West Africa

There’s an intriguing intersection where the realms of art and politics collide, and it's right there that Yusuf Abdullahi Muse steps into the spotlight. Better known by audiences as Yusuf Ceegaag, the acclaimed Somali actor has now declared his intent to transition from the fabric of fictional narratives to the tangible world of political service. For those familiar with Ceegaag’s screen work, this new development is both fascinating and perplexing. After years of interpreting the role of a fictional legislator, the…

Nigerian health officials have issued alarming reports of thousands of suspected Lassa fever cases emerging across 33 states from January to March 2025. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the somber reality that over a hundred individuals have lost their lives to this virulent disease. As this outbreak unfolds, one cannot help but ponder, how many more lives hang in the balance? In response to this escalating crisis, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has swiftly activated the Lassa…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's fascinating how diverse the celebrations of Islamic culture can be, even within a single country. On the sunlit morning of Monday, a unique event unfolded as Somalia's moderate Islamist organization, Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama'a (ASWJ), marked the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr. This observance came a day later than the majority of Somalia, echoing the rhythms of individual tradition and belief. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Muslim world, these variations in marking the end of Ramadan add layers of…

Nigeria's Fiscal Future: Navigating Through Financial Waters The recent announcement of a $632 million loan from the World Bank could not have come at a more pivotal moment for Nigeria. Fraught with fiscal challenges such as escalating inflation, diminishing revenues, and a depreciating currency, the nation is in dire need of economic support. But does this loan provide a pathway to economic revitalization, or is it simply another step deeper into the debt quagmire? The Components of the…

The new import duty imposed on ECOWAS states is set to take effect immediately. Its intention is, ostensibly, to finance activities within the Sahel countries, leaving many curious minds questioning: What are these activities? Why now? This levy arrives at a significant crossroads for West African trade. For decades, the region has thrived on the principle of open exchanges as a bedrock of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Now, this pillar seems to be wavering. Consider…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a profound moment of consensus, former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, along with ex-Prime Ministers Abdi Farah Shirdon and Mohamed Hussein Roble, came forward to endorse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent plea for peace dialogues. Their shared vision paints these discussions as essential steps towards reinforcing Somalia’s federal governance and the shared struggle against terrorism. Farmaajo, a vivid figure in the country's political tapestry, released a heartening statement on Sunday,…

Joint Operation Against Al-Shabaab: A Tactical Endeavor On a significant Monday in Mogadishu, the Somali National Army (SNA) Danab Commandos orchestrated a noteworthy mission. Teaming up with Jubbaland's Dervish forces, they embarked on a carefully planned military operation, focusing their efforts against well-entrenched Al-Shabaab militant strongholds in the northern territories of the Lower Juba region. This operation, no small feat, zeroed in on crucial areas where Al-Shabaab exerted its influence, unjustly…

Berbera: A Tale of Geopolitics and Sovereignty The city of Berbera sits at a vantage point on the Gulf of Aden. This strategic location has long made it a focal point of geopolitical interest. Here, history and modern politics entwine, painting a vivid landscape of opportunity and conflict. North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, recently found itself at the heart of a geopolitical storm. As Somalia's central government attempted to grant the United States exclusive…

There's a vivid reminder of the fragility of peace in Somalia. On March 18, a bomb blast narrowly missed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy, underscoring the ever-present danger posed by Al-Shabaab within Mogadishu itself. This incident serves as a wake-up call, illustrating the volatile nature of a conflict that many believed was nearing resolution. Just days earlier, Somali security forces, perched on their open trucks, stood sentinel by the Syl Hotel. This location has become a grim testament to the ongoing…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the world of medicine, there are individuals driven not merely by duty but by passion and a deep love for humanity. Dr. Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan, a seasoned Somali physician residing in the United Kingdom, is one such figure. Picture him nestled among the rolling hills of the Al Miskaad region in Northeastern State, where he has ventured to lend a hand to local medical teams. The aim? To care for soldiers injured in the current skirmishes against the Islamic State militants—a mission fueled…