West Africa

Diplomatic Tensions: The Stalled Somalia-Ethiopia Negotiations Mogadishu (AX) — The diplomatic endeavor led by Turkey to ease the ongoing friction between Somalia and Ethiopia seems to have reached an impasse. According to Somali and Ethiopian diplomats, negotiations have ground to a halt as discussions broke off due to Ethiopia's desire for direct access to the sea through North Western State of Somalia. This development raises eyebrows and questions about the future trajectory of not only Ethiopia and Somalia but also…

On Monday, July 7, 2025, during the Council’s 59th session in Geneva, the vote regarding the renewal of the mandate brought forth a significant outcome: 29 member states voted in favor, 15 against, and three opted to abstain, with Ghana being one of them. This vote encapsulates a broader narrative of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights on the global stage. Renewed Mandate: A Beacon for Global LGBTQ+ Rights The renewal of this mandate serves as a reaffirmation of the global commitment to protect the…

Embracing a Vision for Somalia's Future In a recent gathering that brought together policymakers, academics, and business leaders from across East Africa, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre illuminated a transformative vision for Somalia’s path forward. His address was not merely a presentation; it was a call to action, inviting all stakeholders—especially Somali scholars both domestically and internationally—to concentrate on critical areas such as poverty alleviation, climate adaptation, enhanced medical services, education…

In a vibrant display of prowess on the continental stage, Mansur Abdullahi, the former team manager of Nigeria's Super Falcons, stands resolute in his belief. With a track record of success, the nine-time African champions are on the cusp of clinching their 10th title at the Women Africa Cup of Nations unfolding in Morocco. Having already triumphed over Tunisia, they now prepare for their pivotal match against Botswana. As the team gears up for their Wednesday evening clash at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the intensity of…

Tragedy Strikes at Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy Mogadishu (AX) — In an alarming incident that shook the very core of Mogadishu, a suicide bomber detonated himself at the primary entrance of the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in the Hodan district. This distressing event unfolded at approximately 11:20 a.m. on a typical Wednesday, instantly shattering the tranquility of a bustling morning. Reports emerging from Somalia’s Defence Ministry indicate that the blast resulted in an undetermined number of casualties, both dead…

In a world where barriers are continually being broken, stories of transformation emerge, and Omotayo Adeoye stands at the forefront of this evolution. Hailing from Nigeria, she has carved her niche in strategy consulting, shaping impactful strategies at prestigious tables across North America, Europe, and Africa. This journey showcases a vibrant generational shift in leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of long-term value. Her work intricately intersects finance, strategy, and systems thinking, enabling organizations to…

In a remarkable turn of events, mixed communications have emerged from both the government of Liberia and the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia following the announcement of a staggering U.S.$1.8 billion deal with Ivanhoe Atlantic, a subsidiary of the prominent U.S. mining company High Power Exploration (HPX). On July 7, the embassy expressed optimism, asserting that the agreement could significantly bolster Liberia's economy. But how firm is that optimism? Just days later, Mines and Energy Minister Wilmont Paye cast a shadow over…

Military Success in Jubbaland: A Strategic Move Against Insurgency “We had firm intelligence on the enemy’s movements and struck first,” spoke Lt. Col. Asad Ahmed Mohamed—or as many affectionately know him, Asad Garweyne. This declaration, delivered over the phone with a tone of measured pride, is emblematic of the current military efforts unfolding in Jubbaland, a semi-autonomous region in southern Somalia. While he opted to remain tight-lipped about potential casualties or arrests linked to the operation, he deemed the…

Chidinma’s journey into the world of fintech is a story woven with passion, innovation, and a relentless belief in the transformative power of technology. Her adventure began while working on a digital fintech application associated with one of Africa’s leading commercial banks, a project aimed at providing short-term lending solutions. Through this experience, she witnessed how technology could effectively bridge financial gaps for low-income individuals, who often found themselves on the fringes of the traditional…

On July 8, 2025, a significant announcement resonated through the corridors of power in Accra during the official inauguration of the Ghana Gold Board Task Force. It was a moment laden with promise—a promise not just for governance and regulation, but for the very integrity of Ghana's treasured gold market. The newly formed task force has a clear and critical mandate: to dismantle the networks of illegal gold trading, put a stop to smuggling operations, and correct the pricing distortions that have plagued the gold sector.…