West Africa

MPs Urge Immediate Halt to Military Operations in Beled-Hawo Amid Rising Tensions In a compelling statement that underscores the intricate and often tense political landscape of Somalia, members of Parliament have issued a clarion call to the Somali Ministry of Defense and the leadership of the Somali National Army. They have urged an immediate cessation of military operations in Beled-Hawo, warning against the potential repercussions of such actions. At the heart of this plea is a belief that high-ranking officials,…

Mogadishu (AX) — The air in Northeastern State feels charged with tension these days, as authorities remain tight-lipped regarding serious allegations that the United Arab Emirates has installed sophisticated radar equipment, manufactured in Israel, at the bustling port city of Bosaso. These claims have raised eyebrows, inviting both speculation and concern about the increasing shadows of covert security operations and the burgeoning rift with Somalia's federal government. The controversy has escalated following…

Nigeria’s Strategic Move to Re-Enter JPMorgan's Bond Index Recently, Patience Oniha, the head of Nigeria's Debt Management Office, delivered an exciting update: following significant reforms in the foreign exchange (FX) market, Nigeria is on track to re-enter JPMorgan's Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets. This news, announced during the Nigerian Investor Forum held at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among investors and…

Tragic Violence in Cape Town's Somali Community CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AX) — In a heartbreaking incident late Wednesday evening, two young Somali men, ages 18 and 20, lost their lives in a brutal shooting that occurred in the Wallacedene neighbourhood, located on the northeastern fringes of Cape Town. This tragic event has left the local community shocked and questioning the pervasive issue of violence in their midst. Authorities have reported that around 9:45…

As we venture into 2024, an alarming trend has emerged: global employee engagement has dipped from 23% to 21%. This marks a significant moment, as it’s only the second occurrence of such a decline in the last twelve years, with the first instance happening during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ramifications of this data resonate on a universal scale, but they strike particularly hard in Africa, where workplace stress levels are notoriously high. Have you ever felt that work has transformed into an uphill battle?…

Finding Balance: A Harmonious Approach to Gaming and Life Magnate represents a refreshing perspective on responsible gaming. In 2025, the acclaimed entrepreneur, educator, and innovator Suzyo Shawa, who is widely recognized as Magnate, stepped into the role of official ambassador for 1xBet in Zambia. But his connection to the 1xBalance initiative extends beyond mere title; it symbolizes a heartfelt commitment to nurturing a culture grounded in responsible betting practices. Together with the brand, he champions…

LONDON, UK (AX) — In an exciting development for the music industry, Forbes has officially recognized Nasra Artan, a Somali-Norwegian executive at the forefront of international A&R at Sony Music Publishing, by including her in their prestigious 2025 30 Under 30 Europe list within the Entertainment category. This distinction highlights her transformative impact on the global music landscape, particularly through remarkable cross-cultural collaborations and innovative artist development strategies. At just 27 years of…

As the world turns its gaze towards Somalia, a complex tapestry of military engagement and geopolitical strategy unfolds. Last week, Ankara, amidst rising alarm regarding the ever-evolving security landscape in Somalia, significantly amplified its military footprint in the nation. This movement comes on the heels of a notable resurgence from the armed group Al-Shabab, which has recently made inroads near the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The stakes are particularly high; these areas, now under the control of Al-Shabab, serve…

In April, the U.S. State Department took a significant step to safeguard its citizens by releasing revised travel warnings for several countries, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Morocco, and Uganda. This advisory urges U.S. citizens to approach travel plans with caution or, in some cases, to reconsider their trips altogether. The implications of such advisories run deep, affecting personal travel plans and the broader perceptions of safety in these regions. The advisory highlights a spectrum of concerns ranging…

A spokesperson for Victoria Police characterized the recent shooting incident as “extremely volatile and high-risk.” This description underscores the harrowing reality faced by officers when making split-second decisions that have profound consequences. The department, however, has emphatically denied any implications that racism played a role in the tragic event. In a regrettable twist of fate, the two officers involved in the incident—a sergeant and a constable—were not equipped with Tasers. Despite Victoria Police's…