West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is setting ambitious goals as it embarks on a journey to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030. This initiative is part of a holistic strategy aimed not just at slashing high electricity costs, but also at significantly expanding access in its rural communities and gradually breaking the long-standing reliance on imported diesel fuel. Collaborating closely with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Somalia's new approach envisions a formidable leap in renewable energy…

A Moment of Sacrifice: The Ongoing Struggle in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — Recent reports revealed a somber event that cuts to the heart of the ongoing conflict in Somalia. Seven brave Ugandan peacekeepers, operating under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), lost their lives during a concerted military operation aimed at reclaiming a pivotal town from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants. This tragic yet heroic sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to peacekeeping.…

Conflict Erupts Again in Baidoa: A Closer Look Baidoa, Somalia — On a seemingly ordinary Monday morning, the calm was shattered by the unmistakable sounds of conflict. Intense fighting erupted between Somali government forces and the militant group al-Shabab, as the latter launched a brazen assault on a military base located just outside Baidoa. This incident, which unfolded in the early hours, has already left its mark on the local community and raised urgent questions about the ongoing security challenges in the region.…

In a significant stride toward reconciliation and cultural restitution, the Netherlands has returned 119 ancient sculptures that were taken from the former Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria over a century ago. These remarkable artifacts, widely referred to as the Benin Bronzes, were the spoils of conflict during a turbulent chapter in history; they were seized in 1897 when British forces invaded and subsequently exiled the kingdom's ruler. This return marks not just a physical relocation of art but a profound…

The upcoming event is poised to be a transformative milestone, not just for Yikodeen, but for Nigeria's broader industrial aspirations. With the completion of this significant expansion, Yikodeen now boasts the largest safety footwear manufacturing plant in West Africa—a remarkable 120,000-square-foot facility that can produce an astounding 5,000 pairs of safety boots daily. This figure stands in stark contrast to the company’s humble beginnings in 2016 when it could only manage a mere 20 pairs per day. What stories…

Istanbul is a city that, with its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as the perfect backdrop for significant diplomatic dialogues. On Sunday, Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, met with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov. This meeting took place during the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, a gathering that symbolizes unity and cooperation among member states. In this congenial atmosphere, both…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

In an unsettling chapter of international diplomacy, two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have finally returned home after enduring over two years of confinement in an Equatorial Guinea prison. Their ordeal stemmed from what the United Nations described as arbitrary and illegal drug charges, raising serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process in that country. The engineers were apprehended in February 2023 when authorities allegedly discovered illicit substances in their luggage.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a decisive statement that resonates with both urgency and hope, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has categorically dismissed any notion of reverting to Somalia’s former system of indirect elections. He underscores a fundamental principle: that political power should always reside with the people. As we stand on the precipice of a new democratic era, this declaration is a clarion call to engage in the governance process that directly affects every Somali citizen. During a dinner event held in Mogadishu,…

In a world where energy security is more crucial than ever, Pakistan is embarking on a strategic shift aimed at solidifying its bilateral relations with Russia while tapping into the resource-rich energy landscape of Africa. This renewed focus comes against the backdrop of Moscow’s expanding ambitions on the continent, where accessibility to natural reserves continues to attract international interest. One has to wonder: what triggers these partnerships, and how might they alter the geopolitical landscape?…