West Africa

The military government of Mali is embarking on an ambitious campaign to consolidate control over its gold industry, a sector long dominated by foreign enterprises. Recent developments suggest a significant shift, characterized by a decisive push to reclaim authority from multinational operators, particularly in light of support from Russia. The junta's actions signal a broader intent to stimulate local processing capabilities, moving away from reliance on foreign entities. In a striking move, a Malian court recently…

The anticipated meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump was not just a diplomatic formality; it was a significant moment laden with implications for bilateral relations. As the world watches with bated breath, the backdrop of recent tensions adds layers of complexity to the situation. Issues such as the shifting U.S. foreign policy, South Africa’s position within global arenas like BRICS, trade negotiations, and mounting international conflicts are among the many factors…

Expanding Horizons: The Impact of Dangote Refinery on Global Fuel Markets The Dangote Refinery is making headlines with its ambitious move to export 90,000 metric tons of gasoline to Asia. This shipment signifies a pivotal moment, as it will be the refinery's first gasoline venture beyond the confines of West Africa. A source familiar with the transaction outlined that the trading firm Mercuria is set to load this significant cargo on June 22, 2023, which will undoubtedly set the stage for a new chapter in the refinery's…

The latest reports from Nigeria reveal a concerning uptick in Lassa fever cases. In week 23 of 2025 alone, health officials documented 11 new infections, pushing the grim tally of fatalities to 143 this year. These figures starkly illustrate the persistent threat posed by this viral infection. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has observed a significant rise in the case fatality rate (CFR) among those afflicted by confirmed Lassa fever cases; alarmingly, this rate has surpassed that of the same…

Urgent Call to Somali Nationals in Iran Amid Rising Tensions Ankara (AX) – Amid growing hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Somali Embassy in Turkey has made an important announcement: it is urging Somali nationals currently residing in Iran to reach out. This outreach is especially critical for those who may wish to leave the country during these uncertain times. In a recent statement shared on their official Facebook page, the Somali Embassy expressed, “The Embassy of the Federal…

Kenya and Finland Reinforce Commitment to Somalia’s Peacebuilding Efforts Nairobi (AX) – Amid the shifting sands of geopolitical dynamics, Kenya and Finland have come together, affirming their dedication to bolster Somalia’s peacebuilding initiatives. This partnership feels particularly vital as we witness the gradual drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and heightened sensitivities across the region. In a world often marked by discord, this commitment stands as a hopeful beacon. The…

Mogadishu (AX) – The Somali Ministry of Information has made an important announcement regarding the recent death of Abbas Mohamed Hool, a prominent figure within Al-Shabaab, noted for his role in orchestrating lethal attacks across Mogadishu and the Shabelle regions. The Ministry released an official statement on Monday, revealing that Hool succumbed to injuries he sustained during a well-coordinated operation conducted by the Somali government forces. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, exacerbated by complications…

Tehran (AX) – Tensions are palpable among the Somali nationals living in Iran as they grapple with the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. With mounting uncertainty, some individuals are contemplating the difficult choice of leaving the country. In a region where the stakes are high, the feelings of insecurity can be overwhelming. Ahmed Mahmoud Abdi, a Somali businessman who has made Iran his home, recently shared his insights with BBC Somali. He noted a stark transformation in daily life, primarily due to the…

The Yemeni Embassy in Somalia has shared significant news, announcing the release of seven Yemeni fishermen who had been held captive for nearly two months by authorities in Bosaso, Northeastern State. The intermittent tension between fishermen seeking resources and local regulations underscores a broader conversation about fishing rights and international cooperation. These fishermen encountered trouble after unintentionally straying into Northeastern State’s territorial waters without the requisite fishing permit from…

Mali is forging a new path in its quest for economic autonomy. Recently, the country began the construction of a state-of-the-art gold refinery, powered by Russian backing. This strategic initiative, championed by its military-led government, aims to enhance the nation's control over its precious natural resources. But what does this really mean for Mali and its future? The newly established refinery is set to be a significant player in Mali's economy, with the Malian government holding a majority stake of 62%.…