West Africa

With a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria stands as one of Africa's most populous nations, a social tapestry woven from numerous ethnicities and cultures. It should come as no surprise that it relies heavily on imports to meet its burgeoning domestic demand. From sophisticated machinery to the simplest of food supplies, Nigeria imports a wide array of products to sustain its households and fuel its industries. Picture Lagos, the bustling commercial heartbeat of Nigeria, a city that never sleeps, where trade is…

Pastoralists survey their barren land, reflecting a profound loss - a poignant image of their once-thriving livestock grazing the arid landscape. In the heart of Somalia's Mudug region, approximately 1,500 families residing in the Ali-Waal area are grappling with devastating hardships. Fragmented pieces of their livelihoods have been eroded by the relentless grip of drought. Over the past three months, most of these families have watched, helplessly, as their once-plentiful herds dwindled due to an unforgiving climate that…

Building Bridges: Ghana's Strategic Diplomacy The world is evolving rapidly, and countries are more interconnected than ever. Amidst this backdrop, the recent announcements from Ghana’s Foreign Ministry draw attention to some pivotal diplomatic strides. A key declaration by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, set the tone for what promises to be a transformative phase for both Ghana and its allies. But why is this development significant, and how does it reflect broader global trends? Binding…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia, amidst the daily hustle and bustle of Afgooye district in the Lower Shabelle region, tragedy struck on a day otherwise unremarkable. On Monday, echoes of dread vibrated through the air as several mortar shells rained down, leaving devastation in their wake. Among the fallen was a dedicated police officer, Hussein Haji Mohamed, who many knew fondly as Aw Koombe. His story intertwines with the chaotic narratives of many who serve their communities every day. Around ten mortars…

In a recent announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed the contenders for the highly sought-after position of Regional Director for Africa. This revelation comes in the wake of the untimely passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, a distinguished Tanzanian public health expert, who was poised to assume the role in November 2024. Tanzania has formally nominated Professor Mohamed Janabi, an esteemed cardiologist and health advisor to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. His expansive experience and deep-rooted…

A recent investigation conducted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) sheds light on a complex web of challenges facing the Sahel region. The study indicates that, while a direct link between climate change and terrorism may not be readily apparent, the effects of climate change on agricultural production and natural resource distribution can set the stage for local conflicts. These disruptions, stemming from shifting weather patterns, often lead communities to compete fiercely for essential resources. Consider, for…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) — In an intriguing twist of events, a significant number of Al-Shabaab militants, complete with their combat vehicles, have made their way to the Bay and Bakool regions. This move follows recent setbacks they faced during fierce military engagements in the Middle Shabelle region, as confirmed by military officials on Monday. General Hassan Isaaq Omar, affectionately referred to as Hassan Baidoa, commands the Somali National Army's (SNA) formidable 60th…

In the ever-changing landscape of international diplomacy, moments arise where collective action speaks louder than individual efforts. Recently, such a moment was captured when Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined an essential virtual gathering of leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The backdrop of their discussion was the increasingly troubling security situation unraveling in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The dialogue,…

The recent joint summit between the Eastern African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) brought fresh hope for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The gathering resulted in the establishment of an expanded panel tasked with spearheading peace initiatives in a region fraught with turmoil, following Angola’s withdrawal as a mediator. This strategic adjustment is vital, considering the DRC’s ongoing struggles. The revised panel features an impressive lineup of former leaders,…

The journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, with Match Day 6 fast approaching. As several African national teams prepare to take the field, a mix of tension, excitement, and aspiration fills the air. With some teams striving to solidify their positions, others are desperate for a revival, hoping to breathe new life into their qualification dreams. Particularly intriguing this day are five matches that analysts suggest will be pivotal. One such encounter features Ghana, currently perched at the top of Group…