West Africa

It’s an interesting time in the world of oil, particularly in Nigeria, where the national petroleum company and the Dangote refinery— the country’s pride, with a staggering $20 billion investment and an impressive capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd)— have recently shifted their sourcing strategy. In a surprising twist, they are now turning to the U.S. crude oil market. According to data from Bloomberg's ship tracking, this decision is set to take effect in 2025, marking a significant change in their operational…

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump reintroduced a significant element of his first-term agenda, announcing a travel ban that will affect citizens from 12 countries while imposing restrictions on another seven. This move, which takes effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m., appears to be a strategic attempt to sidestep the chaos that erupted at airports during a similar ban in 2017, which caught travelers off guard. As Trump hinted at the possibility of a new ban following his inauguration in January, it seems he now has…

My name is Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, and I have the profound honor of serving as an oncology nurse specialist at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre within the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. It’s a role that requires resilience, empathy, and a fierce commitment to those who are navigating one of life’s most formidable challenges: cancer. For the past 24 years, I have dedicated myself to guiding patients through this often arduous journey. It’s a journey I take great pride in,…

Mogadishu (AX) – The Banadir Regional Police Commissioner, Mahdi Omar Muumin, affectionately known as Moalim Mahdi, recently made a poignant announcement that reverberates through the corridors of our beloved capital, Mogadishu. He has set forth a significant reward of $30,000 for credible information that leads to the identification or arrest of the individuals responsible for the recent mortar attacks plaguing our city. On a bright Friday morning filled with promise, Commissioner Mahdi stood before the community,…

Mogadishu (AX) - In a significant stride toward enhancing national security, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in collaboration with the Somali National Army (SNA) and their international allies, has successfully executed a targeted military operation in the El-Hareeri area of the Hiiraan region. This operation has reportedly resulted in the elimination of over 40 al-Shabaab operatives—a decisive move that signals an unwavering commitment to combating extremism in the region. But what does this really…

A Milestone in Somali Football: Omar Artan's Historic Achievement In a remarkable chapter of sports history, Omar Artan has emerged as a beacon of hope and perseverance for his home country, Somalia. Recently, he made headlines by becoming the first Somali football referee to officiate a continental final, an accomplishment that has stirred immense pride and admiration among his fellow citizens. Artan's journey reached a significant milestone during the second leg of the African Champions League final, held in the vibrant…

Understanding the Latest US Travel Ban In a striking move that has once again ignited debates surrounding national security and immigration policy, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation effectively banning citizens from twelve countries from entering the United States. This initiative, as reported by Reuters, emerges as a protective measure against what the administration describes as “foreign terrorists” and various security threats. This travel ban is a continuation of Trump’s immigration crackdown launched…

In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, Somalia is set to receive T129 Atak helicopters from Turkey. This development stems from a defense agreement signed earlier this year, which has garnered attention from policymakers and analysts alike. How will these helicopters play into Somalia’s ongoing struggle against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab? The implications of this deal could be profound, as it represents not just a procurement of equipment but a step towards bolstering Somalia’s…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant step toward fostering unity and constructive dialogue, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed his determination to collaborate with national political leaders. This commitment was articulated in a recent statement from the Ministry of Information on Friday, which underlines the importance of addressing the multifaceted challenges that currently confront the nation. Recently, President Mohamud convened a pivotal meeting at the presidential palace that brought together leaders…

In recent years, the landscape of finance has shifted dramatically, particularly in Africa. More individuals are embracing cryptocurrency, not merely as a speculative investment, but as a viable method for managing funds swiftly and affordably. Amongst this evolving ecosystem, Nigeria stands out with its bustling crypto market. Within this vibrant context, one innovative platform is emerging as a game-changer, addressing a significant concern: how can one smoothly integrate cryptocurrency into daily financial needs…