West Africa

President Joseph Boakai has taken a firm stance in defense of his choice to travel via private jet for international engagements, asserting that this decision is not rooted in an ostentatious lifestyle. Yet, the controversy surrounding his travel habits continues to swirl, especially among opposition figures who are quick to spotlight what they deem a disconnect between his earlier critiques of luxury travel by his predecessor and his current practices. In a candid interview with the BBC, President Boakai remarked, “I can…

The Standoff Over Development Projects in Northeastern State: A Closer Look Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant turn of events, the Somali Federal Government has publicly reiterated its concerns regarding the role of Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni in stalling key developmental initiatives aimed at uplifting communities across Northeastern State. This situation paints a complex picture of governance and cooperation—or the lack thereof—in a region that is in dire need of progress. During a press briefing on…

The Chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Gift Trapence, has expressed deep concerns regarding the Malawi Police Service's sluggish response in addressing escalating political violence. He is calling for prompt action and accountability, highlighting a disturbing pattern of inaction. In a pointed critique, Trapence questioned the integrity of the police force, suggesting that their failure to act betrays the public trust. “How can citizens feel secure when those sworn to protect them remain idle?” he…

The landscape of food security across several regions in Africa paints a complex picture. Nations like Ethiopia and Kenya, alongside Southern African states such as Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as Niger in West Africa, are grappling with varying degrees of hunger and need for assistance. What has shaped their current status, and what steps can be taken to improve their situation further? Recent evaluations suggest that conditions in Ethiopia are slowly but surely improving.…

Somali Military Strikes Al-Shabaab Stronghold: A Step Toward Stability In a significant turn of events, the Somali military has reported the elimination of at least 25 al-Shabaab militants through targeted airstrikes in the Lower Juba region. This development, announced by the Defense Ministry on Wednesday, marks another chapter in the complex narrative of Somalia's ongoing struggle against terrorism. “The Somali National Army’s elite Danab forces, in collaboration with international partners, executed precision…

Northeastern State's Bold Stance on the National Consultation Forum Garowe (AX) – In a significant development, the Northeastern State regional authorities have made a definitive statement, firmly rejecting the participation of certain individuals in the ongoing National Consultation Forum currently underway in Mogadishu. This decisive move underscores the administration's official boycott of the conference. During a press briefing held in Garowe on Wednesday, Northeastern State’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydiid…

Recently, a troubling video from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State ignited a wave of indignation across social media platforms. The footage depicted women students subjected to unwarranted physical contact from female staff members tasked with checking for bras prior to an examination. This incident raises several uncomfortable yet crucial questions about conduct, authority, and the rights of students in educational settings. The university, thus far, has opted to remain silent, not providing any immediate…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Wednesday, a significant milestone was achieved by the Federal Government of Somalia as it successfully repatriated nine young Somalis who had been detained in Algeria while attempting to migrate to Europe. This event is more than just a story of return; it underscores the complex and often heart-wrenching realities faced by many young people today. The group consisted of five young men and four young women, each with their dreams and aspirations. However, their journey took a perilous turn when they…

Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship: A Story of Hope in Mogadishu Meet Adan Sheikh Ali, a man whose life took a transformative turn thanks to a motorbike. This very motorbike not only lifted him out of unemployment but has also become a crucial means of supporting his family. Adan's story is just one amongst a series of inspiring transformations unfolding in Mogadishu, where a unique approach to entrepreneurship is revitalizing the lives of countless youth. In recent times, a groundbreaking initiative led by a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an inspiring call for unity, the Speaker of the Somali House of the People, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe, addressed the political stakeholders on Wednesday, urging them to come together and empower the Somali people with the right to elect their leaders. This, he emphasized, is a crucial step towards strengthening governance through thoughtful constitutional and legislative reform. As he spoke at the National Consultative Conference taking place in the bustling heart of Mogadishu, Speaker Madoobe…