West Africa

Support Builds for Somalia's Unified Strategy Mogadishu (AX) — A significant coalition of international allies has stepped forward to endorse Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's recent initiative for a comprehensive political dialogue. This comes at a crucial time as the nation seeks to unify its efforts against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab and to bolster the federal governance structure. Isn't it intriguing how global interests converge, even from diverse corners of our planet? On Monday, a joint…

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak," says Rachel Zoe, and in the age of technology, this sentiment rings truer than ever. With the introduction of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G in Sand Gold, we see a perfect blend of elegance and state-of-the-art performance that appeals equally to our love for beauty and our need for functionality. Could technology be any more fashionable? The standout feature of this year's tech releases is this premium phone. It doesn't just serve a purpose; it serves a…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine a door as more than just wood and nails; imagine it as a fragile barrier between life and death. The film "Aano Qabiil," or "Clan Revenge," opens with a haunting scene: a man stands at this threshold, desperate, imploring for mercy—and yet, on the other side, waits a fate he might not survive. It's fiction. A story brought to life by Somali filmmakers about the tragic cycle of vendettas that plague their homeland. Yet, like so many dark tales inspired by reality, the lines between art and life…

Imagine the quiet deserts of Africa, where three nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—are choosing to walk a path less traveled, a path that pivots away from historical alliances, particularly with Western powers like France. Can you envision the implications of such a shift? Moving away from the familiar, these nations are reaching out towards Russia, forging new military and diplomatic bonds in pursuit of shared goals and future resilience. Not too long ago, Mali's Foreign Minister…

Despite a strong appeal from authorities urging them to reconsider, the organizers of the Take-It-Back Movement are resolute in their plans for a nationwide protest. Scheduled for April 7, this action is not merely a display of dissent; it is a reaction against what they perceive as an overreach by the Bola Tinubu administration. The Nigeria Police Force has denounced the timing of the protest, describing it as “ill-conceived and mischievous,” highlighting its coinciding date with the inaugural National Police Day…

As reported by the renowned Forbes, the African billionaires' league has marked an epoch of unprecedented affluence, with individual and combined fortunes soaring to new heights. But how did we get here? How have these titans of industry navigated the often turbulent waters of the African financial landscape? These are the questions that intrigue us as we delve into the profiles of the continent's most affluent. Let's pause for a moment and consider Aliko Dangote, a name that has become…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant turn of events, the Somali government forces, reinforced by local clan militias, have successfully seized full control of the Ruunirgood district. This decisive move on Monday marks a pivotal advancement in the ongoing battle against the al-Shabaab insurgents in the Middle Shabelle region. In an official statement, the Federal Government of Somalia eloquently outlined the vigorous security operations that are currently being conducted in and around this recently liberated…

File photo: Al-Shabaab militants. AP It was an early Sunday morning when silence shattered near Mogadishu's bustling airport; Al-Shabaab militants, notorious for their swift and sudden attacks, sent a wave of mortars crashing perilously close. This hostile disruption wreaked havoc on international flight schedules, casting a shadow over Somalia's efforts to maintain its fragile peace. A security official confided in AFP, shedding light on the severity of the intrusion. Reflecting on the incident, one cannot help but ponder…

Navigating the Undulating Terrain of Nigeria's Oil Market Last week marked a significant shift in global oil prices, as crude oil saw its value tumble to depths not seen since 2021. Was it former President Trump's imposing import tariffs that sparked this? Perhaps it was the unexpected increase in oil supply by OPEC+ that sent ripples through the market, slicing a hefty $10 from global benchmarks per barrel. And suddenly, by Friday, the crude oil prices had plummeted to $65 a barrel. For many, this…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a robust session filled with fervor, North Western State of Somalia’s Parliament recently took a resolute stance against plans unveiled by Somali Prime Minister, Hamsa Abdi Barre, intending to visit Las Anod — the significant administrative hub of the SSC-Khatumo region, which North Western State of Somalia staunchly claims as its dominion. The legislative assembly's condemnation resonated throughout the chambers during its opening session on Monday following a hiatus. The lawmakers stood united,…