West Africa

As each new year unfurls, African nations boasting resilient currencies against the US dollar find themselves at a unique fiscal advantage. From tempered inflation and a bolstered purchasing power to a flourishing confidence among investors, the financial landscape offers a promising horizon. But what lies at the heart of these monetary benefits, and how do they ripple through the broader economic canvas? A robust currency doesn't just provide a fiscal foundation—it shapes an environment brimming with…

The Brewing Storm in Somalia’s Political Landscape As the dust settles after the abrupt halt of what could have been a critical parliamentary session, reflections turn to the simmering tensions that grip Somalia's political stage. In a peculiar twist of events, opposition MPs were poised to challenge Barre’s government with a no-confidence motion. An air of suspense lingers as the motion, though not officially presented, casts a long shadow over the current political climate. Quorum failure—what does it say about the…

A Cultural Transformation: Rising Voices Against Domestic Abuse and the Growing Demand for Services As the sun peeked through an overcast sky on a chilly February morning in 2025, Fartun Weli stood outside the doors of Isuroon, the nonprofit she founded. Her eyes, shimmering with both determination and hope, were set firmly on the future. For many, this place represents a beacon of hope in the Twin Cities, offering refuge and resources to Somali and Afghan women facing the terrifying challenges of domestic and sexual…

Struggles and Hopes: A Story from Somali Regions In the colorful tapestry of Somali history, the narrative of contested lands and assertive leadership unfolds once again. This time, eyes turn to Abdiqadir Aw Ali Firdhiye, the indomitable leader of SSC Khatumo. He has issued a resolute call to arms, urging his supporters to intensify their efforts against North Western State of Somalia. Their mission? Reclaim territories embroiled in dispute, stretching across the regions of Sool and…

Remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa: A Complex and Expensive Journey Imagine this scenario: You're working hard in a foreign land, far from the warmth of your home, trying to make a better life for yourself and those you've left behind. Every month, you send a portion of your earnings back home. It’s a lifeline, not just for your family, but for the economy of your homeland. Now, consider the irony — while your remittances are crucial, the cost of sending this money can sometimes feel like an insurmountable barrier.…

Mogadishu (AX) – It was a gathering marked by mutual respect and a shared ambition. On a bright Tuesday in Nairobi, Somali Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Bashir Mohamed Jama, sat down with his Kenyan counterpart, Adan Barre Duale. The primary focus? To forge stronger ties between their respective environmental ministries and tackle challenges that know no borders. This significant meeting was not only a convergence of two political figures but a confluence of ideas and aspirations that could ripple positively…

In an enlightening four-part series filmed in the transformational months of May and June 2024, participants divided themselves into two distinct groups—one journeyed from the troubled lands of Syria, while the other embarked from the resilient nation of Somalia. Accompanied by vigilant security teams, they spent several arduous weeks traversing the same perilous routes that refugees from Somalia and Syria brave to reach the United Kingdom.…

How significant can a piece of cloth be, one might wonder, until it's draped across shoulders symbolizing regional unity amidst political shifts? This was the atmosphere on Monday when President Assimi Goïta of Mali was ceremoniously handed a flag representing the Confederation of Sahel States. The occasion, a grand affair, brought together dignitaries and ministers, all present to witness a small yet significant moment of history. The flag, admired by many, was described as “a very beautiful flag that will be brought to…

Reflecting on the 2025 Visa Waiver Program: A Broader Conversation Recently, the United States unveiled its list of countries eligible for its 2025 Visa Waiver Program. This announcement, while routine, serves as a mirror reflecting global relationships, priorities, and sometimes disparities. The program welcomes travelers from 40 nations spanning Europe, Asia, and sections of the Middle East, allowing them visa-free entry into the U.S. Yet, glaringly absent from this list are the nations of Africa, all 54 of them, causing…

In what can be described as a hallmark of international diplomacy, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently sat down with Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Mohammed Al-Dabaiba in the historic city of Tripoli. This meeting of minds wasn’t just a standard exchange of formalities and niceties; it was a meticulously orchestrated event aimed at breathing life into the diplomatic, economic, and security relations between the two nations. What are the ingredients for such a high-stakes dialogue, you might wonder? Against the…