agency

Recent Developments at Nigeria's Visa Processing Center In an unexpected turn of events, the Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken significant action against the Schengen visa processing center operated by TLScontact. This decision comes on the heels of overwhelming complaints from numerous Nigerian applicants. Many have expressed frustration, citing exorbitant fees, lengthy delays, and a glaring lack of clear communication regarding application procedures and refund…

The Return of Mahad Salad: A Crucial Shift in Somalia's National Security Landscape In a significant turn of events for Somalia's national security framework, Mahad Salad is stepping back into the leadership role at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). His return, following his resignation in April 2024 to campaign for the presidency of Galmudug state, comes at a pivotal moment as the government heightens its counterinsurgency efforts against the al-Shabab militant group. With intelligence coordination…

The world is poised to face unprecedented heat in the coming five years, with a report from the UN's weather agency highlighting that Arctic regions may warm at more than three times the global average. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there’s an 80% chance that one of these next five years will set a record for heat levels. The report also anticipates that average warming will likely surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels. Last year marked a significant turning point, as it…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced a significant change in its operations. As the year draws to a close, the organization will shutter its offices in Angola due to financial constraints. These decisions stem from a troubling decline in donations and funding, reflecting a broader global trend that is impacting humanitarian efforts worldwide. Emmanuelle Mitte, the UNHCR representative in Angola, articulated the challenges facing the organization. She emphasized that the closures,…

Somalia’s Intelligence Agency on the Edge: A Struggle for Power MOGADISHU (AX) – In the heart of Somalia, an unsettling drama unfolds as the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) teeters on the edge of an internal collapse. This turmoil is not just another bureaucratic hiccup; it's the crescendo of a political tug-of-war among the highest echelons of the federal government. Whispers inside the corridors of power, as shared with Axadle, unveil a precarious situation. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali “Sanbaloolshe,” the…

The African Space Agency (AfSA) has officially opened its doors in Cairo, Egypt, marking a pivotal moment for the continent and its aspirations. Established under the auspices of the African Union (AU), this agency is not merely a new bureaucratic entity; it embodies a collective vision. A vision directed toward addressing pressing issues such as climate change while striving to keep pace with advancements in space technology and Earth observation. As we stand on the precipice of space exploration, it’s worth noting that…

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…

The landscape of cryptocurrency is rapidly evolving, and Nigeria stands at the forefront of this digital revolution, as highlighted by the 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index published by Chainalysis. Securing a notable position just behind India, Nigeria has adopted cryptocurrency fervently for various purposes, including transactions, investments, and remittances. But with this remarkable leap in adoption comes a complex web of challenges and risks, casting a shadow over its promising future. With decentralized…

Vigilance Advised as Possible Space Object Re-Entry Approaches A striking photo collage showcases the metallic ring that unexpectedly descended from the heavens and landed in Mukuku, a village in Makueni County, on December 31, 2024. The incident, which captured the curiosity and concern of local residents, has prompted the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) to issue important safety warnings. On April 18, 2025, the government, through the KSA, issued an alert, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant regarding the potential re-entry of an…

An Emerging Hope for Governance: The National ID System in Somalia Imagine a world where accessing government services is as smooth as a gentle breeze, where identity verification is but a scan away. In Somalia, this vision is rapidly becoming a reality under the determined guidance of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. "A platform for development—politically, economically, and in terms of governance," Barre calls it, recognizing the national ID system as the cornerstone for modernizing governance, bolstering…