West Africa

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant move towards securing justice for its citizens abroad, the Somali government is campaigning diligently to revoke the death sentences handed down to nearly 40 Somali nationals incarcerated in Saudi Arabia. This endeavor aims to provide essential legal safeguards for Somalis globally. On a hopeful Friday, Hassan Moalim, Somalia's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, shared promising news. He held a series of discussions with the Saudi Ambassador to Somalia, centering on…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an era fraught with complexities and evolving threats, the governments of Israel and Ethiopia are embarking on a decisive journey to enhance their counterterrorism collaboration. Their shared focus: the persistent menace of Al-Shabaab in Somalia and various adversarial groups scattered across the Middle East. An insightful meeting held on a bustling Wednesday in Jerusalem laid the groundwork for this crucial partnership. The air vibrated with the weight of urgency at the joint press conference…

Mogadishu (AX) — In recent days, whispers of negotiations involving Somalia, the United States, and Israel have drifted across international media outlets, painting a picture of potential conversations about resettling displaced Palestinians from Gaza within Somalia's borders. However, this narrative stands sharply opposed by the Somali federal government. "To my knowledge, there have been no discussions whatsoever regarding the resettlement of Gazan citizens," affirmed a senior Somali official. This message seemed to pierce…

The journey of dozens of Gambian women embarking on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia captures the essence of ambition and cooperation. But what exactly drives these brave individuals to travel abroad? At its core, this initiative symbolizes the Gambian government's aim to weave stronger ties with the Middle East's largest economy and redefine the prospects for its citizens. This development blossomed from agreements reached during the illustrious 2023 Africa-Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia. Here, Gambia and the Kingdom…

Mogadishu (AX) In many corners of the world, the celebration of youth and their achievements manifests in various forms. In Somalia, this celebration takes on a spiritual and intellectual tone through the national Holy Quran Competition, an annual event that vividly captures the essence of faith, education, and cultural heritage. On a serene evening marking the end of Ramadan, adorned in the traditional serenity of the holy month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took center stage to honor this year’s champions of Quranic…

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Nigeria saw a surge in its real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growing by 3.84% year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics' latest report. Perhaps this statistic alone could be a cause for cautious optimism among economists. However, when we dive deeper into these numbers, intriguing patterns and challenging questions begin to emerge. What factors contribute to this growth, and what might these imply for Nigeria's economic future? The report reveals an interesting detail:…

Galmudug's Imminent Stand Against Al-Shabaab: A United Call for Action Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In the heart of Dhusamareb, a city known for its resilience and spirited community, Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye, often called Qoor Qoor, delivered a message echoing with determination and hope. "The time to unite is now," he declared, with an earnestness that resonated deep within the walls of the regional capital. His address was not merely a statement about the current woes or…

Mogadishu Welcomes Sheikh as AU Commission Spokesperson For those who keep a keen eye on the intricate world of African diplomacy, the name Nuur Mohamud Sheekh evokes a sense of familiarity and respect. A man with nearly thirty years tucked into his belt across diplomacy and humanitarian endeavors, Sheekh is a stalwart figure whose journey reminds us of the indelible mark skilled individuals can leave on international platforms. Recently, on a vibrant…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable narrative of international military diplomacy, Ethiopia and Russia stand at a juncture, exploring new horizons in maritime collaboration, despite Ethiopia's landlocked status. Picture a scene of strategic dialogue, where visions are shaped beyond geographical constraints. In an intriguing meeting in Addis Ababa, Russian Deputy Navy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobiev sat across from Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Commodore Jemal Tufisa. As these leaders gathered around…