West Africa

Piracy Resurfacing in Troubled Waters: A Renewed Maritime Challenge By February 22, the enigmatic departure of the assailants from the vessel left many questions unanswered. It was rather peculiar, wasn't it? This unplanned exit set the stage for Operation Atalanta forces to execute what they called a “friendly approach” the following day. They gathered valuable intelligence from the crew, teasing out details that only those who actually mar the murky waters would know. European forces have been diligently…

Understanding Purchasing Power in African Nations It's a familiar story across many African countries: the struggle with low purchasing power arises from a web of complex issues. High levels of poverty overshadow progress, industrialization limps along, political landscapes ebb and flow, and access to the global market remains a great hope yet seen on the horizon. Let's consider Numbeo’s Purchasing Power Index, a useful compass in assessing where nations stand. This index breaks down…

Gordon's Journey: From Somalia to Tech Innovator Imagine standing on the precipice of change when you're just 18 years old, the whole country teetering on the brink of civil war. This was Gordon’s reality. She pauses for a moment, eyes closed, as if trying to hush the echoes of a turbulent past she’s fought hard to silence. "You could feel the tension in the air," she recalls with a distant look, "My father took swift action, resorting to any available means to secure our safety through the…

Africa, a continent often painted with broad strokes of opportunity and challenge, is crafting a narrative of rapid economic ascendancy. Recent projections from the African Development Bank (AfDB) suggest that by 2025, several African nations will be climbing the ranks of global economic performance. This development promises to reshape not only the face of Africa but potentially shift some global economic dynamics as well. The momentum stems from targeted policies…

In a significant gathering recently held in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, leaders from various African air forces came together with a unified purpose: to bolster military aviation across national boundaries. The discussions primarily revolved around the increasingly complex dynamics of humanitarian crises and the essential role of disaster relief in addressing these challenges. As the world faces an array of trials—natural disasters, conflict, and pandemics—the discourse turned to how coordinated military efforts can serve…

On a brisk February day, a pivotal moment unfurled that could be transformative for the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia and Somalia, nations with intertwined histories and shared challenges, came together to make significant strides in regional security. The significant visit of an Ethiopian delegation led by the resolute Field Marshal Birhanu Jula to Mogadishu was not just a formal gesture; it was emblematic of the potentials unlocked by collaboration. Rewind to a few weeks prior, an atmosphere of collaboration was sowed in…

Aliko Dangote: The Rise of Africa's Wealthiest Titan Reflect for a moment on what it takes to nearly double one's wealth in a single year. Not just a modest increase, mind you, but an upsurge that pushes your financial power to an awe-inspiring $23.9 billion. This is the narrative of Aliko Dangote, a name that resonates profoundly not only across Africa but around the world. Today, standing proudly as the richest person on the continent, he commands a global ranking of 86th. How did he get…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Garowe (AX) – In an inspiring wave of resilience and strategic collaboration, the Northeastern State regional administration has taken decisive action by providing direct support to local militia forces known as the Ma'awisley. These local factions have rallied with remarkable courage to protect their recently liberated lands from the grasp of ISIS militants entrenched in the Al-Miskaat Mountains. The potency of this grassroots movement lies in the shared history…

Breathing life back into weary spirits, a monumental peace accord has been sealed, marking the end of an era of strife that has lingered for over four decades. This historic agreement was skillfully mediated by Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the esteemed President of Guinea-Bissau. "A conflict stretching beyond 40 years hardly leaves any heart unscathed," some might observe, and rightfully so. The signing of this agreement represents more than just cessation; it signifies hope rediscovered and a…

Mogadishu: A Battle in Beera Yabaal and the Fight Against Extremism The sun had barely risen over the sprawling landscapes of the Hiran region when Mogadishu found itself embroiled in the latest chapter of an ongoing conflict. Intense fighting erupted on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning in the Beera Yabaal area as Somali government forces, backed by courageous local militias, confronted the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants. It's intriguing, isn't it, how life in certain parts of the world can oscillate…