West Africa

Ghana Directs Foreign Nationals to Exit Local Gold Market by April 30, 2025 It was barely a year ago when a conversation over coffee in Accra turned to the booming gold trade and the significant presence of foreign entities involved. My companion, a dedicated small-scale miner by profession, voiced a wary hope, "One day, perhaps, Ghana will have better control of its own precious resources." It seems now, that day has come. On April 14, Ghana officially announced a sweeping directive urging all foreign nationals…

Historic Step for Somalia: Voter Registration Campaign Launches in Mogadishu Sunday morning marked a historic milestone in Somalia, as citizens witnessed the launch of the country's first nationwide voter registration drive in nearly half a century. Taking place in the vibrant heart of Mogadishu, this ambitious campaign signals an unprecedented turning point as Somalia strives to move beyond a longstanding tradition of clan-based politics toward a direct, democratic electoral process. Can a nation marred by decades of…

April 12, 2025, will be remembered as a pivotal day at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya, Turkiye, when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took the stage at the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2025), offering a compelling narrative of hope and resilience. Under the bright lights of the forum, President Mohamud spoke with sincerity and determination, charting Somalia’s progress in counterterrorism and acknowledging Türkiye as a staunch ally. “Türkiye and Somalia are real partners based on mutual interests,” he…

President Donald Trump departs O’Hare International Airport after speaking at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference and Exposition, Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Mogadishu (AX) On a Sunday that could be remembered as telling of international affairs, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his unwavering support towards Somalia against the rising Houthi movement. In a rather bold proclamation, he…

The enchanting realm of Lesotho has officially embraced a new era of internet connectivity, as Elon Musk's brainchild, Starlink, secures the green light for its operation. With the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) warmly announcing the licensing of the satellite network, an enthusiastic anticipation fills the air. Imagine a remote, mountainous kingdom now tethered to the world through beams of light from space, a scene straight out of science fiction becoming a tangible reality. It’s fascinating to ponder…

In recent weeks, the oil industry has faced a series of dynamic shifts, influenced by global activities that ripple through economies far and wide. Amongst these shifts, Donald Trump's recent tariff policy casts a long shadow, driving significant decreases in global crude oil prices. It's a complex web where the actions in one corner of the world set off reactions in others—almost like the sophisticated dance of dominos, unpredictable yet meticulously precise.…

In the vibrant city of Mogadishu, a significant moment in Somali politics is unfolding. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended a formal invitation to Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, commonly known as Firdhiye, the esteemed leader of the interim SSC-Khaatumo administration. Firdhiye has been asked to engage in the pivotal National Consultative Council meeting set to occur in early May. This meeting is gaining considerable attention, as it promises to be a confluence of ideas and a catalyst for political change in the region.…

Imagine being a small territory with ambitions as grand as a nation! North Western State of Somalia stands out as a unique player on the geopolitical chessboard. Since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it has functioned with its government, military, and even its own currency. Yet, the world hasn't officially recognized it. Intriguing, isn't it? For over three decades, they've sailed their ship with resilience and ambition. What adds a layer of complexity to this situation is North Western State of Somalia’s…

The Rise of Camel Milk: A Global Perspective How often do we pause to consider the hidden potential within ancient traditions? The 2023 FAOSTAT report presents a unique opportunity to re-evaluate camel milk, a traditional staple, through a modern economic lens. Here's a closer look at how this age-old resource is making waves in today's markets. Leading Producers of Camel Milk in 2023 FAOSTAT's latest data identifies the top 10 producers of raw camel milk, underscoring a fascinating…

Exploring the Underestimated Power of Multiple Rocket Launchers Have you ever wondered what lies behind the curtains of Africa's expanding military prowess? While drones and armored vehicles often steal the spotlight, it's the multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) that have, somewhat quietly, made their mark as formidable allies on the battleground. In the conversations around military hardware, MRLs may not be the first topic to pop up, yet the truth is, these artillery systems silently hold a pivotal place in various…