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Articles by Mohamed Elshinnawi
The UN Security Council renews calls to end the fighting in Sudan
Fierce fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has taken place for months in El Fasher. U.N. Security Council members renewed calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in El Fasher. Joseph Siegle, a political scientist at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, discussed the RSF’s decision to ignore calls from the UNSC and the U.S. to end the fighting. VOA’s senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi.
New Egyptian paramilitary group appoints its leader
Egyptian businessman and Sinai militia leader Ibrahim al-Organi has been appointed head of a new paramilitary entity called the Arab Tribes Union. Said Sadek, a professor of political sociology at Egypt Japan University, explains to VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi why the announcement led many Egyptians on social media to fear a repeat of the paramilitary conflict in Sudan. Share New Egyptian paramilitary group appoints its leader
Could Iran’s recent attack on Israel possibly spark an all-out war in the Middle East?
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. An expanded war in the Middle East would endanger millions. David Des Roches, an associate professor at the National Defense University, discusses the potential for an increase in hostilities in the Middle East with VOA senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi.
Sudanese Prosecutor Accuses Former PM of Inciting War
Sudan’s former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and 15 others, including journalists who live abroad, have been accused of inciting war against the state by the nation’s prosecutor’s office, according to state television. For more, VOA’s Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to David Monda, a political science professor at City University of New York.
Biden's Rift with Netanyahu is Widening, but No Change in Policy
U.S. President Joe Biden said late Tuesday he is "outraged and heartbroken" after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed seven workers from the aid group World Central Kitchen.
US Considering April 18 for Potential Resumption of Sudan Peace Talks
The United States is considering April 18 for the potential resumption of Sudan peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as part of Washington's efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating into a regional war. Tom Perriello, U.S. special envoy for Sudan, said that these talks need to be “inclusive,” involving the African Union, the East African bloc IGAD, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. VOA’s senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi has the details.
What Does UNSC Vote for Immediate Cease-Fire in Gaza Mean?
The U.N. Security Council voted for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, and for the first time, the U.S. abstained, allowing the vote to pass14-0. It also demanded the release of all hostages taken captive by Hamas. The resolution drew an immediate protest from Israel which canceled a planned high-level visit to Washington. Jim Zogby, head the Arab-American Institute, discussed the developments with VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi.
UNSC Resolution Demands a Cease-Fire in Gaza During Ramadan
The United Nations Security Council on Monday issued its first demand to halt the fighting in Gaza, calling for a cease-fire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The resolution passed 14-0 after the U.S. decided not to use its veto power on the resolution, which also demanded the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas' October 7 surprise attack in southern Israel, but does not make it a condition for the cease-fire.
Disinformation in Africa Became a Fundamental Challenge to Stability
A recent study by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies lasted a few years showed that the proliferation of disinformation is a fundamental challenge to stable and prosperous African societies. The study also showed that the scope of these intentional efforts to distort the information environment for a political end is accelerating with 189 documented disinformation campaigns in Africa nearly quadruple the number reported in 2022.
War in Gaza A Major Topic In US Presidential Campaigns
The Israel-Hamas war is a major issue in the U.S. presidential campaign. Last weekend, President Joe Biden embraced the view of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer who is deeply critical of Israel's continued assault in Gaza. Schumer is calling for new elections in Israel. Former President Donald Trump says Jews who support Democrats "hate Israel" and "their religion." American University professor William Lawrence discussed the situation with VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi.
US Calls Israel's Plan for Rafah Invasion "A Mistake"
In President Joe Biden's first conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in over a month this week, the President expressed new concerns about Israel’s planned ground attack in Rafah. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan called the plan "a mistake.” Netanyahu agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Washington for talks. Political science professor William Lawrence at American University discussed this with VOA senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi.
US Top Delegation in Niger for Talks
A top U.S. delegation, including assistant secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee and the head of the U.S. Africa Command met with Niger’s ruling military junta. The State Department said talks included Niger's return to a democratic path and development partnership. David Monda, professor of political sciences at City University of New York discusses this with VOA senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi.
Russia Coddles Authoritarian Leaders in Africa
The ripple effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have hit Africa hard. Many nations rely on Russia and Ukraine for critical imports, like wheat and fertilizer. Russian fossil fuel exports to Africa last year skyrocketed as producers found work-arounds to the sanctions. David Des Roches, associate professor at the National Defense University, discussed Russian maneuvers in Africa, including its support of authoritarian leaders, with VOA senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi.
