West Africa

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent figure in international finance and the former CEO of Credit Suisse, recently faced a significant setback in his political aspirations. Just a week after the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI) announced him as their presidential candidate, Thiam, currently 62, received notice of his disqualification from contesting the upcoming Ivorian presidential election, along with the inability to vote. This startling announcement underscores the complexities that often intertwine politics and…

In the latest Poverty and Equity Brief released by the World Bank in April 2025, the situation in Nigeria paints a rather grim picture: an alarming 41.3% of its urban population lives in poverty, with rural communities bearing an even heavier burden. The factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted, encompassing economic stagnation, rampant inflation, and widespread insecurity that have collectively stifled growth in recent years. To fully grasp the gravity of this situation, consider that 30.9% of Nigerians were…

The Horn of Africa stands as a stark example of vulnerability in the face of climate change, a sobering reality that reverberates across the region. Extreme weather events are not just becoming more frequent; they are intensifying. Increasingly severe flash floods, like those recently witnessed in Somalia, illustrate this urgent crisis in a most visceral way. Since mid-April, over 45,000 individuals have had their lives profoundly impacted by sudden, torrential rains that resulted in catastrophic flooding. Tragically, at…

Somalia and Türkiye's Hydrocarbon Partnership: A New Beginning In a remarkable moment for Somalia's natural resources landscape, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has expressed deep enthusiasm about the country's budding partnership with Türkiye. This collaboration, heralded as a “timely boost,” aims to unlock Somalia’s significant yet largely untapped natural resources. During the İstanbul Natural Resources Summit: INRES 2025—an esteemed gathering that convened policymakers, industry…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development in the realm of international relations, Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, made a compelling statement on Saturday concerning the federal government’s recent ban on Taiwan-issued passports. This decision, he explained, stemmed from an intended visit by senior Taiwanese officials to North Western State of Somalia—a move that Fiqi describes as a potential infringement upon Somalia's sovereignty. During an event held in the heart of Mogadishu, Fiqi, who recently…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development on the political landscape of Somalia, Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo Regional State, touched down in Mogadishu on Saturday. His arrival comes just ahead of the anticipated National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, set to commence on Monday. This marks a notable moment in the evolution of SSC-Khatumo, as it prepares for its first-ever participation in the NCC since declaring itself a federal member state last year. The atmosphere at Aden Adde…

Garowe (AX) — In a tragic turn of events on Saturday night, two civilians lost their lives to the unchecked fury of unknown assailants in Garowe, the capital of Northeastern State, Somalia. Eyewitnesses and local residents have since come forward to recount the heart-wrenching details of that fateful night, which have left the community grappling with fear and uncertainty. The two victims, described as a hotel security guard and a visiting relative, were mercilessly shot in both the head and back—a brutal act that…

The Journey of the Somali Language: A Complex Tapestry Many people often ponder a significant question: Why did it take twelve years of independence and two decades of national discussions to reach a consensus on a written Somali language? The answer, as noted by David D. Laitin, is anything but straightforward. He remarked, “Whenever the matter was raised, foreign elements came at work. The people would split into factions—some supporting Somali script for nationalistic reasons, some advocating Arabic script on religious…

Mogadishu (AX) — In recent developments, the SSC-Khaatumo administration has firmly rebuffed criticisms from Northeastern State, emphasizing that it is not obliged to inform or consult Northeastern State regarding its relationship with Somalia's Federal Government. This bold assertion highlights a growing complexity in the political landscape of Somalia. On Saturday, Najib Barkhadle Warsame, the Information Minister for SSC-Khaatumo, responded directly to remarks made by Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni,…

Rebuilding Bridges: Macron's Historic Visit to Madagascar This recent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Madagascar is much more than a diplomatic engagement; it symbolizes France's renewed commitment to rekindling its influence in Africa. In a landscape where its presence has waned in former colonies, this visit marks a pivotal moment for both nations. Let's consider context for a moment. France has seen its presence diminish in several African nations, including Gabon, Chad, and Niger, where military juntas…