West Africa

Have you ever paused to consider the critical role that airports play in our interconnected world? They are more than just places where you board a flight; they are arteries of economic lifeblood, especially in regions like Africa, where they promise to change lives and expectations. Often underestimated, airports serve as vital threads in the fabric of global commerce, tourism, and regional progress. This is nowhere more apparent than in Africa—a continent that stretches beyond our…

Las Anod (AX) – On a bustling Friday morning, a top-tier delegation from the Federal Government of Somalia touched down in the town of Las Anod. Spearheading this group was Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Xoosh, setting the stage for a significant visit by Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre scheduled for the following day. As the delicate hues of dusk settled upon the town, anticipation swelled among the residents. Prime Minister Barre's visit isn't merely ceremonial. He’s on a mission to inaugurate a range of…

As the sun rose over the enchanting city of Rabat, a profound message was unveiled by a panel of distinguished speakers during the much-anticipated GITEX AFRICA Morocco press conference. This event, a beacon illuminating Africa’s tech future, heralded the continent’s grandest tech and startup gathering scheduled for April 14-16, 2025, in the culturally rich city of Marrakech. Cloaked under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI—may divine guidance continue to assist him—this…

Antalya (AX) – On a serene Thursday evening, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia gracefully touched down in the picturesque city of Antalya. His purpose? To partake in the much-anticipated 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF). The forum, a hub of intellectual and diplomatic exploration, officially opened its doors on Friday, continuing its discourse through to April 13. This year, the poignant theme is “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.” Such a theme prompts us to ponder: In a world splintered by various…

Imagine a network so complex and deeply intertwined, yet not where you'd expect to find it—no, not in a tech corporation or a sprawling conglomerate, but within mercenary operations. The Wagner Group is perhaps most notorious for providing soldiers for hire to authoritarian states, but the real story weaves through an extensive and intricate tapestry of corporate alliances. These range from mining to political influence, each thread tightly connected, forming an ensemble that performs on stages far and wide—especially…

Brussels – A city known for its rich history and political significance, played host to the closing chapter of a remarkable life. Somalia, a country woven with stories of tumult, resilience, and transformation, bids farewell to one of its most influential figures. General Ahmed Suleyman Abdalla Dafle, the first director of Somalia's National Security Service (NSS) and a pivotal character in Siad Barre's military regime, has passed away in Brussels, Belgium. The esteemed general was 87 years old when he departed this…

In a paramount diplomatic meeting on Wednesday, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, engaged in intense discussions with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. This dialogue, rich in purpose and mutual respect, sought to weave a tapestry of support, unity, and collaborative vision between Egypt and Somalia. Minister Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's unwavering commitment to honoring Somalia's territorial integrity alongside its national institutions. "A nation's soul…

The decisions surrounding the U.S. presence in Somalia are as complex as the country itself. With the recent escalation of conflict in Somalia, some officials from the U.S. State Department are advocating for the closure of the embassy in Mogadishu. This suggestion stems from the growing strength of Al Shabab militants, but it's a move not without its risks. Reflecting on the turbulent successes and failures in foreign policy, one must ponder—what does withdrawing mean for Somalia’s stability? Echoing the traumatizing…

In a compelling endeavor to bring stability and sustainability to Ghana's small-scale mining landscape, a new initiative, known as the Small-Scale Mining Licence Review Committee, has set its sights on scrutinizing the legitimacy and environmental adherence tied to existing mining licences. How will this change the industry dynamics, and what does it mean for the stakeholders involved? Committee to Focus on Compliance and Sustainability The committee, led by the astute Deputy Minister…

“This agreement is fundamental to re-engagement with the fund and reinforces Somalia’s reform agenda,” Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh articulated with a notable blend of optimism and resolve. He portrayed the agreement as a "critical milestone" pivotal to Somalia’s broader debt relief efforts. On a forthright note, he elaborated that this deal aligns seamlessly with the government’s long-term aspirations for sustainable development and economic propulsion. Reflect for a moment: How does a nation rebuild after…