West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In a recent reflection on his presidency, Somalia's leader, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, shared insights that reveal a nuanced approach to governance. As the countdown to the 2026 presidential election begins, he finds himself at a crucial crossroads. The question on everyone's mind is simple yet profound: Will he seek a third term? While president Mohamud remains noncommittal, his emphasis lies in the here and now—a focus tightly wound around national security, economic revitalization, and the promise of…

Garowe (AX) — On a day that felt charged with potential, Northeastern State's President Said Abdullahi Deni took the stage, emanating determination and a sense of urgency. On Saturday, he earnestly called upon Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to fulfill his previous promise: to instigate a meaningful political dialogue with pivotal stakeholders. This call comes at a time when tensions over constitutional amendments and the nuances of federal relations are not just simmering—they are boiling over. Speaking at a…

Egypt's Commitment to Somalia and the AUSSOM Initiative On April 25, 2025, in the serene surroundings of Entebbe, Uganda, a significant gathering took place—the Extraordinary Summit of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Egypt's delegation joined hands with international partners to address pressing challenges in Somalia, a nation that has faced decades of turmoil and strife.…

Incident Update: The Invictus and Its Ongoing Journey On April 23, by midday, a dedicated crew successfully extinguished a significant fire aboard the Invictus. This vessel, a 180-meter-long tanker, was navigating one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors when disaster struck. Despite their remarkable efforts to contain the flames, the situation took a serious turn; flooding in the engine compartment rendered the ship’s propulsion system inoperative. This unfortunate development left the vessel adrift in the vast Indian…

The Resurgence of Al-Shabaab: A Call for Reinforced Efforts The shocking news recently emerged that Al-Shabaab terrorists have reclaimed territory in Somalia's Middle and Lower Shabelle regions—areas previously held secure by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other international forces. This unsettling development underscores the complex and volatile landscape of security in the region. In a world beset by rapid transformation, how should nations respond to the ever-evolving tactics of organized groups like…

A Commitment to Peace: Reflections from the Extraordinary Summit on Somalia In a crucial gathering that epitomizes the dedication to peace in the Horn of Africa, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of Kenya stood shoulder to shoulder with Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This meeting took place during the Extraordinary Summit of the troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), held at the serene locale of State House in Entebbe, Uganda. The atmosphere was…

Spotify, the music streaming giant, has recently announced plans to increase its monthly subscription fees in various countries, particularly across Europe and Latin America. This move, as reported by The Financial Times, appears to be a calculated strategy aimed at boosting revenues in the face of a slowing growth rate in the musical landscape. But what does that mean for subscribers and the market at large? Intriguingly, the prospect of these price adjustments seems to resonate positively with investors. Following the…

Understanding the Impact of Operation Artemis on Sextortion In recent months, the FBI has heralded promising developments emerging from Operation Artemis, a coordinated international initiative aimed at dismantling sextortion rings that have been proliferating across various countries. The centerpiece of this operation has been Nigeria, identified as a significant hub where perpetrators are exploiting American minors through online platforms. It raises an urgent question: how do we balance the benefits of…

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's Significant Visit to Entebbe On April 25, 2025, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly made a pivotal arrival in Entebbe, Uganda. His mission? To participate in an extraordinary summit focused on troop-contributing countries involved in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Such events often serve as a backdrop for evolving diplomatic landscapes, and this one was no exception. Representing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Madbouly took the reins of the Egyptian delegation at this crucial…

Angola and Nigeria: Navigating the Oil Price Storm As Sub-Saharan Africa's second-largest crude oil exporter, Angola is bracing for significant economic challenges in the coming years. The nation has crafted its 2025 budget around an optimistic oil price benchmark of $70 per barrel. However, the reality is stark: Brent crude prices recently dipped below $60, marking the lowest level we've seen in four years. The question looms large—what does this mean for the country's economic stability and future prospects?…