West Africa

The Ongoing Struggle in Southern Somalia: Al-Shabab's Recent Gains In the ever-evolving landscape of conflict in Southern Somalia, the town of Wargaadhi has recently emerged as a focal point of contention. Amid escalating tension, Al-Shabab, the militant group with ties to Al-Qaeda, has claimed the seizure of Wargaadhi town and its military base. However, this declaration has been met with a resolute denial from the Somali government, igniting widespread speculation about the true state of control in the region. The reality…

In an encouraging turn of events, Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable 15.6 percent increase in its gas output month-on-month (MoM), reaching a substantial 227,931.65 million standard cubic feet (mscf) in March 2025. This surge not only highlights the nation's potential in natural gas production but also reflects the continued efforts towards enhancing the country's energy sector. When we step back to examine the year-on-year (YoY) data, the figures reveal a modest growth from the previous year, rising from 198,353.62 mscf in…

In recent developments from central Somalia, it has become glaringly evident that Al Shabaab, the extremist group that has long plagued the region, has made significant territorial gains. Their coordinated offensive has allowed them to reassert their influence across vital areas in Galgudud, Hiraan, and Mudug. This resurgence occurs amidst notable shifts in international security support for Somalia, with Turkey expanding its military commitments while U.S. involvement appears to be waning. A recent map released…

An Exciting Leap for Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector The recent commissioning of the Monarch Alloys Limited facility, which boasts cutting-edge 3LPE (three-layer polyethylene) and concrete weight coating capabilities, has captured the attention of industry leaders and stakeholders alike. Mr. Felix Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was quick to commend the leadership of Monarch Alloys Ltd for this significant achievement. It marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s…

In a surprising development that raises questions about governance and international relationships, Northeastern State's President Said Abdullahi Deni has seemingly transferred control of Bosaso Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without securing the necessary parliamentary approval. This move, shrouded in secrecy, has ignited a heated debate regarding Northeastern State's autonomy and its delicate ties with the federal Somali government. On March 5, satellite imagery uncovered a significant development: an…

Understanding the Complex Landscape of U.S. Involvement in Somalia The recent discussions among the Trump administration regarding the potential closure of the U.S. Embassy in Somalia reveal more than just security concerns; they highlight deeper inadequacies in our current military strategy. Amid escalating violence from al-Shabaab militants in various parts of the country, the fear is palpable—reminiscent of America’s chaotic departure from Afghanistan in 2021, where a hasty retreat triggered widespread geopolitical…

An Historic Diplomatic Encounter: President Cyril Ramaphosa Hosts President Volodymyr Zelensky On Thursday, a significant moment in the realm of international relations unfolded when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This meeting, profound in both its symbolism and substance, serves as a clear indication of Ramaphosa’s ongoing diplomatic endeavors aimed at fostering a resolution to the turbulent conflict in Ukraine. After…

The Ongoing Struggle in Wargaadhi: A Closer Look at the Somali Defense Situation In the complex landscape of Somalia’s ongoing struggle for safety and stability, recent claims regarding the village of Wargaadhi have stirred discussions both locally and internationally. Al-Shabaab, a militant group with a notorious history of insurgency, declared that it had seized control of Wargaadhi and had overrun the nearby army base. However, the Somali Defense Ministry took a firm stance, asserting that the village remains securely…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently delivered a sobering message directed at the Federal Government of Nigeria, urging the nation to maintain a watchful eye amidst escalating global trade tensions and increasingly stringent financial conditions. The IMF’s caution arises from a significant concern: if global demand starts to falter, Nigeria could see a sharp decline in its earnings from commodity exports. This is particularly alarming for a country heavily reliant on such revenue streams. This stark warning was…

The Federal Government of Nigeria is gearing up for a significant shift in its domestic bond market strategy. In the second quarter of 2025, the government seeks to raise approximately between N900 billion and N1.2 trillion, marking a notable decline from the N1.8 trillion initially targeted for the first quarter of this year. This adjustment reflects the challenges the Nigerian government faces in navigating a complex fiscal landscape. With the release of the FGN Bond Issuance Calendar for the upcoming quarter,…