West Africa

Unlocking Potential: U.S.-Liberia Relations and the Minerals Frontier In the muted halls of Washington, a significant dialogue unfolded last week that highlights the intricate dance of geopolitics and resource diplomacy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, discussing the expansion of American interests in Liberia's critical minerals sector. This meeting is more than just a diplomatic handshake; it symbolizes a burgeoning relationship that could redefine not just…

Breaking: Firdhiye names 21-member Cabinet in Las Anod, signaling next phase for Somalia’s northeastern administration Las Anod, Somalia — Abdikadir Ahmed Ali, widely known as Firdhiye, has appointed a 21-member Cabinet for the northeastern regional administration centered in Las Anod, according to a decree issued Sunday by his office. The move, months in the making, formalizes a leadership team for the territory that emerged from last year’s fighting and has since sought a stable path under the banner of SSC-Khatumo. The…

Puntland State’s new anti-terror law tests a familiar bargain: more security, fewer liberties The ink is barely dry in Garowe. With a stroke of the pen on October 8, Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni signed into law a sweeping anti-terrorism bill that grants security agencies powers long sought, and just as fiercely debated. The legislation, approved by the regional parliament in late July, is now published in the official gazette and enforceable across Puntland State’s cities, coasts and mountain ranges. This…

Somalia’s ID Deadline Tests the Promise of Digital Inclusion In a quiet Saturday statement that ignited a very noisy week on the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) said it will stop issuing national ID cards for free after October 31, 2025. The line that got people moving was simple: “The National ID Card Registration Fee Exemption Period ends on October 31. Please take advantage of the opportunity and apply at your nearest NIRA Center!” Within hours, long queues…

Somalia and Turkey move to seal a labor pact — and raise bigger questions about jobs, skills, and dignity In a quiet room in Doha on Friday, Somali Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Yusuf Mohamed sat down with Turkey’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, to push forward a bilateral labor cooperation agreement. On paper, it is a technical accord: training programs, civil service capacity-building, and a plan to spur job creation. In practice, it is also a test of whether two close partners…

As Côte d'Ivoire Prepares for Elections, Misinformation Casts a Shadow As Côte d'Ivoire gears up for a critical election on October 25, a silent yet pervasive threat looms over the democratic process: misinformation. The nation, known for its vibrant culture and commitment to progress, is grappling with a troubling rise in false narratives proliferated through the ever-ubiquitous social media. This election, like previous ones, is not just a test of the political system but a reflection of the societal fractures that…

African Cinema: A Resurgence of Culture and Identity African cinema has always been a rich tapestry, woven together with the threads of diverse stories and vibrant cultural expressions. Recently, however, this medium has witnessed an extraordinary renaissance, one that not only highlights the unique narratives of the continent but also asserts its place on the global stage. Central to this movement is the Film Africa festival, an event that serves as a crucial bridge connecting African filmmakers to international audiences.…

Unveiling a Buried Truth: The Thiaroye Massacre and France’s Colonial Legacy In the shadows of history lies the forgotten story of the Thiaroye massacre, a tragic event that has recently come under the spotlight with revelations pointing to a deliberate cover-up. On December 1, 1944, French troops opened fire on West African soldiers demanding their due pay at the Thiaroye camp near Dakar, Senegal. For decades, the official death toll was reported as at least 35. Yet, new findings suggest that these numbers are drastically…

Somali forces arrest suspect said to be planting landmines in border town Beled Hawo, Somalia — Security forces in Somalia’s Gedo region say they have detained a man accused of attempting to lay two landmines along a busy route in the border district of Beled Hawo, averting what officials believe could have been a deadly attack on civilians and military convoys. The late-night arrest on Tuesday, confirmed by the Somali National Army’s media unit, came during a targeted operation as patrols swept through the district’s main…

Somalia’s Seat at East Africa’s Table: Why Mogadishu’s New EALA Delegation Matters A quiet milestone in Mogadishu In a bright room at the presidential palace in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Somalia’s first full slate of lawmakers to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The ceremony, following a parliamentary vote that selected nine representatives, was deliberately understated — no brass bands, no triumphal headlines. Yet the significance should not be missed. Less than a year after its…