West Africa

On a sunny Thursday morning in Ankara, against the backdrop of the stately Presidential Palace, the wheels of international diplomacy turned as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sat down for a pivotal meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Their agenda was clear: to renew and deepen the strategic partnership that has been the bedrock of their nations' friendship, focusing on security, counterterrorism, and broader developmental collaboration. But what does this partnership truly signify, and how might it…

Although Russia may not match the economic footprint of Western nations or China in Africa, its influence lies in specific sectors that echo the priorities of global superpowers: armaments, mining, and energy—extending into nuclear energy. Have you ever wondered why Russia, despite its relatively modest economic stakes in Africa, holds such sway politically? Analysts have unraveled a layer of this intricate relationship, unveiling a remarkable political influence Russia commands on the African continent, a power that belies…

The actions of a faction of lawmakers, dubbed the "majority bloc," are now under significant scrutiny within the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court. A highly anticipated hearing has unfolded, focusing on the persistent stalemate in the National Legislature. While the court has yet to issue a ruling, legal analysts are already drawing meaningful conclusions from the probing questions posed during the session. “How can a legitimately elected Speaker simply be disregarded?” Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh remarked,…

Mogadishu, Somalia (AX) — In the heart of a continent that echoes tales of resilience and fortitude, stands Jacinta Kaahwa, a Ugandan finance officer enmeshed in a legal battle that could redefine labor rights within conflict zones. She seeks $15 million in damages from a British firm, SafeLane Global, alleging wrongful dismissal, racial discrimination, and abandonment in a chaotic battleground after surviving a harrowing terrorist attack. The narrative traces back to Mogadishu, where Kaahwa spent six arduous years…

The Unlikely Beacon of Democracy: North Western State of Somalia's Journey As a child, I naively thought of democracy as a Greek invention, an intricate art only suited to those ancient pillars of Western philosophy. This wasn't a surprising thought, especially growing up in Ethiopia where democracy is more a dream than reality. However, little did I realize that just across the border, a quiet revolution was taking place. In North Western State of Somalia, a place branded by some, including Google, as unstable and…

Imagine trying to juggle several items in the air, only to discover you’re constantly a step behind your peers. This is essentially the predicament Nigeria found itself in after a recent evaluation by the World Bank. A comparison was drawn between Nigeria’s statistical apparatus and those of several countries, such as Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil. These nations, by the Bank’s standards, seem to soar higher in terms of statistical proficiency. It’s a stark reminder that, in the global arena,…

In the vibrant city of Mogadishu, a hum of anticipation fills the air. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stands ready to embark on another pivotal diplomatic journey, responding to an invitation from Turkey's own leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The destination? The intriguing nation that bridges East and West, Turkey. But what lies ahead in this crucial meeting between two nations with intertwined destinies? With the magnificient Bosporus strait awaiting him, President Mohamud's agenda is…

Can you imagine holding a Nigerian passport as a foreigner simply because you made a significant economic contribution? This is not a far-fetched dream but soon could be a reality thanks to Nigeria’s bold new initiative: the citizenship by investment program. But what does this move really mean for the country and investors alike? It's fascinating to observe that countries across the globe are tapping into the potential of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, using it as a magnet to…

Niger's ruling junta recently unveiled plans for a five-year transition back to constitutional governance, appointing coup leader Abdourahamane Tiani as the transitional president. This significant decision marks a stark departure from the growing regional demands for a swifter move toward democracy following the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum earlier in 2023. Tiani's leadership is set to continue until 2030, a timeline eerily reminiscent of the enduring military regimes in neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.…

Conflict in Bakool Region: The Human Face of Military Operations In the shadow of rising conflicts, a pivotal battle unfolded on Wednesday that further illuminates the complex landscape of ongoing strife in Somalia. The Somali National Army (SNA), showcasing its resilience and strategic acumen, found itself embroiled in a clash that would inevitably shape regional dynamics. Under the leadership of the 9th Brigade Command, SNA forces bravely confronted Al-Shabaab militants in the obscure but…