Tunisians Bemoan Lack of Economic Development
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The Arab Barometer survey for Tunisia in 2023 reflects changing priorities in a rapidly evolving region. Many Tunisians said promises of economic improvement have not been realized — just one-in-ten rate the economy as good. Sarah Yerkes, a senior fellow at Carnegie Middle East Program, discussed the issue with VOA senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi.
Libya Unified Government Talks
Embed The code has been copied to your clipboard. No media source currently available 0:00 0:04:08 0:00 Libyan leaders have agreed to form a unified government to supervise long-delayed elections. The heads of the East Libya-based parliament, the High Council of State and Presidency Council, met in Cairo for talks aimed at bridging different opinions over balloting. The Arab League said the leaders agreed to form a technical committee to consider amendments to reach a consensus.
Russian Goals in Africa Using Disinformation
Russian influence in Africa is expanding on so many levels.Diplomatically, experts say Russia’s overarching goal is to gain more support for its vision of a multipolar world order based on weakened Western influence. At the United Nations, it lobbies African allies for favorable votes on issues such as the Ukraine conflict and works to sow distrust with UN peacekeeping missions and other multilateral efforts.
Biden Tries to Pave Way for Mideast Two State Solution
Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Subscribe U.S. President Joe Biden says a temporary cease-fire in Gaza would ease strained relations with Israel's neighbors and jumpstart a process for Palestinians to have their own state. Since the war broke out in October, the U.S. has tried to promote steps toward creating a Palestinian state as part of a broader deal.
UN General Assembly Asks Global Court of Justice To Gaza War
Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Subscribe The UN asked the International Court of Justice to review Israel's "occupation practices.” Palestinian representatives asked judges to declare Israel's occupation illegal, saying their advisory opinion could contribute to a two-state solution Analyst Mairav Zonszein at the International Crisis Group speaks to VOA's Mohammed Elshinnawi about this development and Israel's attitude toward a potential pause in the Gaza war.
Egypt, Israel At Odds Over Philadelphi Corridor Operations
Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Subscribe A former Israeli foreign minister recently spoke against Egypt for opposing the Middle Eastern nation’s request to allow its army to conduct a military operation in the Philadelphi Corridor — a border zone that separates South Gaza from the North African nation. For more, VOA’s Mohammed Elshinnawi spoke to Ambassador Ayman Zain Eldin, the former director of the media department at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Russia Builds Ties in Africa
Embed The code has been copied to your clipboard. No media source currently available 0:00 0:04:41 0:00 The Russian military is deepening its efforts to absorb former Wagner Group operations in Africa by launching its own "Africa Legion" unit, according to the latest bulletin from the Institute for the Study of War think tank.
CAIR Says 'Unprecedented' Increase in Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab Bias
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR, released data earlier this month showing an “unprecedented” increase in complaints of anti-Muslim or anti-Arab bias in the first month of the Israel-Hamas war. The CAIR says from October 7, when the Hamas militant group attacked southern Israel, until November 4, nearly one-month from Israel declaring war, the organization received a total of 1,283 requests “for help and reports of bias,” a 216% increase from the previous year.
Americans for Peace Now Welcomes the Pause in Israel-Hamas War
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Nonprofit Americans for Peace Now, APN, welcomed the four-day cease-fire deal and the release of some hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Ori Nir, spokesperson for APN, explained to VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi what the mutually agreed upon cease-fire could bring.
Over 750 US Journalists Condemn Israel Attacks on Reporters in Gaza
Over 750 U.S. journalists recently signed an open letter that was published across several outlets, among them Reuters, Los Angeles Times and Washington Post, condemning attacks on practitioners in Gaza by Israeli military personnel. For more, VOA’s senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to Ryan Grim, the Intercept's D.C. Bureau Chief and former Washington Bureau Chief of the HuffPost, who was among those that signed the letter.
Analyst: Malian Junta's Expulsion of MINUSMA Creating a Security Vacuum
Rebels in Mali have said they seized a base in the northern city of Kidal following the departure of the United Nations mission, MINUSMA, in the region. Mali’s ruling junta ordered the decades-old U.N. peacekeeping mission to vacate the country in June, but analysts say their withdrawal may lead to a "security vacuum" in the restive region.
