West Africa

Bribery in Ghana: Insights from the Governance Series Wave 1 Report In a sobering revelation from Ghana's recently released Governance Series Wave 1 Report, nearly one in five individuals, specifically 18.4%, who interacted with public officials over the past year admitted to offering bribes, predominantly in cash. This statistic not only sheds light on a pervasive issue but also challenges us to consider the broader implications of such behavior on society. This report is part of Ghana’s ambitious effort to assess its…

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Addresses Allegations of Coercion in Student Registration Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) found itself dismissing accusations that it pressured university students to register for the Banadir Regional Council elections. The claims originated from opposition leaders, notably Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Wadajir Party and the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Hizbul Islam. They…

A New Era for AfDB: Sidi Ould Tah Steps Up In a significant development for African finance, Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania has been elected as the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. This decision was made during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. As an observer of this pivotal moment, one might ask: what does this mean for the future of development in Africa? Stepping into this crucial role, Tah will inherit the leadership from outgoing…

FILE - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., defending sweeping cuts to foreign aid programs. Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently found himself at the center of a storm, facing increasing backlash from health experts and humanitarian organizations over his defense of substantial reductions in foreign aid. During a congressional hearing on May 21, Rubio made a contentious claim: “No one has died because of USAID”— a statement quickly challenged…

In a pivotal moment for African development, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Mauritanian finance minister, has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This noteworthy achievement follows a keenly contested election held during the Board of Governors' meeting in Abidjan, where Tah triumphantly emerged victorious after three challenging rounds of voting. In the end, he garnered a remarkable 76% of the votes, signaling a robust endorsement from his peers. As the news reverberated across the…

Introducing the POCO X7 Pro: A New Era of Power In a world where our devices are an extension of ourselves, the POCO X7 Pro emerges as a captivating blend of cutting-edge technology and striking design. This smartphone is crafted for the tech-savvy users—whether gamers or creative professionals—who seek nothing short of excellence in every interaction. Imagine holding a device that doesn’t just comply with your needs but anticipates them. Available in three eye-catching colors—Black, Green, and the vibrant POCO Yellow—the…

Remembering General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice It is with profound sorrow that we reflect on the life and legacy of General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, a stalwart figure in Somalia’s military history, who passed away on May 28, 2025, in a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. This news, delivered through an official statement by Somali MP Abdullahi Aden Kulane, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have defended our nation's sovereignty. “With great sorrow, I extend my…

TotalEnergies Divests Stake in Nigeria’s Bonga Oil Field: Implications for the Industry On a notable Thursday, French energy powerhouse TotalEnergies made headlines by announcing its decision to sell a 12.5% non-operating stake in Nigeria’s Bonga oil field. The buyer of this stake is none other than a subsidiary of Shell, with the transaction valued at an impressive $510 million. Such a substantial move is indicative of broader trends in the energy sector, where strategic shifts are not just common—they’re essential for…

Somali National Army Takes Major Strides Against Al-Shabaab Beledweyne (AX) — In a continuing effort to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside local militia forces, launched a meticulously planned assault on militant positions in the Aboorey area of Buula Burte district, located in the Hiiraan region, early Thursday morning. The vivid imagery of modern warfare is often marked by unforeseen tension and a palpable sense of urgency. Imagine for a moment,…

Somalia’s Unforgettable Football Renaissance: A Hopeful Future in the Stadium of Dreams On May 27, 2025, Mogadishu Stadium was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of joy and optimism. Thousands of Somalis, both young and old, gathered under the sun to witness what many called a landmark exhibition football match. The atmosphere was electric, invoking a sense of shared purpose that transcended the boundaries of sport. At the heart of this grand event, supported by FIFA’s “peace tour,” was a mission to rejuvenate Somalia’s…