West Africa

Embracing a New Horizon: Somalia's National Transformation Plan On a vibrant morning in Mogadishu, the air buzzed with excitement as Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, took to the stage. With an aura of resolve, he announced an ambitious blueprint for the nation: the National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025-2029. A pivotal moment indeed, this unveiling followed a significant cabinet reshuffle that had just been announced hours earlier. It was a day of renewed hope and determination—a day marked…

The Somali-Sudanese Connection: A Tale of Unity and Resilience “This is a payment of debt. Definitely, we are trying our best to show our gratitude and also to stand by our brothers and the nation of Sudan.” The tapestry of history weaves intricate patterns that bind nations and people. As we delve into the chronicles of the Somali-Sudanese Hospital, one cannot ignore the thread of adversity and resilience that ties Somalia and Sudan together. Picture this: Somalia, a nation…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, more than 100 individuals, suspected to be al-Shabab militants, momentarily descended upon a remote Kenyan village in Lamu County. They did not launch an assault or display overt aggression. Instead, they gathered the community, delivered religious sermons, and distributed foodstuffs before melting away into the dense cloak of the Boni Forest, leaving residents and security agencies in both confusion and concern. This strange sequence of events unfolded Saturday evening…

Education serves as a cornerstone of national development, influencing diverse aspects such as economic growth, social mobility, and even technological advancement. We often find ourselves pondering an age-old question: How does education mold the future of a nation? It's an inquiry not just of policy and numbers but one that touches the very essence of societal progress. As philosopher and educator John Dewey famously said, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." Across the vast and…

Aliko Dangote: Energizing Africa's Industrial Future Aliko Dangote stands at the forefront of business innovation in Africa. Known for spearheading the largest single-train oil refinery, his ambitious vision doesn't stop there. He's now set his sights on making Africa's biggest polypropylene production site a reality. Recognizing local demand and the untapped potential of the continent, Dangote's projects are nothing short of transformative. But what drives a man of such caliber to continuously push boundaries? Is it just…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — It has been over four grueling years, but the agony of uncertainty persists for the family of 21-year-old Shaffi Noor. His sudden disappearance just after being acquitted of terror-related allegations outside a Garissa courtroom on December 29, 2021, remains a haunting memory. Eyewitnesses recall the ominous presence of masked officers, presumably from Kenya’s Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU), who took Noor, leaving no trace behind. His case is not…

A revealing study published in The Lancet has illuminated a staggering surge in type 2 diabetes rates across sub-Saharan Africa, far beyond what was earlier anticipated. This research is not merely a collection of statistics; it highlights a troubling trend that poses significant health risks for millions. What drives this epidemic? The answer lies in a confluence of poor dietary choices, inadequate access to health care, rising obesity rates, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Tracking over 10,000 participants from…

Preserving Heritage Through A Culinary Odyssey Toronto, Canada (AX) — Exploring the savory landscapes of Somali cuisine, Ifrah F. Ahmed stands as a remarkable beacon of cultural preservation and innovation, all while artfully bridging continents and traditions. A Journey Across Kitchens Born in Somalia and now traveling between New York and Seattle, Ahmed is on a mission to elevate Somali cuisine through culinary pop-ups and…

Understanding the Ripple Effect of Rising Fuel Prices in Africa Let's take a moment to talk about something that affects all of us in more ways than we often realize—fuel prices. Recent shifts in the global oil market, along with various factors such as currency depreciation and reduced subsidies, have led to an unwelcome surge in fuel costs across many African countries. It's quite astonishing, isn't it, how a single market shift can create a domino effect felt across an entire continent? One might wonder,…

Building Dreams: Mohamed's Journey in Mogadishu In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, against the backdrop of a once turbulent city, Mohamed Omar Hussein has found his steadfast path. Six months after venturing into the vibrant world of commerce with a men’s clothing store, he stands not just as a merchant, but as a beacon of stability and hope for his family. The transition from a mere dream to a reality that now cradles his family, including his mother and four siblings, marks a narrative of resilience and transformation.…