West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — The former Deputy Director of Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdisalam Guled, has raised a profound concern. He sounded an alarm that echoes through the corridors of power and over the Somali plains, warning of the increasing threat Al-Shabaab poses. His voice reverberates with urgency, urging the Somali government to take bold and decisive measures to counteract the evolving ploys of this militant group. In a poignant articulation of the threat, Guled observed a shift in…

Nigeria's economy is continuing to grow, with fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics showcasing a notable 3.84% year-on-year increase in real GDP terms in the fourth quarter of 2024. It's intriguing, isn't it? When considering economic growth, the numbers certainly speak volumes. Compared to the same period last year, there’s been a significant upward trajectory, makings it fascinating to question: what factors are fueling this economic dynamism? Let me walk you through these details. "Nigeria’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — Under the vibrant political canopy of Somalia, a noteworthy moment unfolded in the Somali Parliament on Monday. It was a day that saw the approval of two pivotal legislative acts: the Youth Justice Bill and the Income Tax Bill. These are not mere legislative formality; they are emblematic of a nation striving to break free from its past shackles and move towards a horizon marked by prosperity and fairness. Bihi Iman Igeh, the Minister of Finance, stood tall amid his peers as he commended the…

The Nigerian Senate has made headlines with its recent decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This incident has stirred controversy, as she stands among the very few women in the 109-seat chamber. Her suspension followed accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for sexual assault, a claim that has reverberated throughout the political landscape. The ethics committee of the Senate dismissed her allegations based on procedural errors. Their recommendation for her suspension came not…

Africa, a continent blessed with abundant natural resources, faces a paradoxical struggle: meeting the electricity demands of its rapidly growing population. It makes one ponder, why does a continent with such wealth of resources still grapple with energy shortages? From the roaring waterfalls of Ethiopia harnessed for hydropower, to the vast natural gas fields of Nigeria, and the coal mines of South Africa, Africa’s energy landscape is as diverse as it is rich. Yet, this diversity comes…

Amid Tensions, Somali President Makes An Unexpected Visit to the UAE In a move that caught many by surprise, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a sudden journey to the United Arab Emirates on a seemingly ordinary Monday. This unscheduled visit follows closely on the heels of a diplomatic discord that unfurled just days earlier. The reason? The UAE extended an invitation to North Western State of Somalia's leader, Abdirahman Irro, to attend the prestigious World Government Summit in Dubai. An…

As the world grows more interconnected, the desire to expand one's horizons becomes a compelling narrative for many. Nigerians are at the forefront of this quest for global engagement. According to Henley & Partners, Nigerians ranked among the top five nationalities curious about investment migration options in 2024. With a 16% year-over-year increase, they outpaced any other African country in expressing this interest. What exactly stirs this profound demand for overseas investment opportunities?…

An Ambitious Vision: Ethiopia Navigates New Waters Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopia is embarking on an ambitious voyage to bolster its trade capabilities, ushering in a new era of economic strengthening and maritime aspirations. On a crisp Monday, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESL) unveiled a transformative plan that has captivated the attention of many: Ethiopia has ordered six state-of-the-art commercial ships. Two of these vessels, embracing the grandeur of Ultramax dry bulk…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali Defense Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur has made a compelling call to the public: "Steer clear of Al-Shabaab interactions as military operations ramp up in the Middle Shabelle region." His address on Sunday served as a stark reminder of the militant group's lingering influence, especially in areas like El Bacad, where some individuals reportedly continue to maintain ties with Al-Shabaab. The Defense Minister highlighted the precision of recent airstrikes, designed to target senior Al-Shabaab leaders…

Brigadier Michael Kabango Addresses Troops The endeavor of serving on foreign soil is filled with unmatched challenges and vivid experiences. The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) recently witnessed the return of two resilient units, Battle Group (BG) 40 and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) X, after a year-long deployment in Somalia. With their duties overseas concluded, they now face the task of reintegration into regular duty back home. This crucial transition was marked by a post-mission ideological training…