West Africa

Imagine defending a castle with crumbling walls against an unknown adversary keen on breaching its defenses. This metaphor reflects the precarious situation faced by many African nations, where a significant lack in the tank fleet can create substantial security vulnerabilities. With insurgencies, territorial disputes, and cross-border tensions simmering like a pot on a low boil, having a robust armored presence is not a mere luxury; it's a critical necessity. Picture this: a weak or aging…

Ghana, a beacon of hope in West Africa, is not without its challenges and triumphs woven into its rich tapestry of history. Beyond the surface of its recent economic hurdles lie stories from a more clandestine past, stories that edify or caution us, depending on the light in which they are cast. Some issues hide in the shadows of our shared history. Not long ago, President John Mahama brought one such narrative to the forefront during Ghana's Independence Day celebrations—a reminder of certain concealed episodes…

Mogadishu (AX) — The intricate tapestry of Ethiopian politics is once again at a crossroads, with the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) standing poised on the verge of conflict. This tension unfurls from a central grievance: the perceived breach of a peace agreement by the Ethiopian government. Signed in 2018, during the nascent tenure of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the accord promised autonomy over resources for the Somali region, an acknowledgment of historical injustices, and a commitment to foster free trade…

The narrative of women in politics is one of inspiring transformation and ongoing challenges. From the early 20th century to the present, the path has been marked by groundbreaking changes, with countries such as New Zealand, Finland, and the United States initially breaking the mold by granting women the crucial right to vote and stand for election. Have you ever wondered what conversations took place in those turbulent times, pushing society toward this seismic shift? One could only imagine the fervor of…

In this photograph, Somali Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Fardowsa Osman Egal, participates actively in a government meeting in Mogadishu. Mogadishu (AX) — Nestled on the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean, Mogadishu has recently faced turbulence in its air relations. The skies over Somalia's capital have become quieter following a warning issued by the U.S. Embassy regarding potential threats by terrorist factions. But here's where the plot thickens: the Somali government, exhibiting both poise and resilience,…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Crises across the world often send ripples that dramatically affect the lives of countless people, leaving them grappling with uncertainties and challenges that most of us cannot even fathom. A prime example of human resilience and coordinated international humanitarian efforts is illustrated by the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme, which strives to extend a helping hand to migrants trapped in crisis situations. This noble initiative recently facilitated…

In the tense landscapes of northern Somalia, the ancient refrains of discord echo once more as armed factions square off in the town of Buqdharkayn. This contested site, caught in the crossfire between North Western State of Somalia forces and the SSC Khaatumo fighters, has become the latest theatre in a long-standing territorial saga. Amid Strife: A Friday of Conflict As twilight gave way to dawn on a chilly Friday morning, the sound of gunfire shattered the…

Mogadishu (AX)—A stirring event unfolded on Thursday in Baidoa as hundreds of freshly trained Somali security personnel celebrated the completion of a demanding six-month training program. This training, meticulously conducted by Ethiopian forces, falls under the Africa Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The recruits endured intense military drills and mastered the complexities of weapons handling and counterterrorism strategies. Such rigorous training imbues them with the vital skills…

The announcement that Nigeria has become a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) marks a pivotal moment in its economic journey. This welcome news was shared by Nigeria's Finance Minister and Economic Coordinator, Wale Edun, as he accepted the country's membership certificate from the EBRD delegation led by Heike Harmgart in Abuja. Entering this new chapter, one can't help but wonder how this might reshape Nigeria's economic landscape — can this membership stir the growth needed to…

Friday, March 7, 2025 By Mohamed Rashid At the Zanzalima Camp for Internally Displaced People, volunteers toil diligently as they unload hefty 50-kilogram sacks of wheat flour, a part of an aid delivery from USAID dated December 17, 2021. This sight, while reassuring, also serves as a quiet testament to a nation grappling with its heavy reliance on foreign aid. Somalia, for decades, has found itself dependent on international assistance, primarily sourced from entities like USAID and myriad donor institutions. Although…