West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world increasingly defined by digital identity, Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency finds itself at a crossroads. As of now, the nation has yet to fully implement its newly introduced national identity card as a requirement for passport applications. Why, you might wonder? The answer lies within a maze of technical and institutional coordination challenges that still need to be resolved. Although Somalia proudly launched its digital national ID system in 2022 under the auspices of the…

Following a landmark peace agreement that Donald Trump facilitated between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the U.S. president took a momentous step by convening a meeting with five other distinguished African leaders. The agenda was rich with potential: trade discussions, regional security, and vital investments. In today's interconnected world, such dialogues are not merely beneficial; they are essential. The meeting unfolded this past Wednesday, and while Trump’s discussions with global leaders…

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently articulated a growing tension between Nigeria and the United States regarding the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants. He emphasized that the Nigerian government is feeling substantial pressure from Washington to accept these deportees. “Our refusal to comply might very well have influenced the U.S. decision to impose a 10% tariff on our exports,” Tuggar remarked, alluding to an intricate geopolitical dance that impacts both nations. In an era where international…

The Courage to Change: A Former Al-Shabab Member's Journey to Safety Mogadishu (AX) — In a world often rife with fear and violence, the act of renouncing extremist beliefs takes immense courage. Recently, a former member of Al-Shabab, known as Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, made a remarkable decision to surrender to the Somali National Army. His choice stems from a deep disillusionment with the group's violent tactics and a profound concern for the suffering it causes among civilians, religious leaders, and government…

The Future of Cryptocurrency in Nigeria: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility In an era defined by lightning-speed innovation, we find ourselves caught between excitement and responsibility. The advent of digital assets has transformed the fabric of our financial landscape, unfolding a tapestry of possibilities intertwined with a set of challenges that demand our attention. As we delve into this evolving frontier, it's paramount to consider: how do we protect the integrity of our financial systems while nurturing…

Nigeria's Steel Industry: A New Dawn on the Horizon In an exciting move towards revitalizing its steel industry, the Nigerian Minister of Steel recently revealed significant developments during a press conference held on Thursday. This event marked the official announcement of the inaugural National Steel Summit, which is set to take place from July 16-17, 2025, at the Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre in Abuja. This summit stands as a pivotal moment for Nigeria, as it aims to address longstanding challenges facing the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant stride toward enhancing its educational framework, Somalia's federal cabinet recently granted approval for the formation of a 15-member National Higher Education Committee. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Education, emerges as a pivotal effort aimed at reforming the oversight and governance of the nation’s university system. The decision was made during the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The committee was established as a…

In today’s complex economic landscape, low reserves have emerged as a significant vulnerability for many African nations, impacting them both economically and politically. It raises important questions: How do these nations navigate such precarious circumstances? What are the broader implications for their populations? The fragility of these economies is reflected in various international rankings, including the Global Firepower Index. This index evaluates the strength of nations by measuring military…

Urgent Call for Unified Action in Hiiraan Beledweyne (AX) — In a passionate plea, Senior Militia Leader Ali Jeyte Osman has raised an alarm for an immediate military response following the troubling capture of Moqokori town by Al-Shabaab. His warnings resonate not only within the ranks of local clans but echo across the entire region, emphasizing that the ramifications of losing this territory could profoundly destabilize the area. During a public address in Mahaas on Wednesday, Jeyte, who holds the pivotal role of…

Reflections on Nigeria's Refinery Saga: Insights from Aliko Dangote In a recent assessment of Nigeria's refining challenges, Aliko Dangote, the distinguished CEO of the Dangote Group, pointedly questioned the operational viability of the state-owned refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. His remarks were not made in a vacuum; the context was a tour of his own oil refinery with members of the Global CEO Africa program from the Lagos Business School, where he highlighted the staggering sums already expended…