West Africa

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Heads to Baghdad for the 34th Arab League Summit As we navigate the unpredictable currents of international relations, leaders often find themselves at crossroads of critical decisions. One such pivotal moment is emerging this Friday, as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud prepares to embark on a journey to Baghdad, Iraq. His mission? To engage in dialogue at the 34th Arab League Summit, commencing on May 17. This gathering promises to be more than just a convening of…

In the wake of widespread public discontent, the Gambian government has initiated an investigation concerning the controversial sale of assets confiscated from former President Yahya Jammeh. This decision reflects the growing disquiet among citizens who have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and a glaring lack of transparency surrounding these transactions. Among the assets in question are livestock, luxury vehicles, and various properties, all sold precipitously before an inquiry panel could assess Jammeh's…

Confronting Illegal Mining: A High Court Ruling in Plateau State In a significant ruling from the Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, four Chinese nationals—Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong—have been ordered to face deportation following their conviction for unlawfully mining solid minerals in the region. The ruling serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding mining regulations and international involvement in local resource extraction. These individuals were…

Urgent Call to Action: The Future of Peacekeeping in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — Just recently, the United Nations Security Council faced a significant setback by not authorizing a crucial funding framework for the African Union’s (AU) ambitious peace mission in Somalia. This oversight means that while the clock continues to tick, hope for a streamlined transition remains perilously uncertain. AUSSOM: A New Chapter or an Unwritten Story? Enter the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to…

Response to Unrest in Burao: A Call for Unity and Clarity In a significant turn of events following the recent protests in Burao, North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro announced the release of at least 150 individuals detained during the demonstrations. This decision comes on the heels of tragic unrest that left two individuals dead and over forty injured, prompting the president to initiate a formal investigation into the violent incidents. These protests, which erupted amid social…

Understanding Countries with Multiple Capital Cities It may sound unusual at first, but the concept of having more than one capital city is surprisingly common around the globe. Numerous countries choose to distribute their governmental functions across multiple locations, and this often stems from political, historical, or economic motivations. Each capital serves a specific purpose, reflecting a rich tapestry of a nation's governance and identity. This intriguing arrangement often aims to balance regional power,…

Ghana's consumer inflation has now marked its fourth consecutive month of decline, dropping to 21.2% in April 2025 from 22.4% in March, as detailed in the latest report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). This downward trend evokes a mix of relief and curiosity; what does it mean for the average Ghanaian family, grappling daily with rising prices? The current decrease in inflation is primarily linked to a easing of pressures in both the food and non-food categories. Yet, it’s essential to highlight that inflation…

Reflections on Somalia's Chaotic History: A Fragile State in Perpetual Turmoil Among those endeavoring to understand Somalia's present challenges, a poignant question looms: What went wrong? This inquiry has haunted Somali intellectuals, writers, and activists for decades, many attributing the roots of today’s turmoil to the disintegration of the socialist military regime in the 1990s, a regime notably served by Sheikh, a once-prominent figure. The backdrop of this narrative traces back to 1969 when a military coup…

In a decisive move, the military junta governing Mali has declared the dissolution of all political parties. This bold announcement emphasizes the junta’s commitment to initiating a “reform process” and signals intentions to draft a new law aimed at regulating the political landscape in the nation. This decision follows a national conference where political parties reportedly conferred upon military leader Assimi Goita a five-year presidential term. Goita, who assumed power after a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, now…

The Electricity Crisis in Mali: A Complex Web of Debt and Dependence Mali currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with a staggering debt of over $94 million owed to the agency responsible for managing the Manantali Dam, a crucial hydroelectric power source. This facility doesn't solely serve Mali; it also supplies electricity to neighboring Senegal and Mauritania. The implications of this financial strain are profound, and some experts have deemed it "a question of life and death" for the dam's ongoing operations.…