First Independent Mena Newspaper
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 […]
Talks over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) are set to begin by July, but African nations face growing uncertainty as U.S. tariffs threaten to undermine the landmark trade pact. AGOA, which since 2000 has granted duty-free access to the United States for eligible sub-Saharan African exports, is scheduled to expire […]
As tensions surge between the world’s two largest economies, China is ramping up its global diplomacy, holding strategic talks with Saudi Arabia and South Africa to counterbalance the United States’ sweeping new tariffs. China’s commerce minister Wang Wentao recently held virtual meetings with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and South Africa, focusing on responses to […]
The Trump administration has reaffirmed its commitment to the $4 billion Lobito Corridor rail project in Africa, aiming to strengthen United States-Africa economic ties while countering China’s growing influence in the region. The initiative, which connects Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is seen as a vital trade route for transporting minerals […]
US president Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial new tariff policy, imposing sweeping duties on imports from over 180 countries, including 51 African nations. The tariffs, which include a baseline 10% on all imports and higher duties on certain countries, are part of Trump’s strategy to combat what he describes as unfair trade practices that […]
Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger’s military junta, has been officially sworn in as the Sahel country’s transitional president, marking the beginning of a five-year rule under a new charter that replaces the constitution. The ceremony took place in Niamey on Wednesday (26 March), and Tchiani, who led the July 2023 coup that ousted democratically […]
Tensions in South Sudan have further escalated following the arrest of first vice president Riek Machar, raising fears of a return to civil war. A convoy of heavily armed vehicles reportedly entered Machar’s residence in Juba on Wednesday (26 March), where he was detained without clear charges, violating constitutional procedures. The arrest, which comes after […]
Thousands of South Africans, particularly white farmers, have shown interest in relocating to the United States following president Donald Trump’s controversial offer of asylum. The initiative, aimed at providing a safe haven for farmers feeling threatened by South Africa’s land reform policies and increasing violence, has sparked a surge of interest from around 67,000 individuals. […]
As the expiration of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) approaches in September, former US ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter, has cast doubt on the deal’s renewal, citing its unfavorable terms for the United States. McCarter, who served under the Trump administration, expressed skepticism about the prospects of extending Agoa through the HR 10366-Agoa […]
The United States has vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, following a series of airstrikes that killed at least 53 people over the weekend. The Pentagon emphasized that while the strikes are meant to deter the Houthis from resuming attacks, they do not aim to create an “endless offensive” or bring […]