Diaspora Watch 48th Edition: A Closer Look at Global Issues and African Developments

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In this edition of Diaspora Watch, we shed light on several pressing issues affecting the African continent and its diaspora community.

The Ghana Embassy in the US has been embroiled in controversy over a visa scam, leading to its temporary closure. Meanwhile, the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have faced accusations of war crimes, sparking concerns about regional stability.

On a more positive note, we highlight some of the top African beauty brands that are making waves globally. Namibia’s President has appointed special advisors to oversee upstream projects, signaling a commitment to economic growth.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Kenya have renewed diplomatic ties with the appointment of a new ambassador, paving the way for enhanced cooperation between the two regions.

In other news, the Africa-Caribbean Trade Forum is set to take place in Grenada, providing a platform for economic collaboration and development. Tanzania has introduced a new requirement for barcode registration on local goods, aiming to boost trade and commerce.

Beyond Africa, we examine the implications of a recent bill passed by the US House of Representatives and its potential impact on global affairs.

We also take a moment to celebrate the remarkable journey of Dr. Kimma Wreh, a scholar who has weathered the storms of civil war and cyber warfare, emerging as a beacon of resilience and expertise.

Finally, we celebrate the achievements of Nigerian athlete Tobi Amusan, who shattered records and won the 100m hurdles at the Diamond League.

This edition of Diaspora Watch offers a diverse range of stories and insights, showcasing the complexities and triumphs of our global community.

S’Arabia declares June 6 as Sallah day

Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

According to the announcement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday by Haramain Sharifain, Dhul Hijjah 1446 will commence on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

The post highlighted key dates for the upcoming Islamic observances:

“First day of Dhul Hijjah – Wednesday, 28th May 2025”

“The Day of Arafah – Thursday, 5th June 2025”

“Day of Eid Al Adha – Friday, 6th June 2025”

The Day of Arafah, falling on June 5, holds immense spiritual significance as pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for the climax of Hajj.

This is followed by Eid-el-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, on June 6.

Celebrated by Muslims globally, Eid-el-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

Haramain Sharifain also posted a supplication often recited by pilgrims entering a state of ihram: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda, Wannimata, Laka Wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak.”

(“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You, and You have no partner.”)

Last year, Saudi Arabia declared June 16, 2024 as Sallah day.

This announcement allows Muslims worldwide to align their preparations for this sacred period, which includes Hajj, communal prayers, acts of charity, and the symbolic sacrifice of livestock.

Trump Administration Pauses Student Visa Interviews as It Weighs Expanded Social Media Vetting

The Trump administration is considering a sweeping expansion of social media vetting for foreign students applying to study in the United States, according to a State Department cable obtained by POLITICO.

As part of the proposed changes, U.S. embassies and consular sections have been instructed to pause the scheduling of new interviews for student visa applicants. The directive, dated Tuesday and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appears to be a preparatory step for the potential new vetting requirements.

If implemented, the policy could significantly slow down the student visa process and deal a financial blow to U.S. universities that depend heavily on international students for revenue.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days,” the cable states. (“Septel” is State Department shorthand for “separate telegram.”)

The administration had previously imposed limited social media screening, mainly targeting returning students who may have participated in protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The latest effort signals a more aggressive and broader application.

The cable does not explicitly state what content would trigger further scrutiny, but it references executive orders related to counterterrorism and combating antisemitism. That ambiguity has raised concerns among career State Department officials, who have privately expressed frustration over unclear guidelines in the past — particularly concerning students engaged in campus activism.

For instance, it remains uncertain whether a social media post displaying a Palestinian flag on a platform like X could subject a student to heightened vetting.

The administration has increasingly targeted universities, particularly elite institutions such as Harvard, accusing them of fostering liberal ideologies and tolerating antisemitism. These efforts coincide with broader immigration crackdowns that have affected foreign students.

State Department spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The news has drawn sharp criticism from the higher education community.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators, an advocacy group for international students, condemned the move. Its CEO, Fanta Aw, argued that the policy unjustly casts suspicion on students.

“The idea that embassies have the time, the capacity, and that taxpayer dollars are being spent this way is very problematic,” Aw said. “International students are not a threat to this country. If anything, they are an incredible asset.”

Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, declined to comment. Representatives from other platforms — including Google, Snap, X, TikTok, Discord, Bluesky, and Reddit — also did not respond to inquiries about the policy.