West Africa

Currency Stability: A Key to Economic Resilience In a world where financial trends are as volatile as they are timely, it becomes crucial to explore the moments that bring clarity amid chaos. March 2025 unfolds a tapestry of economic narratives across Africa, each highlighting one indisputable truth: the stability and strength of a country's currency can be a formidable pillar in fostering economic resilience. This insight, albeit nuanced, tells us that maintaining…

Somalia's Quest for Their First FIFA World Cup Qualifying Victory: Lessons from Francistown Mogadishu — In a quest that has spanned decades, Somalia's dream of clinching a first-ever victory in FIFA World Cup qualifying remains tantalizingly beyond reach. The recent encounter against Botswana unfurled yet another chapter in this evolving journey. A 2-0 defeat on a quiet Tuesday night in Francistown may have highlighted the Ocean Stars' indomitable defensive spirit, but it also shed light on the areas where growth is still…

Standing Firm Against Adversity "You are the shield between our people and terror," Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared to the fighters assembled before him. His voice resonated with a determined confidence, as he promised, "We will not rest until Al-Shabaab's grip is broken and the pain they've inflicted on our communities is brought to an end." The president's appearance on the battlefield was more than symbolic. It came right on the heels of a lightning trip back to Mogadishu. There, behind the closed doors of the…

U.S. Airstrikes and the Ongoing Battle Against ISIS in Somalia The stillness of the Al Miskaad mountain range was violently interrupted late Monday night by a series of powerful airstrikes. U.S. forces were targeting ISIS militants deeply entrenched within the remote Miiraale Valley of Somalia's Bari region. This bold move is part of an escalating series of operations aimed at eradicating the burgeoning influence of ISIS in northern Somalia. In this effort, the United States is not acting…

On an intriguing Saturday in March 2025, a thought-provoking post emerged from Dr. Forson on X, formerly known as Twitter. It wasn't just a casual tweet; it was a call to arms against the shadowy corridors of Ghana's gold smuggling scene that gnaw at the heart of the nation's economy. Imagine strolling through a marketplace, every corner brimming with the vibrant pulse of life. Now picture how that energy dims when the wealth that should fuel such vibrancy slips insidiously into the abyss of illicit trade.…

Strategic Network Sharing: MTN and Airtel's New Partnership In a move that highlights the evolving landscape of telecommunications in Africa, two industry titans, MTN and Airtel, have joined forces to share critical phone network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda. If you’ve ever wondered how this partnership could shape the future of digital connectivity on the continent, you're certainly not alone. Let’s dive deeper into the motivations and potential impacts of this collaboration.…

In a surprising turn of events, a night in Galkayo witnessed the arrest of Dalmar Socdaal, a freelance journalist known for his brave storytelling and sharp insights. He was detained by Northeastern State security forces, accused of engaging in a process that Northeastern State authorities had firmly resisted—the registration for the Somali national identity card. This arrest is more than the simple handcuffing of a journalist; it reflects the simmering tensions between Northeastern State and Somalia’s federal…

Compliance and Taxation: A Clear Path Forward Let's step into the world of compliance for a moment—a landscape where rules and regulations govern our actions, ensuring the stability and fairness of corporate ventures. The recent report, diligently compiled, throws light on the path Segilola Resources Operations Limited (SROL) has been traversing. It reassures us of one thing: SROL has stoically adhered to its legal and regulatory obligations—a fact we held firm from the very beginning. The numerous…

In a recent development in Nigerian politics, the Senate ethics committee has dismissed a poignant petition brought forth by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petition accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of severe allegations, including sexual harassment, abuse of office, and impediments to legislative duties. The committee's ruling hinged on a critical point: the case is currently under judicial consideration. The atmosphere during the hearing was far from serene. Representing the suspended Senator…

Complex Implications of Kenya's Shirika Plan for Somali Refugees Edited by Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya's ambitious Shirika Plan aims to transform refugee camps into permanent cities, arousing significant concern in Somalia. This initiative, designed to reshape the Dadaab and Kakuma camps, could hinder efforts to repatriate Somali nationals, potentially perpetuating their displacement. Set to commence in 2024, the multi-billion-dollar project intends to reinvent two…