West Africa

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…

Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism The shadow of terrorism looms large over Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. It’s a stark reminder that even in the face of progress, we must remain vigilant. “The threat of terrorism remains real and immediate in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. We risk losing the hard-earned gains we fought so hard to achieve,” warns Oboth, encapsulating the anxiety that many share. But what exactly does this mean for the everyday lives of ordinary Somalis? This question is not just…

African Union peacekeepers from Uganda stand vigilant, ensuring the safety of Somali lawmakers as they approach the Halane military camp in Mogadishu to cast their crucial votes in the presidential election on May 15, 2022. This moment encapsulates the shared hope for stability and progress in a nation long plagued by conflict. (AP file photo) NAIROBI: The unfolding narrative of the African peacekeeping mission in Somalia reveals an urgent need for reinforcements. A statement from military heads of troop-contributing…