stability and economic growth is crucial for Somaliland's future autonomy.The rise in nationalism could be leveraged by Somalia to address internal challenges, break extremist influences, and pave the way for economic recovery. Ethiopia, with a staggering population of 120 million, faces unique economic challenges as the largest landlocked country globally. The absence of direct sea access necessitates robust transportation infrastructure and global market connections for economic growth. Recently, Ethiopia entered into the Berbera Corridor project, involving Somaliland and the UAE. The deal sparked controversy ...
Shifting Tides: Geopolitical Dynamics of the Red Sea and East Africa
Africa, Featured, Middle East, World

Shifting Tides: Geopolitical Dynamics of the Red Sea and East Africa

As a major player in the Indian Ocean, it is imperative for India to navigating these changes judiciously to safeguard its national interests and uphold regional stability. Iran's positive relations with Ethiopia could lead to direct trade and naval access, potentially altering the Bab al-Mandab Strait dynamics. Iran and China may seize opportunities for investments in the Red Sea. The UAE emerges as a key player, heavily financing Ethiopia and Somaliland, while also supplying armaments to the RSF and Marshal Haftar in Eastern Libya. Developments in the Red Sea and East Africa have far-reaching effects on the broader Indian Ocean region and India's trade. These include influences on India's maritime security, trade routes, strategic alliances, and resource competition. ...
Understanding Multifaceted African Response to the Israeli-Palestine Conflict
Africa, Featured, Middle East, World

Understanding Multifaceted African Response to the Israeli-Palestine Conflict

The African response to the Israeli-Gaza conflict is multifaceted, reflecting historical alliances, diplomatic considerations, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. African countries that previously recognized Israel have now opposed Israel's actions in Gaza and this was reflected in the United Nations General Assembly vote on a humanitarian truce. The nations of the continent navigate a delicate balance between expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause and maintaining diverse international relations. The ongoing Israeli war on Gaza has sparked diverse reactions across the African continent, highlighting the complexities of diplomatic relations, historical alliances, and regional dynamics. While it is challenging to generalize African public opinion due to a lack of c...
Rising Tension in the Nile: Analyzing the GERD and its Geopolitical Repercussions
Africa, Featured, World

Rising Tension in the Nile: Analyzing the GERD and its Geopolitical Repercussions

The geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Nile River centred on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), represent a crucial and highly volatile issue. The humanitarian repercussions of water scarcity, combined with unresolved disputes, political tensions, and historical rivalries, create a precarious situation. International involvement and mediation for a peaceful and equitable resolution are imperative for a stable Northeast Africa. The situation surrounding the Nile River, particularly the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), is a highly contentious matter with the potential to result in a crisis for Egypt and Sudan. This issue is often referred to as a geopolitical "flashpoint" in the region. Background and Concerns The Nile River flows through ...
Coup d’état: Sudan, Women and the World
Africa, Analysis, Featured, World

Coup d’état: Sudan, Women and the World

The civil war in Sudan will impact the global economy and the flow of trade between the nations as it is in the Horn of Africa which is an important trade centre and adjacent to the Suez Canal. Sudan is the top exporter of gold and groundnut to the UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, India, and Italy and the civil war may disrupt the export of these commodities. This conflict will lead to fighting on many fronts and will make it harder for common people to access basic necessities like food, clean water, healthcare and services to the Sudanese public. The conflict has prevented thousands of Sudanese women and girls from accessing basic health facilities and medical care and are also at a greater risk of abuse and assault because many others have been forced to share their homes and belongings w...
African Union in G20: Forging New Alliances Shows India’s Global Leadership that is Equitable and Inclusive
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African Union in G20: Forging New Alliances Shows India’s Global Leadership that is Equitable and Inclusive

India's active role in securing the African Union's rightful place in the G20 serves as a poignant reminder that, with vision and unwavering commitment, nations can indeed reshape the global order and carve a brighter, more inclusive future. In the intricate and complex arena of global diplomacy, India's monumental feat transcends mere geopolitics as it symbolizes a resolute commitment to rectifying historical imbalances and championing the voices of the long under-represented.India's dedication extends beyond rhetoric, shaping policies and initiatives that reflect the shared dreams of nations striving for sustainable development and a more balanced global order. African Union, the continent's regional grouping, received permanent membership in the G20 while India was the G20's ch...
Niger | Unraveling the Complexities of the Ongoing Coup
Africa, Analysis, Featured, World

Niger | Unraveling the Complexities of the Ongoing Coup

Nigerian security forces prepare to disperse pro-junta demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, in Niamey, the capital city of Niger July 30, 2023. REUTERS/Souleymane Ag Anara The unfolding situation in Niger is a multifaceted crisis, caused by intertwining political turmoil, public sentiment, international players and control of strategic resources. As the nation grapples with internal conflict, the international community's response will play a crucial role in shaping the path towards potential resolution. Understanding the realities on the ground and engaging with the Sahel region in a pragmatic manner, distinct from Russia's approach, is essential for fostering stability and cooperation. The situation in Niger's capital, Niamey, remains tense and precarious, as the co...