West Africa

A Call for Reform: An Incident Sparks Debate in North Western State of Somalia In a world increasingly shaped by the lens of a smartphone camera, actions and their consequences unfold before our very eyes, sometimes with alarming speed. Just recently, this was the case in Hargeisa, when a video surfaced showing a police officer—an enforcer of the law by profession—slapping a young woman. The video spread like wildfire, sparking outrage and disbelief among viewers and prompting the North Western State of Somalia police to…

Fostering Bonds: Nigeria and Russia's Defense and Energy Endeavors Recently, delegates from Nigeria and Russia have embarked on in-depth discussions aimed at extending an already existing defense pact between the two nations. What does this mean for the geopolitical landscape? Let's delve into the details. The Defense Dialogue: Strengthening Military Collaboration With tongues wagging, the Russian Deputy Minister of Defense, Yunus-bek Yevkurov,…

In the heart of Mogadishu, the pulsating capital of Somalia, a gathering unfolded under the warm embrace of a communal iftar in the Hodan district. Here, the scent of traditional dishes mingled with the profound sense of community and reflection that Ramadan inspires. As the sun gracefully settled beyond the horizon, an important discourse began, led by none other than Benadir Regional Police Commissioner, Mahdi Omar Mumin. In a voice that resonated both authority and sincerity, Commissioner Mumin addressed an issue as…

Nigeria Customs Service Observes Evolving Smuggling Tactics In a revelation that might not catch everyone by surprise but certainly demands our attention, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently exposed how smugglers have ingeniously set up small, scattered storage hubs within border villages. These are not just ordinary hideouts. They act as critical transit locations where traffickers cunningly divide their shipments into smaller, more manageable…

SYDNEY, Australia (AX) — In an unsettling development from Western Australia, police have apprehended a 16-year-old boy accused of making an online threat against Al-Bayt Al-Islaam Mosque in Sydney. This frightening announcement has echoes of the devastating 2019 Christchurch mosque attack. Social media was the platform where this ominous threat emerged. The teenager allegedly planned an attack reminiscent of the tragic events at Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. In that horrific incident, a white…

Since its independence from British colonial rule in 1957, Ghana has orchestrated a remarkable symphony of progress in various sectors. The gold mining industry plays a pivotal role, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. But what trajectory has it taken over the decades, and what does it suggest about the country's future? Today, Ghana stands tall as Africa’s leading gold exporter. This accolade has become both a blessing and a burden, as economic growth often shadows…

Connecting Blindness with Opportunity: FCMB's Commitment to Empowerment Partnerships form the bedrock of any successful initiative, particularly one with a mission as impactful as empowering those with visual impairments. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, currently serving as the Chairman of the FNSB Executive Council, encapsulated this in her heartfelt expression of gratitude to the First City Monument Bank (FCMB). With sincerity, she shared, 'FCMB has been more than a supporter; it has been a true partner. Its generosity has…

Cape Town Controversy: Police Officers Arrested Amid Accusations of Robbing Somali-Owned Shop Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Imagine standing behind the counter of your modest shop, believing you are safe within the borders of law and order. Suddenly, those who are sworn to protect you become unexpected antagonists. This troubling scenario unfolded in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, where three police officers, once symbols of public safety, have been accused of subverting that very…

Mali's Mining Landscape: An Era of Reform and Reflection As Mali's Council of Ministers announced, there is a newly imposed halt on the issuance of artisanal mining permits to foreigners. This measure stands amidst ongoing investigations prompted by a recent, heart-wrenching mining calamity. A stark reality looms over us: how do we balance economic pursuits with the sanctity of human lives? This thoughtful pause is an aftermath of a catastrophic mining accident just a month ago. A tragedy that took over 40…

The landscape of international climate finance is witnessing a significant shift as the United States retreats from a massive $9.3 billion initiative. This pact was originally designed to assist developing nations in moving away from their reliance on coal and transitioning towards cleaner energy solutions. Let's take a journey back to 2021. It was then, amidst the buzzing atmosphere of the UN climate talks held in Glasgow, Scotland, that the Just Energy Transition Partnership was born. Comprised of…