West Africa

Mogadishu Tragedy: A Heartfelt Plea from a Captive Nurse, Seven Years On In a world often buffered by news of resilience and hope, the story of Sonja Nientiet stands out as an instance of endurance amid despair. Nientiet, a German nurse whose commitment to humanity took her to the war-torn streets of Mogadishu, now finds herself in a harrowing predicament. Abducted seven years ago while valiantly attending to the needs of others as part of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), she has surfaced in a video,…

Exploring the Shifts in Somalia's Global Standing: A Conversation The landscape of global politics is ever-changing, and with a new administration in Washington, questions about the future abound. In this episode of The Horn, Alan sits down with Omar Mahmood, a Senior Analyst for Crisis Group focusing on Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Together, they delve into the nuanced dynamics affecting Somalia today. The discussion kicks off with a focus on the recent declaration between Somalia and Ethiopia, a development…

A Rising Threat: ISIS-Somalia's Bold Stance The evolving landscape of global security draws the world's eyes to an urgent task at hand. "ISIS-Somalia has demonstrated both the will and the ability to conduct operations that threaten U.S. security interests," AFRICOM stated. By turning a critical lens on how this threat unfolds, we delve into the implications of this announcement. This group has persistently targeted Somali security forces and foreign nationals, a fact that reverberates through the concerned corridors of…

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AX) — As dawn cast its first light over Johannesburg this Wednesday morning, a dramatic event unfolded in a quiet suburban enclave known as Lombardy East. The tranquility was shattered when dozens of foreign nationals, with many being teenagers and young adults hailing from Ethiopia and Somalia, courageously broke free from a house. The local police, the ever-vigilant South African Police Service (SAPS), quickly mobilized to investigate the incident as a potential breach of South Africa’s…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring. US F/A-18 Super Hornet attack fighter jet taking off from the US Navy's Nimitz-class USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier at sea on March 16, 2025. (AFP) In the heart of East Africa, a land steeped in both challenge and resilience, a new spotlight has emerged. On this stage, the United States, in collaboration with the Somali federal government, has executed a strategic air campaign targeting Daesh group strongholds in northern Somalia. This recent development,…

In an ambitious move towards energy independence, Nigeria has taken strides to diminish its reliance on imported petroleum products. Imagine for a moment a nation buoyed by its own resources, no longer tethered to volatile international markets. The heartbeat of this vision is the successful operation of its refineries, particularly a prominent one in Port Harcourt. The uninterrupted functioning of this facility, extending over 180 days, is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s energy security.…

Within the vast and vibrant continent of Africa, there's an undeniable undercurrent of financial tumult. The tale of debt, increasingly intertwined with the destiny of nations, has emerged as a prevailing narrative. The affected regions, a list that unfortunately continues to grow, include Zambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Chad. These countries currently grapple with escalating debt obligations, raising red flags over potential defaults and economic dislocations. In this moment of uncertainty, one might ask: What…

Kenyan national Cholo Abdi Abdullah's mugshot from his apprehension in July 2019 in the Philippines has become quite symbolic of a dark and disturbing chapter. Captured by the diligent Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, this image resonates far beyond its graphical representation, telling a tale of foiled terror. This case, rooted deep in complicated international issues, unfolded with Abdullah, a man seemingly prepared to emulate one of the most harrowing tragedies in recent history. MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota…

On January 20, 2025, just moments after stepping into office for his second term, Donald Trump made a consequential move that reverberated across continents. By halting USAID funding, a major lifeline for numerous African countries, Trump set off a storm of questions about the future of U.S. support for the region. Imagine for a moment the far-reaching impact of abruptly cutting off such a crucial funding source. Programs that focus on healthcare, agriculture, and education have long depended on this aid to…

Anticipating Transformation: NNPC Ltd's Journey to the Capital Market The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) is poised at a significant juncture. As they prepare for a transformative shift, they are in the final stages of getting listed on the capital market. This comes in response to the requirements set out by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021. But what does this mean for Nigeria and its energy sector?…