West Africa

The Supreme Court of Kenya recently delivered a significant judgment, rejecting a government initiative aimed at seizing assets belonging to Gibriel Cusman Mohamed, a former Somali diplomat. The assets in question included a striking residence valued at KSh 110 million and cash amounting to KSh 8.6 million. Authorities had accused Mohamed of having ties to Yemeni terrorist organizations, raising profound questions about the intersection of diplomacy, legality, and ethical governance. Representatives from the Asset Recovery…

The Economic Forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa: A Landmark and a Journey The World Bank, a critical institution in shaping global economic policies, projects an encouraging uptick in economic activity for Sub-Saharan Africa. Expectations are set for growth to rise from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, eventually accelerating to 4.3% by 2026–27. However, as with any journey, this optimistic outlook is littered with obstacles and uncertainties that could shape the path forward. Intriguingly, not all the region’s…

At just 36, Captain Ibrahim Traore has carved a remarkable niche for himself as the youngest head of state globally, seizing control through a military coup in 2022. Yet, beneath the veneer of youthful vigor lies a precarious foundation; Traore himself has weathered numerous attempts at coups, making his position seem less a triumph and more a continual struggle for stability, as observed by Enoch Randy Aikins, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. Since taking office, Traore has voiced a fervent commitment to…

Rupert, the second richest individual on the African continent, has experienced a remarkable surge in his net worth, skyrocketing from $13.7 billion at the beginning of the year to $15.3 billion by April, as reported by Bloomberg's Billionaire Index. This extraordinary leap in wealth is not merely a numerical milestone; it echoes broader economic trends and personal anecdotes that encapsulate the complex intertwining of ambition, market dynamics, and the human spirit. Achieving a position as the 171st richest person in the…

Garowe (AX) — Recently, Northeastern State authorities made a resolute declaration in the ongoing fight against human trafficking and smuggling activities that disproportionately affect the region's youth. The urgency of this call to action cannot be understated; the lives of many Somali youths hang in the balance as they become targets for illicit trafficking networks operating through local airports. Following a comprehensive meeting held in Garowe, attended by top officials from various immigration and security agencies,…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Monday, a disconcerting incident unfolded as several mortar shells were launched toward the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu. This base is not merely a structure; it serves as a critical hub for United Nations operations, African Union personnel, and various Western diplomatic missions. Such attacks remind us of the fragility of peace in contested regions and the constant threats faced by those serving in the line of duty. Eyewitness accounts suggest that some of the mortars landed within…

Kenya's Recent Earthquake: A Closer Look On a serene Sunday afternoon, as the clock struck 4:17 PM, a tremor rippled through the picturesque coastal towns of Kenya, leaving many residents startled. The epicenter of this seismic event was located in the Indian Ocean, and it registered a magnitude of 4.5. For those living in Mombasa and its surrounding villages, the ground beneath their feet morphed from solid stability to a fleeting reminder of nature's unpredictable power. Imagine going about your day—perhaps enjoying…

The World Bank predicts a modest but notable increase in economic activity across Sub-Saharan Africa, projecting growth to rise from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, with expectations to further accelerate to 4.3% by 2026-27. This forecast brings a glimmer of hope, yet many underlying challenges remain. According to the latest Africa’s Pulse report, the growth potential of the region is heavily influenced by a few heavyweight economies. Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa, among the largest economies on the continent,…

Russia Extends Invitation to Somali President for Upcoming Summit Mogadishu (AX) — In an important diplomatic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially invited Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to participate in the forthcoming Russia–Arab League Summit. Scheduled to take place later this year, this summit presents a significant opportunity for Somalia to enhance its connections on an international scale. The invitation was formally conveyed on a recent Sunday by Mikhail L. Bogdanov, who…

Conflict Escalates: Al-Shabab Pushes for Control in Southern Somalia In a stark reminder of the ongoing turmoil that has gripped Somalia for over 16 years, recent clashes have erupted between Al-Shabab fighters and Somali military forces. As reported by government officials and military spokespersons, the focal point of this struggle is a strategic army base located in the town of Wargaadhi, nestled within the Middle Shabelle region. This battle is about more than mere territory; it’s about control over critical…