West Africa

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) — In an intriguing twist of events, a significant number of Al-Shabaab militants, complete with their combat vehicles, have made their way to the Bay and Bakool regions. This move follows recent setbacks they faced during fierce military engagements in the Middle Shabelle region, as confirmed by military officials on Monday. General Hassan Isaaq Omar, affectionately referred to as Hassan Baidoa, commands the Somali National Army's (SNA) formidable 60th…

In the ever-changing landscape of international diplomacy, moments arise where collective action speaks louder than individual efforts. Recently, such a moment was captured when Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined an essential virtual gathering of leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The backdrop of their discussion was the increasingly troubling security situation unraveling in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The dialogue,…

The recent joint summit between the Eastern African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) brought fresh hope for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The gathering resulted in the establishment of an expanded panel tasked with spearheading peace initiatives in a region fraught with turmoil, following Angola’s withdrawal as a mediator. This strategic adjustment is vital, considering the DRC’s ongoing struggles. The revised panel features an impressive lineup of former leaders,…

The journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, with Match Day 6 fast approaching. As several African national teams prepare to take the field, a mix of tension, excitement, and aspiration fills the air. With some teams striving to solidify their positions, others are desperate for a revival, hoping to breathe new life into their qualification dreams. Particularly intriguing this day are five matches that analysts suggest will be pivotal. One such encounter features Ghana, currently perched at the top of Group…

The Heart-Wrenching Tragedy of Mohamed Abukar Mohamed It was a day like any other in the bustling Hamar Jajab district of Mogadishu. Yet, the morning of March 18, 2025, cast a shadow over the city, claiming the life of someone whose only crime was striving to share the truth. Mohamed Abukar Mohamed, affectionately known as Dabaashe, was one of those rare journalists with a passion for his craft. He had the ability to connect the dots in complex stories, to shed light in the darkest…

Exploring the Economic Terrain of Emerging Nations: A 2025 Forecast Nowadays, many countries are tethered to the performance of their oil, natural resources, and commodities sectors. This dependency shapes their economic stories, making them acutely susceptible to global market nudges and nuances. It's a careful dance, balancing opportunity and risk. Picture this: South Sudan and Libya navigating the tumultuous waters of political instability alongside infrastructure bottlenecks. However, there's a sprinkle of optimism…

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has illuminated a promising pathway for Africa's energy landscape. Do you know what's intriguing? Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have now become more cost-effective than traditional gas and coal in most African regions. Imagine a shift so significant that by 2030, these renewable sources could generate 27% of the continent's electricity. That’s almost a third, a promising leap towards a greener future. Fast forward to January 2025, and a daunting…

US Dependency on Jet Fuel Imports: The Nigerian Shift The ever-evolving landscape of global trade has led to some noteworthy shifts, especially in the energy sector. This March, a fascinating development unfolds as the U.S. is poised to see its highest jet fuel imports in two years, with a significant portion arriving from Nigeria's renowned Dangote refinery. The Rise of Dangote Refinery Picture this: a sprawling industrial marvel standing as the largest refinery on the African…

In a recent tragic event that underscores the turbulent challenges faced by East African nations, at least six law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives while four others sustained injuries in an aggressive attack on a police encampment in Kenya. The perpetrators are suspected to be militants associated with Somalia's al-Shabab group. The attack unfolded in the early hours of dawn within Garissa County, a region in eastern Kenya adjacent to the volatile border shared with Somalia. A report released by Kenyan…

As Ukraine embraced its new role in the world of international education in the years before 2022, it became a sanctuary of learning for over 80,000 students who traveled from every corner of the globe. A significant portion, approximately 20%, hailed from the vibrant continent of Africa. They came with dreams of becoming healthcare professionals, engineers, and pharmacists. Yet, in the midst of unforeseen chaos sparked by Russia’s sweeping invasion, these dreams faced disruption. Thousands were forced into evacuation,…