West Africa

Revisiting the Narrative: The Somali Village at the Bradford Great Exhibition The year was 1904, a time when the landscape of Bradford transformed into a vibrant festival hub, drawing in millions eager to partake in what could be considered one of the largest public celebrations of the era. Yet, amid the jubilant fairgrounds and the displays of industrial prowess, the exhibition included an extraordinary feature that would leave an indelible mark on history—a living, breathing Somali village. For six months, roughly 100…

The Future of the African Union Mission in Somalia: A Balance of Responsibility In an era where the intricate dynamics of international relations intertwine with pressing security challenges, the future of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hangs delicately in the balance. As President William Ruto convened with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and General Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command, the topic of funding took center stage. On June 2, 2025, during the Africa Chiefs…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a remarkable display of tactical precision, the elite Danab commandos of the Somali National Army have successfully neutralized at least 25 Al-Shabaab militants, including three high-ranking commanders. This significant military operation unfolded in the village of Gaalware, which lies a mere four kilometers east of Sabiid and Caanoole in the Lower Shabelle region. The Ministry of Defense officially confirmed the operation on Sunday, shedding light on its remarkable outcomes. Alongside the elimination…

Russia's Deepening Ties with African Nations On a significant note this Monday, the Kremlin made a bold assertion: Russia is set to fortify its relationships with African countries, delving into sensitive domains such as defense and security. This announcement comes at a time when global dynamics are shifting, making one ponder—what might this mean for the nations involved and the broader geopolitical landscape? Most notably, this declaration follows the withdrawal of the Wagner Group, a…

The Rise and Fall of Ghana’s Gold for Oil Initiative In recent developments, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reported staggering financial losses, amounting to GH¢317 million in 2023 and escalating to GH¢1.82 billion in 2024. These figures are a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by regulatory institutions in navigating economic turbulence. Have you ever wondered how decisions like these ripple through a nation's economy? The central bank committed roughly GH¢4.69 billion to the Gold for Oil (G4O) initiative. In…

Makkah (AX) – In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Endorsements and Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, convened an important meeting on Sunday with Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the esteemed President of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı). This important dialogue took place at the Turkish Hajj Affairs Office, nestled within the holy city of Makkah, a location imbued with profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the globe. Sheikh Robow…

In a surprising turn of events, the electoral landscape in Côte d'Ivoire has shifted dramatically. Four key opposition leaders have found themselves excluded from the final list of candidates eligible for the upcoming presidential election. Among the most notable is Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI). His disqualification stems from a controversial court ruling questioning his nationality at the time of registration, subsequently barring him not only from running in the elections scheduled…

As the nation gears up for its impending presidential elections in just a few months, uncertainty looms over the political landscape. President Alassane Ouattara has yet to announce whether he will seek a new term, leaving citizens and political analysts alike in suspense. Adding to this uncertainty is a cloud of disqualification that currently shadows several prominent opposition leaders. Notably, former President Laurent Gbagbo remains a polarizing figure; his past adds complexity to any political maneuvering. Then…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy display of international camaraderie, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan engaged in a phone conversation with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This exchange served not merely as a diplomatic gesture but as a reaffirmation of Turkey’s steadfast support for Somalia—support that encompasses not only developmental goals but also critical facets of security and democratic aspirations. The dialogue between the two leaders was more than just a routine check-in. According to a statement…

Tragedy Unfolds in Central Nigeria's Mokwa: Death Toll Rises In a heart-wrenching turn of events, flash floods in Mokwa, Nigeria, have claimed 36 lives so far, with rescue teams relentlessly combing the area in hopes of finding more survivors. The unforgiving downpour on Wednesday night swept through this central region, displacing families and demolishing over 50 homes. According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesperson for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), "As of this morning, 11…