India has found a new gateway to project its Africa diplomacy as it explores a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which is engaged in a range of activities in the emerging continent. This possibility of collaborating in Africa emerged from talks between External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Microsoft founder Bill Gates here Thursday.

In this respect, MTN Rwanda has supported and promoted the development of sports. This year alone the company sponsored the '2012 Peace Cup' soccer tournament was at the tune of Frw 51.4 million. It also supported local musicians through its involvement in the annual 'Salax Music Awards.

A prominent Somali living and working in Mogadishu, for example, very enthusiastically told the author of this article that ‘Somalis love Turks and what they’re doing’. It is also noteworthy that its diplomatic efforts in Somalia presented Turkey with an important opportunity to illustrate its soft power in Africa.

“The top ten Most Valuable African Nations are without a question among the most dynamic African nations at the forefront of re-inventing Africa’s image, reputation and competitiveness,” said Thebe Ikalafeng, founder and chairman of Brand Africa.

This follows the opening in 2011 of our Embassy in Addis Ababa, home of the African Union. Expanding our diplomatic footprint sends a clear signal of the Government's commitment to building a long-term partnership with the countries of Africa. Australia is also seeking membership of the African Development Bank. And our Prime Minister Julia Gillard hopes to attend the African Union Summit in Malawi this year, the first ever Australian Prime Minister to do so.

Speaking to an audience of special operations force leaders from around the globe, and those who provide the tools they need, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the State Department is working to mimic the "smart power" that's become the hallmark of special ops.

This article, therefore, examines the questions whether it is a Minister of Foreign Affairs or President Kiir or the entire Government of Republic of South Sudan is to blame for diplomatic failure over Panthoou/Higlig. In my opinion there are number of factors, which led to mounting diplomatic pressure on President Kiir. Please take a look at the followings.

Open letter to the German Ambassador: I have found it necessary to address this letter to you in view of certain developments at your Lagos Consulate with regard to visa requirements which have very adverse implications for academic practice in Nigeria.