West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's turbulent landscape, a disturbing trend unfolds—a relentless crackdown on the press. Since mid-March, security forces have reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated at least 41 media workers. This alarming situation has sparked outrage among rights groups, who label it a "war on the truth." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the current period as an "alarming escalation" of hostilities against journalists. Among those raising the alarm are organizations…

Celebrating North Western State of Somalia’s Independence Day: A Melodious Journey of Pride and Unity Hargeisa (AX) — This year, the festive spirit of North Western State of Somalia’s May 18 Independence Day is soaring to unprecedented heights. As each day approaches the anniversary of its self-declared independence from Somalia, the pulse of the region quickens. Top musical groups have taken center stage, staging high-profile concerts that echo the themes of national pride, unity, and resilience. Among the leading…

In a surprising turn of events, a distinguished diplomat has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency ahead of the 2026 elections. Essa Bokarr Sey, a seasoned figure who has represented The Gambia in various capacities—most notably as ambassador to France, Taiwan, and the USA—stands at the forefront of this political endeavor. However, his announcement does not occur in a vacuum. It emerges against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the recent revisions to the national constitution. The original…

In a significant turn of events, Richard Koon, the leader of the Majority Bloc, has ascended to the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives. This decision follows a special election prompted by the resignation of his predecessor, Fonati Koffa, who stepped down on May 12. Koffa's resignation was not without controversy; it stemmed from an arduous series of legal disputes with the Majority Bloc that had plagued his tenure. Koffa voiced deep frustrations about the executive branch's alleged "failure" to adhere to a…

The Resilient Camel: A Tale of Adaptation and Hope A camel herder milking his camels. File Photo In the northeastern corner of Somalia, a transformation is taking place—one rooted in resilience and adaptability. Dahir Abdullahi Ali, a 40-year-old camel herder, has found a novel way to sustain his family of nine amidst the harsh realities of life in the Galgadud region. After enduring three long years of relentless drought, Dahir made the pivotal decision to migrate his herd of camels to the outskirts of Adado town, where…

The Conviction of a Former Leader: A Landmark Case for Mauritania and Africa Recently, the Mauritanian appellate court delivered a verdict that has reverberated beyond its borders: the conviction of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on charges of corruption. After appeals from both state officials and Abdel Aziz’s defense team, the court increased his sentence from five years to a significant 15-year term. This ruling addresses not just a local scandal but also speaks volumes about accountability on the African…

In Ghana, the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has resurfaced with renewed vigor. Originally passed by Parliament in February 2024, the bill has yet to be enacted, but its implications loom large. It stipulates severe penalties, proposing prison terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex relations and five years for promoting LGBTQ+ rights. The nation's Supreme Court recently dismissed attempts to block this legislation. Their ruling underscored…

POCO: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t Before we delve deeper, let’s tackle the question on many minds: What exactly is POCO? Born from Xiaomi Corporation's innovative dual-brand strategy, POCO has quickly transformed into an independent brand aimed at the youth demographic. Since its launch, it has ventured into an impressive 98 global markets, all the while adhering to its guiding philosophy: “Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t.” This mantra encapsulates its commitment to providing essential features…

Political Tensions Escalate as Somali Lawmakers Call for Presidential Resignation Mogadishu (AX) – A significant development in the Somali political landscape has unfolded, as a robust bloc of 103 members from Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament has issued a striking joint statement. They are not just calling for change; they are demanding the resignation of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This bold move comes amid serious allegations, including gross constitutional violations, abuse of power, and a perceived…

A Transformative Force for Africa’s SMEs: The Role of TAG At the heart of a flourishing economy lies the capability to innovate and adapt, particularly in regions rich with potential like Africa. As Africa's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and creative sectors continue to evolve, there emerges a critical need for tailored support. Enter TAG, an independent advisory and investment management firm dedicated to empowering enterprises across the continent. TAG has positioned itself as an essential partner, not…