West Africa

Baidoa (AX) — In a significant step toward bolstering national security, President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen of the Southwest regional state visited frontline troops in the Bay region this past Sunday. With an eye to assess military readiness, the President's visit comes at a crucial time as operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab expand. President Laftagareen’s walk through the encampments, resonating with a palpable sense of purpose, conveyed both authority and empathy. As he spoke with the soldiers,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia’s bustling capital, a significant encounter unfolded last Sunday, one that could potentially shape the nation’s political landscape. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed sat down with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley. The agenda? To delve into the pressing issues surrounding political stability and security, and to explore avenues for advancing Somalia’s state-building endeavors. The discussions between Sharif and Riley were not merely transactional; they were a testament…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a marked victory for the Somali government, local community fighters, and security forces, a significant confrontation unfolded on Saturday along the border between the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. This clash resulted in the deaths of at least 50 Al-Shabaab militants, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defense. The fierce fighting erupted in several rural areas, including Muqliga Ali, El-Hareeri, Hareeri Madoobe, and Garas Magan. Here, Al-Shabaab directly attacked a Somali army base, but the…

The Evolving Terror Landscape in Kenya: A Wake-Up Call The tragic loss of five members from the Special Operations Group (SOG) has once again cast a shadow over the security landscape in Kenya. Eight additional officers sustained injuries, sparking renewed concerns about the resilience of our nation against the ongoing threat of terrorism. It is a somber reminder of the fragile state of affairs we find ourselves in amidst the continuous struggle against al Shabaab and similar terror groups. This latest attack…

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent figure in international finance and the former CEO of Credit Suisse, recently faced a significant setback in his political aspirations. Just a week after the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI) announced him as their presidential candidate, Thiam, currently 62, received notice of his disqualification from contesting the upcoming Ivorian presidential election, along with the inability to vote. This startling announcement underscores the complexities that often intertwine politics and…

In the latest Poverty and Equity Brief released by the World Bank in April 2025, the situation in Nigeria paints a rather grim picture: an alarming 41.3% of its urban population lives in poverty, with rural communities bearing an even heavier burden. The factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted, encompassing economic stagnation, rampant inflation, and widespread insecurity that have collectively stifled growth in recent years. To fully grasp the gravity of this situation, consider that 30.9% of Nigerians were…

The Horn of Africa stands as a stark example of vulnerability in the face of climate change, a sobering reality that reverberates across the region. Extreme weather events are not just becoming more frequent; they are intensifying. Increasingly severe flash floods, like those recently witnessed in Somalia, illustrate this urgent crisis in a most visceral way. Since mid-April, over 45,000 individuals have had their lives profoundly impacted by sudden, torrential rains that resulted in catastrophic flooding. Tragically, at…

Somalia and Türkiye's Hydrocarbon Partnership: A New Beginning In a remarkable moment for Somalia's natural resources landscape, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has expressed deep enthusiasm about the country's budding partnership with Türkiye. This collaboration, heralded as a “timely boost,” aims to unlock Somalia’s significant yet largely untapped natural resources. During the İstanbul Natural Resources Summit: INRES 2025—an esteemed gathering that convened policymakers, industry…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development in the realm of international relations, Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, made a compelling statement on Saturday concerning the federal government’s recent ban on Taiwan-issued passports. This decision, he explained, stemmed from an intended visit by senior Taiwanese officials to North Western State of Somalia—a move that Fiqi describes as a potential infringement upon Somalia's sovereignty. During an event held in the heart of Mogadishu, Fiqi, who recently…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development on the political landscape of Somalia, Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo Regional State, touched down in Mogadishu on Saturday. His arrival comes just ahead of the anticipated National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, set to commence on Monday. This marks a notable moment in the evolution of SSC-Khatumo, as it prepares for its first-ever participation in the NCC since declaring itself a federal member state last year. The atmosphere at Aden Adde…