West Africa

Recent cuts to international funding, notably the stop-work orders imposed by the United States, have begun to take a heavy toll on humanitarian initiatives and local economies that depend heavily on aid operations. This predicament is exemplified by the situation in Maiduguri, Nigeria, as reported by The New Humanitarian. Often nicknamed the heart of aid efforts battling Boko Haram's relentless insurgency, Maiduguri has witnessed notable economic revival, significantly driven by the initiatives of non-governmental…

Nigeria’s Five-Year Vision: A New Era of Economic Growth The board of directors at the African Development Bank has made a landmark decision by approving the Country Strategy Paper for Nigeria, which will outline the strategic priorities for the years 2025 to 2030. This five-year plan is not just a document; it is a blueprint for transformative change, aimed at enhancing economic resilience and fostering widespread prosperity in Nigeria. As articulated on the bank's official website, the initiative is designed “to drive…

Dhusamareb (AX) — On a momentous Tuesday, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, set foot in Dhusamareb. This visit marks the beginning of a critical mission, as Swan is slated to continue his journey to Northeastern State and Jubbaland later this week. His presence underscores the urgency of the matters at hand in Somalia. During his time in Dhusamareb, Swan engaged in meaningful discussions with the President of Galmudug State, Ahmed Abdi Karie, affectionately known as…

Aliko Dangote, widely recognized as Africa’s wealthiest individual, has made bold assertions about the future of his enterprise, stating that the Dangote Group is poised to generate an astonishing $30 billion in total revenue next year. This announcement comes amidst rising anxieties among global businesses regarding the potential repercussions of President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. One can’t help but wonder: How do global trade dynamics impact local businesses, especially those as vast as Dangote’s?…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a moment where global tensions seem to hang in the air like a thick fog, Somali Foreign Minister Abdulsalam Abdillahi Omer has stepped forward, urging restraint and the pursuit of diplomatic dialogue between India and Pakistan. These two nuclear giants, locked in a complex and often contentious relationship, find themselves at a boiling point, and Omer’s timely call for peace resonates with the urgency of the moment. During a recent phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, Omer…

In a recent interview with the American talk show host Sherri Shepherd, Senegalese-American singer Akon ignited a firestorm of debate when he asserted his instrumental role in the evolution of Afrobeats—a genre that has captivated audiences worldwide since its emergence in West Africa. Akon, known for his catchy hits and distinctive style, claimed that his early collaborations with Nigerian artists, including legends like Wizkid, PSquare, and D'banj, during the late 2000s helped pave the way for the vibrant sounds that now…

A remarkable operation, aptly named Operation Safe Wheels, unfolded in March 2025. Over the span of two weeks, twelve West African nations, including heavyweights like Ghana and Nigeria, came together to tackle a serious issue—vehicle theft. This collaborative effort resulted in the discovery of dozens of stolen vehicles, shining a bright light on a dark corner of the illegal trade economy. So far, this initiative has led to the seizure of more than 75 vehicles, marking a significant victory in the ongoing…

Strengthening Ties: Egypt and Somalia's Diplomatic Endeavors (From L to R) Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. In a significant display of diplomatic goodwill, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reached out to Somalia’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, in a welcoming phone call on Monday. This conversation was not just a mere exchange of pleasantries; it…

Geopolitical Tensions: Taiwan and North Western State of Somalia In an increasingly interconnected world, the unfolding dynamics surrounding Taiwan and North Western State of Somalia present a fascinating narrative of national identity and international diplomacy. Recently, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, reiterated a long-held position regarding North Western State of Somalia's status, asserting, “North Western State of Somalia is part of the territory of Somalia.” He further emphasized…

Struggles in Central Somalia: A Glimpse into the Lives of Families In a quiet corner of Dusamareb, Somalia, Mohamed Mahmoud Hussein stands in his metal workshop, gripped by the unsettling reality that his doors may soon close for good. His concern, however, stretches beyond the confines of his business; it envelops his family. Five of his children have faced expulsion from school due to unpaid fees, a heart-wrenching consequence of his current struggles. “I owe $150 at Waabari School, where my daughter was…