West Africa

In a shocking turn of events in Ghana's political landscape, Speaker Alban Bagbin recently made headlines by suspending several lawmakers. This decision came on the heels of an unruly incident where members of the parliament's vetting committee engaged in a physical altercation—one that resulted in significant damage to furniture within the legislative chamber. The tensions erupted during a hearing, where MPs from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) accused their opposition counterparts of engaging in what they…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a charged outcry that reverberates with urgency, Somali Senator Abdi Hassan Awaale Qeybdiid has openly accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of manipulating the national constitution to suit his unilateral whims. What does this mean for Somalia's already fragile stability and governance? During a candid conversation with SMS local television on a quiet Sunday, the senator expressed his dismay, describing the current governance as operating under “Hassan Sheikh’s special constitution” rather than the…

London, UK (AX) — Channel 4's daring new series, Go Back to Where You Came From, embarks on an audacious journey that vividly parallels the treacherous routes taken by refugees fleeing conflict zones. At the heart of this experiential expedition is Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, a city long marred by turbulence yet buoyed by indomitable resilience. While watching this series, one might ponder: what do an eclectic group of six British citizens gain by traversing these perilous roads once trodden by countless asylum…

Nairobi (AX) – In the heart of Mandera County, a shadowy cloud of fear descended as alleged Al-Shabaab insurgents spirited away five local chiefs on Monday. Their journey toward Elwak was abruptly interrupted, sparking concern throughout the region. North Eastern Regional Commissioner, John Otieno, relayed the troubling news, painting a stark picture of areas like Bamba Owla and Ires Suki, known for their vulnerability to militant operations. One might wonder, what drives these menacing forces to such acts of aggression? The…

The Nigerian music landscape has been graced with numerous talents, but few have soared as high as Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems. Recently, she claimed the prestigious Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance during the 67th annual ceremony. Her triumph marks a significant milestone, as she outperformed a formidable lineup that included renowned artists such as Burna Boy, Asake, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, and the dynamic collaboration of Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay. This accomplishment is a testament not…

Gobonimo Market Blaze Underlines Ongoing Vulnerabilities in Hargeisa's Commercial Centers Hargeisa (AX) — The tranquil evening air of Hargeisa was ruptured by a blaze, a fire that engulfed Gobonimo Market on Saturday. This incident starkly highlighted the underlying weaknesses of the city's vital trading zones. Are these catastrophic events becoming all too commonplace in a city heavily reliant on its markets? The North Western State of Somalia Police, through a succinct press release, confirmed the deployment of…

In a spirited and rare display of unity, the foreign ministers of five Arab countries have come forth with a resolute joint statement, unequivocally denouncing any efforts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their ancestral lands. It’s a strong, collective rebuke to the controversial proposal laid out by none other than the former US President, Donald Trump. The document, released over the past weekend, took aim squarely at Trump's suggestion that Egypt and Jordan should open their doors to Palestinians from the…

Mogadishu (AX) — The recent return of Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe to Kismayo marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of his strained dealings with Somalia's federal government. Imagine the tumultuous dynamics of a family feud, where each member grapples with deep-seated grievances yet yearns for some semblance of harmony. Upon Madobe's arrival in Kismayo, the semi-arid interim capital of Jubaland, state media and confidants released a brief video capturing his return. It is a stark contrast to the…

Why do we need institutions? It's a question that beckons a dive into the less navigable waters of human society. The world, a vast and intricate puzzle, continually shifts under our feet, always perplexing, forever unpredictable. Humans, in their solitary states, find themselves overwhelmed by this chaos. Enter institutions—not mere constructs of civilization but the anchors of order and progress. These entities, ranging from governmental bodies and educational establishments to religious congregations and legal frameworks,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable denunciation, Somali lawmaker and opposition figurehead Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has chastised the Somali government. Why? For a glaring oversight—failing to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Northeastern State in the nation's military campaign against ISIS militants in the windswept, rugged terrain of the northeastern Bari region. Warsame's words weren’t just a casual rebuke; they brimmed with a palpable sense of frustration and urgency. To him, Northeastern State's…