West Africa

The busy streets of Mogadishu were eerily silent on Thursday night as a tragic event unfolded under the watchful gaze of the city's crumbling infrastructure. Abdullahi Sheikh Ahmed, a figure deeply embedded in the community and an instrumental leader within the Halane branch of Wadajir district, was unexpectedly taken from this world. Somali officials have confirmed the details of his untimely death, adding yet another page to Mogadishu's sorrowful narrative. The air was heavy with disbelief and a quiet rage as the…

In the dynamic world of fintech, where change is constant and innovation essential, Maplerad has carved a significant niche for itself. It’s a company that began as a bold idea in 2020, dreamt up by the visionary duo, Miracle Anyanwu and Obinna Chukwujioke. With its inception set against the backdrop of Africa’s complex financial ecosystem, Maplerad quickly emerged as a pivotal player. Why is Maplerad's story so compelling? Because they…

An Exploration of African Currency Depreciation in 2024 Currency is a subtle force that silently shapes the fortunes of nations. In 2024, numerous African nations, such as Nigeria and Ghana, faced significant currency depreciation, casting shadows over their economies. But why should one care about numbers on a currency exchange board? Let's delve into this complex issue, examining its ripples across economies, both near and far. "Where has the purchasing power gone?" many Nigerians…

Mogadishu, also known as the heart of the Horn of Africa, has witnessed an inspiring boost in its defense capabilities. In a monumental gesture of support, the African Union has delivered a critical consignment of military equipment aimed at bolstering Somalia's security landscape. This endeavor not only aims at enhancing the country's security architecture but also underlines the unwavering commitment to stabilizing a region plagued by challenges. The shipment comprises a myriad of essential assets: robust armored…

Unveiling the Veil: A Dramatic Uncovering in Bosaso In the heart of the rugged northern Somali terrain, where the sun’s rays relentlessly kiss the earth, a tale of resilience and revelation unfolds. Close to the winding Miraale River near Bosaso, something monumental has been brought to light by none other than the stalwart Northeastern State security forces: an ISIL stronghold, defiantly entrenched and heavily fortified, now stands barren and exposed. Picture this: a hidden, strategic base yielding a trove of…

Mogadishu Tragedy: A Heartfelt Plea from a Captive Nurse, Seven Years On In a world often buffered by news of resilience and hope, the story of Sonja Nientiet stands out as an instance of endurance amid despair. Nientiet, a German nurse whose commitment to humanity took her to the war-torn streets of Mogadishu, now finds herself in a harrowing predicament. Abducted seven years ago while valiantly attending to the needs of others as part of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), she has surfaced in a video,…

Exploring the Shifts in Somalia's Global Standing: A Conversation The landscape of global politics is ever-changing, and with a new administration in Washington, questions about the future abound. In this episode of The Horn, Alan sits down with Omar Mahmood, a Senior Analyst for Crisis Group focusing on Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Together, they delve into the nuanced dynamics affecting Somalia today. The discussion kicks off with a focus on the recent declaration between Somalia and Ethiopia, a development…

A Rising Threat: ISIS-Somalia's Bold Stance The evolving landscape of global security draws the world's eyes to an urgent task at hand. "ISIS-Somalia has demonstrated both the will and the ability to conduct operations that threaten U.S. security interests," AFRICOM stated. By turning a critical lens on how this threat unfolds, we delve into the implications of this announcement. This group has persistently targeted Somali security forces and foreign nationals, a fact that reverberates through the concerned corridors of…

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AX) — As dawn cast its first light over Johannesburg this Wednesday morning, a dramatic event unfolded in a quiet suburban enclave known as Lombardy East. The tranquility was shattered when dozens of foreign nationals, with many being teenagers and young adults hailing from Ethiopia and Somalia, courageously broke free from a house. The local police, the ever-vigilant South African Police Service (SAPS), quickly mobilized to investigate the incident as a potential breach of South Africa’s…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring. US F/A-18 Super Hornet attack fighter jet taking off from the US Navy's Nimitz-class USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier at sea on March 16, 2025. (AFP) In the heart of East Africa, a land steeped in both challenge and resilience, a new spotlight has emerged. On this stage, the United States, in collaboration with the Somali federal government, has executed a strategic air campaign targeting Daesh group strongholds in northern Somalia. This recent development,…