West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — On the 21st of November, Somalia celebrated its cherished Teachers' Day. The affair was headlined by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who highlighted the ongoing governmental efforts to tackle the educational sector's roadblocks. President Mohamud, communicating with the nation via a televised speech, showered teachers with praise, describing them as the "backbone of Somali society." He poignantly remarked, "While our soldiers secure the present, it is our…

In a bold move towards sustainability, Somalia has officially thrown its hat into the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) ring. This step marks a significant chapter in the nation's quest to build a greener economy and shield its environment, gearing up to tackle and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. According to Khadija Al Makhzoumi, the Minister of Environment for Somalia, the decision to unite with GGGI isn't just a small leap—it's a substantial stride in the right direction. As quoted by the Somali…

Sudan’s football warriors have navigated the turbulent seas of civil conflict to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the chaotic backdrop, they triumphed in a fiercely competitive final round of qualifiers, joining Benin in the journey to next year's illustrious tournament. Due to the unrest that began in April of the preceding year, Sudan’s domestic league has been on pause, forcing the national team to play their home games on neutral grounds, far from the cheering home crowd. With Libya and South…

In a heartfelt announcement, the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) revealed its key focus areas: providing emergency shelter, food support, and health services to flood-stricken communities. Quotes were shared from those at the forefront, illustrating the urgent needs and rallying a sense of solidarity. Given the breakdown of substantial acreages of farmland in the Hiiraan region, the situation is dire. The mounting waves of floodwaters have mercilessly ravaged crops, intensifying the already precarious food…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…

To shed light on the current state of telecommunications, Ecofin has taken a keen interest in a recent governmental initiative. The Department of Communications and Technology is actively reaching out to various stakeholders for feedback through an open forum. They're eager to gather diverse perspectives and insights to shape future policies. On Facebook, they gave us a sneak peek, proclaiming, "The unified fiber optic deployment policy aims to steer national telecom companies towards collaboration for the installation and…

Mogadishu (AX) — The international community is raising a red flag over the growing friction between Somalia's Federal Government and Jubaland State, urging a chill-out period and talks that bring something constructive to the table. This spat heated up post-Jubaland's no-show at the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, a forum meant to iron out issues crucial for Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts. Not too long ago, in early October, Jubaland’s President Ahmed Madobe stepped away from an NCC talk,…

Former president John Mahama, who’s now the presidential hopeful for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has leveled sharp critiques against President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. He argues that the situation of youth unemployment has taken a turn for the worse, leaving many young Ghanaians struggling to find jobs. Mahama insists that the forthcoming elections "offer a vital chance" to change the nation’s leadership and, subsequently, its direction. During a recent campaign event in the eastern part of…

Kismayo (AX) — In a dramatic turn of events, Jubaland's parliament proceeded with its leadership election on Thursday in Kismayo. This move came despite clear disapproval from the federal government, which has rejected the current electoral process in the region. Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman clinched the Speaker's position for a third term, securing a decisive 65 votes. His rival, Ismail Abdi Keerow, managed to gather only seven votes, according to the Interim Speaker Sheikh Abdi Yusuf Ali. This victory strengthens…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his commitment to reform the country's electoral system, aiming for universal suffrage by 2026. During a celebration of King Charles III's birthday in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stressed the significance of democratic elections in bolstering government effectiveness and fueling national growth. Quoting the President, "Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, built on the Somali people's will. Our government is committed to ensuring Somalis take an…