West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — On a vibrant evening filled with a sense of unity and national pride, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stood at the forefront of a poignant ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of Somalia's independence and unity. Alongside senior commanders of the Somali National Army and various government officials, the President welcomed a gathering that was far more than just an event—it was a heartfelt homage to Somalia's enduring spirit and the sacrifices made along the path to independence. The ceremony, bathed in…

In the complex landscape of global prosperity, the safety and stability of a nation play a pivotal role. Beyond the mere numbers and statistics, these metrics shed light on how resilient a country is and its readiness for sustainable growth. It’s interesting to ponder: what does it truly mean to feel secure in one’s environment? How do these feelings translate into tangible benefits for society? Consider the profound implications of a low crime rate. This is not just a statistic; it is a source of confidence for investors.…

In a display of disciplined resolve, Somali Danab soldiers are meticulously preparing for their next directives during urban operations training at Justified Accord 2024 (JA24), taking place in the scenic town of Nanyuki, Kenya, on February 28, 2024. This pivotal event represents U.S. Africa Command's largest military exercise in East Africa, spanning from February 26 to March 7. Under the skilled leadership of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), the training is an opportunity for personnel and…

A Key Element in Ghana's Economic Reform Strategy Recent news from the World Bank reveals an important development for Ghana: the approval of $360 million in funding from the International Development Association (IDA). This endorsement comes as part of the Second Resilient Recovery Development Policy Financing initiative, which aligns seamlessly with Ghana's broader economic reform strategies supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But what does this really mean for the everyday citizen? The…

Mali has officially taken control of the Yatela and Morila gold mines—two sites that had previously been left abandoned by their foreign owners, according to a government announcement over the weekend. This significant move reflects a broader trend in West Africa, where military-led governments are increasingly asserting control over strategic natural resources in response to soaring gold prices. The aim? To invigorate local economies and lessen reliance on foreign entities. Gold is not just a shiny metal; it represents…

Welcoming New Financial Horizons: FCMB Opens Branch in Sangotedo Just recently, the Ogudu Oshadi I of Ogombo Kingdom, Oba Abiodun Ogunbo, represented by Chief Lukman Lawal, the Aro of Ogombo Kingdom, extended a warm welcome to the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) team. It's not just a greeting; it reflects the essential role that banking services play in the lives of residents and businesses alike. Oba Ogunbo emphasized this necessity, praising FCMB's remarkable track record of supporting individuals and enterprises…

In an exciting development, the Australian-listed company has announced a significant milestone that arrived ahead of schedule and under budget. This achievement marks a robust beginning for what is expected to evolve into one of the region’s key gold operations, a testament to the careful planning and execution of the project. As reported by Miningmx, Richard Hyde, Executive Chairman of West African Resources, described the first golden pour from the Kiaka mine as “a major milestone” in their bold ambition to…

The emergence of kush, a synthetic concoction derived primarily from marshmallow leaves, marks a troubling chapter in West Africa's battle against substance abuse. First surfacing in Sierra Leone during the early 2020s, this alarming trend quickly gained traction, infiltrating neighboring nations such as Liberia, Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal. What drives this rapid proliferation? Is it the ease of production or the allure of a cheap high that beckons many into its addictive embrace? Initially, kush might…

The Path to Collaboration: North Western State of Somalia and Qatar Explore New Horizons Hargeisa (AX) — In an intriguing turn of events, the President of North Western State of Somalia, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, recently engaged in a pivotal meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in the vibrant city of Doha. This encounter, an exciting milestone for both nations, was centered around the expansion of bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy,…

Recent statistics from Numbeo have revealed that Ghana stands at 12th among 23 African nations grappling with a high cost of living. This data prompts us to explore not just the numbers, but the real implications these figures hold for the everyday lives of Ghanaians. The Cost of Living Index in Ghana is reported at 30.6, broken down further into specific categories: rent is measured at 12.1, while essential groceries are sitting at 33.3. Interestingly, despite the high cost of living, Ghana has recorded five…