West Africa

Heightened Security Concerns in Somalia: A Call for Vigilance In recent weeks, Somalia has witnessed a surge in militant activities that have cast a spotlight on the nation's ongoing challenges in counterinsurgency. Since February 20th, the notorious group Al-Shabaab has launched a series of at least nine attacks across regions such as Middle Shabelle and Hiraan. Among their daring assaults was a temporary takeover of Balcad, a town alarmingly close—only 30 kilometers—from Mogadishu. Thankfully, Somali forces…

ECOWAS Currency: Bridging West Africa The idea of a unified West African currency, known as the Eco, is as ambitious as it is inspiring. Imagine a future where crossing borders within West Africa doesn’t involve exchanging currencies—a future where trade and interaction flow seamlessly across countries. This is the vision behind the Eco, a currency anticipated to act as a unified medium of exchange, fostering trade and economic unity across the region. During a meeting held in Abuja—the heart of Nigeria’s administrative…

Escalation in Somalia: A Deep Dive into Shabaab's Recent Offensive Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International—Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Sometimes the shadows of conflict intensify, casting long and uncertain clouds over a nation striving for peace. This is the case as Somalia once again grapples with a significant and aggressive incursion by the Shabaab militants. But why, one might ask, is this offensive particularly unsettling?…

Imagine stepping into the vibrant arena of the petroleum industry where strategies, alliances, and economic policies play in concert like a well-rehearsed symphony. Within this dynamic landscape, Dangote Refinery has struck a significant chord by partnering with Optima Energy. This move complements its existing partnerships with MRS Nigeria, Ardova PLC, and Hyden, reinforcing its fuel distribution network in an ever-evolving market. Since the operational commencement of Dangote’s $20 billion…

The Complex Case: Unraveling Mysteries at Feeding Our Future In the year 2021, as the operations of Feeding Our Future within the federal child nutrition program ballooned to staggering proportions, an ominous complaint rippled through the organization. A food site operator had apparently voiced a grievance. "She said we don’t pay and what else?" texted Bock, who was then the executive director of Feeding Our Future, to her colleague Hadith Ahmed. It was the kind of text that might seem trivial at first—perhaps just…

The Future of Payments and Financial Inclusion Across Africa Founder and CEO, Nkebet Mesele, discusses the launch of Intreensic, a payments education and advisory group, and its significance for payments and financial inclusion across Africa. Exploring Payment Evolution What piques your interest the most about the transformation in payments, and how do women play a role in this journey, particularly in Africa? The payment evolution is indeed fascinating. From my early days in the industry,…

General Omar's Commitment to Strengthening Somali Forces Imagine standing on the sun-baked soil of central Somalia, where General Omar recently embarked on a crucial tour amidst the sprawling landscapes that are often at the heart of conflict. His visit comes at a pivotal moment, as Somali forces, in collaboration with international allies, have initiated an audacious military campaign aimed at dismantling the strongholds of Al-Shabaab, a significant threat to the region’s stability. More than just a logistical exercise,…

Lawmaking is never a straightforward affair, and this reality couldn't be more evident than in Ghana's recent legislative tussle. The air is thick with tension as three sponsors of the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill reveal to Reuters that despite previous setbacks from legal challenges, the bill is making a comeback. The path of legislation resembles a winding road with unexpected turns. What sparked this renewed fervor? Escalating Measures As the law stands, those convicted of same-sex…

Complex Journeys in Northeastern State's Battle Against Extremism Garowe (AX) — In a frank and deeply revealing address, the Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs in Northeastern State, Mohamed Abdiwahaab, made some bold assertions about the national strategy—or lack thereof—in combating violent extremism. His candid reflections might catch one off-guard. Could it be that the very fabric of national unity needed to fortify against threats like Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State (IS) is fraying at the seams? Abdiwahaab…

The controversial bill aims to escalate the prison sentences associated with same-sex relationships while also instituting penalties for those found to be promoting or sponsoring LGBTQI+ activities. It is worth noting that former President Akufo-Addo ultimately opted against signing this legislation into law, despite its initial passage by parliament in 2024. In a recent statement, former President John Mahama articulated a pragmatic approach regarding the proposed bill. He expressed a desire for a national consensus,…