West Africa

SYDNEY, Australia (AX) — In an unsettling development from Western Australia, police have apprehended a 16-year-old boy accused of making an online threat against Al-Bayt Al-Islaam Mosque in Sydney. This frightening announcement has echoes of the devastating 2019 Christchurch mosque attack. Social media was the platform where this ominous threat emerged. The teenager allegedly planned an attack reminiscent of the tragic events at Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. In that horrific incident, a white…

Since its independence from British colonial rule in 1957, Ghana has orchestrated a remarkable symphony of progress in various sectors. The gold mining industry plays a pivotal role, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. But what trajectory has it taken over the decades, and what does it suggest about the country's future? Today, Ghana stands tall as Africa’s leading gold exporter. This accolade has become both a blessing and a burden, as economic growth often shadows…

Connecting Blindness with Opportunity: FCMB's Commitment to Empowerment Partnerships form the bedrock of any successful initiative, particularly one with a mission as impactful as empowering those with visual impairments. Arit Tunde-Imoyo, currently serving as the Chairman of the FNSB Executive Council, encapsulated this in her heartfelt expression of gratitude to the First City Monument Bank (FCMB). With sincerity, she shared, 'FCMB has been more than a supporter; it has been a true partner. Its generosity has…

Cape Town Controversy: Police Officers Arrested Amid Accusations of Robbing Somali-Owned Shop Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Imagine standing behind the counter of your modest shop, believing you are safe within the borders of law and order. Suddenly, those who are sworn to protect you become unexpected antagonists. This troubling scenario unfolded in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, where three police officers, once symbols of public safety, have been accused of subverting that very…

Mali's Mining Landscape: An Era of Reform and Reflection As Mali's Council of Ministers announced, there is a newly imposed halt on the issuance of artisanal mining permits to foreigners. This measure stands amidst ongoing investigations prompted by a recent, heart-wrenching mining calamity. A stark reality looms over us: how do we balance economic pursuits with the sanctity of human lives? This thoughtful pause is an aftermath of a catastrophic mining accident just a month ago. A tragedy that took over 40…

The landscape of international climate finance is witnessing a significant shift as the United States retreats from a massive $9.3 billion initiative. This pact was originally designed to assist developing nations in moving away from their reliance on coal and transitioning towards cleaner energy solutions. Let's take a journey back to 2021. It was then, amidst the buzzing atmosphere of the UN climate talks held in Glasgow, Scotland, that the Just Energy Transition Partnership was born. Comprised of…

Kismayo, with its sun-drenched streets and a vibrant tapestry of cultures, is currently a site of political intrigue. In a recent session held in this bustling city, the regional parliament of Jubbaland made a decisive move. On what seemed like an ordinary Thursday, they voted to grant President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe an additional three months to form his cabinet, a decision that resonates with layers of strategic depth. The parliamentary session, attended by a mere 47 members—though small in number, was…

Approximately 80% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in Sierra Leone have endured the harrowing experience of female genital mutilation (FGM), as per findings from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This tragic statistic reveals a practice that isn’t merely a ritual; it is a troubling cornerstone of identity for many communities within the country. As Kaata Minah, an African feminist activist and a 2024 Impact West Africa Fellow, elucidates in her writing for the Inter Press Service, this act is often perceived…

Across the vast and diverse landscapes of Africa, the specter of hunger casts a long shadow. It's a formidable challenge—one that sees millions of people grappling to secure enough food each day. Envision the plight of families who wake up each morning, unsure of their next meal. How did a continent so rich in resources find itself in such a predicament? Nations like Somalia, Chad, and Madagascar epitomize this struggle, confronting extreme levels of malnutrition and pervasive food shortages.…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) – Amidst the expansive blue shores and bustling avenues of Mogadishu, a decisive move to enhance national security has taken center stage. On Thursday, the spirited corridors of the Council of Ministers resonated with the collective commitment to fortify the nation against the resilient threat posed by Al-Shabaab. The meeting, aptly chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama, was not just about orders being passed down but about…