West Africa

Evacuation of Ghanaian Nationals Underway In a rapidly evolving situation, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has publicly confirmed the urgent evacuation of Ghanaian nationals residing in Iran. The announcement was made via a recent social media update, showcasing a swift and decisive response from the Mahama-led administration as tensions in the region escalate. “The Mahama administration has, in the interest of safeguarding Ghanaian lives, decided to immediately evacuate Ghanaians…

Strengthening Ties: Nigeria's AH-1Z Viper Helicopter Acquisition Recently, a noteworthy development unfolded in the domain of international defense cooperation. This was catalyzed by a high-profile visit to the United States led by Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff. His delegation attended a comprehensive Programme Management Review Meeting from June 9 to 13, 2025, in the bustling city of San Diego, California. You could almost feel the excitement in the air. This meeting convened…

Resilience Against Al-Shabaab: A Step Forward in the Bakool Region Baidoa (AX) — In a significant military operation that spanned three days, Somali government troops have successfully dismantled several Al-Shabaab bases situated in the Bakool region. This endeavor, confirmed by security officials on a recent Monday, underscores the ongoing struggle to reclaim territory from militant groups. Leading this coordinated offensive was Capt. Elmi Adan Isaaq, a determined commander of the Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a rapidly evolving global landscape, Somalia is beginning to feel the tremors of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. Surprisingly distant from the battleground yet closely linked through trade routes and economic dependencies, Somalia’s fragile economy and essential aid lifelines are increasingly threatened. How does a conflict thousands of miles away ripple through the fabric of everyday life in this East African nation? Somalia’s geographical position along the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to the Bab…

Fast forward to 2025: Lagos isn’t merely participating in the global startup conversation; it's at the forefront, actively shaping it. Consistently ranked among Africa’s most vibrant startup cities by platforms like Dealroom and Partech, Lagos is a magnet for founders, venture capitalists, and innovative technologists from around the world. Isn’t it fascinating how one city can encapsulate a continent's entrepreneurial spirit? Born out of a visionary initiative by Prime Startups in 2015, Lagos Startup Week set…

Parliamentary Setbacks in Somalia: A Call for Responsibility Mogadishu (AX) — On a day meant for progress, Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament hit yet another snag, as its Monday session was postponed due to insufficient attendance. This disruption not only halted the swearing-in of two new members but also postponed a pivotal vote on a pan-African child rights treaty, leaving many to wonder: what lies behind this recurring issue? Only 87 lawmakers showed up, far below the 139 required for a valid quorum under…

The recent circulation of a memo from the Ministry of Agriculture urging Nigerians to engage in fasting and prayer amidst escalating food insecurity has stirred quite a tempest among various stakeholders. Farmers, agricultural experts, and concerned citizens alike have expressed their discontent at this unusual call to action. This internal notice, originating from the human resources department of the Ministry, encouraged staff members to partake in religious gatherings themed “Divine Intervention for Protection and…

The Atmosphere at Kivaywa Primary School On June 15, a lively gathering took place at Kivaywa Primary School, where community members came together for a church event featuring none other than the President of Kenya, William Ruto. This occasion was more than just a spiritual gathering; it served as a platform for the president to articulate his concerns regarding the future of Kenya and the plans—or lack thereof—of the opposition. In his speech, President Ruto exhibited a noticeable…

The Journey of Oruc Reis: A New Dawn for Somalia's Energy Sector Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable chapter for Somalia’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency, the Turkish seismic exploration vessel Oruc Reis has successfully concluded a 234-day mission. Over this extended period, the vessel meticulously collected seismic data across a staggering 4,464 square kilometers in three offshore blocks of Somali waters. Monday marked a significant milestone as Turkish officials announced that the Oruc Reis has departed…

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has recently issued a revised humanitarian appeal, requesting a staggering $29 billion. This figure underscores a significant and troubling adjustment, emphasizing drastic budget cuts from earlier projections that reflect an increasingly daunting reality. In a statement posted on its official X page, OCHA expressed the urgency of this situation, stating: "We have been forced to re-prioritize our work. Brutal 2025 funding cuts mean…