Saudi Arabia Hopeful Over Sudan Cease-Fire Talks
Saudi Arabian officials this week expressed hope that cease-fire talks between Sudanese rival forces would lead to a "political agreement under which security, stability and prosperity will be achieved for Sudan and its brotherly people" — developments happening after the Sudanese Armed Forces, SAF, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, RSF, restarted negotiations in Jeddah.
Analyst Speaks Israel-Hamas War Impact on Saudi Relations
The 2020 Abraham Accords normalized Israel's political, economic, and diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. Saudi Arabia has long been expected to normalize relations with the Middle Eastern nation, but analysts say Israeli attacks on Gaza amid the war with Hamas following the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group, may have derailed the plans led by the United States.
Cairo Summit Concluded Without a Joint Declaration
Arab leaders at a Cairo Peace Summit condemned Israeli bombardment of Gaza as representatives from Western countries said civilians should be shielded, but the absence of Israel and senior U.S. officials at the meeting undermined prospects of preventing ongoing conflict from escalating. The United States, Israel's closest ally and a vital player in past peace efforts in the region, only sent the charge d'affaires of its Cairo embassy and Israel was entirely absent.
Anti-Israel Protests Flare Across Middle East, North Africa
Anti-Israel protests flared this week across several nations in the Middle East and North Africa where some leaders have condemned Israel for a deadly blast on a hospital in Gaza — allegations Israeli authorities reject. They instead blame Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants for conducting “a failed rocket launch.” For more, VOA’s Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to Khalil JahShan, the executive director of the Arab Center in Washington. Share Anti-Israel Protests Flare Across Middle East, North Africa
Israel-Hamas War Expected to Be a Protracted Conflict Claiming Countless Lives
Eleven days after Hamas’ attack in southern Israel, the grim prospect of a protracted war has set in. With Israel calling up 360,000 reservists, an immediate cessation of hostilities seems less likely. The war has already claimed the lives of thousands of Israelis and Palestinians. Wolfgang Pusztai, the former Austrian military attache in Libya, discussed with VOA’s Mohamed Elshinnawi the expected Israeli moves following the bombardments.
American Jewish Coalition Calls on Israel to Abide by International Law
Members of the Progressive Israel Network (PIN), a coalition of organizations representing Americans who are committed to pursuing democracy, equality and peace in Israel, including Americans for Peace Now and J Street, issued a statement on the crisis in Israel and Gaza expressing support for the Israeli people and urging Israeli authorities who are carrying out military operations in the Gaza Strip to act responsibly and respect international law.
Libya Receives Regional, International Aid
The World Health Organization says 29 tons of aid have arrived in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, offering a lifeline to thousands despite dwindling hopes of finding more survivors from deadly flash floods nine days ago. About 4,000 bodies have been recovered, and 9,000 more people are missing. Aid from Egypt, Turkey and Italy have also arrived in the east, along with a field hospital from France.
Analysts Link West, Central Africa Coups to French Policies, Past Colonialism
Gabon has become the latest nation in West, Central Africa where the army has seized control, following Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Chad — all former French colonies. Since 1990, a striking 78% of the 27 coups in sub-Saharan Africa have occurred in Francophone states leading some commentators to ask whether France — or its legacy of French colonialism is to blame? For more, VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to David Monda, professor of political ccience at City New York University.
Sudanese Military Chief Accuses Rival of War Crimes
In a rare, televised speech Monday, Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, the head of Sudan's military, accused the rival Rapid Support Forces commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo of committing war crimes under the falsehood of promising to restore democracy. Amnesty International has accused both warring parties of committing extensive war crimes.
Officials Fear Niger's Coup Impact on Libya
Several Libyan officials have stressed their opposition to the coup in Niger as they fear that the military action can eventually impact the North African nation. Some are calling on the 5+5 Joint Military Committee to address the situation in the border area with Niger and provide border security.
Analyst: Remedying Coups in Africa
Soldiers in Niger late Wednesday announced a government takeover, imposing a curfew and closing borders in a country that is a key United Sates ally in West Africa. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who spoke with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum Wednesday, said U.S. economic and security partnership with Niger depended on the continuation of democratic governance.
Libya's UN Envoy Brings Military Forces Together for Safe Elections
Former Libyan Defense Minister Muhammad al-Barghathi said U.N. special envoy to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily succeeded in bringing together all active military forces who are technically capable of guaranteeing safe elections anytime. But some analysts say the success of Bathily’s initiative to form a high-level panel for elections would need an agreement between Egypt and Turkey.
