West Africa

In a formal statement issued on Saturday, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs articulated deep concern regarding the recent escalation of hostilities between two nations, signaling a worrying trend that seems poised to destabilize the already fragile landscape of the Middle East. The insights shared by the Ministry elevate a crucial question: How can global diplomacy navigate the hostile currents that threaten to envelop this region? Reports indicate that the current conflict has involved a series of missile…

Ethiopia Raises Concerns Over Egyptian Military Presence in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — Tensions in the Horn of Africa are escalating as Ethiopia’s chief military officer recently raised alarms regarding an increased military presence from Egypt in Somalia. This situation poses what Ethiopia considers a substantial threat to its national security, drawing attention from both regional observers and the international community. During a parliamentary briefing in Addis Ababa, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, the Chief of…

Recently, I had the opportunity to engage in a roundtable discussion with The Africa Report. During this compelling conversation, Bill Gates raised a significant point regarding the intricate relationship between political stability and healthcare systems in regions led by military governments. He acknowledged that while political dynamics can vary widely, certain areas remain bastions of healthcare efficiency. Gates stated, “Some of those countries run, within the areas of stability, pretty decent health…

Strengthening Ties: World Bank's Visit to Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — On a significant note for Somalia's development journey, Dr. Zarau Wendeline, the World Bank Africa regional director, arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday. His two-day visit aimed to bolster collaboration with the Somali government and evaluate key developmental projects in progress. A moment of recognition was palpable as Dr. Wendeline stepped onto the tarmac of Aden Adde International Airport, warmly welcomed by Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Finance,…

Denmark’s Bold Initiative: A Gateway for African Students Denmark is embarking on an ambitious journey to enrich cultural and diplomatic relations by welcoming 230 African students annually over the next eight years. This initiative, as reported by LocalDenmark, aims not just to enhance education but to forge deeper connections that will serve both Denmark and the African continent. It's a remarkable vision, but what does it mean for the individuals…

Somalia's Muhidin Abubakar Makes History at UAE Warriors 60 ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AX) — On an electrifying Friday night, Muhidin Abubakar, the trailblazing fighter from Somalia, made his mark in martial arts history by defeating Victor “Sombra” Nunes from Brazil by unanimous decision at UAE Warriors 60. This victory not only secured him the interim flyweight title but also made him the first Somali fighter to ever clinch a championship within this promotion. Competing at the impressive Space 42 Arena in Abu…

In the heart of Hargeisa, North Western State of Somalia, two young men are weaving a tale of compassion and resilience. Aydarus Mustafa Arab and Abdillahi Abdi Muse have become essential figures in a grassroots blood donor network, actively assisting hundreds of patients who desperately need transfusions, particularly those with rare blood types. Their approach? Harnessing the power of social media and unwavering community engagement. In a region where medical resources are scarce, Abdillahi and Aydarus have taken on the…

Tune in to Dateline's latest episode from the Netherlands on June 17 at 9:30 PM on SBS and SBS On Demand. This week, we delve deep into the life of Haruun Yussuf Sharif, a man walking the challenging streets of Immerloo, one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Netherlands. In the eastern city of Arnhem, where drug-related crime rates soar—nearly double the national average—Haruun's story offers a lens into the heart of a multicultural community grappling with the grim realities of organized crime. In this pressing…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AX) — After a two-day hiatus marked by protests against rampant extortion, Somali-run spaza shops in Khayelitsha's Site C township reopened on Friday. The decision to shut down wasn’t made lightly; local traders felt compelled to act as the threat from gangs escalated to levels that were simply unbearable. Imagine a community reliant on small, informal shops for daily essentials, which suddenly find themselves devoid of those crucial resources. June 11 and 12 felt particularly bleak for many…

Mahad Salad's Return: A Pivotal Move in Somali Security The recent reinstatement of Mahad Mohamed Salad as the head of Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) arrives at a critical juncture. With national elections on the horizon and the persistent threat of terrorism looms large, his return promises to reshape the security landscape of the Horn of Africa nation. Salad previously garnered acclaim for his impactful leadership during his initial tenure. Under his direction, Mogadishu…