West Africa

Edited by Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring Fuel prices—those defiantly fluctuating metrics that often dictate our frustrations at the pump and influence our day-to-day choices. I mean, who hasn't spent that fleeting moment wondering if it's worth driving across town just to save a few cents per litre? According to recently compiled data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com, some countries have either mastered the art of keeping these prices low—or have strategies so elusive that they look like they've cracked…

OCHA's Staffing Cuts: Navigating Unforeseen Challenges The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known more commonly as OCHA, has been a vital player in the global humanitarian arena—akin to a beacon guiding aid to regions most in need. Their mission, to ensure that aid is delivered quickly and effectively to crises-stricken populations, is pivotal, especially amidst unfolding natural disasters and escalating conflicts. But with looming budget constraints, can OCHA continue to carry…

Nigerian officials have imposed a ban on a provocative song that dares to criticize President Bola Tinubu and his administration's economic strategies. The track in question, "Tell Your Papa," crafted by renowned artist Eedris Abdulkareem, expresses a piercing discontent with the president’s two-year tenure, which has already been marred by significant unrest fueled by escalating inflation and soaring fuel costs. Interestingly, this Afrobeats anthem is directed at none other than Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who has…

Ilhan Omar's Quest to Safeguard Our Rights "At a time when our rights are under attack, it is more important than ever to fight back against the chaos, corruption, and callousness of the Trump Administration," Ilhan Omar passionately declared. Her resolute voice shone through in this statement, encapsulating her unwavering dedication to the cause. But what does this mean for the people she strives to represent? In a world where political tides are uncertain, Omar's decision to run for…

In a world where the price at the pump can alter the very fabric of society, it's fascinating and somewhat alarming to see how the domino effect of rising gasoline prices influences every societal layer. Be it the bustling corridors of corporate giants or the humble abodes of low-income households, fuel costs permeate deeply into the routine affairs of daily life. Take a moment to reflect on this: in some African countries, the cost of gasoline has stubbornly remained steep over recent months. Despite some hopes to…

Somalia's Inaugural National Human Rights Conference: A Beacon of Hope and Change Mogadishu (AX) — The vibrant city of Mogadishu became the cradle of a new era on Monday as Somalia unveiled its first-ever National Human Rights Conference. This pivotal gathering, orchestrated by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development, brought a diverse mix of minds together—government officials, civil society representatives, journalists, and international allies—all united under the banner of human rights…

As the world becomes more interconnected, the processes governing international travel continue to evolve. In a statement that resonates with both anticipation and caution, the U.S. Embassies in Abuja and Lagos revealed recent changes to the visa application process. For many, these updates may appear as mere bureaucratic adjustments, but for the keen observer, they mark a milestone in diplomatic protocol. “Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa…

On the sun-drenched edges of Mogadishu, lies a place many would rather forget, yet can't afford to. It's the Al-Hidaya camp, a testament to both resilience and despair. Here, beneath an unforgiving sky, Somali mothers shield their little ones, desperately trying to ward off the harshness of their reality with mere cloth scraps. As the capital of Somalia looms in the distance, a cruel irony unfolds: proximity to potential aid, but separated by a chasm of systemic hurdles. Once, the thought of fleeing from the…

Starlink's Expansion: Somalia Joins the Network In a noteworthy stride toward digital connectivity, Somalia has become the most recent African country to welcome Starlink into its technological fold. This development follows similar introductions to West African nations like Liberia and Niger earlier this year. Starlink's unique offering utilizes low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet, ensuring seamless, low-latency connections even in areas traditionally burdened by limited…

Las Anod (AX) — Shaping the future of a community comes down to daring efforts and groundbreaking initiatives. Under the sweltering sun on a historic Sunday, the air was thick with anticipation in Las Anod. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre made an indelible mark as he set the cornerstone for eight transformative development projects. This wasn't just another day in the administrative heart of the SSC-Khaatumo—it was the dawn of new possibilities. In a land that has been shadowed by strife and oversight, hearing of…