Central Africa

1. The Rise of the Islamic State Before we delved into the narratives surrounding the establishment of the Islamic State in Somalia in 2015, a key player on this turbulent stage was the Somali jihadist group al-Shabaab. Imagine a landscape where al-Shabaab—deeply rooted in the northern territories—was not only a formidable entity by itself but also intricately tied to expansive smuggling networks. At a certain point, however, a chasm began to open within their ranks, leading to a fateful division. From this split emerged…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-evolving landscape of global migration, fresh stories emerge that remind us how interconnected our world truly is. Just recently, the spotlight turned towards Bangladesh as border guards nabbed a Somali individual, citing unauthorized entry from neighboring India. This incident is yet another chapter in a growing narrative of unorthodox crossings in the region. Early on a Saturday morning, near the Nijkalika Border Outpost in Feni district's Parshuram sub-district, Abdiwali Mohammed Ali was…

LONDON, UK (Axadle Times) —  an ordinary journey taking a profound turn. At Newcastle International Airport, amidst the bustling travelers, a London man found himself at the heart of a legal storm over khat, a substance often cloaked in controversy.It's not every day that a simple trip lands one in headlines. For Ahmed Hirsi, aged 46, life took an unexpected twist after customs officers uncovered approximately £18,000 worth of khat concealed in his luggage. The discovery occurred on October 11, 2023, marking what should have…

Unfreezing Aid: A New Dawn In an unforeseen development, the United States has decided to thaw frozen aid funds, spotlighting a monumental moment in U.S. foreign policy. This decision arrives on the heels of a thought-provoking U.S. Supreme Court ruling that has, for lack of a better term, sent ripples across the boardrooms and communities alike. Can one decision truly alter the fabric of international relations? By revoking the freeze on aid, significant initiatives are back on track in healthcare, infrastructure, and…

A New Chapter in Kenyan Administration President William Ruto has embarked on a significant reorganization of key administrative positions within the Kenyan government. This sweeping change aims to not only freshen up the ranks of Principal Secretaries but also bolster Kenya's representation in the global foreign service. In a detailed statement issued on Thursday, the State House emphasized the underlying intention behind these decisions. "These changes are propelled by the necessity to tap into emerging…

Imagine living in a country where filling up your car's tank doesn't cost more than a handful of coins. In several African countries, this is not a distant dream but a refreshing reality. The benefits of low fuel prices are multifaceted, deeply entrenched in both economic stability and social wellbeing. Have you ever wondered how access to affordable gasoline could transform the daily narrative? Here's a detailed exploration into this phenomenon. Albert Einstein once said,…

Africa has long been a pivotal region in the intricate game of global power dynamics. Nations from far and wide have vied for a slice of its prosperity, leveraging Africa's substantial natural resources, strategic positioning, and burgeoning markets to establish their economic, military, and political predominance. As this multi-layered contest continues to evolve, one might wonder—what does Africa stand to gain or lose as various global powers intensify their efforts to mark their presence on this vast continent?…

Redefining Happiness: A Glimpse into the Global Happiness Landscape Have you ever pondered what truly makes people happy? Is it wealth, freedom, good health, or perhaps the strength of social ties? These are questions the World Happiness Report seeks to answer every year, offering an insightful glimpse into how countries stack up in terms of their citizens' happiness. As we delve into the intricate tapestry of human happiness, it becomes evident that economic conditions, social structures, and political…

When we gaze upon the shifting geopolitical landscape of Africa, the operations of the Wagner Group come into sharp focus. It has made significant inroads into several African nations—a move hailed by some as a step towards progress, while others remain wary, scrutinizing intentions that seem to intertwine with commercial interests. Could it be more about lucrative business prospects than a selfless act of assistance? This perspective invites deep reflection, especially as nations grapple with the…

Chinese Naval Influence in Africa: Navigating New Waters In the intricacies of global geopolitics, one wonders how a nation's reach can expand across continents, oceans, and cultures. In recent years, the Chinese Navy has embarked on a series of goodwill visits to numerous African ports. But what do these naval forays signify? The visits aren't merely ceremonial; they are the tendrils of growing military alliances. These endeavors strengthen military cooperation and support peacekeeping…