West Africa

In recent times, the landscape of gold mining in Africa has been evolving rapidly, as nations across the continent actively seek to assert more control over their natural resources. This journey toward resource nationalism is gaining momentum, and Tanzania stands at the forefront of this movement. A significant policy decision has just been made, placing Tanzania alongside other African countries that are reevaluating their relationships with foreign mining companies. With rising global gold prices, this initiative…

The Transformational Impact of the Nagaad Project in Somalia In the heart of Somalia, the landscape is shifting. Farhiya and Halima, two remarkable women, stand as testaments to this transformation. They are part of a larger cohort of 583 women engaged in the World Bank-backed Somalia Urban Resilience Project – Phase II, affectionately known as the Nagaad Project. Co-financed by the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund, this initiative is not just about rebuilding infrastructure—it’s about reconstructing lives, redefining…

The Implications of Evolving Drone Technology in the Horn of Africa In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the sharing of advanced weaponry, particularly lethal drone technology, can reshape the dynamics of ongoing conflicts. The recent reports indicating a deepening relationship between Yemen’s Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis, and Somalia’s al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Somalia (IS Somalia), raise critical questions about the potential ramifications for regional stability. Consider this:…

New Direction for AFRICOM as Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson Takes Command In a significant shift for U.S. military strategy in Africa, President Donald Trump has officially announced the appointment of Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson as the next commander of U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM. This operational command holds a critical role in overseeing American military engagements and partnerships across much of the continent. What challenges will Anderson inherit, and how will he navigate the complex geopolitical…

Mali's Bold Step into Gold Refining: A New Chapter for the Economy Mali's government has recently unveiled its ambitious plans to establish a state-controlled gold refinery in collaboration with the Russian firm Yadran. This initiative is poised to significantly boost Mali’s gold sector earnings, a critical component of the nation’s economy. As a nation rich in mineral resources, how can it better leverage these assets to shape a prosperous future? Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou revealed that the newly formed…

Community Alarm Over Recent Violence: Seeking Solutions for Somali Youth MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The recent tragic events have sparked concern and prompted urgent conversations in the Somali community. Just last week, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting outside Northtown Mall in Blaine. This incident adds to a disturbing trend that has left many in the community anxiously searching for effective solutions. The victim, aged 15, lost his life in this heartbreaking incident, which occurred…

The Political Landscape of Somalia: A Growing Division Mogadishu (AX) — In recent days, a significant storm has been brewing within the political corridors of Somalia. The country's top opposition leaders have turned their ire towards the federal government, vocally opposing its controversial decision to suspend the C6+ international cooperation framework. This move, they argue, is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment but rather a politically charged initiative that threatens to isolate Somalia from crucial international…

The enormous success of the television show "Suits" has illuminated a powerful truth: even the most traditional and seemingly mundane sectors can be transformed into captivating narratives when infused with emotional richness and cultural resonance. It’s amazing how a well-crafted story can bring depth and excitement to any industry, no matter how esoteric it may seem to outsiders. Fueled by my affection for "Suits," I was thrilled to discover that Heirs Insurance Group was pioneering Africa's inaugural…

Ghana's Economic Progress: A New Dawn During a recent press briefing in Washington, D.C., Julie Kozack, the Director of Communications for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), offered an insightful update on Ghana's economic program. Her remarks echoed the commitment of the IMF to consider prevailing financial conditions and macroeconomic developments in future reviews. This isn’t just bureaucratic jargon; it’s a beacon of hope for Ghanaian citizens who have closely followed their…

Bossaso (AX) – On June 10, 2025, a significant airstrike was executed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a remote region southeast of Bossaso, Northeastern State. This operation, executed in conjunction with the Federal Government of Somalia, specifically targeted suspected fighters associated with ISIS-Somalia. AFRICOM offered a brief statement on the event, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining operational security by withholding intricate details about the strike itself. While confidentiality is…