West Africa

Securing Peace in Mandera: A Pre-Dawn Victory Against Terrorism A collage of some of the guns and RPGs recovered by the elite SOG group from Alshabaab militants on June 10, 2025. Photo: Counter Terrorism Policing Mogadishu (AX) — On a quiet Monday morning in Mandera County, Kenya, the brave men and women of the Special Operations Group (SOG), an elite anti-terror police unit, launched a decisive operation that dramatically altered the course of potential violence. As dawn broke, two al-Shabab militants were neutralized,…

The Journey of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG): A Hopeful Yet Shaky Future In a recent statement reflecting its ongoing commitment to the nation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed a distinct interest in Zimbabwe's new currency, ZiG. The organization has articulated its desire to see this currency evolve into a “fully recognized national currency.” This development is part of broader considerations regarding placing Zimbabwe under a staff-monitored program. But what does this mean for the everyday…

Nigerian singer Tems is set to make history as the headliner for the inaugural halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final, happening at MetLife Stadium in New York on July 13. This groundbreaking event promises to be a vibrant fusion of sport and music, capturing the spirit of the global football community. The production, orchestrated by Global Citizen, will ensure that the enthralling performance is accessible to a wide audience, as it will be broadcast live and free on DAZN.com. This decision not only democratizes…

Scammers Target Unwary Investors in the Name of NNPC In an alarming development that underlines the importance of vigilance in today’s financial landscape, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has issued a public advisory regarding impersonators posing as representatives of the company. These deceptive individuals have been soliciting unwary investors for fees, purportedly to facilitate meetings with the company’s executives, management team, and board of directors. The statement, released on a recent…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant diplomatic engagement, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalan Abdi Ali Dhaay, recently met with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia W. Mudavadi. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministers’ Summit, a platform that not only showcases the importance of Africa on the global stage but also serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue between…

Understanding the High Cost of Living in Africa: A Crucial Economic Challenge In recent years, the issue of rising living costs has emerged as a formidable challenge faced by many African nations. Though global inflation and shifts in the market play their part, it's important to understand that factors such as poor economic management, currency devaluation, the elimination of subsidies, and an excessive dependence on imports have significantly worsened the situation. As we explore this critical topic, we…

The Challenges of Revenue Audits: A Closer Look at Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape In recent months, Nigeria has faced a significant setback, primarily stemming from shortcomings in the revenue assurance audit reports submitted by two pivotal government bodies: the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service. These reports cover the period from 2018 to 2021 and reveal a troubling picture of inefficiency and gaps in accountability. This disconnect contributes to a broader narrative of fiscal…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant event for education in Somalia, a total of 41,639 students in the Banadir region participated in the intermediate-level national examinations last Monday. This marks a remarkable achievement, as it's now the sixth consecutive year that the Banadir Regional Administration has independently overseen the administration of these standardized tests. The day began with a sense of anticipation as students entered examination centers filled with nerves and hopeful energy. The Governor of Banadir…

Kismayo (AX) — In a significant step towards regional stability, Mahmoud Sayid Aden, the First Vice President of Somalia’s Jubbaland State, convened with the Governor of Mandera County in Kenya on Monday. The primary objective of their meeting was to address pressing issues concerning cross-border security and the movement of people along their shared frontier. The leaders engaged in a constructive dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in light of the increasing challenges posed by the al-Shabab…

After President Bola Tinubu's recent tour of the $20 billion Dangote refinery complex in Lekki, Lagos, a ripple of excitement spread across the country. Aliko Dangote himself described the impending changes as a “major shakedown” poised to influence not just the refinery but the entire nation. It’s an ambitious declaration, isn’t it? What could such a "shakedown" mean for Nigeria and its citizens? Although Dangote abstained from revealing every detail, his message was clear: this impending transformation will extend far…