West Africa

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…

Northeastern State's Economic Resilience: An Address by President Said Abdullahi Deni In a stirring address that has resonated throughout Northeastern State, President Said Abdullahi Deni announced a decisive shift in the region's stance on businesses claiming coercion as a pretext for making payments to the Islamic State (ISIS). From this point forward, the administration has vowed to dismantle such financial channels. With a tone underscored by determination, President Deni remarked, "No businessperson will have the…

Somalian Struggles Against Terrorism: A Chronicle of Hope and Resilience Alasow remarked on the grueling night's operations as government soldiers, supported by African Union forces, heroically navigated through a tense and dangerous situation. They worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped within the confines of a besieged hotel, including elders, military personnel, and innocent civilians. With a mixture of pride and sorrow, he disclosed, “During the 18-hour siege, our courageous soldiers eliminated two…

Imagine a continent bustling with untapped potential, yet lagging behind in the race toward economic and innovative leaps. Africa stands at the crossroads of immense promise and a stark educational reality. On one side, there is a readiness to contribute significantly to global growth and technological advancement. On the other, an unsettling absence of world-renowned STEM universities raises pressing questions. Are African graduates prepared for the competitive and ever-evolving job market? Or are…