West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is navigating tumultuous waters. As jihadist groups proliferate, taking advantage of strained inter-state relations, the specter of violence looms large over countries in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Recent months have seen a disturbing rise in violent incidents, particularly in nations like Benin and Nigeria. It raises an important question: How can regional organizations effectively combat such escalating security threats amidst political disarray? A…

Security Alert Issued Following Abuja Explosion The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has recently issued a significant security alert in response to a troubling explosion that occurred in Abuja on Monday. This incident resulted not only in the death of the suspected bomber but also left one other individual injured. Such occurrences raise alarms, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life in various parts of the world, and especially in regions facing heightened security risks. In its advisory, the U.S. Embassy urged all…

JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (AX) — Mustafa Mohamed Omar, widely recognized as Mustafa Cagjar, the President of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, has firmly rejected recent allegations asserting that his administration played a role in sowing division within the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). These claims originated from a faction of the ONLF, which has accused the regional government of intentionally causing a schism within the organization. In a revealing interview with BBC Somali, President Cagjar dismissed these…

Understanding the Economic Toll of Visa Rejections on African Nations The losses incurred by African countries from rejected visa applications often serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals seeking opportunities abroad. These rejections are not just numbers; they represent dreams dashed and aspirations not realized. Specifically, these losses arise from a broad category of EU-issued visas, which encompasses national visas intended for study, employment, and long-term residence. Imagine…

Mogadishu (AX) — A pivotal gathering is on the horizon for key Somali opposition figures, who are set to convene in Mogadishu this Wednesday. This high-level conference aims to tackle pressing issues surrounding the nation's electoral process and overall security, especially in light of the escalating political tensions with the federal government. The opposition members, speaking with local media, have emphasized that this summit is not just another meeting; it represents a crucial opportunity to deliberate on the future…

Understanding the Recent Halt on Student Visa Appointments in the U.S. The Trump administration has introduced a temporary freeze on student visa appointments at U.S. embassies. This decision stems from a broader push to enhance social media vetting protocols for foreign students—a move that has stirred considerable discussion in both academic circles and among prospective students worldwide. Issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this directive mandates American embassies to pause scheduling new student visa…

Nigeria's Economic Strategy: A Deeper Dive into President Bola Tinubu's Recent Proposals President Bola Tinubu has recently presented a significant request to the National Assembly, seeking approval for a borrowing plan amounting to a staggering $21.54 billion, €2.19 billion, and ¥15 billion. This financial maneuver is designed to not merely bolster the national coffers, but to strategically support vital sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, water resources, security, and essential…

Beledweyne (AX) – In a significant gathering aimed at tackling the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab, senior leaders from both the Somali government and the regional councils convened in Tardo town, located in the Hiiraan region. This meeting, held on Tuesday, was essential for fostering collaboration between military forces and local communities, especially given the complexities of the evolving security landscape. Leading this high-level delegation was Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the Director of the National…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a momentous Tuesday, Mogadishu Stadium transformed into a vibrant tapestry of hope and camaraderie, as it hosted a remarkable peace football match that united African football legends, enthusiastic spectators, and influential regional sports authorities. This historic event not only highlighted talent but also signified a pivotal moment of unity and resilience for Somalia’s sporting aspirations. The match was graced by prominent figures such as Augustino Parek Maduot, the President of the Council of…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently conducted a mission in Egypt, which offered intriguing insights into the nation’s economic landscape. After a thorough assessment, the IMF emphasized a single, pivotal need for Egypt: broadening its tax base. This step is crucial for reinforcing the progress Egypt has made toward achieving greater macroeconomic stability. "Egypt has made substantial progress toward macroeconomic stability," remarked Vladkova Hollar, the IMF Mission Chief for Egypt. Such affirmations from…