West Africa

The Restoration of Russia's Diplomatic Footprint in Niger Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently announced Russia's intent to rejuvenate its diplomatic presence in Niger by 2025. It raises a question: what motivates such significant international moves? "In the very near future, with your help, we will complete all the organizational work for the return of our embassy. We will definitely do this in 2025," Lavrov stated, as reported by Sputnik. An imagination…

Rukia Mohamed, A Beacon for the Garissa County Peace Movement /STEPHEN ASTARIKO Amidst the chatter and exchanges of a bustling community forum in Garissa, a significant message resonated—a clarion call for vigilance. Rukia Mohamed, a vital voice anchoring the Garissa County peace initiative, shared a heartfelt plea. “Youth in Garissa, heed this: be aware of the shadows in our midst,” she urged. Her words were not mere caution but a somber reminder of the peril that lurks in the form of human traffickers, those stealthy…

In the serene Saaxil region of North Western State of Somalia, a celebration turned tragic as twenty-one members of a single family were struck by food poisoning. Their joyful Eid al-Fitr festivities took a sorrowful turn upon consuming meat from a camel they had slaughtered—a camel they had hoped would nourish them after falling ill. Local health officials have sounded the alarm and explained the unfortunate sequence of events. This unsettling incident unfolded within the close-knit community of Himin village. The…

Since its inception in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been an essential pillar of the U.S.'s economic strategy to foster trade and engender goodwill with the nations of Africa. AGOA is not merely an economic policy—it is a bridge of mutual opportunity extending across oceans. By granting eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, AGOA extends its hand to over 1,800 products. This adds to the more than 5,000 products that already…

Amid a vibrant landscape shaped by both tradition and modern endeavors, a situation unfolds in northern parts of the Lower Juba region that begs for international attention. Is it just another chapter in the fight against militants, or does it represent a turning point in the long-standing struggle for stability? This week, the bustling city of Kismayo found itself under new intensity as the Jubbaland regional authorities launched an assertive military deployment. A significant faction of the Jubbaland Dervish Force has…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a decisive move amid mounting security challenges, Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has announced the formation of a high-stakes National Committee. This committee is designed to spearhead and synchronize the nation's efforts against the looming threats of Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia. This committee, helmed by Second Deputy Prime Minister Abdisalan Abdi Ali, brings together a carefully selected group of senior government officials and prominent security experts, serving as the backbone of…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring. In a world that thrives on intricate partnerships and strategic alliances, the recent agreement between Russia and the nations of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso strikes a resonant chord. This accord, reported by Bloomberg, commits Russia to furnish arms and military training to a newly formed joint force. One wonders, what implications does this hold for the broader dynamics of West Africa, teetering on the edge of stability? Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister,…

In a world where economic tides can shift with the whisper of a policy change, recent developments in West Africa are a textbook example of how regional dynamics can flex and reshape our shared narratives. Joel Ahofodji, a voice many have come to recognize in diplomatic corridors, confirmed on Wednesday that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will assemble an Extraordinary Council on April 22. The agenda? To grapple with the multifaceted challenge posed by the new import duty, among other…

In the evolving narrative of national economic transformation, Ghana has embarked on a pivotal two-week review. This review, set to unfold from April 2 to April 15, strives to assess the nation’s strides in implementing crucial structural reforms while reviewing its fiscal performance for the looming horizon of 2024. In the intricate dance of global economics, the stakes are high, and the questions reverberate – how will Ghana manage its course, and who will be the stakeholders charting the way? Focus on…

The Nigerian military, in collaboration with Briech UAS – the nation's leading drone manufacturer, unveiled its cutting-edge drones, missiles, and bombs during an event held on Wednesday at their facility in Kuje, Abuja. The atmosphere was electrifying, filled with a palpable sense of progress and possibility. While technical specifics were kept under wraps, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, couldn't help but express his enthusiasm. "A force multiplier," he labeled the…