West Africa

Somalia's Bold Stand Against Al-Shabaab: A Chronicle of Courage and Determination In the heart of the Middle Shabelle region, where the landscapes echo tales of resilience, the Somali National Army (SNA) and local forces face an ever-present threat. Recently, a pivotal clash unfolded in El Ali Ahmed, a place now etched in the annals of Somalia's ongoing struggle against the militant group, Al-Shabaab. Let’s delve deeper into this story of valor and strategic defiance. Mogadishu (AX) – Within the hallowed halls…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the shadow of persistent unrest, the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) took a significant step to counterbalance the upheaval caused by current military maneuvers against Al-Shabaab. Picture this: eleven steadfast trucks, laden with vital food and medical supplies, carving their route to the regions of Nuur-Dugle and Aqab-Duco in Hirshabelle State. Their mission? To bring respite and hope to the inhabitants grappling with the fallout of the anti-terrorism efforts. "You have to make it tangible,"…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a bustling Monday evening, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre touched down in Cairo, Egypt. His arrival signals Somalia's commitment to navigating stormy diplomatic waters amid a mounting crisis. The prime minister is poised to lend his voice at an emergency summit of the Arab League, convened against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Gaza. A confluence of political will and humanitarian urgency, this summit is scheduled to unfold on March 4. Central to the discussions will be a…

Analyzing the CPI: A Journey through Clothing and Footwear Costs Have you ever wondered how the cost of the clothes you wear is determined? Every stitch, button, and thread of our outfits is intertwined with the financial fabric known as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Historically, CPI has been composed of several components, with housing, clothes, and food leading the charge. Think about it—while food undeniably sits at the throne of essentials, for many, clothes follow right at its heels. And isn't it…

Forging New Paths for Sanitation: A KSrelief and ARCO Collaboration In a world where collaboration often spurs innovation and change, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has taken a momentous step forward. By entering a joint cooperation agreement with the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO), KSrelief is setting a remarkable precedent in humanitarian efforts. An agreement that seeks to transform sanitation facilities in the heart of Somalia’s displaced camps—spanning…

Understanding the Role of Customs Duties in Africa For some countries heavily reliant on international trade, the levying of tariffs on imported goods comprises more than 40% of total tax revenue. This fact alone underscores just how integral these duties are to the infrastructure of governmental funding across various nations. Consider the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, where customs duties remarkably constitute 100% of the country’s tax revenue. What does this tell us about their economic structure or their…

Fuel Price Reduction: A New Dawn for Nigerians On Monday, Nigerians will breathe a little easier with a new development that promises financial relief. There’s no denying that fuel costs have been a significant burden since the removal of fuel subsidies in this bustling nation. But what does this price cut mean for the everyday Nigerian? Recently, Dangote Petroleum Refinery took a bold step, lowering its ex-depot price from N890 to N825 per litre. It’s not just a number; it's a…

Engagement in geopolitics often unveils stories of spirited debates and shared visions, particularly when discussing strategically vital regions. A recent encounter at the crossroads of diplomacy highlights this truth. Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, representing Egypt, alongside Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki, has vocally reiterated their steadfast opposition to the participation of non-littoral nations in the governance and security affairs of the Red Sea. Their joint dismissal of external involvement…

There's something remarkably exhilarating about big changes in industries, especially when those changes bring about a shift in how things have been operating for years. One wonders: Are such monumental changes noticeable immediately, or do they require a subtle, prolonged observation before their full impact becomes evident? In the bustling world of oil refining, the Dangote Refinery, towering over the skylines of Nigeria, has embarked on a noteworthy journey. Recently, it achieved a significant…

Peaceful Integration: A New Chapter for North Western State of Somalia's Future Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Hargeisa (AX) — In a significant stride toward unity and peace, the self-governed region of North Western State of Somalia has achieved an important milestone recently. The integration of the first battalion of the SSB clan militia into its official military forces marks a moment of transformation and signifies a bright gleam of hope following intense discussions…