West Africa

The Unexpected Seizure: Mali's Military Helicopters Land at Barrick Gold Mine In a surprising turn of events, Malian military helicopters executed an unannounced landing at Barrick Gold Corp.'s Loulo-Gounkoto mine last Thursday, resulting in the seizure of over one metric ton of gold. The implications of this incident are significant, raising numerous questions about the future of mining operations in Mali and the tensions between the government and foreign investors. On a typically quiet Thursday morning, as the sun cast…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the wake of a tragic helicopter crash in Mogadishu that claimed the lives of five peacekeepers and left six others injured, the Ugandan military has initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of this calamity. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) on Thursday, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the urgency that comes with it. Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the voice behind the UPDF, spoke candidly about the ongoing inquiry. “This is…

The Recent U.S. Visa Changes and Nigeria’s Response The unfolding situation surrounding U.S. visa restrictions on Nigeria has sparked intense discussions, revealing the layers of complexity in international relations. Recently, the Nigerian government has harshly criticized these visa limitations, asserting that they stem from the U.S.'s refusal to accept undocumented migrants—especially Venezuelan individuals. This dilemma raises numerous questions. What does it say about the current state of global migration? How does it…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world increasingly defined by digital identity, Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency finds itself at a crossroads. As of now, the nation has yet to fully implement its newly introduced national identity card as a requirement for passport applications. Why, you might wonder? The answer lies within a maze of technical and institutional coordination challenges that still need to be resolved. Although Somalia proudly launched its digital national ID system in 2022 under the auspices of the…

Following a landmark peace agreement that Donald Trump facilitated between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the U.S. president took a momentous step by convening a meeting with five other distinguished African leaders. The agenda was rich with potential: trade discussions, regional security, and vital investments. In today's interconnected world, such dialogues are not merely beneficial; they are essential. The meeting unfolded this past Wednesday, and while Trump’s discussions with global leaders…

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently articulated a growing tension between Nigeria and the United States regarding the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants. He emphasized that the Nigerian government is feeling substantial pressure from Washington to accept these deportees. “Our refusal to comply might very well have influenced the U.S. decision to impose a 10% tariff on our exports,” Tuggar remarked, alluding to an intricate geopolitical dance that impacts both nations. In an era where international…

The Courage to Change: A Former Al-Shabab Member's Journey to Safety Mogadishu (AX) — In a world often rife with fear and violence, the act of renouncing extremist beliefs takes immense courage. Recently, a former member of Al-Shabab, known as Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, made a remarkable decision to surrender to the Somali National Army. His choice stems from a deep disillusionment with the group's violent tactics and a profound concern for the suffering it causes among civilians, religious leaders, and government…

The Future of Cryptocurrency in Nigeria: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility In an era defined by lightning-speed innovation, we find ourselves caught between excitement and responsibility. The advent of digital assets has transformed the fabric of our financial landscape, unfolding a tapestry of possibilities intertwined with a set of challenges that demand our attention. As we delve into this evolving frontier, it's paramount to consider: how do we protect the integrity of our financial systems while nurturing…

Nigeria's Steel Industry: A New Dawn on the Horizon In an exciting move towards revitalizing its steel industry, the Nigerian Minister of Steel recently revealed significant developments during a press conference held on Thursday. This event marked the official announcement of the inaugural National Steel Summit, which is set to take place from July 16-17, 2025, at the Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre in Abuja. This summit stands as a pivotal moment for Nigeria, as it aims to address longstanding challenges facing the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant stride toward enhancing its educational framework, Somalia's federal cabinet recently granted approval for the formation of a 15-member National Higher Education Committee. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Education, emerges as a pivotal effort aimed at reforming the oversight and governance of the nation’s university system. The decision was made during the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The committee was established as a…