West Africa

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?…

On a sunny Thursday morning in Ankara, against the backdrop of the stately Presidential Palace, the wheels of international diplomacy turned as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sat down for a pivotal meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Their agenda was clear: to renew and deepen the strategic partnership that has been the bedrock of their nations' friendship, focusing on security, counterterrorism, and broader developmental collaboration. But what does this partnership truly signify, and how might it…

Although Russia may not match the economic footprint of Western nations or China in Africa, its influence lies in specific sectors that echo the priorities of global superpowers: armaments, mining, and energy—extending into nuclear energy. Have you ever wondered why Russia, despite its relatively modest economic stakes in Africa, holds such sway politically? Analysts have unraveled a layer of this intricate relationship, unveiling a remarkable political influence Russia commands on the African continent, a power that belies…

The actions of a faction of lawmakers, dubbed the "majority bloc," are now under significant scrutiny within the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court. A highly anticipated hearing has unfolded, focusing on the persistent stalemate in the National Legislature. While the court has yet to issue a ruling, legal analysts are already drawing meaningful conclusions from the probing questions posed during the session. “How can a legitimately elected Speaker simply be disregarded?” Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh remarked,…

Mogadishu, Somalia (AX) — In the heart of a continent that echoes tales of resilience and fortitude, stands Jacinta Kaahwa, a Ugandan finance officer enmeshed in a legal battle that could redefine labor rights within conflict zones. She seeks $15 million in damages from a British firm, SafeLane Global, alleging wrongful dismissal, racial discrimination, and abandonment in a chaotic battleground after surviving a harrowing terrorist attack. The narrative traces back to Mogadishu, where Kaahwa spent six arduous years…

The Unlikely Beacon of Democracy: North Western State of Somalia's Journey As a child, I naively thought of democracy as a Greek invention, an intricate art only suited to those ancient pillars of Western philosophy. This wasn't a surprising thought, especially growing up in Ethiopia where democracy is more a dream than reality. However, little did I realize that just across the border, a quiet revolution was taking place. In North Western State of Somalia, a place branded by some, including Google, as unstable and…

Imagine trying to juggle several items in the air, only to discover you’re constantly a step behind your peers. This is essentially the predicament Nigeria found itself in after a recent evaluation by the World Bank. A comparison was drawn between Nigeria’s statistical apparatus and those of several countries, such as Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil. These nations, by the Bank’s standards, seem to soar higher in terms of statistical proficiency. It’s a stark reminder that, in the global arena,…

In the vibrant city of Mogadishu, a hum of anticipation fills the air. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stands ready to embark on another pivotal diplomatic journey, responding to an invitation from Turkey's own leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The destination? The intriguing nation that bridges East and West, Turkey. But what lies ahead in this crucial meeting between two nations with intertwined destinies? With the magnificient Bosporus strait awaiting him, President Mohamud's agenda is…