West Africa

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

Reclaiming Bal'ad: A Testament to Somalia's Resilience Mogadishu (AX) — Bal'ad, a town with stories woven into its very soil, became the arena of a determined and rigorous military operation early Thursday morning. As dawn kissed the horizon, Somali government forces endeavored to recapture Bal'ad from the grip of Al-Shabaab, an endeavor marked by courage and strategic prowess. One wonders, what sustains such endurance in the face of adversity? The assault began with a nerve-wracking precision. Al-Shabaab militants,…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. In a move that has reverberated across the fuel market, the Dangote Refinery made headlines on Wednesday by announcing a significant reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol. The price has been slashed by N65, bringing it down from N890 to N825 per liter. At first glance, this may appear as just another business decision, but as with many things in life, the ripple effects reach far and wide. Starting…

In a city echoing with the paradox of hope and tension, Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, witnessed an unsettling episode. As preparations were underway for the arrival of a significant guest—Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed—several mortars were launched toward the airport. This event unfolded against a backdrop of heightened anticipation and meticulous security measures in the city. According to reports from Somali Stream, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was already stationed in the VIP section of the airport,…

The journey towards lasting prosperity for a nation is a multifaceted one, where national sovereignty and economic stability are crucial actors in the play. All these aspirations are harmoniously entwined by a singular thread: the necessity to keep national debt under control. Quotes often attributed to ancient wisdom remind us, "The art of living lies in the fine mingling of letting go and holding on." Similarly, managing a country's debt isn't just a balancing act; it's a dance between strategic…

On February 26, an unsettling clash erupted between the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia and police officers, sending shockwaves through the streets of Monrovia. The incident unfolded at a checkpoint when a group of soldiers reportedly retaliated against police officers after several of their comrades, dressed in civilian clothing, were arrested and roughly handled. Panic ensued, casting a shadow over the day as bystanders watched the turmoil unfold. Both factions quickly summoned reinforcements, escalating tensions…

Enhancing Bilateral Ties: A New Chapter for Somalia and Ethiopia In the bustling city of Mogadishu, where history whispers through every corner and the sea laps gently against its shores, a significant meeting paints a hopeful picture of regional cooperation. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have taken a decisive step forward in fortifying the relationship between their countries. As the Somali sun kissed the horizon last Thursday, these leaders shook hands…

Nigeria's Sweet Future: The Cocoa Revolution Nigeria's cocoa industry is standing at a crucial juncture, teetering on the brink of transformation. Leading the charge in this dynamic shift is Johnvents Group, a beacon of innovation and sustainability in agriculture. With inclusivity and a laser-focus on strategic growth, Johnvents is masterminding a new era for Nigerian cocoa, a story vividly unfolding through its budding alliance with British International Investment (BII) in Premium Cocoa Products (Ile-Oluji), a proud…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Imagine being greeted by the soft whispers of dawn, only to be jolted by the chaos of conflict. Such was the experience early Thursday morning on the outskirts of Bal’ad district in the Middle Shabelle region, where the Somali National Army (SNA) found themselves face to face with a grim adversary: Al-Shabab. The morning's tranquility was shattered as the militants launched a brazen attack on military bases during the sacred hours of prayer. Yet, in this…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) – It was a momentous day on Thursday when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed touched down in the heart of Mogadishu, stepping onto Somali soil for discussions that promise to reshape the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. With Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud by his side, this meeting signals a crucial turning point after months of tension and uncertainty between the neighboring nations. The welcome was a grand affair. At Aden Adde…