West Africa

Understanding Countries with Multiple Capital Cities It may sound unusual at first, but the concept of having more than one capital city is surprisingly common around the globe. Numerous countries choose to distribute their governmental functions across multiple locations, and this often stems from political, historical, or economic motivations. Each capital serves a specific purpose, reflecting a rich tapestry of a nation's governance and identity. This intriguing arrangement often aims to balance regional power,…

Ghana's consumer inflation has now marked its fourth consecutive month of decline, dropping to 21.2% in April 2025 from 22.4% in March, as detailed in the latest report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). This downward trend evokes a mix of relief and curiosity; what does it mean for the average Ghanaian family, grappling daily with rising prices? The current decrease in inflation is primarily linked to a easing of pressures in both the food and non-food categories. Yet, it’s essential to highlight that inflation…

Reflections on Somalia's Chaotic History: A Fragile State in Perpetual Turmoil Among those endeavoring to understand Somalia's present challenges, a poignant question looms: What went wrong? This inquiry has haunted Somali intellectuals, writers, and activists for decades, many attributing the roots of today’s turmoil to the disintegration of the socialist military regime in the 1990s, a regime notably served by Sheikh, a once-prominent figure. The backdrop of this narrative traces back to 1969 when a military coup…

In a decisive move, the military junta governing Mali has declared the dissolution of all political parties. This bold announcement emphasizes the junta’s commitment to initiating a “reform process” and signals intentions to draft a new law aimed at regulating the political landscape in the nation. This decision follows a national conference where political parties reportedly conferred upon military leader Assimi Goita a five-year presidential term. Goita, who assumed power after a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, now…

The Electricity Crisis in Mali: A Complex Web of Debt and Dependence Mali currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with a staggering debt of over $94 million owed to the agency responsible for managing the Manantali Dam, a crucial hydroelectric power source. This facility doesn't solely serve Mali; it also supplies electricity to neighboring Senegal and Mauritania. The implications of this financial strain are profound, and some experts have deemed it "a question of life and death" for the dam's ongoing operations.…

The European Union finds itself at a significant crossroads in its relationship with the Sahel region. An urgent call for a transformative political strategy has been articulated in an open letter to the EU Vice President by Human Rights Watch. They assert that the "Integrated Strategy in the Sahel," which was introduced in April 2021, has unfortunately grown antiquated, especially in the wake of recent military coups in the central Sahel. Why, one might ask, does this matter? The Sahel, a vast stretch of land encompassing…

The Nicolaos, a Greek-operated Suezmax tanker, recently made headlines by successfully docking at the Sentuo Refinery. This event marked a significant milestone, heralding the resumption of operations at the refinery after a six-month hiatus. The anticipation surrounding this delivery was palpable, as it symbolized hope for a facility that had struggled to fulfill its potential. Using data from vessel tracking systems, one can see that the Nicolaos is no ordinary vessel. With a deadweight tonnage of 165,000, this tanker…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant announcement that echoes the aspirations of many Somali citizens, Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan of the National Electoral Commission revealed on Thursday an extension of the voter registration period for local council elections in the Banadir region. This decision, made after thoughtful consideration, responds to the urgent need for greater public participation in the electoral process. During a press conference held at the commission's headquarters in Mogadishu, Abdikarin articulated…

In a significant turning point for Somalia's democracy, voter registration has officially commenced in the capital city, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s long-standing journey towards direct elections. This initiative, coupled with the establishment of electoral frameworks and legislation, is more than just procedural; it symbolizes an essential shift away from decades of clan-based voting systems. Historically, lawmakers were not elected directly by the people but rather selected through indirect consensus,…

Urgent Call for Information on Manda Bay Airfield Attack On January 5, 2020, a tragic event unfolded at Manda Bay Airfield in Lamu, Kenya. The scene was not just another day at what serves as a dual-purpose military base; it was the site of a brutal terrorist assault. The perpetrators, affiliated with the notorious al-Shabaab, took the lives of a U.S. service member and two contractors from the Department of Defense. In an instant, families were shattered, and the fragile fabric of peace in the region was further…