West Africa

This week, leaders from the Commonwealth, a global organization primarily comprised of former British colonies, have convened in the picturesque Pacific island nation of Samoa. After two decades of waiting, it’s Africa’s turn to fill the Secretary-General role. However, the agenda is igniting debate, particularly regarding the contentious topic of reparations. In the spotlight are three contenders fiercely competing for the esteemed position: Ghana's Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; the erstwhile trade and…

CREDIT / SONNA Mogadishu Celebrates Turkish Partnership In a show of camaraderie, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alongside military brass, greets an honor guard in Mogadishu. This ceremony shines a spotlight on Turkey's steadfast partnership with Somalia, particularly with recent strides in defense and energy collaboration. Agreement Spurs Energy Exploration Mogadishu (AX) - In a leap towards bolstering economic partnership, Turkey and Somalia ink a landmark agreement targeting onshore oil and gas pursuits,…

The government of Liberia has unveiled plans to revoke multiple diplomatic appointments at its overseas missions. Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah revealed that President Joseph Boakai made this decision to "synchronize the roles with the governance demands and diplomatic strategy of the nation." This move is seen as a strategic alignment with the prevailing needs of the country, steering clear of prior engagements that no longer resonate with Liberia's evolving foreign policy. Piah emphasized that the process of…

Mogadishu (AX) — Underneath the bright Mogadishu skies, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warmly welcomed German Ambassador Sebastian Groth to the Presidential Palace on a Thursday that promised progress as they delved into dialogues on enhancing their bilateral ties.President Mohamud ardently called for amplifying Germany’s backing for Somalia’s quest to rebuild and progress, with a clear spotlight on revitalizing vocational training schemes. The President passionately expressed how these moves are crucial for fostering…

According to Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Kamala Harris has shown a genuine dedication to African affairs. If she succeeds in the upcoming presidential election in the United States, "her administration could greatly enhance and build upon the positive momentum in U.S.-Africa relations.” Carson, a seasoned diplomat with an extensive legacy centered on African policy, advocates for a range of strategies aimed at elevating the partnership between the U.S. and Africa to new heights. He begins by emphasizing Nigeria's pivotal…

On October 24, 2024, the Somali Health Minister, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, took the stage during a gathering in Mogadishu to commemorate World Polio Day. This occasion underscored Somalia's fresh determination to stamp out polio and ramp up vaccination campaigns in alliance with WHO and UNICEF. CREDIT: Ministry of Health - Somalia/ X (Twitter) Mogadishu (AX) — On World Polio Day, Somalia, hand in hand with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, reaffirmed its pledge to eliminate polio, urging heightened actions to shield…

Mogadishu (AX) — Canada has revealed a substantial rollback in its immigration strategy, scaling down the influx of newcomers amid escalating challenges in housing and social services. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the revamped plan, adjusting Canada’s permanent residency target for 2025 from a half-million to 395,000. That’s slicing it down by a hefty 21%. Trudeau confessed that his team “misjudged the balance” between filling job vacancies and managing immigration levels.Public mood is swaying these days. Recent…

 Mogadishu (AX) — The Turkish research ship, Oruc Reis, has anchored off the coast of Somalia, kicking off a seven-month exploration to hunt for oil and gas possibilities within licensed Somali seas. "The ship's arrival signifies Türkiye's deepening energy alliances with East Africa," remarked Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar on Friday.Enveloped in cutting-edge technology for complex three-dimensional seismic research, the vessel will sweep across three selected offshore zones, each stretching around 5,000 square…

President Bola Tinubu has undertaken a significant reshuffle of his 45-member cabinet, introducing seven fresh faces, dismissing five officials, and assigning new roles to another ten. This strategic move is intended to bolster the effectiveness of his administration as it strives to fulfill its commitments to the Nigerian populace. The shake-up saw the departure of key figures including the ministers of education, tourism, women's affairs, and youth development. Additionally, the junior minister responsible for housing was…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a move hailed as a remarkable humanitarian achievement, Somalia has brought back home 164 of its citizens from Libya, who arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday.The returnees were greeted by government dignitaries, among them Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Abdirizak Mohamed and Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Fartaag.Orchestrated by Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, this homecoming required a joint effort with the European Union (EU), the International Organization for Migration…