West Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AX) — After a two-day hiatus marked by protests against rampant extortion, Somali-run spaza shops in Khayelitsha's Site C township reopened on Friday. The decision to shut down wasn’t made lightly; local traders felt compelled to act as the threat from gangs escalated to levels that were simply unbearable. Imagine a community reliant on small, informal shops for daily essentials, which suddenly find themselves devoid of those crucial resources. June 11 and 12 felt particularly bleak for many…

Mahad Salad's Return: A Pivotal Move in Somali Security The recent reinstatement of Mahad Mohamed Salad as the head of Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) arrives at a critical juncture. With national elections on the horizon and the persistent threat of terrorism looms large, his return promises to reshape the security landscape of the Horn of Africa nation. Salad previously garnered acclaim for his impactful leadership during his initial tenure. Under his direction, Mogadishu…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a compelling address that resonated with the aspirations of many, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently called upon his fellow citizens to take an active role in the establishment of effective governance. This appeal comes at a pivotal time when the nation is wrestling with its identity and future. He stressed that the foundation of Somalia's statehood must no longer hinge on international support. At the official handover ceremony at the National Intelligence and Security Agency…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent development that has raised eyebrows within diplomatic circles, former Somali Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad, has voiced strong opposition to a letter issued by the Somali government. The letter calls for the dissolution of the C6+ international coordination framework, a move that Awad has critically labeled as both diplomatically irresponsible and detrimental to Somalia’s standing on the global stage. During an engaging televised debate on Universal Somali TV this past Saturday,…

Tragedy Strikes in Benue State, Nigeria In a devastating turn of events, over 100 lives were claimed in a violent attack on a village in central Nigeria's Benue state, according to a recent report from Amnesty International Nigeria. This shocking incident occurred during the night, stretching from late Friday into the early hours of Saturday, in the village of Yelewata. The details emerging from this tragedy are not just numbers on a page; they represent families shattered, communities devastated, and lives…

Recent revelations from a leaked memo reviewed by The Washington Post indicate a potential expansion of the controversial travel ban first introduced in 2017. This move could see several African nations added to the existing list of restricted countries, which raises significant concerns. According to the details of the memo, the proposed restrictions are tied to several factors, notably visa overstay rates and perceived deficiencies in national security vetting systems. These criteria have become pivotal in…

In a recent diplomatic development, Roey Gilad, the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, expressed his disappointment regarding Ghana's decision to abstain from a crucial vote in Vienna. This vote focused on whether Iran is meeting the compliance standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Such decisions often highlight the delicate interplay between national policy and international expectations. Out of the 35 member countries on the IAEA’s board, nineteen voted in favor…

The economic landscape of Africa continues to evolve, and one of the markers of this transformation is the Forbes Global 2000 ranking. In 2025, 17 African companies made it to this prestigious list. South Africa leads the charge with an impressive 14 entries, followed by Morocco with 2, and Egypt with 1. This strong representation is more than just numbers; it tells a story of ambition, resilience, and strategic growth against a backdrop of global challenges. According to Forbes, the 2025 Global 2000 companies…

Northeastern State Leadership Stands Firm on Development Initiatives Garowe (AX) – On a day that marked a significant infrastructural advancement for the Northeastern State region, President Said Abdullahi Deni made a resounding statement regarding the future of development projects in his territory. Speaking on Saturday during the inauguration of a $5 million bridge funded by the World Bank, Deni articulated a clear vision: his administration will not entertain development initiatives that come wrapped in…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a significant Saturday for Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the handover ceremony at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), an event that symbolizes not just a change in leadership but also a fresh chapter in the country's enduring quest for security. The mantle of leadership passed from Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe to Mahad Mohamed Salad, who now takes the reins as the new director. The ceremony unfolded at NISA headquarters in Mogadishu, drawing an assembly…