West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, the calm of various neighborhoods in Mogadishu was shattered by the sound of mortar shells raining down upon Hamarweyne, Hamar Jajab, and Shibis districts. This unsettling attack coincided with Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission’s (NIEC) ongoing voter registration efforts across the capital, a pivotal moment in the nation's democratic journey. Emerging reports paint a troubling picture: at least one individual has lost their life, while three…

Garowe (AX) — In a significant stride toward restoring peace in the region, Northeastern State regional forces have triumphantly announced the complete eradication of Islamic State (ISIS) fighters from the Dooxada Miraale area in the Bari region. This milestone followed a protracted and intense military operation that carried on into Friday. The struggle to reclaim this strategic locale signifies not just a tactical victory, but a profound commitment to the quest for safety and stability in northeastern Somalia. A succinct…

Nigeria's Oil Export Prospects: A Strategic Move with Tüpraş In a significant move aimed at enhancing its oil export ambitions, Nigeria has found a promising partner in Turkey’s largest refinery, Tüpraş. This partnership not only indicates a shift in export strategies but also highlights the importance of global energy markets in driving national economic objectives. As Nigeria strives to capitalize on its oil resources, Tüpraş is set to become a key buyer of Nigerian crude oil, ushering in a new chapter in this…

A New Era of Gaming in Africa Historically, Africa has often been overlooked as a key player in the global gaming industry. Various challenges have plagued the continent—notably, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential gaming hardware, and the prohibitive costs associated with data usage. However, a heartening transformation is underway. Nations such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt are witnessing the emergence of thriving gaming communities, buoyed by better online connectivity, the rise…

Tariffs pose a significant threat to an estimated $8 billion in African exports to the United States. This predicament jeopardizes decades of commercial relationships built on mutual trust and economic collaboration. It begs the question: how did we reach a point where the interests of emerging economies are sidelined in favor of broader economic policies? According to a recent report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the implications of Donald Trump’s new tariff policies extend far…

The Power of Partnerships: Somali Ambassadors Call for Heightened Collaboration in the Hospitality Sector In a compelling address to the attendees of the East Africa Somali Awards, Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, passionately advocated for strengthening partnerships between Kenya and Somalia. His focus on the hospitality industry illuminated the significant achievements of Somali entrepreneurs, who have firmly established their presence and reputation in this vibrant sector. “These…

Garowe (AX) — On a remarkable Friday, Northeastern State security forces took decisive action in an aggressive offensive against the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS) nestled in the Calmiskaad mountain range in the Bari region. This carefully coordinated operation signifies not just a tactical maneuver, but a resonant shift in the fight against terrorism in Somalia. As the sun rose over the terrain, hopes soared that this might mark the culmination of a relentless struggle against an insidious threat. The focus of this…

Deepening Relations: The Evolving Uganda-Russia Alliance In recent months, Uganda and Russia have made significant strides to bolster their relationship. This growing partnership isn't merely a coincidence; it reflects a thoughtful alignment of geopolitical interests and mutual benefits for both nations. Why is this shift happening now, and what does it mean for the future of international relations in this region? A notable development occurred recently when Russia extended a generous donation of $3 million worth of…

On a significant Thursday, the Somali army achieved a noteworthy victory in its ongoing battle against terrorism, eliminating 47 al-Shabaab operatives in a series of targeted attacks. One such operation unfolded in Aadan Yabaal, a town that had been under the shadow of this al-Qaeda-affiliated group just a day prior. The importance of this event cannot be understated, as it reflects not only military success but also the relentless pursuit of stability in a nation long plagued by insecurity. The Somali Ministry of…

Hargeisa (AX) — In recent days, the North Western State of Somalia government has leveled serious allegations against the Federal Government of Somalia, accusing it of playing an active role in the violent clashes that erupted between North Western State of Somalia forces and the SSC-Khaatumo administration in the Dhuumadare area of the Sanaag region. This accusation, which emerged through an official press statement from North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Defense on Friday, paints a dire picture of the region's…