faces

In recent weeks, a troubling narrative has emerged from Northeastern State, where the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside international partners, has faced significant allegations surrounding the anti-locust program. Specifically, reports indicate that this crucial initiative—a measure funded by the World Bank aimed at safeguarding crops from the devastating impact of desert locusts—teeters on the brink of failure. So how did it come to this? This program, heralded as essential in the fight against agricultural destruction…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation rich in mineral resources, has made the significant decision to extend its temporary suspension on cobalt exports by an additional three months. This announcement, made on Saturday by the DRC’s strategic minerals regulator, underscores the complexities and challenges faced by a country that is a linchpin in the global cobalt market. But what led to this extension? The answer lies in the ongoing oversupply of cobalt, a crucial ingredient in electric vehicle batteries and…

Al-Shabaab Faces Strategic Defeats in Southern Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a concerted effort to disrupt and dismantle threats posed by al-Shabaab, Somali security forces, bolstered by international allies, launched a decisive strike in the pivotal Adan Yabaal district. This area, nestled within the central territories, is notorious for being a complex bastion where these insurgents have long held sway. Recent reports highlight that during a meticulously coordinated operation, security forces successfully eliminated…

The Impact of Visa Restrictions on Senegal’s National Basketball Team: A Closer Look The recent visa bans introduced by the Trump administration have ignited a wave of discussions regarding immigration policy and its consequences. Most notably, Senegal’s national women’s basketball team found itself at the epicenter of this controversy when several of its members were denied entry to the United States, preventing their participation in a crucial training camp. As international borders become more tightly…

The Zimbabwe Gold: A New Chapter in Currency History The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) boasts that its latest currency, the Zimbabwe Gold—a gold-backed currency colloquially known as the “ZiG”—is underpinned by more than 100% in reserves. These reserves include 2.5 tons of gold and approximately $100 million in foreign assets. At first glance, such figures might inspire confidence in a nation long plagued by economic upheaval and inflation. But how genuine is this assurance? Enter the ZiG, Zimbabwe’s sixth…

Understanding the Recent Trends in the South African Stock Market Recent reports highlight a significant trend: nearly double the $1.9 billion in outflows recorded from early 2023 to early 2024 have left the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). As the Reuters report emphasized, this growing apprehension among investors is striking, particularly given that the JSE remains one of the world's top-performing markets in 2023. How do we reconcile this dichotomy? According to Bank of America, South African equities…

In a recent pivot of policy, President Joseph Boakai’s choice to transfer complete ownership of four oil blocks to the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has ignited a firestorm of criticism from industry experts. The decision, made without consulting the National Legislature, raises significant concerns about transparency and could potentially diminish investor confidence in Liberia's oil sector. This contentious move invites scrutiny. Critics question the implications of bypassing legislative input, suggesting that…

England Suffers Historic Defeat against Senegal On Tuesday evening, a solemn atmosphere engulfed the stadium as England exited the pitch to a chorus of boos, having endured a 3-1 defeat against Senegal in what was not just any friendly match—it marked the first loss under the reign of their new coach, Thomas Tuchel. The implications of this game resonate far beyond the scoreline; they prompt deeper reflections on team dynamics and preparation, particularly with the World Cup looming on the horizon. Harry…

The Challenges of Revenue Audits: A Closer Look at Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape In recent months, Nigeria has faced a significant setback, primarily stemming from shortcomings in the revenue assurance audit reports submitted by two pivotal government bodies: the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service. These reports cover the period from 2018 to 2021 and reveal a troubling picture of inefficiency and gaps in accountability. This disconnect contributes to a broader narrative of fiscal…

The Future of the African Union Mission in Somalia: A Balance of Responsibility In an era where the intricate dynamics of international relations intertwine with pressing security challenges, the future of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hangs delicately in the balance. As President William Ruto convened with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and General Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command, the topic of funding took center stage. On June 2, 2025, during the Africa Chiefs…