West Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, stood majestic against the crisp winter sky on January 28, 2025. It seems astonishing, doesn't it? The power of decisions emanating from high offices and how they ripple across the globe. A profound decision has just sent shockwaves through the fabric of international health—a decision by the Trump administration to pause U.S. foreign aid. This pause, the World Health Organization claims, has "substantially disrupted" the supply of HIV treatments in a…

Imagine traversing the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a city where resilience meets chaos. Just on a usual Tuesday, amidst the hum of daily life, Africa witnessed another unsettling chapter unfold. "Our fighters targeted a convoy of vehicles carrying Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as they were leaving the presidential palace and heading to the airport,"—remarks shared by al Shaabab via their Telegram platform. The attack targeted the Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during…

Imagine waking up a sleeping giant. That's the task that lies at the heart of transforming Africa's energy potential. Rich in resources yet starved of investments, Africa has remained on the sidelines of global energy discussions for far too long. You might wonder how a continent brimming with untapped reserves finds itself in such a predicament. Chronic underfunding over the decades has stymied progress, shackling a land that could fuel not only its own growth but…

Niger's Bold Step: A New Chapter in Francophonie Relations The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIC) is akin to the British Commonwealth but with a distinct lineage and linguistic tie that binds French-speaking nations together. It's a coalition that celebrates not just a language, but a shared heritage and cultural connection. Yet, as with all things entwined with history, shifts in allegiance and perspective are inevitable. On a regular Monday, Niger took a momentous decision to exit this…

Tragic Loss in Mogadishu: Somalia's Press Community Mourns It was a calm Tuesday morning in Mogadishu, marked by the usual rustle and bustle that fills the air. Yet, lurking beneath the surface was an ominous threat that would soon shatter the peace. A roadside bomb explosion targeted the presidential convoy, making headlines for a deeply sorrowful reason — the tragic demise of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe. El-Gab Junction, a place familiar to many locals, was the…

The Ripple Effect of the U.S. Aid Suspension on Global HIV Treatment Programs The recent announcement by the Trump administration, halting the flow of U.S. foreign aid, has sent ripples across the globe, particularly affecting the supply of HIV treatments in eight nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm, warning that the disruption could have dire consequences. Can we afford to overlook the implications of such a decision? Six of the affected countries are nestled…

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria's oil market, a recent revelation has captured the attention of industry insiders and consumers alike. As of now, oil marketers are grappling with a significant challenge: the steep landing cost of fuel stands at N797.66 per liter. This scenario exists despite the concerted efforts by these marketers to curb their losses by reducing fuel purchases. One can't help but wonder: How long can this continue? As the ripple effects of a fierce price war initiated by…

Mogadishu (AX) – A significant shift is taking place on the frontlines of the Middle Shabelle region. With renewed energy and determination, units from the Somali Police Force have joined the fray, strategically redeployed to enhance ongoing military efforts against the notorious militant group, Al-Shabaab. It's a scene charged with resolve and hope. Major General Asad Osman Abdullahi, the esteemed Commander of the Somali Police Force, along with the astute Deputy Commander General Osman Abdullahi Mohamed, have…

For centuries, the story of the West African kingdom of Kaabu has resonated through the rich tapestry of oral traditions. Flourishing from the mid-1500s until the 1800s, this influential kingdom encompassed areas that today correspond to parts of Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Gambia. Yet, how do we capture the essence of a place when words are rooted in the past, whispered from one generation to the next? The answer lies in the griots—those remarkable oral historians who were the storytellers of their time, singing praises…

Engaging with Science: Trust in African Nations Is the world losing faith in its scientists? Recent findings suggest otherwise, challenging the prevalent fear of a disconnect between scientific communities and society. Unveiling this narrative, a new study calls for a renewed effort to bridge any gap — especially through deeper engagement between scientists and the public. This intriguing study, published in the esteemed journal Nature Human Behaviour, emerges as part of the Trust in Science Project (TISP)…