West Africa

By the time you hear about an internet shutdown, the damage has often already set in, like ripples spreading across a pond. According to a report from the vigilant watchdogs at Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, Africa saw an unsettling record of 21 internet shutdowns across 15 of its nations last year—a stark increase from the previous records of 19 in both 2020 and 2021. This begs the question: what compels governments to flip the switch in times of turmoil? Among the affected…

Mogadishu, Somalia – Under the relentless heat of the Mogadishu sun, Mukhtar Abdiwhab Ahmed finds himself seated on a simple plastic chair outside his home. The sounds of children at play, soldiers in clusters, and rickshaws darting past are the symphony of his daily surroundings. “Had I known I'd be here in Somalia, these tattoos would never have made it onto my skin,” he muses to Al Jazeera. Mukhtar, a 39-year-old, resorts mostly to long-sleeved shirts now, hoping to shield himself from the critical whispers and…

A Siege Broken: A Story of Courage and Resilience in Beledweyne In the early hours of a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne became the scene of a dramatic 15-hour siege. The tranquility of the morning was shattered by a thunderous car bomb explosion, announced by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. A total of seven unfortunate souls, comprising traditional elders, military officers, and civilian bystanders, were swept away in this storm of brutality. Those who survived sustained injuries—wounds…

Northeastern State's Economic Resilience: An Address by President Said Abdullahi Deni In a stirring address that has resonated throughout Northeastern State, President Said Abdullahi Deni announced a decisive shift in the region's stance on businesses claiming coercion as a pretext for making payments to the Islamic State (ISIS). From this point forward, the administration has vowed to dismantle such financial channels. With a tone underscored by determination, President Deni remarked, "No businessperson will have the…

Somalian Struggles Against Terrorism: A Chronicle of Hope and Resilience Alasow remarked on the grueling night's operations as government soldiers, supported by African Union forces, heroically navigated through a tense and dangerous situation. They worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped within the confines of a besieged hotel, including elders, military personnel, and innocent civilians. With a mixture of pride and sorrow, he disclosed, “During the 18-hour siege, our courageous soldiers eliminated two…

Imagine a continent bustling with untapped potential, yet lagging behind in the race toward economic and innovative leaps. Africa stands at the crossroads of immense promise and a stark educational reality. On one side, there is a readiness to contribute significantly to global growth and technological advancement. On the other, an unsettling absence of world-renowned STEM universities raises pressing questions. Are African graduates prepared for the competitive and ever-evolving job market? Or are…

Beledweyne Siege Costs Lives Amidst Somali Struggle In the heart of Somalia's Hiran region resides the city of Beledweyne, a place marked by both its picturesque landscapes and, alas, the scars of conflict. Wednesday saw Somali security forces ending a harrowing 24-hour siege on a revered city hotel, leaving behind a somber tale of loss and resilience. The ordeal began much like a thunderclap on a serene day. As dusk settled in, a car bomb ripped through the Cairo Hotel on Tuesday—a site known…

It is often said, "Youth is wasted on the young," but is that truly the case when it comes to wealth acquisition on the African continent? Paradoxically, despite Africa's vibrant young population, the upper echelons of wealth often belong to individuals well into their later years. Indeed, among Africa's billionaires, only a single individual falls below the age of 50. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the paths to wealth for the younger demographic in Africa. Perhaps the challenge lies in traditional…

Turmoil in Middle Shabelle: A Renewed Offensive Against Al-Shabaab It was early morning in the bustling streets of Mogadishu when news trickled down from Middle Shabelle. One can't help but wonder, what drives a community to take arms against a formidable adversary like Al-Shabaab? The answers are embedded in the narratives of resilience and homeland defense. In a village known as Laba Garas, under the broad shadow of Adale district, Somali government forces, alongside local militias, initiated…

Financial Independence in Africa: The Unique Journey of Three Nations Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In a world where financial entanglements are often seen as inevitable, three African nations — Botswana, Libya, and Eritrea — have charted a distinct and arguably enviable path. According to data primarily sourced from the IMF's Financial Data and the ONE Campaign, these countries have never succumbed to…