West Africa

**Beledweyne (AX)** – In a remarkable development, Abdi Dahir Guure Karoore, the Minister of Interior of Hirshabelle State, has made a bold announcement: the Somali National Army (SNA) and local defense fighters have encircled the strategic town of Aden Yabaal in the Middle Shabelle region and are gearing up for an imminent entrance into this pivotal location. Just days ago, Aden Yabaal was under the control of the notorious Al-Shabaab, a group that has long plagued Somalia with its violent insurgency. However, the tide is…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a remarkable Monday, the vibrant city of Mogadishu welcomed its new guest, the newly appointed UK Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King. As he stepped onto Somali soil, King officially began his mission, representing the United Kingdom in this fascinating yet complex region of the Horn of Africa. As he takes on this important role, one can’t help but ponder: What does this transition mean not only for the diplomatic landscape but for the everyday lives of Somali citizens? Having been appointed in…

In recent discussions about cost reduction initiatives, one example that stands out is Nigeria's Dangote Refinery, which has made headlines by cutting prices. Yet, many African nations are still grappling with the persistent challenge of soaring diesel costs. The implications of these high prices extend far beyond mere numbers on a fuel pump; they ripple throughout entire economies, impacting everything from agriculture to transportation. Diesel serves as the lifeblood for numerous sectors, including…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday morning, a tense atmosphere enveloped the already bustling streets of Mogadishu as at least six mortar shells were fired toward the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp. This area is not just a military site; it is home to United Nations offices, African Union personnel, and numerous Western diplomatic missions. Its strategic significance makes it a focal point in Somalia's ongoing struggle for stability. Witnesses near Aden Adde International Airport described a shocking scene, reporting that…

In recent months, Ghana has found itself mired in a complex and contentious dispute with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) over a sizable debt of $768.4 million. This situation comes on the heels of a challenging debt restructuring process that the country has been navigating. The backdrop is certainly tense. The Ghanaian Finance Ministry is advocating for the treatment of the Afreximbank loan to mirror other debts it has successfully restructured. These include a mix of bilateral loans from China and…

It’s an intriguing twist in the world of real estate when a mansion owned by a well-known figure stands empty, shrouded in controversy. The sprawling estate of Sean "Diddy" Combs, nestled in the luxurious Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, has been officially on the market since September 2024. Priced at a staggering $61.5 million, it carries not only its opulence but also an unfortunate association with serious allegations surrounding its owner. Spanning 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, this mansion…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — Aviation across Africa and the Middle East finds itself on the cusp of significant change. The coming decade promises a surge in passenger demand, upcoming safety regulations, and maintenance challenges that could potentially elevate operational risks. For airlines and operators navigating these high-growth yet resource-constrained environments, the margin for error is becoming increasingly slim. In this landscape, Danan Aviation Consulting, a Canadian-based aviation advisory firm, emerges as a vital…

On Monday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) made a landmark decision affirming that Equatorial Guinea possesses legal sovereignty over a cluster of small islands situated in the potentially resource-rich Gulf of Guinea. For many, this may feel like just another ruling in the international legal arena—but the implications resonate deeply. Imagine engaging in a decade-long tug-of-war over territories, only to finally see the scales tipped in your favor. This ruling effectively marks the closure of a…

The Community's Stand: A New Chapter in Aadan Yabaal In a powerful display of unity, reinforcements from various regions of Hiiraan—encompassing Moqokori, Mahaas, Jalalaqsi, and Buuloburde—are rallying in a concerted effort. Community militias have prepared to initiate what local leaders are calling a “final push” to reclaim the district of Aadan Yabaal. This isn’t merely a tactical maneuver; it represents a profound desire to liberate a community that has lived in the shadows of fear for far too long. “Our…

Climate Crisis and Humanitarian Challenges in Somalia “Families are being battered on every front — flood, hunger, and neglect,” observed Etienne Peterschmitt, Somalia's representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This stark reality illustrates the multi-faceted struggles faced by households in Somalia today. With the remnants of what little they possessed receding like the floodwaters, a growing concern emerges: the international lifeline that has traditionally provided support to these communities…