West Africa

Algeria and Mali: Rising Tensions and Airspace Bans There is a saying, "Where there is discord, may there follow unity," albeit reluctantly. But today, between Algeria and Mali, we stand at the precipice of confrontation. Diplomatic strains between these two African nations have escalated dramatically, culminating in the mutual closure of their airspaces. As both governments publicly announced this ban on Monday, questions loom large: What ignited this latest diplomatic fallout, and what future hurdles could these…

Across the cobalt-blue waters stretching from the Horn of Africa to Europe, a momentous gathering unfolded in Cairo—the Second Ministerial Conference of the Khartoum Process. Held under the astute chairmanship of Egypt, this convocation drew almost fifty nations eager to address the pressing challenges of migration and human trafficking. Among these engaged voices was Somalia, resolute and committed, ready to reiterate its indispensable role in this continuing dialogue. Heading Somalia’s delegation was the…

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a 90-day hiatus on trade tariffs for a multitude of countries, with one notable exception: China. This announcement, made through the ubiquitous channel of social media, has stirred quite a debate. In fact, President Trump stated that over 75 nations reached out to the U.S. administration, eager to "negotiate a solution." Isn't it intriguing how swiftly the global economy can find itself engulfed in complex negotiations, driven by the urgency to preserve…

Somalia's Commitment to Its Heroes On Wednesday, amidst the bustling city of Mogadishu—alive with a blend of resilience and hope—Somalia's Second Deputy Prime Minister, Abdisalaan Abdi Ali, embarked on a journey of compassion and duty. He visited hospitals where the lifeblood of the nation—its valiant soldiers—are healing from wounds earned in battles against the persistent threats of Al-Shabab and ISIS. Leading a dedicated procession, Abdisalaan's mission was more than ceremonial; it was a testament to the government's…

In the bustling economic landscape of Angola, Sonangol, the nation's state-owned oil company, is entering a pivotal phase. They're deep in negotiations with both Chinese and European banks, aiming to bridge a $4.8 billion gap crucial for the Lobito refinery project. This initiative is not just a financial maneuver; it's a transformative leap towards energy independence. Imagine a refinery equipped to process a staggering 200,000 barrels of crude each day, reshaping Angola’s energy sector. According to Reuters, this…

The Reinstatement of International Aid: Balancing Acts and Humanitarian Needs In a world where the need for international aid is as pressing as ever, the decisions made by governments can ripple far and wide. Such decisions were recently brought to light regarding the reinstatement of four awards to the International Organization for Migration in the Pacific region. This change in course sheds light on a narrative filled with challenges, missteps, and eventual corrective action. Two sources with insider…

The Strategic Corridor: Enhancing Connections Between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a transformative project is underway, promising to strengthen economic ties and foster community integration across this vibrant region. As Jigjiga's Mayor, Engineer Shafi Ahmed Maalin, eloquently pointed out, This is a vital route for Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia and for strengthening economic cooperation across the Horn. Such infrastructural endeavors often raise a critical…

Reshaping Trade Pathways: Ghana's Strategic Move Beyond the U.S. Imagine a nation at a crossroads, one teetering on the brink of a dynamic change in its economic strategy. Ghana finds itself in such a scenario, striving to brace its economy against the turbulent waves of global trade shifts. The crux of the matter lies in diversification—or as the economic think tank IMANI Africa earnestly puts it, an "essential cushion" against the menacing tides of external trade shocks. Picture this:…

Celebrating Artistry: Saalax Sanaag's Triumph at the Africa Arts Entertainment Awards In a vibrant fusion of culture and celebration, Saalah Abdirisaq Mohamed, more popularly hailed as Saalax Sanaag, has ascended the ranks of African music stardom. At the 2025 Africa Arts Entertainment Awards in Nairobi, Kenya, Saalax won double accolades: Best Somali Artist and Most Dedicated Performer in East Africa. Is this recognition just another token, or does it herald a rebirth for Somali music on the international stage?…

Heroic Asylum Seeker Retains Hope in Germany In an inspiring twist of fate, a Somali asylum seeker whose bravery saved lives during a tragic knife attack in Germany's Aschaffenburg has been granted a reprieve from deportation. The Bavarian authorities made this announcement on Monday, marking a significant shift from previous declarations to deport him. At the heart of this story is Ahmed Odowaa, a 30-year-old Somali national who, on January 22, 2023, intervened in a chilling attack that claimed the lives of a…