South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following Israel’s recent announcement recognising Somaliland as an independent state, warning that the move poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. In a statement issued on Monday, 29 December 2025, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said South Africa viewed Israel’s decision with deep concern, describing it as a violation of the Federal Republic of Somalia’s sovereignty. The department said the…

The Foreign Ministers of Russia and African states agreed on a joint action plan for the period from 2026 to 2029 during the second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum. This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The conference was attended by heads and representatives of the foreign policy agencies of 52 African states and executive bodies of eight regional integration associations. Key events of the forum included a meeting…

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly rejected any move to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming the African Union’s long-standing and consistent position that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In a press statement issued on 26 December 2025 from Addis Ababa, Youssouf said the Commission had taken note, with deep concern, of recent developments relating to Somaliland. He stressed that the African Union’s stance is firmly grounded…

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has firmly rejected the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. In a media statement on Friday, 26 December 2025, Youssouf condemned “any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity,” reiterating that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” This statement follows Israel’s announcement on the same day, making it the first nation to formally recognise Somaliland’s independence. Israeli Prime Minister…

BRICS will continue to actively develop interaction with organisations and associations. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in 2024 at the BRICS Plus meeting of foreign ministers. According to experts, it is precisely such cooperation that helps consolidate the efforts of the Global South countries in building a multipolar world and develops dialogue between partner organisations and economic cooperation. Most importantly, cooperation at the level of groups and alliances encourages countries to develop common approaches to shared…

Russian–Chinese relations are developing steadily and across all areas, including high-tech manufacturing, science, education, and space exploration, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a major press conference and Direct Line event held at Gostiny Dvor. “An absolute figure is somewhere around US$240–250 billion in turnover. […] At the country level of cooperation between Russia and China, Russia ranks first among European countries. […] We are cooperating, and this is simply an indicator of the trust between our countries and the…

Yirgashewa Teshome is an Ethiopian writer, filmmaker and the founding director of the Ethiopian International Film Festival (ERTHOPIAN), an annual event held in Addis Ababa that has become a key platform for African and international cinema. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a master’s degree in Regional and Local Development Studies from Addis Ababa University and has been a driving force behind the festival since its inception. In 2024, Yirgashewa Teshome served as a juror at the BRICS…

South Africa has reiterated its commitment to enforcing its immigration laws while engaging the United States through diplomatic channels following allegations involving the treatment of U.S. officials and the handling of personal information. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said the recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs was carried out lawfully and in line with South African immigration legislation. The individuals were found to be working in…

Let us make artificial intelligence (AI) not a luxury for the few, but a public good – this is what experts who are already working on the development of neural networks in the Global South say. Many of them are convinced that artificial intelligence can help strengthen a multipolar world and reduce inequality. On a planet where, on average, according to WHO estimates, there are only 17 doctors per 10,000 people, AI-powered telediagnostics and predictive analytics are capable of saving…

The Ministry of International Relations in Botswana says it has received reports that two male Batswana youth, aged 19 and 20, allegedly fell victim to a deceptive recruitment process that resulted in them fighting on the frontlines of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to the reports, the young men were led to believe they would attend a short-term military school training programme in Russia. In response, the Ministry said it is engaging through diplomatic channels and consulting with law enforcement…