Author: Amnewsworld

After withdrawing its troops from the Sahel region of West Africa, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to reposition the country’s military base in Djibouti as a strategic hub for missions in Africa. Macron stated that the Djibouti base, traditionally focused on the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Indo-Pacific regions, would be “reinvented” to adapt to France’s evolving role on the African continent. “Our role in Africa is changing, and that’s intentional because Africa itself is changing its governments, public opinion, and global dynamics,” Macron said during a Christmas dinner with 1,500 French soldiers stationed at the base, which…

Over 40 million people in West and Central Africa are currently facing severe food insecurity, with this number projected to climb to 52 million by mid-2025, according to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). A newly released WFP report highlights that 3.4 million individuals are experiencing “emergency levels of hunger,” marking a 70% increase in such cases since the summer. The crisis is being driven by ongoing conflict, displacement, economic instability, and severe climate shocks. The Sahel conflict and Sudanese civil war have displaced over 10 million people across the region, while catastrophic flooding in Nigeria and Chad…

At the COP16 summit in Riyadh, the Malian diaspora showcased groundbreaking initiatives, such as those by Ciwara Capital, that are transforming agriculture and fostering climate resilience in Mali. By channeling diaspora investments, these projects are addressing critical issues like food insecurity, job creation, and economic stability. These efforts present a model for sustainable development that other African nations can emulate. Magaye Gaye, an international economic consultant, highlighted that diaspora-driven initiatives could help close Africa’s financing gaps in climate-sensitive sectors. However, questions remain about how international support can scale these successes and which COP16 policies can bolster agricultural investments in fragile…

The Government of Rwanda officially declared the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak over today, following 42 days with no new cases reported since the last patient tested negative for the virus twice, meeting the standard criteria for ending such outbreaks. The outbreak, confirmed on September 27, 2024, was the first of its kind in Rwanda. It resulted in 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths, with nearly 80% of infections occurring among healthcare workers providing care to colleagues and patients. Rwanda’s health authorities, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, launched an extensive response to contain the…

Mogadishu played host to an important event this week to mark Universal Health Coverage Day (UHCD), spotlighting the critical need for accessible health services across Somalia. “Achieving universal health coverage for all Somalis, including those in remote areas, is a significant challenge,” said Dr. Ahmed Adam Mohamed, Senior Adviser for Health System Strengthening at Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Human Services. “However, this goal requires collective efforts from the government, international partners, and citizens.” Somalia’s current UHC service coverage index stands at just 27 out of 100—the lowest globally—according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “While the situation is…

This weekend, thousands of pagans, druids, tourists, and revelers will gather at Stonehenge, Britain’s iconic prehistoric monument, to celebrate the winter solstice. The annual event marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. As the first rays of sunlight pierce through the towering stones on Saturday morning, attendees will welcome the dawn with drumming, chanting, and cheers. Despite forecasts of rain, the spirits of those present are unlikely to be dampened by the weather. Beyond the rituals and festivities, Stonehenge continues to spark curiosity and debate. What was the true purpose of this ancient…

A day before a potential government shutdown, the U.S. House of Representatives decisively voted down President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed spending plan on Thursday, with Democrats and several Republicans opposing his sudden demands to fund operations and suspend the debt ceiling. The hastily convened evening vote failed to reach the two-thirds threshold required for passage, delivering a significant setback to Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. The bill was rejected by a 174-235 vote, leaving Congress scrambling to find a solution before Friday’s midnight deadline. “We’re going to regroup and come up with another solution, so stay tuned,” said Johnson,…

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi inaugurated the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation summit on Thursday, addressing critical regional issues against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. In his opening address, President el-Sissi cautioned about the far-reaching implications of the ongoing war in Gaza, the spillover of violence into Lebanon, and recent developments in Syria. “These events will have repercussions that impact everyone, both politically and economically,” he warned. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the urgent need for unity and support in Syria following the recent overthrow of Bashar Assad’s government by rebel…

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delay in releasing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results to significant financial challenges. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, December 19, John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, revealed that unresolved financial obligations have hindered the examination process, particularly in maintaining critical equipment. “The results are not ready. We earlier highlighted some of the challenges we’re facing, and unfortunately, these persist because we lack the necessary funds to resolve them,” Mr. Kapi stated. A primary issue involves the malfunctioning of specialized scanners essential for…

The Arena, a majestic Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD, has long stood as one of Croatia’s most treasured historical landmarks. Recognized as one of the largest surviving amphitheaters from the Roman era, it has drawn global attention for its architectural grandeur and cultural significance. Traditionally hosting exclusive summer events, the Arena is now transforming into a hub of inclusivity and celebration during the winter months. This iconic site has opened its ancient gates to invite locals and visitors alike to embrace the winter spirit together. From festive gatherings to community celebrations, the Arena promises…