West Africa

Russia's Deepening Ties with African Nations On a significant note this Monday, the Kremlin made a bold assertion: Russia is set to fortify its relationships with African countries, delving into sensitive domains such as defense and security. This announcement comes at a time when global dynamics are shifting, making one ponder—what might this mean for the nations involved and the broader geopolitical landscape? Most notably, this declaration follows the withdrawal of the Wagner Group, a…

The Rise and Fall of Ghana’s Gold for Oil Initiative In recent developments, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reported staggering financial losses, amounting to GH¢317 million in 2023 and escalating to GH¢1.82 billion in 2024. These figures are a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by regulatory institutions in navigating economic turbulence. Have you ever wondered how decisions like these ripple through a nation's economy? The central bank committed roughly GH¢4.69 billion to the Gold for Oil (G4O) initiative. In…

Makkah (AX) – In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Endorsements and Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, convened an important meeting on Sunday with Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the esteemed President of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı). This important dialogue took place at the Turkish Hajj Affairs Office, nestled within the holy city of Makkah, a location imbued with profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the globe. Sheikh Robow…

In a surprising turn of events, the electoral landscape in Côte d'Ivoire has shifted dramatically. Four key opposition leaders have found themselves excluded from the final list of candidates eligible for the upcoming presidential election. Among the most notable is Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI). His disqualification stems from a controversial court ruling questioning his nationality at the time of registration, subsequently barring him not only from running in the elections scheduled…

As the nation gears up for its impending presidential elections in just a few months, uncertainty looms over the political landscape. President Alassane Ouattara has yet to announce whether he will seek a new term, leaving citizens and political analysts alike in suspense. Adding to this uncertainty is a cloud of disqualification that currently shadows several prominent opposition leaders. Notably, former President Laurent Gbagbo remains a polarizing figure; his past adds complexity to any political maneuvering. Then…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy display of international camaraderie, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan engaged in a phone conversation with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This exchange served not merely as a diplomatic gesture but as a reaffirmation of Turkey’s steadfast support for Somalia—support that encompasses not only developmental goals but also critical facets of security and democratic aspirations. The dialogue between the two leaders was more than just a routine check-in. According to a statement…

Tragedy Unfolds in Central Nigeria's Mokwa: Death Toll Rises In a heart-wrenching turn of events, flash floods in Mokwa, Nigeria, have claimed 36 lives so far, with rescue teams relentlessly combing the area in hopes of finding more survivors. The unforgiving downpour on Wednesday night swept through this central region, displacing families and demolishing over 50 homes. According to Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesperson for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), "As of this morning, 11…

Somalia finds itself in a precarious state, entrapped by a cycle of recycled political elites whose ambitions and rivalries continually hinder national progress. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and dialogue, the leadership crisis has deepened, culminating in the disappointing failure of the national dialogue initiative proposed by the current president. One is left to wonder—at what point do these empty promises cease to resonate with a populace yearning for genuine change? Ironically, many of those opposing the…

A Significant U.S. Navy Operation: Unraveling the Threads of an Arms Smuggling Case On a relatively quiet January 11, 2024, the U.S. Navy conducted a pivotal operation that would soon reveal layers of complexity and danger beneath the surface. Forces aboard the USS Lewis B. Puller intercepted a suspicious, unflagged dhow navigating the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, near the tumultuous waters off Somalia. Captained by an individual known as Pahlawan, this vessel was not merely a fishing boat or a mundane cargo ship. It…

Recent growth projections from Africa present an optimistic picture for the continent's digital economy. According to a report commissioned by Mastercard and authored by Genesis Analytics, Africa's digital payments market is anticipated to swell to an impressive $1.5 trillion by 2030. Enthusiastic forecasts even indicate that the digital economy could touch $1 trillion within the next five years. The underlying catalysts for this growth are fascinating: mobile adoption, fintech innovations, a burgeoning e-commerce…