West Africa

Escalating Tensions in Somalia: Ethiopian Troops Hit by Remote-Controlled Landmine In the isolated Waajid district of Somalia, a remote-controlled landmine attack marked another grim chapter in the ongoing struggle against insurgent violence. On Tuesday, a convoy of Ethiopian troops, part of the African Union peacekeeping mission, was struck, resulting in casualties, though the exact number remains undisclosed. This incident underscores the growing instability in the region, where hopes for peace are continuously thwarted…

Mobilizing for Health: Africa’s Fight Against Mpox One Year Later In a world where every second counts, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) is racing against the clock. One year since declaring mpox a public health emergency, the organization is ramping up its efforts to combat the spread of the disease and save lives across the continent. With the shadow of a global health financing crisis looming, the urgency for international collaboration has never been greater. The Context of a Crisis Mpox, a viral…

Somalia’s New Electoral Agreement: A Crucial Step Toward Unity NAIROBI—In a nation often marred by instability and political discord, the recent landmark electoral agreement between Somalia’s federal government and the Somali Salvation Forum marks a pivotal stride toward national unity and democratic governance. The Agreement: A Pathway to Stability After two months of contentious negotiations, the agreement outlines a distinctive approach to conducting the next elections. Under the new framework, the Federal Parliament…

Voices from Khar Yalla: The Plight of Displaced Communities in Senegal In the coastal community of Khar Yalla, Senegal, the comforting rhythm of waves has been replaced by the echoes of despair. Displaced by relentless coastal flooding, the residents have been thrust into a harsh existence in a makeshift settlement, where the pillars of human dignity struggle under the weight of neglect. A recent report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) underscores the urgency of this crisis, revealing a reality that is all too often brushed…

Amid Rising Tensions, U.S. Intensifies Its Air Campaign in Somalia In a remote area of Middle Shabelle, Somalia, a recent U.S. airstrike highlights the ongoing battle against the resilient al-Shabab militant group. The strike, conducted on August 22, targeted the al-Qaida affiliate, aiming to disrupt its activities both domestically and internationally. While details remain sparse due to operational security, this event underscores a broader, escalating campaign led by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). Shifting Tactics…

Hope and Heartbreak at the African Nations Championship This past weekend, the energy in East Africa was palpable as the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship unfolded, yet the local excitement soon transformed into poignant heartbreak. Despite fervent home support for the co-hosts—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the tournament’s dramatic atmosphere didn’t culminate in the fairytale many had hoped for. Instead, it was the defending champions, Senegal, and the rising surprise team from Sudan that emerged victorious,…

Rwanda's Bold Move: A New Chapter in Migration Policy In a world where migration is often a contentious topic, Rwanda has taken a significant step that reflects both its historical context and its current ambitions. A recent agreement with the United States has paved the way for Kigali to accept up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S. This partnership, which was formalized in June, marks a deepening of relations between the two nations and underscores Rwanda's evolving role as a hub for humanitarian support. The…

Mohamed Said Gees: An Architect of Peace and Education in Somalia The recent passing of Mohamed Said Gees, a revered Somali academic, statesman, and peacemaker, has left a profound void in the fabric of Somali society. Gees, who died on August 23 at the age of 77 and was laid to rest in Virginia, embodied a lifetime dedicated to education, cultural preservation, and reconciliation amidst Somalia's turbulent history. A Remarkable Journey from Education to Politics Born on November 11, 1946, in the northern town of Erigavo,…

Alarming Findings in Somali Maternal Health Raise Urgent Questions In Mogadishu, the echoes of a concerning narrative are reverberating through the bustling corridors of the Somalia Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital. Recent findings reveal a stark reality facing Somali women: more than three-quarters of those undergoing cesarean sections with spinal anesthesia are experiencing dangerous dips in blood pressure. This revelation comes from a new study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, shedding…

The Fall of Choguel Maiga: A Cautionary Tale of Power and Accountability in Mali In a dramatic twist reminiscent of Shakespearean tragedy, Choguel Maiga, the former prime minister of Mali, finds himself entangled in a web of controversy, facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering that could redefine the nation’s already tumultuous political landscape. This unsettling development, which follows his tenure as the head of the civilian wing of a military junta, raises deeper questions about governance, accountability,…