West Africa

Somalia's Military Court Takes a Stand Against Al-Shabaab Mogadishu (AX) — In a landmark case that underscores the ongoing battle against militant forces in Somalia, the military court has sentenced a key Al-Shabaab operative, Abdinasir Mohamed Hassan, to life in prison. This ruling comes as part of a broader initiative to dismantle the intricate web of support networks that enable such extremist groups to operate. Hassan's conviction marks a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism…

In a remarkable gesture that highlights the intersection of philanthropy and global goodwill, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently bestowed the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) upon Bill Gates. This honour is a testament to Gates' unwavering commitment to enhancing global health, advancing education, and alleviating poverty—all areas where his contributions have brought about significant change. As Gates visits Nigeria, his agenda includes critical discussions with President…

Somalia's National Conference on Arms Management: A Step Towards Greater Security Mogadishu (AX) — Recently, Somalia concluded a significant two-day national conference focused on arms and ammunition management, leaving many to ponder the pivotal issues at hand. Held in the vibrant capital of Mogadishu, the conference aimed to address the escalating threat from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), primarily employed by Al-Shabaab militants. Indeed, in a nation where the echoes of conflict still resonate, the stakes could…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent and decisive operation, Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) successfully neutralized a senior operative affiliated with Al-Shabaab. This operation took place on Tuesday in the Lower Shabelle region, an area that has long been a hotbed for insurgent activities, as announced by the federal government. The gravity of this achievement is underscored by the militant's critical role in orchestrating Al-Shabaab operations in the Dhanaane and Gandarshe areas. Though the…

In our fast-paced, ever-evolving world, staying connected is more important than ever. But what if I told you there’s a groundbreaking solution that makes this connection seamless and efficient? Enter the eSIM. With the visionary strides of Prestmit, this revolutionary technology is making its mark across Africa, simplifying global connectivity for individuals from all walks of life. What Exactly is an eSIM? An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital incarnation of the traditional SIM card. Instead of the…

Renewable Energy: A New Dawn for Somalia and Azerbaijan Mogadishu (AX) — In an inspiring leap towards a sustainable future, Somalia has inked a significant memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan, aimed at enhancing collaboration in renewable energy. This agreement stands as a testament to Somalia’s ongoing reforms to revitalize its energy sector, opening a chapter filled with potential and promise. The announcement came from Somalia's enthusiastic Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Abdullahi Bidhaan Warsame,…

In an encouraging turn of events for the banking sector, Fitch Ratings has recently upgraded the rating of Fidelity Bank, highlighting the organization's remarkable resilience and effective strategies. This significant uplift was attributed to Fidelity Bank’s successful capital raise through a rights issue and public offering, along with an impressive improvement in its profitability, largely driven by increased interest income paired with a solid foundation of low-cost current and savings deposits. Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,…

Empowering Education Through Tailored Learning Programs In a world where conventional education often treads the path of rigidity, it's refreshing to see initiatives that prioritize individual skill acquisition over traditional metrics like age or grade. The Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) program, launched in Somalia during the 2023–2024 academic year, is a prime example of this transformative approach. Spearheaded by UNICEF and implemented by the Bay Regional Education Committee (BREC), the program aims to create a…

The Alarming State of Blocked Airline Funds: A Deep Dive Into Africa's Aviation Sector The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently published a comprehensive report that’s raising eyebrows across the globe. What’s particularly striking is that out of fifteen nations listed, twelve from Africa are responsible for approximately 65% of the total blocked airline funds, which resonates to the tune of $846 million—that's quite a hefty sum. Altogether, these funds, which stand at an alarming total of $1.3…

The Rising Tide of African Billionaires: A Mixed Bag of Fortunes Wealth can be a fickle mistress, offering some a gilded life while leaving others in the shadows. Recently, we’ve witnessed an intriguing shift among Africa's billionaires—a tale of contrasts where some fortunes surge while others dwindle. When contemplating the complexities of wealth, it’s worth asking ourselves: what drives these changes? For instance, Aliko Dangote, often hailed as Nigeria's industrial titan, has recently seen a remarkable…