critical

Recent growth projections from Africa present an optimistic picture for the continent's digital economy. According to a report commissioned by Mastercard and authored by Genesis Analytics, Africa's digital payments market is anticipated to swell to an impressive $1.5 trillion by 2030. Enthusiastic forecasts even indicate that the digital economy could touch $1 trillion within the next five years. The underlying catalysts for this growth are fascinating: mobile adoption, fintech innovations, a burgeoning e-commerce…

As the clock ticks down to Somalia’s presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2026, the nation once again finds itself at a significant crossroads. In just twelve months, a myriad of uncertainties hangs precariously over the political landscape. Deepening political divisions threaten to pull us apart, while the rules governing the electoral process remain frustratingly ambiguous. In the shadow of rising insecurity and international partners who are showing signs of fatigue after years of engagement, it’s little wonder…

As the political landscape shifts in the United States, two critical initiatives are at a crossroads, raising pressing concerns. Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has stepped forward with an earnest call to action, urging the administration of President Donald Trump to reconsider the potential cancellation of programs that have dramatically reshaped African lives and economies. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have both played pivotal roles in their…

In a recent display of resilience and strategic preparation, Northeastern State security forces successfully thwarted an assault by Islamic State (ISIS) militants targeting a military outpost in the Dasaan area. This region, once under the shadow of terror, was recently liberated as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations in northeastern Somalia. It's a potent reminder of both the progress made and the challenges that remain. The security forces, armed with advance intelligence about the impending attack, positioned…

The recent developments within ECOWAS mark a significant turning point, particularly after the formal withdrawal of the Sahel states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—from the regional bloc earlier this year. This departure not only deepens the existing political rift but also signifies a substantial shift in the regional dynamics and strategic operations of ECOWAS. An extraordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Ghana addressed these pressing concerns, as future relations with the three now-excluded…

Northeastern State, Somalia — A Fateful Victory Awaits: Northeastern State Forces Closing the Curtain on ISIS In the shimmering heat of Somalia's Bari region, Northeastern State's military forces are poised on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement against ISIS militants. Their formidable offensive, poignantly named "Cal-Miskaad," is gracefully marching towards its culmination. The relentless drive against the insurgents has strategically dismantled their…

In a tragic incident, a devastating fire at the neonatal unit of a hospital in India claimed the lives of ten newborns, while another sixteen infants remain in critical condition. Officials believe a malfunctioning oxygen machine sparked the blaze. Building fires are alarmingly frequent in India, often attributed to subpar construction practices and a blatant disregard for safety standards. This catastrophic event erupted around 10:30 PM local time yesterday at the Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, situated…

The food crisis in Somalia is grim, with around 4.4 million people expected to face severe hunger between October and December, according to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Currently, about 3.6 million Somalis are grappling with extreme hunger. This figure is projected to swell to 4.4 million as we move into the latter months of the year, when anticipated rainfall is below average," reported OCHA. From October through December, a time notorious for rising disease outbreaks…

Tunisian security forces on Friday arrested a member of parliament condemning President Kais Saied's seizure of power as a "military coup", his party said. "It's a military coup," independent MP Yassine Ayari said on…

Bamako "protested strongly" on Saturday, July 10, against critical comments against Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum's coup-led military, saying they were "against friendship and brotherhood" between the two countries. The Nigerian head of state on Friday criticized in Paris the tendency of the colonel in Mali to take power…