faces

The Conviction of a Former Leader: A Landmark Case for Mauritania and Africa Recently, the Mauritanian appellate court delivered a verdict that has reverberated beyond its borders: the conviction of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on charges of corruption. After appeals from both state officials and Abdel Aziz’s defense team, the court increased his sentence from five years to a significant 15-year term. This ruling addresses not just a local scandal but also speaks volumes about accountability on the African…

The Electricity Crisis in Mali: A Complex Web of Debt and Dependence Mali currently stands at a crossroads, grappling with a staggering debt of over $94 million owed to the agency responsible for managing the Manantali Dam, a crucial hydroelectric power source. This facility doesn't solely serve Mali; it also supplies electricity to neighboring Senegal and Mauritania. The implications of this financial strain are profound, and some experts have deemed it "a question of life and death" for the dam's ongoing operations.…

The opioid epidemic in Ghana is becoming a grave concern, particularly as it grips the nation’s youth. The surge in addiction to a street drug known colloquially as "Red" is triggering alarm bells among health authorities, transforming a troubling trend into a full-blown public health crisis. What lies behind this escalating issue? Opioids, typically prescribed for pain relief, turn treacherous when misused. Their addictive nature can ensnare individuals with alarming rapidity. Recent videos circulating on social media…

Recent events have reminded us of the power of dissent. An attempted protest, captured on film and shared widely across social media, echoes an infamous incident from 2008 when an angry journalist confronted then-US President George W. Bush in Iraq. Such actions reveal the depths of public sentiment and the lengths to which individuals will go to express their frustration. On this occasion, President William Ruto was addressing a gathering in Migori County, discussing his government's measures to reduce fertilizer costs…

Uncertainty Looms Over Somalia’s NCC in Mogadishu Amid Delays and Boycotts MOGADISHU, Somalia — There's an unsettling air of uncertainty hovering over Somalia's National Consultative Forum (NCC). Originally set to convene on May 1st, it faced a second postponement to May 5th, only to be delayed yet again. Reasons for this disruption are closely tied to the absence of pivotal delegates from various Federal States. Presently, only the leaders from SSC-Khaatumo, Firdhiye, and HirShabelle have managed to…

Arsenal's Upsetting Home Defeat and Other Premier League Highlights Arsenal found themselves in a precarious situation this past Saturday, succumbing to a surprising 2-1 loss at home against Bournemouth. Head Coach Mikel Arteta's squad, possibly glancing too eagerly at their upcoming Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, paid the price for their distraction. It’s always fascinating how the mind can wander, but one has to wonder: can athletes truly compartmentalize such monumental matches ahead? The…

In an eyebrow-raising turn of events, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported a staggering loss of 13.9 trillion naira (approximately $9 billion) in 2024 due to settling overdue derivatives contracts. This significant financial setback is part of the bank's broader strategy to reduce foreign currency liabilities and bolster investor confidence in the naira, as noted in a recent Bloomberg report. Reflecting on this context, one must wonder: what does this mean for the average Nigerian citizen? Are we…

Mogadishu (AX) — Since mid-April, heavy rains and flash floods have swept through parts of Somalia, impacting over 45,000 individuals and tragically claiming at least four lives. This unsettling news comes from a recent situation report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As we delve into the details of this situation, it’s essential to reflect on the resilience of Somalia's communities, even in the face of such overwhelming adversity. The report, issued on April 30,…

In a thought-provoking interview, Mr. Nkaw shed light on the often-overlooked consequences of gas flaring—a practice that remains alarmingly prevalent in our energy sector. He meticulously detailed how the unresolved issue of excess gas processing leads to not just financial waste, but also significant environmental and health repercussions. Flaring, a method of burning off excess natural gas, contributes to a myriad of challenges that extend beyond the immediate economic implications. “We have data that shows…

The Human Cost of Crisis in Somalia Tragic news continues to unfold from Somalia, as data from the federal government and the United Nations paints a grim picture of an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Heightened levels of drought, persistent conflict, and skyrocketing food prices threaten to plunge a staggering 4.4 million individuals into hunger this year. This number represents nearly 23% of Somalia's population—a staggering statistic that demands urgent attention. The Heart-Wrenching Reality In…