West Africa

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, warmly welcomed the President of the Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon, to the Amiri Diwan in Doha. This meeting was not just a formality; it signified a desire to cultivate the bond between their nations—a bond that holds the potential for growth, understanding, and collaboration. At the heart of their discussions was a focus on enhancing bilateral ties across a spectrum of vital sectors. This included key areas such as aviation, infrastructure, education,…

Heavy Clashes Erupt Between Al-Shabaab Militants and Ma’awisley Fighters in Hiiraan Beledweyne (AX) — In the early hours of Tuesday morning, intense fighting broke out in the Hiiraan region of Somalia. The scene of this violent confrontation was near the rural settlement of El Hareeri, where Al-Shabaab militants clashed with Ma’awisley fighters from the Hawaadle clan. This engagement represents a crucial chapter in a broader militia-led initiative aimed at dislodging the notorious insurgent group from…

Indonesia’s recent announcement to raise its export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) from 7.5% to 10% is stirring ripples across global markets. While this change is significant for many countries worldwide, the ramifications are particularly acute for Africa, which heavily relies on palm oil imports from Southeast Asia. For many African nations, the news of this new levy, set to take effect on May 17, 2025, poses a troubling scenario: heightened import costs. It’s a reality that can significantly affect local economies and…

Nairobi (AX) — A significant shift is underway in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, where religious and community leaders are championing a movement aimed at redefining the marriage customs that have, over time, morphed into overwhelming financial burdens for families. This initiative, encapsulated in a binding decree, aims to alleviate the pressures surrounding wedding festivities while encouraging young couples to take the plunge into marriage. This decree, spearheaded by Hamaro’s Islamic Affairs Council and supported by local…

On May 8th, the vibrant city of Dakar witnessed a significant stride towards economic empowerment with the official launch of the second phase of the Project for Support and Promotion of Women's and Youth's Entrepreneurial Initiatives, known as PAVIE II. This initiative, strategically rooted in the ambitious “Sénégal 2050” national development framework, boasts a substantial budget of €163.449 million. But what does this really mean for the people of Senegal? The essence of PAVIE II lies not just in numbers but in the…

The African Space Agency (AfSA) has officially opened its doors in Cairo, Egypt, marking a pivotal moment for the continent and its aspirations. Established under the auspices of the African Union (AU), this agency is not merely a new bureaucratic entity; it embodies a collective vision. A vision directed toward addressing pressing issues such as climate change while striving to keep pace with advancements in space technology and Earth observation. As we stand on the precipice of space exploration, it’s worth noting that…

Hope Resurfaces in Bay and Bakool Regions In a landmark moment for the communities of Bay and Bakool regions, roads that had been blocked by Al-Shabaab since 2012 have recently reopened following a pivotal agreement reached between local elders and the militant group. This development marks a turning point for many who have endured hardships for over a decade. Can you imagine living in constant fear of basic interactions, confined to treacherous off-road routes just to obtain essential goods? Before the…

Tragic Loss: The Assassination of Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali Beledweyne (AX) — In an act that has left the community in shock, armed assailants took the life of Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali, affectionately known as Dr. Gaalib, on a seemingly ordinary Monday night in Jowhar. According to reports from Somali authorities, this targeted assassination of a prominent regional official echoes a growing concern over violence aimed at civil servants and intellectuals in the region. The episode unfolded in the Hantiwadaag neighborhood, a quiet…

In the heart of southern Mogadishu, a tragedy unfolded on an otherwise ordinary Sunday morning. A suicide bomber, suspected to be linked to al-Shabab, unleashed devastation at the bustling Xero Damaayo recruitment camp. The explosion claimed several lives and left countless others injured, casting a pall over the city. The Chaotic Scene Just after 9:20 a.m. local time, the blast shattered the calm, with the assailant posing as a civilian and detonating explosives right outside the military camp's entrance. The Ministry…

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malian government to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry into the tragic deaths of 22 men detained on May 12. The organization maintains these individuals fell victim to what they describe as "apparent extrajudicial executions." Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene: the bodies were discovered with their throats cut, buried in two shallow graves. The men were apprehended during a military operation in a town situated along the Niger River, an area often characterized by its…