West Africa

North Western State of Somalia's Strategic Initiatives: Steering Towards a Promising Future In the bustling heart of Hargeisa, a city swiftly weaving its fabric of dreams, the Presidential Palace stands robust. There, on a quiet Wednesday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, fondly referred to as Irro, orchestrated an essential gathering of North Western State of Somalia’s Cabinet. The agenda was dense, yet straightforward: evaluate national security, drive economic reforms, and breathe life into major developmental…

Imagine a vast land teeming with unparalleled opportunities and challenges—a mosaic of cultures, resources, and vibrant economies. Welcome to Africa, the continent at the heart of Russia's expanding international trade canvas. In 2024, Russia's food shipments to Africa burgeoned to an impressive $7 billion, marking a nearly 20% rise compared to the previous year. Why this surge? What does this tell us about the evolving global trade dynamics? A publication from the Russian Export Centre (REC) painted a detailed picture:…

In the rugged yet dynamic cityscape of Hargeisa, a new chapter in taxation has recently unfolded. The North Western State of Somalia government, keen on broadening its financial horizons, has introduced a sales tax policy that intriguingly touches the pulse of everyday life: mobile money transactions. Once constrained to a select few businesses, this 5% sales tax now meticulously extends its reach over mobile phone airtime, internet data packages, and internet services for homes and offices. Such a decision is not…

Lagos, a city pulsating with energy and ambition, has marked a monumental milestone, now ranking as Africa's second-largest economy, trailing only behind the bustling metropolis of Cairo, Egypt. Just pause for a moment to ponder this achievement. It isn't just a tale of numbers but a testimony to the relentless spirit that courses through the veins of Lagos. Reflecting on the first half of 2024, Lagos’s economy unveiled its remarkable resilience, with a staggering growth to ₦27.38 trillion, soaring from ₦19.65…

In the early morning haze of March 13, 2025, armed local fighters steadfastly tread alongside Somali security forces. They navigate the undulating landscape of the rural expanse near Ceelbuur district, nestled within the Galgaduud region. The mission? To secure their homeland—a goal that resonates with the heartbeats of many in the community. Mogadishu (AX)—Amid the cool evening air of Thursday, local security forces orchestrated a strategic move against adversity, targeting a notorious stronghold of Al-Shabaab nestled in…

Somalia's Call for Peace and Dialogue in South Sudan Mogadishu (AX) – With the hum of technology bridging nations, the virtual realm played host to the 43rd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened to address a crisis that sees no borders—the ongoing security and political turmoil in South Sudan. On Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud turned the spotlight towards peace, once more affirming Somalia's unyielding dedication to regional tranquility. In this…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, there are moments that make us pause and reflect. The recent tragic attack on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne serves as one such moment. A location bustling with life became the unfortunate site of a grievous assault, costing the lives of six individuals, including both civilians and valiant military officers. Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed addressed the nation with heartfelt sincerity following the attack. Through his…

By the time you hear about an internet shutdown, the damage has often already set in, like ripples spreading across a pond. According to a report from the vigilant watchdogs at Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, Africa saw an unsettling record of 21 internet shutdowns across 15 of its nations last year—a stark increase from the previous records of 19 in both 2020 and 2021. This begs the question: what compels governments to flip the switch in times of turmoil? Among the affected…

Mogadishu, Somalia – Under the relentless heat of the Mogadishu sun, Mukhtar Abdiwhab Ahmed finds himself seated on a simple plastic chair outside his home. The sounds of children at play, soldiers in clusters, and rickshaws darting past are the symphony of his daily surroundings. “Had I known I'd be here in Somalia, these tattoos would never have made it onto my skin,” he muses to Al Jazeera. Mukhtar, a 39-year-old, resorts mostly to long-sleeved shirts now, hoping to shield himself from the critical whispers and…

A Siege Broken: A Story of Courage and Resilience in Beledweyne In the early hours of a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne became the scene of a dramatic 15-hour siege. The tranquility of the morning was shattered by a thunderous car bomb explosion, announced by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. A total of seven unfortunate souls, comprising traditional elders, military officers, and civilian bystanders, were swept away in this storm of brutality. Those who survived sustained injuries—wounds…