West Africa

The world beneath our feet is more dynamic than it may appear. Imagine standing in Ethiopia's Afar Desert, where, in 2005, a colossal 35-mile fissure suddenly cleaved the arid landscape—a preview of Earth's internals at work. "The earth is forever changing; ask any geologist," my professor once said, emphasizing how every crack and crevasse has a story to tell. Isn't it fascinating how seemingly imperceptible movements can reshape entire continents over millennia? A geological mystery is unfolding, driven by tectonic forces…

In a corner of the world often scarred by turmoil, the picturesque city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself shrouded in a thick cloud of violence once more. The relentless guns and recrudescent battles between the M23 insurgent faction and national forces have thrust the city into a maelstrom of chaos, displacing countless souls and quaking the very foundation of livelihoods and trade.

Mogadishu (AX) — A sense of tenuous peace lingers in the Hiiraan region of Somalia after a clangorous clash between federal forces, their local allies, and the militant group Al-Shabaab. In a daring mission, more than 40 members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgents met their demise, a stark testament to the volatile struggle for control shaping Somalia's heartlands. The Ministry of Defense announced this significant blow to Al-Shabaab on Tuesday, foreshadowing the ebb and flow of conflict yet to come. Under the harsh…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a sweeping verdict bound to ripple through digital corridors far and wide, the military tribunal of Northeastern State has handed down prison sentences to two high-profile online personas, raising eyebrows and sparking chatter across media landscapes. Convicted for their alleged ties to the notorious ISIS, Mohamed Yacqub Siyad and Ali Ahmed Ali, known in virtual circles as Iley, face 10 and 5 years in jail, respectively. Intriguingly, these sentences were delivered in absentia, further complicating an…

On Monday, January 27, the Supreme Court of Liberia found itself noticeably absent from a pivotal moment in the political arena: President Joseph Boakai's constitutionally mandated annual address. As he spoke, the seats reserved for the five justices sat barren, a striking tableau that raised eyebrows and sparked a whirlwind of speculation. Did they choose to stay away to avoid giving a nod of legitimacy to the executive branch's recognition of Richard Nagbe Koon, the ruling Unity Party's pick for Speaker of the House of…

On the inaugural day of 2025, a momentous peacekeeping initiative took its first steps. This mission, designed to unfold over a five-year span, heralds a significant shift: Uganda's military will now command the helm in two strategic sectors within Somalia, sectors previously overseen by forces from Burundi.The Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) are stepping into a pivotal role with the inception of the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This move signals an invigorated chapter in Uganda’s…

Mogadishu (AX) – As the sun cast its warm rays over Mogadishu, a significant development unfolded in the ongoing battle against terrorism on the African continent. The Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, announced on Monday a remarkable stride in enhancing security within Somalia. Through a dual channel of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and a bilateral pact, Egypt is set to deploy troops on Somali soil—a strategic move aimed…

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), a passionate advocate for human rights, has taken a bold stand, urging President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt the legal proceedings against a group of 11 activists linked to the #EndBadGovernance movement. Among them is Michael Lenin, who finds himself facing grave charges of treason and mutiny—serious allegations that could change lives forever. In a powerful statement, the YRC emphasized that this trial seems more like a heavy-handed maneuver to stifle dissent and quash opposition,…

Garowe (AX) – In an era where the historic and the contemporary constantly intertwine, Northeastern State authorities have sounded a stern warning: mistreating foreigners will incur serious consequences. This declaration is part of an intensified campaign in the Bari region aimed at decimating the stubborn presence of ISIS, often compared to an unwanted guest who has overstayed their welcome. Under the searing Garowe sun on what seemed like an ordinary Monday, the ever-energetic Northeastern State's Minister of…

In the merry month of May, a tempest brewed in local news circles over a demanding missive from kidnappers, requesting a hefty ransom—$1.5 million no less!—for two missing Cuban medics. The Kenyan government, cool as a cucumber, refused to cough it up, and mum was the word from Cuba about whether they were even acknowledging this audacious claim. Months have trickled by like sand through an hourglass, leaving folks high and dry when it comes to updates on the Cubans' whereabouts. Occasionally, whispers from the island…