West Africa

Custodial Corps Deployment in Middle Shabelle: A Bold Move Amidst Uncertainty In the vibrant heart of Mogadishu, a bold new chapter in Somalia's military strategy is unfolding. As the sun rose this past Sunday, a palpable sense of resolve filled the air. The Somali Custodial Corps, typically known for their role in safeguarding the country's correctional facilities, were dispatched to the Middle Shabelle region. Their mission: to bolster the ongoing military offensives against the infamous militant…

Renaissance: A New Chapter in Nigeria's Energy Sector The energy landscape in Nigeria is shifting dramatically, with Renaissance standing at the forefront of this transformation. A partnership forged among Aradel Holdings PLC and three other prominent Nigerian enterprises—each carved from the oil-rich terrains of the Niger Delta—constitutes Renaissance. This coalition includes ND Western Limited, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited, and the Waltersmith Group, complemented by Petrolin, a globally…

In the vibrant city of Mogadishu, a hub of dynamic political activity, an important juncture unfolded as Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre executed an impactful cabinet reshuffle this past Monday. The decree, emanating from his office, speaks volumes about the strategic reorientation of key ministerial roles. Picture this: a chessboard of governance where pieces are poised for strategic maneuvers. In a sweeping change, Abdikhadir Mohamed Nuur, who served as the Minister of Defense, finds himself transitioning to become…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has divulged some staggering statistics: 1,319 fatalities attributed to diphtheria have been recorded between epidemiological week 19 of 2022 and week 10 of 2025. These figures raise critical questions about our vaccination efforts and highlight alarming deficiencies in coverage across the nation. In total, there have been at least 42,642 suspected cases spanning 37 states and over 350 local government areas. Out of these, 25,812 have been confirmed, yet 5,470…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a decisive move, officials in Hargeisa have initiated a ban on the public carrying of small arms, including knives and machetes, throughout every district of North Western State of Somalia's capital. This comes as a direct response to an unsettling increase in knife-related violence that has left communities feeling uneasy. Announced by the Hargeisa Security Committee on a quiet Sunday afternoon, the decision was fueled by the tragic stabbing deaths of two individuals in the bustling Mohamed Mooge…

In a world where compassion often finds itself stretched thin, actions such as those undertaken by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) shine brightly. On a bustling Friday morning, KSrelief took a tangible step towards easing hunger by distributing a generous 1,390 food baskets to the families most in need in Somalia's Sool and Sanaag regions. This heartfelt endeavor touched the lives of 8,340 individuals. It's not just about the numbers; it's about mothers,…

In the intricate landscape of global geopolitics, seemingly unlikely alliances often emerge, united by common adversaries. In this case, Yemen’s Ansar Allah, more commonly known as the Houthis, and their primary benefactor, Iran, have formed pragmatic links with non-state actors like Somalia's al-Shabab and the Islamic State in Somalia (ISS). While their ideologies and objectives may diverge significantly, their shared hostility toward countries such as the United States and Israel provides common ground. Considering the…

Unraveling the Mystique of Swedes Venturing into Africa for IS By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring As the sun sets, painting the Swedish skies with strokes of orange and purple, a different narrative unfolds thousands of miles away in the arid landscapes of Somalia. It's a tale few would expect: Swedes, leaving the comfort and serenity of their homeland, gravitating towards the tumultuous sphere of the Islamic State (IS) in Africa. What compels these individuals to…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the complex landscape of international relations, where politics often dances to the tunes of historical allegiances and emerging partnerships, the growing ties between North Western State of Somalia and Taiwan have stirred a pot of diplomatic deliberations. The Chinese government, staunchly protective of its territorial integrity, has issued a vehement denunciation of these burgeoning connections. With unequivocal determination, Beijing has pledged to exert pressure on Hargeisa, aiming to see the…

Industry Update: Dangote Refinery's Crude Strategy In a significant development that reflects the turning tides in Nigeria's oil industry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has chosen to pause its Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refineries. This arrangement, initially designed to empower local refineries to purchase crude in Nigeria's local currency, the Naira, has hit a procedural snag. But what does this mean for the industry at large? The immediate effect…