First Independent Mena Newspaper
A new report from the African Development Bank (AfDB) warns that 21 out of 54 African currencies are projected to depreciate against the U.S. dollar in 2025, highlighting continued economic vulnerability across the continent. Major economies like Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana are expected to see currency losses of 6% or more, driven by declining […]
As Africa moves to the center of global economic and strategic importance, a new Brookings Institution policy brief urges the Trump administration to craft a bold, forward-looking U.S.-Africa strategy that aligns American interests with Africa’s rapid transformation. The report highlights four key pillars — power, prosperity, peace, and principles with soft power — through which […]
Nigeria’s seaports have come under renewed international scrutiny as the European Union released a report identifying the country as a major gateway for counterfeit goods entering West Africa and beyond. In its 2025 Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries, the EU classified Nigeria among eight “Priority 3” countries […]
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) chief, General Michael Langley, has stood by his controversial remarks criticizing Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for insufficient counter-terrorism efforts — clarifying that his comments were rooted in military concerns, not political interference. Speaking in Nairobi ahead of a regional defense conference, Langley explained that his earlier statements — […]
Amid a surge in insurgent activity across Africa, the U.S. military is recalibrating its strategy, stepping back from its traditional focus on governance and development to emphasize burden-sharing and self-reliance among African partners. At the recent African Lion 2025 military exercise — the continent’s largest — Gen. Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), […]
Kenya’s capital Nairobi is set to become a major global hub for the United Nations, as the organization moves to decentralize operations and cut costs by relocating key offices from expensive cities like New York and Geneva. By late 2026, Kenya’s capital will host three new global offices — UN Women, the UN Children’s Fund […]
Uganda has abruptly suspended all military and defense cooperation with Germany, citing alleged “subversive activities” by German Ambassador Matthias Schauer. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced the decision on Sunday (25 May), accusing Schauer of engaging with “hostile pseudo-political groups” operating within the country. “This suspension will remain in force until the matter is […]
Boko Haram, a self-proclaimed jihadist militant group, has reportedly resurged in Cameroon’s Far North, escalating attacks and plunging the region into renewed insecurity. Despite earlier joint military successes by Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, fractures within the Lake Chad Basin Commission and fragile civilian protection have allowed the Islamist group to regain strength. In recent […]
In a resounding display of military synergy and diplomatic recalibration, Egypt and China have concluded on May 6 their first-ever joint air force exercise—Eagles of Civilization 2025—signaling a transformative turn in defense alignments across North Africa. Against the backdrop of Egypt’s desert, Chinese fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft soared alongside Egyptian squadrons, marking a […]
As Africa mourns the death of Pope Francis, worshippers and leaders across the continent are reflecting on the profound legacy he leaves behind — and speculating about the future leadership of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who died Monday (21 April), is remembered for his unwavering advocacy for the poor, peace in conflict zones, and […]