West Africa

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Garowe, Somalia: A Strategic Bastion in the Fight Against Global Terror Under the starlit skies of Garowe, whispers of change are taking flight. In a world where news often travels at the speed of a tweet, a significant revelation emerged from the heart of Northeastern State. Imagine, if you will, a landscape marked not just by desert winds and rolling sand dunes, but also by the invisible lines drawn by global networks of terror. On a breezy Thursday evening,…

Stuart Young, the Acting Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, recently highlighted a major factor that set Nigerian oil company Oando apart from other bidders vying for ownership of the Guaracara Refinery. Their robust financial backing, evidenced by their ability to secure sizable investments in the upstream oil sector, gave them an undeniable advantage. But what does it really mean to have such financial muscle, and how does it influence a bidding process? Young, who also serves as the Minister of Energy,…

Bridging Horizons: The Kenya-Somalia Trade Facilitation Endeavor In the heart of East Africa, an evolving conversation is taking place, one that holds the promise of profound economic transformation. This dialogue, centered around a trade facilitation agreement, is set to dismantle the irregular non-tariff barriers that have historically strained the economic synergy between Kenya and Somalia, two neighboring nations with rich cultural ties. Setting the Stage for Regional Collaboration In December 2023, a pivotal…

Food inflation looms as a profound challenge for numerous African nations, exacerbating existing economic hardships and amplifying food insecurity for millions of citizens. Life in various parts of Africa is already mired in complexity, as many countries grapple with systemic issues. With the spike in food prices, the situation is akin to salt on an open wound—undermining not only household well-being but threatening the broader economic landscape. Consider a family struggling to make ends meet, now facing the relentless…

Victory in Ba’adweyne: A Turning Point in the Fight Against Al-Shabaab It was a day of tension and triumph in Ba’adweyne, a district wearing the scars of conflict yet daring to hope for peace. On a decisive Friday, with eyes set firmly on liberation, Somali security forces made a bold advance into this heart of southern Mudug, apprehending it from the stern grip of Al-Shabaab militants. This wasn't just another operation; it was a potent symbol of resilience and a testament to collaboration, ambition, and the…

FILE PHOTO The somber reality of conflict in Somalia unfolded once more on a seemingly ordinary Thursday, as a stark reminder of the relentless struggle against insurgency. In a poignant scene, at least five brave government soldiers tragically lost their lives in a devastating landmine explosion. This heart-wrenching incident occurred in the Madooda area, situated just south of Hudur, the administrative nucleus of the Bakool region. Military sources relay these harrowing details, painting a picture of the perilous…

Life has a peculiar way of teaching lessons, often through stories more intricate than any fiction. One intriguing saga unfolded in Minneapolis, a city where dreams are etched in the horizon just as firmly as truth. The Feeding Our Future trial stands as a testament to humanity's complexities, rife with ambition’s grip and morals shadowed by greed. Heading the spotlight, Feeding Our Future's founder, Aimee Bock, faces allegations that penetrate deep. With a staggering 250 million dollars allegedly swindled from pandemic…

In a world where international dynamics shift like sands in the desert, the pursuit of stronger partnerships is a journey not for the faint-hearted. On a bustling Tuesday in the historic capital of Tripoli, this pursuit took a significant step forward. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on an official visit to Libya, an encounter filled with promising intentions and a refreshingly candid dialogue. Mohamed al-Menfi, the pragmatic chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council, echoed a sentiment that seemed…

Africa, while home to a vast spectrum of cultures and landscapes, encounters a unique geographical challenge—being landlocked. Surprisingly, one-third of the continent's countries do not have direct access to the sea. Yet, the presence of seaports on the African coastline is a beacon of economic hope and utility, facilitating access to international markets for even the most inland businesses. These maritime gateways are not just crucial for those positioned at the water’s edge, but they extend their opportunity-laden arms…

Diplomatic Overtones: Ethiopia and Somalia's Renewed Bond In a gesture of renewed camaraderie, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met on Thursday in the bustling heart of Mogadishu. As their nations work towards mending a relationship frayed by Ethiopia's recent sea access arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—an autonomous region Somalia still emphatically claims—a path toward cooperation cautiously unfolds. Arriving robustly on a sunny Thursday, Prime…