West Africa

Mogadishu begins voter card rollout for local council elections Somalia’s electoral commission on Saturday began issuing voter cards in Mogadishu, a step the capital has seldom seen after years marked by conflict, displacement and political uncertainty. The process opened across multiple districts with steady turnout and orderly lines as residents prepared to participate in upcoming local council polls. Distribution started in Hamarjajab, Waberi, Shangani, Hamarweyne, Boondheere, Abdiaziz and Shibis districts. Officials…

Somalia’s Mogadishu Port switches to 24/7 operations in bid to cut delays and boost trade MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has begun round-the-clock operations at the Port of Mogadishu for the first time, a step officials say will ease chronic congestion, speed cargo handling, and strengthen the country’s position in regional trade. The shift to uninterrupted service took effect Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, following recent upgrades to core port infrastructure. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport,…

Super Eagles Aim for Glory in World Cup Playoff Final As the sun sets over Morocco, a palpable excitement fills the air, accompanying the bustling streets leading up to the grand showdown. The Super Eagles of Nigeria stand on the brink of history as they prepare to battle the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 2026 World Cup Africa Playoff Final this Sunday. The stakes couldn’t be higher; the victor will secure a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-off Tournament, a gateway to the prestigious 2026 World Cup. A…

Simandou Iron Ore Project: A New Era for Guinea In a significant development for West Africa's economic landscape, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Guinea's military leader, Mamadou Doumbouya, have officially inaugurated the Simandou Iron Ore Project in Conakry. This historic project, often heralded as one of the largest mineral development initiatives globally, promises not only to reshape Guinea's economy but also to significantly influence the international iron ore market. A Long-Awaited Vision Decades in the making,…

From Flight to Fight: Ramla Ali’s return to Kenya turns advocacy into action A champion steps back into a familiar story On a bright morning in Nairobi’s Dandora neighborhood, Ramla Ali pulled on gloves—this time not for sparring, but to sort plastic and cardboard alongside dozens of women in a community recycling yard. The Somali-born boxer, model, and UNICEF ambassador moved quickly along the line, measuring, weighing, and bagging materials that would help turn a day’s work into a day’s pay for refugee mothers. Kids…

UK warns travellers of conflicting visa rules across Somalia after federal e-visa rollout North Western State of Somalia and Puntland State reject Mogadishu’s system, creating airport confusion The United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens to expect inconsistent and sometimes conflicting visa requirements across Somalia after the federal government launched a new e-visa system that regional authorities in North Western State of Somalia and Puntland State say they will not honor. In updated guidance, the UK Foreign,…

U.S. Embassy warns of suspected breach in Somalia’s e‑visa system, thousands of travelers at risk The United States Embassy in Mogadishu has issued a security alert warning that a suspected cyber intrusion into Somalia’s electronic visa platform may have exposed the personal data of tens of thousands of applicants — a reminder that the global rush to digitize borders carries risks as well as convenience. In a notice released this week, the embassy said it received credible reports on November 11, 2025, that unidentified…

Somalia’s cabinet approves Saudi media and culture pacts as security and local elections take center stage Somalia’s cabinet has approved two new cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia focused on media and culture, a modest but telling bid to strengthen soft-power ties even as Mogadishu sharpens its attention on security and upcoming local council elections in the Banadir region, home to the capital. The measures were adopted at the government’s weekly meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Mogadishu,…

A Rising Tide of Terror: The West African Coast in Crisis As the sun rises over the sprawling landscapes of West Africa, a dark undercurrent looms. The once-thriving coastal regions are now grappling with an alarming surge in violence, driven by terror groups operating from the heart of the Sahel. In an effort to stem this tide of chaos, many African nations have fortified their borders, standing as a bulwark against the growing menace. The Sahel: A Hotbed for Terrorism The Sahel region, nestled between the Sahara Desert…

In Search of Justice: The Trial of Roger Lumbala Tshitenga As a tangible symbol of hope for accountability, the trial of former Congolese rebel leader Roger Lumbala Tshitenga opened its doors in Paris recently. It signifies a pivotal moment not only for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but also for the global fight against impunity for war crimes. Amidst the shadow of past atrocities from the Second Congo War (1998-2003), this courtroom drama unfolds with reverberations that could transcend borders and resonate deeply…