West Africa

Despite a strong appeal from authorities urging them to reconsider, the organizers of the Take-It-Back Movement are resolute in their plans for a nationwide protest. Scheduled for April 7, this action is not merely a display of dissent; it is a reaction against what they perceive as an overreach by the Bola Tinubu administration. The Nigeria Police Force has denounced the timing of the protest, describing it as “ill-conceived and mischievous,” highlighting its coinciding date with the inaugural National Police Day…

As reported by the renowned Forbes, the African billionaires' league has marked an epoch of unprecedented affluence, with individual and combined fortunes soaring to new heights. But how did we get here? How have these titans of industry navigated the often turbulent waters of the African financial landscape? These are the questions that intrigue us as we delve into the profiles of the continent's most affluent. Let's pause for a moment and consider Aliko Dangote, a name that has become…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant turn of events, the Somali government forces, reinforced by local clan militias, have successfully seized full control of the Ruunirgood district. This decisive move on Monday marks a pivotal advancement in the ongoing battle against the al-Shabaab insurgents in the Middle Shabelle region. In an official statement, the Federal Government of Somalia eloquently outlined the vigorous security operations that are currently being conducted in and around this recently liberated…

File photo: Al-Shabaab militants. AP It was an early Sunday morning when silence shattered near Mogadishu's bustling airport; Al-Shabaab militants, notorious for their swift and sudden attacks, sent a wave of mortars crashing perilously close. This hostile disruption wreaked havoc on international flight schedules, casting a shadow over Somalia's efforts to maintain its fragile peace. A security official confided in AFP, shedding light on the severity of the intrusion. Reflecting on the incident, one cannot help but ponder…

Navigating the Undulating Terrain of Nigeria's Oil Market Last week marked a significant shift in global oil prices, as crude oil saw its value tumble to depths not seen since 2021. Was it former President Trump's imposing import tariffs that sparked this? Perhaps it was the unexpected increase in oil supply by OPEC+ that sent ripples through the market, slicing a hefty $10 from global benchmarks per barrel. And suddenly, by Friday, the crude oil prices had plummeted to $65 a barrel. For many, this…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a robust session filled with fervor, North Western State of Somalia’s Parliament recently took a resolute stance against plans unveiled by Somali Prime Minister, Hamsa Abdi Barre, intending to visit Las Anod — the significant administrative hub of the SSC-Khatumo region, which North Western State of Somalia staunchly claims as its dominion. The legislative assembly's condemnation resonated throughout the chambers during its opening session on Monday following a hiatus. The lawmakers stood united,…

President Donald Trump has characterized the tariffs imposed by the United States on various nations, including numerous countries in Africa, as "reciprocal." He presents these measures as not only fair but also as a form of magnanimity towards the targeted nations. Trump claims that the tariffs levied on American imports from these countries are significantly lower than the duties those same nations impose on U.S. exports. This assertion begs the question: Are we truly engaging in balanced trade, or are we merely shifting…

Human rights organizations, whose mission it is to stand against injustices, have expressed growing concern over the increasing reports of forced marriages and abuse within refugee camps. The exhumation of Gacala's body has drawn their keen attention. "We are closely monitoring the process to ensure justice is served," said one spokesperson. To ensure the proceedings' integrity, the court has enlisted officers from the Dagahaley Police Station to maintain a secure perimeter during this crucial step. The…

Diplomatic Endeavors for Peace: A Human Touch In a world often overshadowed by turmoil, genuine efforts toward peace shine like beacons of hope. This past Saturday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, accompanied by his Turkish colleague, Hakan Fidan, embarked on a significant dialogue aimed at rekindling the flames of peace in the Gaza region, focusing on reinstating the ceasefire agreement. The question is, can diplomacy restore what war has shattered? Both ministers engaged in a comprehensive phone…

Mogadishu (AX) - Former Somali National Army (SNA) commander General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin has voiced his profound concern over the potential infiltration of the al-Shabaab militant group into the Somali military. His comments come in the sorrowful wake of Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nur Mohamed Gaabow's assassination, a figure better known to many as Nur Farey. This troubling event casts a long shadow over the army's structure, raising questions about trust and loyalty within its ranks. “We find ourselves in precarious…