West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – On a brisk Tuesday morning, the air in the Middle Shabelle region was charged with a palpable sense of determination. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, embodying the resilient spirit of his people, made a resolute return to the frontlines. Once more, he stood shoulder to shoulder with his compatriots, keen on steering renewed military operations against the formidable Al-Shabaab militant group, as affirmed by the Somali presidency. His return was not without significance. Just days prior, President…

The crisp morning air of Masajid Ali Guduud, a critical juncture in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region, was abruptly shattered as dawn broke on Wednesday. The stillness of the early hours gave way to the unmistakable chaos of an ambush as Al-Shabaab militants launched a fierce assault on a Somali National Army (SNA) base. The attack unfolded with a disconcerting familiarity—a blast echoed through the area, announcing the beginning of a violent skirmish that swiftly escalated into an exchange of heavy and light gunfire.…

Nigeria's Polypropylene Revolution: A New Dawn in Industrial Resilience An intriguing transformation is brewing within Nigeria's industrial landscape. With strategic investments from leading industrial conglomerates such as the Dangote Group, the country is poised to significantly diminish its dependency on imported raw materials, especially within the textile sector. But what does this shift truly signify for the nation at large? Imagine being able to save a staggering $267 million in…

Hussein Hassan Mahmoud Ma'da, the convicted killer sentenced to death by the Somali Military Court. CREDIT: SUPPLIED Mogadishu: A Story of Choices, Consequences, and Courtrooms In the heart of Mogadishu, a city that ebbs and flows with timeless stories and modern struggles alike, an intense courtroom drama has unfolded. Hussein Hassan Mahmoud Ma’da, not just a name but a vivid emblem of the difficult choices one makes, now stands convicted and sentenced to the ultimate penalty — death by firing squad. This…

Currency Stability: A Key to Economic Resilience In a world where financial trends are as volatile as they are timely, it becomes crucial to explore the moments that bring clarity amid chaos. March 2025 unfolds a tapestry of economic narratives across Africa, each highlighting one indisputable truth: the stability and strength of a country's currency can be a formidable pillar in fostering economic resilience. This insight, albeit nuanced, tells us that maintaining…

Somalia's Quest for Their First FIFA World Cup Qualifying Victory: Lessons from Francistown Mogadishu — In a quest that has spanned decades, Somalia's dream of clinching a first-ever victory in FIFA World Cup qualifying remains tantalizingly beyond reach. The recent encounter against Botswana unfurled yet another chapter in this evolving journey. A 2-0 defeat on a quiet Tuesday night in Francistown may have highlighted the Ocean Stars' indomitable defensive spirit, but it also shed light on the areas where growth is still…

Standing Firm Against Adversity "You are the shield between our people and terror," Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared to the fighters assembled before him. His voice resonated with a determined confidence, as he promised, "We will not rest until Al-Shabaab's grip is broken and the pain they've inflicted on our communities is brought to an end." The president's appearance on the battlefield was more than symbolic. It came right on the heels of a lightning trip back to Mogadishu. There, behind the closed doors of the…

U.S. Airstrikes and the Ongoing Battle Against ISIS in Somalia The stillness of the Al Miskaad mountain range was violently interrupted late Monday night by a series of powerful airstrikes. U.S. forces were targeting ISIS militants deeply entrenched within the remote Miiraale Valley of Somalia's Bari region. This bold move is part of an escalating series of operations aimed at eradicating the burgeoning influence of ISIS in northern Somalia. In this effort, the United States is not acting…

On an intriguing Saturday in March 2025, a thought-provoking post emerged from Dr. Forson on X, formerly known as Twitter. It wasn't just a casual tweet; it was a call to arms against the shadowy corridors of Ghana's gold smuggling scene that gnaw at the heart of the nation's economy. Imagine strolling through a marketplace, every corner brimming with the vibrant pulse of life. Now picture how that energy dims when the wealth that should fuel such vibrancy slips insidiously into the abyss of illicit trade.…

Strategic Network Sharing: MTN and Airtel's New Partnership In a move that highlights the evolving landscape of telecommunications in Africa, two industry titans, MTN and Airtel, have joined forces to share critical phone network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda. If you’ve ever wondered how this partnership could shape the future of digital connectivity on the continent, you're certainly not alone. Let’s dive deeper into the motivations and potential impacts of this collaboration.…