West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In a passionate appeal to the heart of Somalia's legislative body, a federal lawmaker, Abdullahi Farah Mire, has turned the spotlight on what he describes as a troubling diversion of national security funds. At the core of his concern is a claim directed at officials within the orbit of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The essence of Mire’s charge is both critical and evocative: he alleges that money intended for the national fight against the pervasive threat of Islamic State militants is being…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a momentous session held on a vibrant Wednesday in Somalia's capital, the Lower House of Parliament endorsed two pivotal pieces of legislation — the Insurance Companies Bill and the Financial Institutions Bill. Gathering at the heart of Mogadishu, these decisions weren't made lightly but rather with resounding consensus. A vote-out indicative of overwhelming endorsement saw the Insurance Companies Bill receiving 142 supportive votes, while the Financial Institutions Bill was close behind with 141…

Protecting Trade from Regional Conflicts In today's world, large-scale wars reminiscent of the 20th century are relics of the past. However, the persistence of regional conflicts poses its own brand of challenges. As one navigates through these murky waters, it is crucial to ask: are we truly prepared for the complexities these smaller-scale skirmishes unveil? Conflicts in vital corridors of global commerce, especially near bustling shipping lanes, spell huge disruptions. These aren't just…

Introduction In 1991, a seismic shift occurred in Somalia as the central government crumbled, leaving institutions weakened and unable to foster public trust or combat corruption effectively. Imagine a country where the infrastructure to safeguard public resources is near non-existent. It's challenging, isn't it? This absence further aggravated Somalia's struggle for recovery, notably hindering the provision of essential public services. As civil war raged on, regional administrations emerged, stepping in to fill the…

As we look ahead to the future, envisioning Ghana in 2025, we find ourselves in a dance with both challenge and opportunity. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson recently stepped into the spotlight to unveil the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, offering a roadmap that promises to address the pressing issue of food security amidst soaring inflation. Dr. Forson stood before Parliament, his voice firm yet hopeful, laying out the government's…

Inside Somalia's Strategic Security Operations: A Blend of Cooperation and Challenge Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — The landscape of security operations in Somalia is as dynamic and complex as the country itself. At its center is Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, orchestrating a ballet of international coordination and domestic fortitude. Recently, he shed light on an aspect of this intricate dance: the…

The Turning Tides of Somali Football Mogadishu (AX) — There's a palpable buzz in the air around Somalia's national football scene as Yusuf Ali Nur steps into the role of head coach, shouldering the weight of hopes and dreams ahead of the key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Facing off against Guinea and Botswana later this month, Ali Nur takes on the mammoth task following the exit of Moroccan coach Rachid Lousteque. Lousteque's tenure, spanning two seasons, unfortunately, did little to illuminate the…

Unveiling the Global Outreach of Africa’s Largest Refinery In the heart of Africa’s industrial landscape lies a formidable structure: the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a beacon of ambition and commercial prowess. However, just as Rome wasn't built in a day, neither can such vast operations rely solely on local resources. Isn't it fascinating how our world has become so interconnected, from the coffee in your morning cup to the very oil driving this refinery? As…

The Nigerian political landscape is at a pivotal juncture as President Bola Tinubu reaches out to the country's youth, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future. During the recent inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee in Abuja, he extended an open invitation for genuine interaction and feedback, underscoring his belief that young voices should be heard and incorporated into the nation's governance. “Your ideas matter,” Tinubu asserted, a sentiment that clearly resonated with the vibrant…

Mogadishu (AX) — With the approach of the Gu season, spanning from March to May, Somalia finds itself at a critical junction. As weather forecasts project an arid stretch paired with steamy temperatures, this season's climate is already stirring concerns across the country. These projections were revealed at the recent sixth National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF6), an event that convened in Mogadishu on March 4-5, 2025. The gathering, orchestrated by the Ministry of Environment and Climate…