faces

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab, the relentless insurgent group tied to Al-Qaeda and notorious for its long-standing threat in East Africa, has faced substantial setbacks in central Somalia. State media have been buzzing with reports of these recent developments. This comes at a pivotal moment as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud makes his inspiring visit to the troops stationed on the frontlines of this embattled nation.Visitors to the town of Adan Yabaal in central Somalia might have been surprised to find the country's…

Refinery's Bold Move: Selling Petrol in Dollars In a world where the economic waves are as unpredictable as ocean tides, businesses must navigate carefully. Recently, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a powerhouse in the energy sector of West Africa, unveiled a striking decision to sell petrol not in the local currency, the naira, but rather in U.S. dollars. This development has certainly sent ripples through the economic waters. Why such a bold move,…

Imagine traversing the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a city where resilience meets chaos. Just on a usual Tuesday, amidst the hum of daily life, Africa witnessed another unsettling chapter unfold. "Our fighters targeted a convoy of vehicles carrying Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as they were leaving the presidential palace and heading to the airport,"—remarks shared by al Shaabab via their Telegram platform. The attack targeted the Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during…

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria's oil market, a recent revelation has captured the attention of industry insiders and consumers alike. As of now, oil marketers are grappling with a significant challenge: the steep landing cost of fuel stands at N797.66 per liter. This scenario exists despite the concerted efforts by these marketers to curb their losses by reducing fuel purchases. One can't help but wonder: How long can this continue? As the ripple effects of a fierce price war initiated by…

The Suez Canal: Navigating Rough Waters in Search of Economic Stability The Suez Canal, a name synonymous with maritime economics and global trade, faces rough waters once more. Imagine a once vibrant corridor, bustling with the energy of international trade, now struck by a trifecta of unforeseen challenges. This crucial waterway, which has been the heart of Egypt's economic lifeline, is currently grappling with a loss of around $800 million in monthly revenue. How did this happen? And more importantly, what does it mean…

Reimagining Trade in African Economies We often hear the phrase "money makes the world go round," but have you ever paused to consider whose money does that? For the African continent, the answer often points towards foreign currencies. Unfortunately, these aren't just facilitating trade; they're silently eroding Africa's economic potential. Historically, African nations have predominantly conducted trade—both amongst…

In Florence, heavy rainfall has caused rivers to swell and streets to flood, prompting authorities to issue a red weather alert for this historic Italian city and its surroundings. Residents have been advised to remain indoors for their safety. Eugenio Giani, President of the Tuscany region encompassing Florence and Pisa, has urged citizens to exercise "maximum care and attention." He warned of "intense and persistent rain" expected throughout the day, stressing the importance of staying vigilant. The fire service has…

In a tragic turn of events, the Russian captain of the container ship involved in a collision with a US oil tanker in the North Sea has been charged concerning the death of a crew member who remains missing and is now presumed dead. Vladimir Motin, the 59-year-old master of the MV Solong, hailing from Primorsky in St. Petersburg, is set to appear at Hull Magistrates' Court tomorrow. He faces serious charges of gross negligence manslaughter, according to Humberside Police. The Stena Immaculate, a tanker tasked with carrying…

In the labyrinthine world of commerce, decisions often lead to myriad outcomes. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently made a pivotal choice, halting its innovative Naira-for-crude initiative. This development bears significant impacts on local refineries, not least because this initiative enabled transactions in the country's own currency—a bold strategy designed to mitigate complexities of foreign exchange. The decision to suspend the program emerged from reports…

The Nigerian Senate has made headlines with its recent decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This incident has stirred controversy, as she stands among the very few women in the 109-seat chamber. Her suspension followed accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for sexual assault, a claim that has reverberated throughout the political landscape. The ethics committee of the Senate dismissed her allegations based on procedural errors. Their recommendation for her suspension came not…