Concerns

Somalia-Turkey Oil Deal Sparks Controversy over Transparency By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia - A confidential oil partnership has surfaced between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey, igniting a flurry of skepticism and public debate. Why the controversy? Many Somalis argue that the agreement was woven together with the threads of opacity. Could there be more beneath the surface? This clandestinely crafted deal, since unveiled through documents leaked by the…

On April 18, 2025, Zimbabwe celebrated its 45th Independence Day—a moment that should brim with pride. Yet, amid the flags and fanfare, a pervasive sense of disillusionment lingers. Corruption runs rampant, political repression remains a grim reality, and economic turmoil casts a long shadow over the nation. For many Zimbabweans, the celebration is bittersweet, marred by recent events that have rendered their struggles painfully visible. As the festivities unfolded, the government demonstrated its commitment to silencing…

Ethiopia's Decision: Strategic Move or a Recipe for Discord? By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring Amid the intricate labyrinth of political maneuvers, Ethiopia has embarked on a significant and somewhat controversial step. On a recent Friday, the government appointed Getachew Reda—former rebel and erstwhile leader of the Tigray region—as a ministerial advisor. This move arrives with its set of complexities, leaving analysts pondering over the potential consequences for the already volatile…

Ivory Coast and Cocoa Prices Amidst U.S. Tariff Proposals Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Abidjan, where the air is rich with the earthy aroma of cocoa—a scent that hints at its significance to the nation. Ivory Coast, often acclaimed as the world's largest cocoa producer, stands at a crossroads. Recent geopolitical developments have added layers of complexity to an already intricate web of international trade. The present situation stirs up a notable question: What…

Suspicion of Al-Shabaab Infiltration in Somali Army After Colonel Nur Farey's Tragic Death MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the wake of the shocking news, questions loom large over the tragic demise of Colonel Nur Farey. What transpired that fateful day has shaken the Somali National Army (SNA) to its core, leaving many to wonder: Could Al-Shabaab have found a crack in the army's armor? The circumstances surrounding the colonel's fatal shooting unfolded like an unsettling narrative. As reports…

European shares experienced a substantial decline today, marking their steepest loss in eight months. The drop comes amidst rising concerns that an intensifying trade war could hinder economic growth, particularly following the significant tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The CAC in Paris closed down 3.3% at 7,598, while Frankfurt's DAX dropped 3% to 21,700. London's FTSE index fell by 1.55% to settle at 8,474. Additionally, Dublin's ISEQ index saw a decline of over 2%, closing at 10,145. In the lead-up to…

Trump Administration Increases Airstrikes in Somalia Amid Rising Terror Threats MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a world marked by constant change and evolving challenges, the fight against terrorism remains relentless, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Recently, the United States military confirmed a significant airstrike in Somalia's northern state of Northeastern State, reflecting its continuous commitment to aiding communities yearning for peace.…

Nigeria's Fiscal Future: Navigating Through Financial Waters The recent announcement of a $632 million loan from the World Bank could not have come at a more pivotal moment for Nigeria. Fraught with fiscal challenges such as escalating inflation, diminishing revenues, and a depreciating currency, the nation is in dire need of economic support. But does this loan provide a pathway to economic revitalization, or is it simply another step deeper into the debt quagmire? The Components of the…

There's a vivid reminder of the fragility of peace in Somalia. On March 18, a bomb blast narrowly missed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy, underscoring the ever-present danger posed by Al-Shabaab within Mogadishu itself. This incident serves as a wake-up call, illustrating the volatile nature of a conflict that many believed was nearing resolution. Just days earlier, Somali security forces, perched on their open trucks, stood sentinel by the Syl Hotel. This location has become a grim testament to the ongoing…

Complex Implications of Kenya's Shirika Plan for Somali Refugees Edited by Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya's ambitious Shirika Plan aims to transform refugee camps into permanent cities, arousing significant concern in Somalia. This initiative, designed to reshape the Dadaab and Kakuma camps, could hinder efforts to repatriate Somali nationals, potentially perpetuating their displacement. Set to commence in 2024, the multi-billion-dollar project intends to reinvent two…