West Africa

Refugees Protest at the UNHCR Office in Kakuma Camp Following Significant Food Ration Cuts Photograph: Courtesy of Kakuma News Reflector Imagine waking up to find that the food you rely on has been reduced by a significant amount. How would you feel? For thousands of refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, this is no longer a hypothetical situation but a stark reality. Just recently, the bustling camp, home to around 300,000 individuals from countries like South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic…

The Rise of African Women in Leadership There’s a palpable shift occurring in Africa that coincides beautifully with International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations. This wave of change sees more African women stepping up to leadership roles, echoing the IWD’s message of gender equality and empowering women in decision-making positions. In 2025, the IWD campaign theme, "Accelerate Action,” rings especially true for this movement. The theme underlines the necessity of hastening gender equality, particularly in…

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Badr Abdelatty, recently wrapped up his diplomatic journey to Belgrade, offering a compelling lecture on an eventful midweek evening, specifically Wednesday, January 22. His engagements are emblematic of diplomacy's nuanced dance, weaving through cultures and conflicts, seeking common ground. On a bustling Friday, March 7, Minister Abdelatty embarked on a series of dialogues with notable figures from nations such as Somalia, Palestine, Iran, and Uzbekistan. These…

On a pivotal Friday, France ceremoniously transferred control of two military installations to Senegal. It was a move that marked the dawning of a new chapter in relations between these historically linked nations, illuminating the phased conclusion of French military presence within this vibrant West African state. "As per the joint commission's decision," declared the French embassy statement shared on its website, "the French authorities handed the facilities and residences located in the…

Heightened Military Presence: Ethiopia's Bold Steps Near the Somalia Border Mogadishu (AX) – In recent times, the Ethiopian government has astutely made a strategic decision to deploy a significant contingent of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) near the border town of Feerfeer, effectively situating them along the porous Ethiopia-Somalia border. This significant military action was reported by Ethiopian media on Saturday and has sparked discussions on regional stability and the battle against…

Mogadishu (AX) – Tensions yet again escalated in the Buqdharkayn district on Friday, as North Western State of Somalia forces and the SSC-Khatumo administration found themselves at crossroads, each attributing blame to the other for sparking the latest bout of heavy fighting. Such conflicts, especially in areas which have enjoyed relative calm, raise questions about the enduring quest for peace in the region. The Ministry of Interior of North Western State of Somalia released an intriguing narrative: it was SSC-Khatumo…

Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh: A Journey of Leadership and Inspiration Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh has more than a decade of valuable experience at IBM, where she occupied pivotal roles. As the marketing lead for West Africa and the strategy lead for Central, East, and West Africa, she carved a significant niche for herself. In addition to her professional achievements, Angela is an active member of the Forbes Technology Council and tirelessly champions women's empowerment and philanthropy, including mentoring…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) – In the dawn of a recent Saturday, the serene landscapes of the Boos Hareri area in the Middle Shabelle region witnessed a drastic turn of events. The Somali National Army, with the invaluable support of local clan militia, confronted and successfully neutralized a threat posed by at least 20 Al-Shabaab militants. This tale of bravery and strategy underlines a significant military operation aimed at ensuring peace in a land long haunted by unrest. It…

Signs of Hope: The Unveiling of Baardheere’s Flight Ban Lift In a world where policy changes often spark heated debates, it's refreshing to witness a wave of positivity. Enter former Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon, whose recent nod to the Federal Government of Somalia demonstrates the transformative power of progress. With the ban on flights to Baardheere district in the Gedo region now lifted, once impassable skies are open once more. The days of airspace silence resulting from governmental discord with…

On the vast and dynamic continent of Africa, women play an indispensable role; they form a significant portion of the population, yet often grapple with structural hurdles that dampen their ability to engage completely in the formal economic scene. But don't these barriers beg the question—just how much economic power and potential are we collectively missing out on by limiting women's full participation? As we pause today to observe International Women's Day, it's a…