West Africa

Saturday December 6, 2025 Borama, North Western State of Somalia — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Saturday canceled a planned Xeer Ciise book launch and commemoration set for December 14 in the port town of Saylac, after two days of deadly protests in Borama left at least 10 people dead in clashes between security forces and civilians. Speaking to reporters in Hargeisa, Irro said he was honoring a request from traditional elders who arrived in Borama earlier Saturday and urged…

DOHA, Qatar — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Friday to attend the Doha Forum, a global platform that convenes leaders and experts to debate international security, shifting geopolitical dynamics and development cooperation. His visit is expected to include high-level talks with Qatar’s leadership and engagement with international partners on Somalia’s priorities. Upon landing at Hamad International Airport, Mohamud was welcomed by senior Qatari officials, according to Somali authorities. Officials…

The Crisis of School Kidnappings in Nigeria In recent weeks, the abduction of over 250 students and 12 staff from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in northern Nigeria has sent shockwaves through the nation and beyond. This tragic event underscores a troubling trend of school kidnappings, leaving communities paralyzed and exacerbating a long-standing security crisis. Over 250 students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school. Reflects a decade-long security crisis in northern Nigeria. Inspires national…

Democrats condemn Trump’s remarks about Somali Americans as ‘xenophobic,’ warn rhetoric aids extremists Senior Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday condemned President Donald Trump’s strongly derogatory comments about Somali Americans and Somalia, calling the remarks “xenophobic and unacceptable” and warning they could endanger U.S. interests. In a joint statement, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. Cory Booker said Trump’s rhetoric targeted Somali Americans, including immigrants and refugees,…

Global Health Funding Cuts Threaten Child Survival Rates, Gates Foundation Warns The Gates Foundation has issued a stark warning that millions of children worldwide could face death due to reductions in global health funding, jeopardizing decades of progress in child survival. In its latest report, We Can't Stop at Almost, the foundation revealed a troubling forecast for child mortality rates, marking a significant step back in health advancements this century. According to the report, an alarming 4.6 million children…

Puntland State lawmakers demand answers over unpaid salaries despite $300M-plus 2026 budget GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State state lawmakers on Friday pressed the government to explain why civil servants have received only three months of pay this year, even as parliament approved a 2026 budget topping $300 million. During a contentious session in Garowe, members of the Puntland State State of Somalia Parliament called it unacceptable that budgets are passed annually but not fully executed. Lawmakers demanded a transparent…

Nigeria Provides Emergency Protection for Guinea-Bissau Presidential Candidate Following Military Coup The Nigerian government has taken decisive action to ensure the safety of Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate Fernando Dias da Costa amid looming threats to his life. This security measure comes in the wake of a military coup that occurred just hours before the highly anticipated announcement of the 23 November 2025 election results. Dias, the principal opposition candidate challenging incumbent President Umaro Embaló,…

Nigeria's Senate Moves to Tackle Escalating Kidnapping Crisis The Nigerian Senate is taking a bold step toward combating the country's rampant kidnapping crisis. In a significant legislative push, Senators have advanced amendments to the 2022 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act that would extend the death penalty to all individuals involved in kidnapping. This includes not only the kidnappers themselves but also financiers, informants, and those providing logistical support. The proposed Bill seeks to reclassify…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development on Thursday convened a high-level session of the National Development Council (NDC), bringing together federal and state planning leaders to align priorities behind the country’s new National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025–2029). The Mogadishu meeting advanced a unified national planning agenda by focusing on accelerated NTP implementation, tighter federal–state coordination, strengthened drought-response mechanisms and the rollout of a single…

Historic Peace Deal: Congo and Rwanda Sign Agreement A peace agreement mediated by the U.S. aims to resolve the longstanding conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern region. This historic pact could have significant geopolitical and economic implications. The deal was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. It involves critical mineral access for the U.S. and American companies. Continued tensions highlight the fragile nature of the accord. Background of the Conflict The conflict in eastern…