West Africa

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…

Africa has long been a pivotal region in the intricate game of global power dynamics. Nations from far and wide have vied for a slice of its prosperity, leveraging Africa's substantial natural resources, strategic positioning, and burgeoning markets to establish their economic, military, and political predominance. As this multi-layered contest continues to evolve, one might wonder—what does Africa stand to gain or lose as various global powers intensify their efforts to mark their presence on this vast continent?…

Forced Evictions and Clan Conflicts Amplifying Somalia's Humanitarian Crisis Mogadishu (AX) — They say no one ever steps in the same river twice. This holds particularly true for Somalia, where fluid dynamics of forced evictions and entrenched clan conflicts continually worsen the humanitarian crisis. Who suffers most in this turmoil? The vulnerable, naturally. A recent report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)…

On a bustling street in the heart of Accra, where the rhythm of Ghana's vibrant culture meets the still, quiet threat of bureaucratic inefficiency, an earnest voice rose above the clamor. This voice belonged to Beauty Nartey, the President of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC). She took the stage at the launch of the Strengthening the Rule of Law and Fight Against Corruption in Ghana project, bearing an unsettling truth. In her opening remarks, Nartey conveyed an unsettling statistic…

The stakes have never been higher as African teams converge in a heated contest for one of the nine coveted spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an expansion from the previous five. This monumental tournament, set to unfold across the landscapes of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has ignited a passionate fervor among nations eager to showcase their talent on the global stage. As anticipation mounts, the latest results from Matchday 5 have painted a vivid picture of the current standings. It’s a thrilling time for…

Nigeria Leads in Decline of Cash Transactions Consider for a moment, the bustling streets of Lagos where once the chime of cash registers dominated the soundscape, has now become a haven for digital transactions. How did we arrive at such a transformation? The answer lies in an intriguing report—WorldPay's Global Payments Report 2025 reveals Nigeria is at the forefront of this shift, recording the largest decline in cash usage among major global economies. Think back only a decade ago when…

An Examination of Ongoing Security Concerns in Somalia In the heart of Mogadishu, beneath its resilient facade, lies a series of challenges that question the notion of security in Somalia. Imagine a war room deep in Middle Jubba, where over 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants are orchestrating a colossal plan. Their aim? To regain control of the strategically significant Middle Shabelle region—a colossal endeavor initiated in February, shedding light on the security vulnerabilities that persist in this embattled nation. The…

Lessons in Parenting and Politics from Michelle Obama We often ponder the unique experiences of those in the public eye, especially when it comes to raising children amidst global scrutiny. Michelle Obama, in a candid interview on a podcast, offered a glimpse into her family's navigations through such a life. "The day-to-day kind of challenges that any parent has with teenagers, we had it on 100," she reflected with a mix of nostalgia and relief. She went on to express, "I was so glad when…