West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – Amid the fragrant spices and bustling energy of Adale district, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently gathered with an ensemble of local leaders, wise elders, and esteemed intellectuals. This gathering on Friday wasn’t just a meeting; it was a concerted effort to weave tighter bonds of collaboration and intensify military actions against Al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region. Imagine, for a moment, a land striving for peace—where communities are not just figures on a map, but vibrant…

The peaceful town of Baardheere, typically humming with life as citizens go about their day, experienced a disruption last Friday evening, one neither expected nor welcome. The stars were just beginning to poke through the sky as people gathered to break their fast during Ramadan, a time usually reserved for reflection and gratitude. But instead, the town found itself thrust into a scene of chaos when an alleged member of the notorious Al-Shabaab made his move. In situations like these, seconds stretch into…

Mogadishu - In the somber hue of dawn on a Thursday morning, Mogadishu was stirred awake by the murmurs of an air offensive, one that would see at least 82 Al-Shabaab militants, including some of their senior orchestrators, meeting their end. The airstrikes came as a strategic counter-response to an earlier assault aimed at Somali army bases nestled within the Lower Shabelle region. These tactical airstrikes were not arbitrary, but rather a calculated maneuver targeting insurgent strongholds near the Sabiib and…

In a resolute effort to dismantle the networks of terror that cast a long shadow over central Somalia, the Somali National Army (SNA), in concert with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), launched an intricate sequence of airstrikes. These operations, confirmed by government sources on Thursday, herald a significant step against Al-Shabaab militants and their allies. Imagine the precision required. The airstrikes were executed with the support of the Somali Air Force, amplified by the…

Imagine living in a country where filling up your car's tank doesn't cost more than a handful of coins. In several African countries, this is not a distant dream but a refreshing reality. The benefits of low fuel prices are multifaceted, deeply entrenched in both economic stability and social wellbeing. Have you ever wondered how access to affordable gasoline could transform the daily narrative? Here's a detailed exploration into this phenomenon. Albert Einstein once said,…

Somalia Elections - A Step Towards Empowerment "This is the first step in returning the power of choice to the Somali people," declared Hassan, with a sense of hope mingling with the cautious optimism that peppered the room. Looking back, it's intriguing how substantial this moment is. Somalia is poised on the brink of hosting its first direct vote for local councils since the central government disintegrated back in 1991. What a journey from clan-dominated politics to this pivotal milestone in democratic governance. The…

Niger Delta: A Complex Paradox of Wealth and Poverty The Niger Delta, a vibrant oil-producing region in Nigeria, is both a source of immense national wealth and a ground of profound challenges. Here, in this lush expanse, lie contradictions as deep as the oil reserves below: prosperity marked by neglect, opportunity shadowed by environmental decay. How did such a resource-rich area become embroiled in a saga of struggle? The oil sector, undeniably, is the lifeline of Nigeria's economy. It has catalyzed economic growth,…

Countries grappling with intense humanitarian crises, like South Sudan, DR Congo, and Somalia, quickly emerged as areas of concern. Famine, displacement, and mounting distress made them susceptible to further turmoil. Have you found yourself pondering, "How do these regions cope?" The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) highlighted a stark reality. In 2022, approximately 282 million people in Africa found themselves undernourished, which accounts for nearly 20% of the continent's population. This number was…

Osman's Vision for Unhindered Humanitarian Aid in Gaza Osman, more widely recognized by his moniker, Abukar Baale, recently voiced a stern admonition regarding the barriers hindering humanitarian efforts. His passionate plea to the international community was clear: aid must penetrate every corner of Gaza where civilians desperately await relief. Reflecting on the escalating crisis, he asked, "Is there room for negotiation when lives hang in the balance?"…

Embracing Growth: FCMB's New Chapter in Ogbomoso It was a moment of anticipation and hope on the sunny morning of the inauguration of First City Monument Bank’s (FCMB) latest branch in Ogbomoso. The presence of FCMB, a beacon of financial innovation, promises to shape new economic narratives and invigorate local businesses. The air was filled with excitement as Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the revered Soun of Ogbomoso, ceremonially opened the doors to this new opportunity. "First City Monument…