COVID vaccine needed to enter Grand Mosque at Ramadan

COVID vaccine needed to enter Grand Mosque at Ramadan

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia says it will issue permits for some visits to Muslim holy sites during the upcoming month of Ramadan, but only if applicants comply with COVID pandemic restrictions. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced earlier this week that only people who are fully vaccinated for…

Kuwait announces end to Qatar crisis ahead of GCC summit

Kuwait announces end to Qatar crisis ahead of GCC summit

The government of Kuwait confirmed on Monday that the regional standoff between Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations that began in June 2017 has been resolved between the two main players. Foreign Minister Ahmad Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah, who has represented Kuwait during mediation talks, delivered the news…

World leaders, diplomats honor Mubarak’s passing

World leaders, diplomats honor Mubarak’s passing

Global leaders offered their condolences to the Egyptian people on Tuesday following news that former president Hosni Mubarak had died in Cairo. Mubarak, 91, was a former military chief with a complicated legacy who was forced from office during the Egyptian uprising in 2011. He had been ill and required…

Kenyatta talks investment in Saudi Arabia

President Uhuru Kenyatta, speaking at the Future Investment Initiative in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, said it was time for Middle Eastern nations to renew the historic investment interest in African economies, one that dated back to the ancient days of maritime trade depending on dhows and monsoon winds. “Here we…

Saudi Aramco attacks: Where we are now, implications for Africa

The heightened rhetoric following Saturday’s attack on Saudi Aramco oil infrastructure seemed more heat than light, as the United States accused Iran of being responsible – which Iran denies – and threatened retaliation in keeping with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s wishes. It’s still uncertain how much structural damage was…

HRW: Ethiopian migrants to Gulf face perilous conditions

While much attention is rightly focused on the perils of Mediterranean Sea crossings, the Human Rights Watch organization is calling attention to the conditions faced by Ethiopian migrants as they take other routes across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. “A combination of factors, including unemployment and other economic…

Gabon’s Bongo sends New Year message from Morocco

President Ali Bongo of Gabon greeted the new year with a video message for his nation, sent while he continues medical treatment in Morocco. Bongo touched on economic policies enacted in 2018 before acknowledging that there has been much speculation about his health, and assuring citizens in his West African…