West Africa

**Las Anod (AX)** — In the days leading up to a critical conference set to finalize the formation of the newly recognized SSC-Khaatumo regional state, significant divisions have emerged within the traditional leadership of SSC-Khaatumo. The impending conference, scheduled for Sunday in Las Anod, is not just a gathering—it's a potential juncture in the region's political evolution. As anticipation builds, a palpable tension has seeped into the SSC-Khaatumo community, splitting it into two distinct factions. On one side, there…

IMF Completes Third Review of Somalia's Economic Reform Program Washington D.C. (AX) — Recently, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its third review of Somalia’s economic reform program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. This review is a significant milestone that unlocks an immediate disbursement of approximately US $10 million to bolster Somalia’s ongoing economic reforms. To put that into perspective, this latest disbursement, which amounts to SDR 7.5 million,…

Botswana's Currency Strategy: Navigating Economic Challenges with Strategic Adjustments In a significant policy shift, Botswana has decided to allow its local currency, the pula, to depreciate by 2.76% over the next year. This move is undeniably more aggressive than earlier expectations, aiming to address the mounting economic pressures the country faces. As countries often grapple with currency fluctuations, this measure reflects a blend of strategy and necessity in the world of economics. The decision emerges during a…

Las Anod — A significant high-level conference aimed at finalizing the new SSC-Khaatumo administration has recently been postponed, originally set to commence on Thursday. This delay, now slated for Saturday, comes amid escalating political tensions between the SSC-Khaatumo leadership and various opposition candidates. Sources closely monitoring the situation have reported that the decision to postpone was influenced by an alarming confrontation that unfolded early Thursday morning. Opposition-aligned candidates, in a show…

The Evolving Landscape of English Proficiency in Africa Over the past three decades, the use of English has expanded dramatically across the globe. Yet, despite this growth, many individuals still find themselves grappling with the nuances of the language, especially in academic and professional contexts. This gap in proficiency can lead to lost opportunities, misunderstandings, and unnecessary delays—consequences that are challenging to quantify. Have you ever experienced a miscommunication that derailed a project? It’s…

Bosaso (AX) — In a significant ruling that has captivated public attention and stirred emotions across the nation, the Northeastern State Supreme Court sentenced 13 individuals linked to the gang rape of 16-year-old Fadumo Said Ali in Bosaso. This heartbreaking case highlights not only the grave issue of sexual violence but also the urgent need for justice and accountability in society. The court found eight defendants guilty of rape, each receiving a sentence of 10 years in prison and a $3,000 fine. Among them was…

The Unexpected Seizure: Mali's Military Helicopters Land at Barrick Gold Mine In a surprising turn of events, Malian military helicopters executed an unannounced landing at Barrick Gold Corp.'s Loulo-Gounkoto mine last Thursday, resulting in the seizure of over one metric ton of gold. The implications of this incident are significant, raising numerous questions about the future of mining operations in Mali and the tensions between the government and foreign investors. On a typically quiet Thursday morning, as the sun cast…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the wake of a tragic helicopter crash in Mogadishu that claimed the lives of five peacekeepers and left six others injured, the Ugandan military has initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of this calamity. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) on Thursday, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the urgency that comes with it. Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the voice behind the UPDF, spoke candidly about the ongoing inquiry. “This is…

The Recent U.S. Visa Changes and Nigeria’s Response The unfolding situation surrounding U.S. visa restrictions on Nigeria has sparked intense discussions, revealing the layers of complexity in international relations. Recently, the Nigerian government has harshly criticized these visa limitations, asserting that they stem from the U.S.'s refusal to accept undocumented migrants—especially Venezuelan individuals. This dilemma raises numerous questions. What does it say about the current state of global migration? How does it…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world increasingly defined by digital identity, Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency finds itself at a crossroads. As of now, the nation has yet to fully implement its newly introduced national identity card as a requirement for passport applications. Why, you might wonder? The answer lies within a maze of technical and institutional coordination challenges that still need to be resolved. Although Somalia proudly launched its digital national ID system in 2022 under the auspices of the…