West Africa

Beledweyne Siege Costs Lives Amidst Somali Struggle In the heart of Somalia's Hiran region resides the city of Beledweyne, a place marked by both its picturesque landscapes and, alas, the scars of conflict. Wednesday saw Somali security forces ending a harrowing 24-hour siege on a revered city hotel, leaving behind a somber tale of loss and resilience. The ordeal began much like a thunderclap on a serene day. As dusk settled in, a car bomb ripped through the Cairo Hotel on Tuesday—a site known…

It is often said, "Youth is wasted on the young," but is that truly the case when it comes to wealth acquisition on the African continent? Paradoxically, despite Africa's vibrant young population, the upper echelons of wealth often belong to individuals well into their later years. Indeed, among Africa's billionaires, only a single individual falls below the age of 50. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the paths to wealth for the younger demographic in Africa. Perhaps the challenge lies in traditional…

Turmoil in Middle Shabelle: A Renewed Offensive Against Al-Shabaab It was early morning in the bustling streets of Mogadishu when news trickled down from Middle Shabelle. One can't help but wonder, what drives a community to take arms against a formidable adversary like Al-Shabaab? The answers are embedded in the narratives of resilience and homeland defense. In a village known as Laba Garas, under the broad shadow of Adale district, Somali government forces, alongside local militias, initiated…

Financial Independence in Africa: The Unique Journey of Three Nations Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In a world where financial entanglements are often seen as inevitable, three African nations — Botswana, Libya, and Eritrea — have charted a distinct and arguably enviable path. According to data primarily sourced from the IMF's Financial Data and the ONE Campaign, these countries have never succumbed to…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring. Garowe: A Rift in the Federal Fabric In the scenic town of Garowe, where the arid landscape meets a world full of political complexities, a significant discourse has emerged. At the heart of this discourse is Northeastern State's firm reluctance to align with Somalia's Federal Government without substantive reforms. Centralization of power at Mogadishu's helm has long been a bone of contention, brewing tension not just recently, but repeatedly through the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a passionate appeal to the heart of Somalia's legislative body, a federal lawmaker, Abdullahi Farah Mire, has turned the spotlight on what he describes as a troubling diversion of national security funds. At the core of his concern is a claim directed at officials within the orbit of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The essence of Mire’s charge is both critical and evocative: he alleges that money intended for the national fight against the pervasive threat of Islamic State militants is being…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a momentous session held on a vibrant Wednesday in Somalia's capital, the Lower House of Parliament endorsed two pivotal pieces of legislation — the Insurance Companies Bill and the Financial Institutions Bill. Gathering at the heart of Mogadishu, these decisions weren't made lightly but rather with resounding consensus. A vote-out indicative of overwhelming endorsement saw the Insurance Companies Bill receiving 142 supportive votes, while the Financial Institutions Bill was close behind with 141…

Protecting Trade from Regional Conflicts In today's world, large-scale wars reminiscent of the 20th century are relics of the past. However, the persistence of regional conflicts poses its own brand of challenges. As one navigates through these murky waters, it is crucial to ask: are we truly prepared for the complexities these smaller-scale skirmishes unveil? Conflicts in vital corridors of global commerce, especially near bustling shipping lanes, spell huge disruptions. These aren't just…

Introduction In 1991, a seismic shift occurred in Somalia as the central government crumbled, leaving institutions weakened and unable to foster public trust or combat corruption effectively. Imagine a country where the infrastructure to safeguard public resources is near non-existent. It's challenging, isn't it? This absence further aggravated Somalia's struggle for recovery, notably hindering the provision of essential public services. As civil war raged on, regional administrations emerged, stepping in to fill the…

As we look ahead to the future, envisioning Ghana in 2025, we find ourselves in a dance with both challenge and opportunity. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson recently stepped into the spotlight to unveil the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, offering a roadmap that promises to address the pressing issue of food security amidst soaring inflation. Dr. Forson stood before Parliament, his voice firm yet hopeful, laying out the government's…