West Africa

Garowe (AX) — In a tragic turn of events on Saturday night, two civilians lost their lives to the unchecked fury of unknown assailants in Garowe, the capital of Northeastern State, Somalia. Eyewitnesses and local residents have since come forward to recount the heart-wrenching details of that fateful night, which have left the community grappling with fear and uncertainty. The two victims, described as a hotel security guard and a visiting relative, were mercilessly shot in both the head and back—a brutal act that…

The Journey of the Somali Language: A Complex Tapestry Many people often ponder a significant question: Why did it take twelve years of independence and two decades of national discussions to reach a consensus on a written Somali language? The answer, as noted by David D. Laitin, is anything but straightforward. He remarked, “Whenever the matter was raised, foreign elements came at work. The people would split into factions—some supporting Somali script for nationalistic reasons, some advocating Arabic script on religious…

Mogadishu (AX) — In recent developments, the SSC-Khaatumo administration has firmly rebuffed criticisms from Northeastern State, emphasizing that it is not obliged to inform or consult Northeastern State regarding its relationship with Somalia's Federal Government. This bold assertion highlights a growing complexity in the political landscape of Somalia. On Saturday, Najib Barkhadle Warsame, the Information Minister for SSC-Khaatumo, responded directly to remarks made by Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni,…

Rebuilding Bridges: Macron's Historic Visit to Madagascar This recent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Madagascar is much more than a diplomatic engagement; it symbolizes France's renewed commitment to rekindling its influence in Africa. In a landscape where its presence has waned in former colonies, this visit marks a pivotal moment for both nations. Let's consider context for a moment. France has seen its presence diminish in several African nations, including Gabon, Chad, and Niger, where military juntas…

In a significant turn of events, Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a profound investigation into a staggering $2.9 billion refinery fund scandal. This revelation has exposed over ₦80 billion associated with the recently dismissed Managing Director of a key refinery, casting a bloody shadow over the nation’s energy sector. As details unravel, the implications ripple through a web of connectivity that affects not only the refinery's operations but also the broader landscape of…

In an eyebrow-raising turn of events, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported a staggering loss of 13.9 trillion naira (approximately $9 billion) in 2024 due to settling overdue derivatives contracts. This significant financial setback is part of the bank's broader strategy to reduce foreign currency liabilities and bolster investor confidence in the naira, as noted in a recent Bloomberg report. Reflecting on this context, one must wonder: what does this mean for the average Nigerian citizen? Are we…

In a recent announcement, Starlink has rolled out a new pricing structure for its monthly subscriptions in Nigeria, igniting various responses across the country. This follows several unsuccessful attempts to institute a price increase between October 1 and December 28, 2024. The previous efforts had sparked criticism from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which characterized the proposed hikes as unilateral decisions that clashed with Nigeria's telecommunications pricing regulations. Nonetheless, in…

In the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia, key figures from the Somali National Army and representatives of the U.S. Embassy gathered under the watchful eye of a C-17 Globemaster III, waiting for vital military equipment destined for the elite Danab forces. This scene, photographed on February 28, 2023, encapsulates the ongoing struggle against the backdrop of a country long afflicted by conflict. The U.S. Air Force, represented by Senior Airman William Rio Rosado, captures not just a moment but a mission: a commitment to support…

The planned rally in support of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the junta leader of Burkina Faso, was initially meant to symbolize a bold display of Pan-African solidarity. Yet, its very intention has ignited a whirlwind of controversy and raised alarms among authorities concerned about potential unrest. Speaking with SaharaReporters, a source closely associated with activist Edokpayi revealed striking details regarding his recent arrest. “He had organized the solidarity rally, but just a day before the event,…

The Struggles of Displaced Families in Baidoa: A Glimpse into Their Lives In a world where the echoes of hope often clash with the harsh realities of survival, we find compelling stories of resilience and despair. In the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp situated in Baidoa, Somalia, the plight of families like that of Quresho Adan Ishaq captures attention. A widow who has been blind since birth, Quresho is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fight against dire odds to nurture the next generation.…