West Africa

Somalia cancels UAE-linked security and defense deals tied to Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo ports MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government has annulled security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates connected to several strategic ports, saying the deals violated the country’s sovereignty, national unity and political independence. The Cabinet decision cancels port-related arrangements involving Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo Move follows an immigration probe into alleged unauthorized use of Somali territory linked…

Mogadishu — Somalia’s federal government has canceled security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates tied to the strategic ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo, citing serious violations of the country’s sovereignty, national unity and political independence. The Cabinet decision, taken Monday in Mogadishu, annuls “all agreements and cooperative arrangements” related to the three ports, according to an official statement. The move was based on “reports and strong evidence regarding wrongful actions that…

Israel’s unilateral recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state has jolted the Horn of Africa, triggering swift international pushback and raising fresh concerns about maritime security, legal precedent and regional stability. In Somalia, the move sparked immediate street protests. Abroad, governments across Africa, Europe and the Middle East — joined by the United States — moved quickly to restate Somalia’s territorial integrity. The African Union led with a reaffirmation of Somalia’s unity, a line…

Peter Obi Critiques Nigeria's Increasing Security Checkpoints Amid Traffic Chaos Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised significant concerns regarding the proliferation of security checkpoints throughout Nigeria, warning that they are endangering lives and causing "appalling levels of traffic congestion." His remarks come in light of personal observations during the busy festive season, which saw him traverse several major roads across the country. In a candid post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Obi…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s lower house of parliament on Monday overwhelmingly approved a national tobacco control framework, a landmark move aimed at curbing tobacco use and tackling what lawmakers and health officials describe as a growing public health threat. The House of the People backed the measure with 139 votes in favor, three abstentions and none against, signaling rare cross-party consensus on the need to rein in tobacco consumption and marketing across the country. Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, widely known…

Somalia’s Upper House passes National Payment System Bill, clearing path for payments oversight law MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament on Monday overwhelmingly approved the National Payment System Bill, a keystone measure designed to regulate the country’s fast-growing digital payments industry and strengthen consumer protection in a mobile-money-driven economy. Parliamentary officials said the bill passed during the 14th session of the Upper House’s seventh sitting with 28 senators voting in favor and none…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s defense minister accused Israel of planning to forcibly relocate Palestinians to North Western State of Somalia and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse Israel’s surprise recognition of the breakaway region, escalating a diplomatic standoff that has rippled across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi called Israel’s move a “serious violation” of international law and a “direct attack” on…

Chimamanda Adichie's Son Dies Amid Allegations of Medical Negligence Internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Adichie is mourning the tragic loss of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, whose death she attributes to critical failures in medical care at a private hospital in Lagos. Friends of the author revealed that the medical procedures Nkanu underwent, which should have been routine, were mishandled, leading to what she describes as an avoidable loss. In a statement regarding the incident, Adichie emphasized her…

China backs Somalia’s territorial integrity, denounces North Western State of Somalia–Taiwan ties as Wang Yi postpones Mogadishu stop BEIJING (AX) — China’s foreign minister said Sunday that Beijing supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, underscoring a position that has anchored China’s engagement in the Horn of Africa. Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed the message in a phone call with his Somali counterpart while traveling on his annual New Year tour…

Benin Prepares for Key Elections Following Failed Coup Attempt As the political landscape shifts in Benin, approximately eight million registered voters are gearing up to cast their ballots for 109 members of parliament and local representatives. The pivotal elections are set to take place amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension, as the country grapples with the aftermath of a recent coup attempt. According to the country’s election commission, the elections will mark a significant moment in Benin's democratic…