Libyans Mark 12th Year Since Revolution Amid Stalemate
On February 17, 2011, Libyan people started their popular uprising that overthrew Colonel Moammar Gadhafi's 42 years of dictatorship. However, 12 years after the revolution Libya is still witnessing a political and security deadlock. VOA’s senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to Hani Shennib, president and founder of the National Council on U.S. Libya Relations, his analysis. The interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
Russia's Foreign Minister Woos African Nations: Analysis
VOA senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke with Mark Katz, professor of government and politics at George Mason University, about Russia’s engagement in Africa. The interview was edited for brevity and clarity. VOA: How do you explain the response many African nations have had toward Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? Katz: Well, much to the chagrin of the West, Africa and many Arab countries have been a lot more sympathetic toward Russia with regard to the war in Ukraine.
Tunisia's Election Body Accepts Candidacy Applications for Legislative Elections
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Tunisia's Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) announced the acceptance of 1,058 candidacy applications for the legislative elections scheduled to be held on December 17. VOA’s senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi discussed prospects of having fair and transparent elections in Tunisia with Sarah Yerkes, a senior fellow at Carnegie’s Middle East Program.
Sudanese Protest on Coup Anniversary
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. On the first anniversary of a coup that derailed Sudan's transition to civilian rule, pro-democracy activists are urging yet more protests against military rule, as hunger and inflation throttle the country. For more insights, VOA's senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to analyst Joseph Siegle.
Libyan Civil Society Groups Call for State of Emergency to Urge Elections
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. A group of Libyan civil society organizations and unions have called on the Presidential Council to declare a state of emergency to push for elections. Wolfgang Pusztai, a former Austrian military attaché, spoke to VOA senior analyst Mohamed Elshinnawi about this development.
U.S., Morocco Strengthen Security Ties
VOA’s Mohammed Elshinnawi spoke to David Des Rouches, an associate professor at the Near East Asia Center for Security Studies about the importance of the U.S. - Moroccan military contact. The interview was edited for brevity and clarity. VOA: Describe the significance of Gen. Michael Langley’s trip to Morocco? Rouches: Very important. Historically, because Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States during our revolution.
IMF, Tunisia Seal $1.9 Billion Loan
For more on the preliminary agreement between the IMF and Tunisia, VOA’s Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to Radawan Masmoudi, the President of Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy. The interview was edited for brevity and clarity. VOA: Do you think President Kais Saied will abide by the term agreements set by the IMF that will witness Tunisia receiving the $1.9 billion loan which could potentially revive the north African nation’s economy?
Chad Ex-opposition Politician Named PM
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Chad’s government on Wednesday named opposition politician Saleh Kebzabo the new prime minister, a day after the previous prime minister resigned. For more, VOA's Mohamed Elshinnawi spoke to Cameron Hudson, a senior associate at the Africa Program Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Ethiopian PM's Claim About Building 100 New Dams Provokes Egyptian Ire
CAIRO - Egyptian media broadcast an angry statement by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez criticizing Ethiopian Prime Minister Abi Ahmed's declaration about building "100 new small and medium-sized dams" on waterways across his country during the next year. Hafez indicated the plan is "a sign of Ethiopia's ill intentions" regarding the conflict over filling the Renaissance Dam, which has caused a casus belli with both Egypt and neighboring Sudan.
US Tries to Help Resolve Ethiopian Dam Dispute
The United States is again stepping into efforts to resolve a dispute over Ethiopia's massive hydropower dam along an important Nile tributary. The new U.S. envoy to the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, is visiting Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia this week as part of Washington's new push to resolve the dispute. Tensions continue to rise among Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Ethiopia: Govt Condemns Egyptian Proposal for Nile Water Usage
Ethiopia is condemning an Egyptian proposal for water allocation amid tense negotiations over the countries' use of Nile River waters. In an Oct. 5 statement, the Ethiopian government called Egypt's conditions for filling the massive reservoir of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam "unjustified" and disruptive to "the positive spirit of cooperation." The countries disagree about how to divert water from the Nile.
American Muslims Celebrate Eid in Borrowed Church
American Muslims on Tuesday marked the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca with the four-day festivities of Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's most important religious holidays. As did fellow Muslims around the world, many Muslims in the United States started their celebration with a morning prayer at mosques and Islamic centers. However, some Muslims near Washington, D.C., found themselves in a church Tuesday morning.
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