West Africa

Building Bridges in Healthcare: The Story of Muhiyadin Aden In the bustling corridors of Hennepin County Medical Center, a vital connection is made every day. Physician Assistant Muhiyadin Aden stands at the intersection of healthcare and community, forging relationships that transcend language barriers. His story is one of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving his community. Just last week, 80-year-old Mohamed Abdi found himself in the emergency department after a painful fall outside his…

Kenya's Exclusion of Somalia from Visa-Free Travel Policy: A Step Backwards for Regional Integration? In a significant move that has drawn both ire and concern, Kenya recently announced a new visa-free travel policy for several African nations—and Somalia was notably left out. This decision has stirred considerable backlash among Somali travelers, who argue that it not only undermines regional integration but also unjustly targets Somali citizens. The policy, initially revealed in January and rolled out…

The Dawn of a New Era in Zimbabwe's Lithium Sector Zimbabwe's Kuvimba Mining House is poised for a significant leap forward in the lithium market with plans to commence construction on a state-of-the-art lithium concentrator at its Sandawana mine, a project valued at a remarkable $270 million. Set to kick off in the third quarter of 2025, this venture marks a pivotal moment for the nation as it seeks to harness the growing demand for lithium—a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and numerous other…

Ongoing Clan Violence in Somalia: A Deepening Crisis Mogadishu (AX) — In a troubling escalation of conflict, six lives were tragically lost and over ten individuals were injured early Thursday in a renewed episode of clan violence within the Meersiis area of Somalia's central Galgaduud region. Local sources report that tensions have boiled over, marking yet another chapter in a saga of persistent unrest. The skirmish erupted at dawn, as armed militias from the Guriceel and Elbur districts clashed violently. Residents…

Finding Hope in the Most Challenging Circumstances In the heart of Mogadishu's Deynile district, Khadiijo retrieves water from a newly installed tap in her home, a vivid symbol of hope and transformation. For Khadija Dahir Mahmoud and her five children, life has taken a turn for the better. They are now enjoying access to free, clean water and their first toilets at the Warcaasho internal displacement camp. This positive change is made possible by the dedicated efforts of a Somali organization, demonstrating…

Navigating Nigeria's Energy Landscape: Insights from Aliko Dangote During a recent visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, industry titan Aliko Dangote made a compelling point about Nigeria’s energy challenges. With a population exceeding 200 million, he remarked on the glaring inadequacy of the current power generation capacity, which hovers around 4,500 to 5,000 megawatts (MW). "It’s unreasonable,” he asserted, sparking a conversation that many may have been hesitant to join. In an illuminating statement, he revealed,…

Mogadishu (AX) — The situation in Somalia’s Awdal region has reached a critical juncture, prompting Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre to announce immediate relief efforts for communities devastated by severe drought conditions. This declaration specifically targets the districts of Zeylac and Lughaya, as well as their surrounding villages, where the impact of nature’s fury has been acutely felt. The Prime Minister’s directive was issued during a recent cabinet meeting held in Mogadishu, where government officials…

France has officially returned its last military base in Senegal, signaling the conclusion of a 65-year military presence. This significant withdrawal leaves the French armed forces without any permanent installations in West and Central Africa. It is a poignant moment, considering the broader trend of former colonies increasingly distancing themselves from their historical colonizers. At the heart of this transition is President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in 2024 with a resolute promise: to ensure that all…

In a significant moment for Somalia's political landscape, First Lady Marwo Sahro Omar Hassan proudly shared her biometrics during the voter registration process in the Banadir region. This event not only spotlighted her participation but also marked a monumental step in the nation’s democratic journey towards universal suffrage. Marwo Sahro registered to vote in the Dharkeenley District, a bustling area within the Banadir region. Her participation was not an isolated act; she stood among hundreds of fellow citizens who…

The Untold Story of an Innovative Idea: A Journey Through Time and Space Imagine a world where every moment on the road is recorded, where safety isn’t just a hope but a guarantee. This was the vision crafted by a young Angolan innovator—Frederico Thoth Jorge de Miranda—who, at just 22 years old, dared to make this dream a reality. He submitted a U.S. patent application (#US 11/710166) that aimed to drastically improve vehicle safety through a revolutionary camera-based system, capturing footage before, during, and after…