First Independent Mena Newspaper
In a rare convergence of calendars, Christians across Africa — from Orthodox to Western denominations — celebrated Easter on the same day this year, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ with deep spiritual reflection and cultural vibrancy. In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), celebrations unfolded under the shadow of ongoing conflict, as residents gathered […]
The Trump administration is reportedly considering the closure of nearly 30 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, including six in Africa, in a sweeping effort to reduce federal spending and streamline government operations. According to an internal State Department memo obtained by multiple news outlets, embassies in the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic […]
The first issue of the Middle East and North Africa Journal on Violence and Extremism (MENAVEX) has been officially released. This marks the launch of the region’s first peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated exclusively to the study of extremism and terrorism. Published in both print and electronic formats, the journal is supported by a distinguished scientific […]
Brice Oligui Nguema, the military leader who ousted long-time president Ali Bongo in a 2023 coup, has won Gabon’s presidential election with a staggering 90.35% of the vote, according to provisional results announced by the Interior Ministry. This marks the first election in over five decades not dominated by the Bongo family, whose rule was […]
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has decided to terminate its six-month $5 million lobbying contract with the U.S. public relations firm Earhart Turner, instead preferring to pursue direct negotiations with the Trump administration. The lobbying contract, signed in March 2025, aimed to enhance Congo’s image in Washington, particularly in the context of a mineral […]
Terrorism continues to devastate Africa, with the Sahel and Somalia remaining epicenters of violent extremism, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report. The Sahel region, which is sometimes referred to as the “coup belt” of Africa, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and surrounding areas, now accounts for more than half of the […]
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, faces a landmark lawsuit in Kenya over allegations that its platform played a role in inciting ethnic violence during the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia. The Kenyan High Court has ruled that the case, which involves claims of hate speech and violent content promotion on Facebook, can proceed. This landmark […]
Massad Boulos, newly appointed senior advisor for Africa at the US State Department, is set to begin a diplomatic mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. The trip, which starts on 3 March, aims to foster peace in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels continue their offensive, and encourage increased […]
The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to visit Moscow this week to deepen their strategic partnership with Russia, marking a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic and security landscape. The visit, scheduled for 3-4 April, represents the first-ever AES-Russia consultations following the establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) […]
The United Nations has raised alarm over the growing control of M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with fears that the group could seize additional provinces. Bintou Keita, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO), briefed the UN Security Council on Thursday (27 March), revealing that M23 rebels now […]