West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — On Monday, a disconcerting incident unfolded as several mortar shells were launched toward the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu. This base is not merely a structure; it serves as a critical hub for United Nations operations, African Union personnel, and various Western diplomatic missions. Such attacks remind us of the fragility of peace in contested regions and the constant threats faced by those serving in the line of duty. Eyewitness accounts suggest that some of the mortars landed within…

Kenya's Recent Earthquake: A Closer Look On a serene Sunday afternoon, as the clock struck 4:17 PM, a tremor rippled through the picturesque coastal towns of Kenya, leaving many residents startled. The epicenter of this seismic event was located in the Indian Ocean, and it registered a magnitude of 4.5. For those living in Mombasa and its surrounding villages, the ground beneath their feet morphed from solid stability to a fleeting reminder of nature's unpredictable power. Imagine going about your day—perhaps enjoying…

The World Bank predicts a modest but notable increase in economic activity across Sub-Saharan Africa, projecting growth to rise from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, with expectations to further accelerate to 4.3% by 2026-27. This forecast brings a glimmer of hope, yet many underlying challenges remain. According to the latest Africa’s Pulse report, the growth potential of the region is heavily influenced by a few heavyweight economies. Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa, among the largest economies on the continent,…

Russia Extends Invitation to Somali President for Upcoming Summit Mogadishu (AX) — In an important diplomatic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially invited Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to participate in the forthcoming Russia–Arab League Summit. Scheduled to take place later this year, this summit presents a significant opportunity for Somalia to enhance its connections on an international scale. The invitation was formally conveyed on a recent Sunday by Mikhail L. Bogdanov, who…

Conflict Escalates: Al-Shabab Pushes for Control in Southern Somalia In a stark reminder of the ongoing turmoil that has gripped Somalia for over 16 years, recent clashes have erupted between Al-Shabab fighters and Somali military forces. As reported by government officials and military spokespersons, the focal point of this struggle is a strategic army base located in the town of Wargaadhi, nestled within the Middle Shabelle region. This battle is about more than mere territory; it’s about control over critical…

Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism The shadow of terrorism looms large over Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. It’s a stark reminder that even in the face of progress, we must remain vigilant. “The threat of terrorism remains real and immediate in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. We risk losing the hard-earned gains we fought so hard to achieve,” warns Oboth, encapsulating the anxiety that many share. But what exactly does this mean for the everyday lives of ordinary Somalis? This question is not just…

African Union peacekeepers from Uganda stand vigilant, ensuring the safety of Somali lawmakers as they approach the Halane military camp in Mogadishu to cast their crucial votes in the presidential election on May 15, 2022. This moment encapsulates the shared hope for stability and progress in a nation long plagued by conflict. (AP file photo) NAIROBI: The unfolding narrative of the African peacekeeping mission in Somalia reveals an urgent need for reinforcements. A statement from military heads of troop-contributing…

The African Union (AU) remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering peace and stability in Somalia, even as it grapples with significant financial hurdles impacting its peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa. This dedication is not merely a bureaucratic obligation; it's a pressing moral imperative driven by the multi-layered struggles of the Somali people. Can we truly imagine a future where these challenges are met with unwavering resolve? At the forefront of this initiative is the Chairperson of the African Union…

The Future of U.S. Foreign Aid in Malawi: A Tipping Point for Infrastructure and Development Recently, a significant shift has occurred in U.S. foreign aid that has sent shockwaves through Malawi and beyond. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a prominent U.S. foreign aid agency, is in the process of winding down its operations. This decision has resulted in the abrupt cancellation of Malawi’s $350 million Transport and Land Compact. Tragically, only a handful of other projects across the globe will see their…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant step towards democratic renewal, Somalia's Independent National Electoral Commission has initiated a new voter registration campaign across six additional districts in Mogadishu. This launch, which occurred on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in preparations for the country’s first local council elections based on a one-person, one-vote system in nearly fifty years. The districts now included in this registration effort—Hodan, Howlwadaag, Kaaraan, Yaaqshiid, Warta Nabadda, and…