financial

Nairobi (AX) — A significant shift is underway in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, where religious and community leaders are championing a movement aimed at redefining the marriage customs that have, over time, morphed into overwhelming financial burdens for families. This initiative, encapsulated in a binding decree, aims to alleviate the pressures surrounding wedding festivities while encouraging young couples to take the plunge into marriage. This decree, spearheaded by Hamaro’s Islamic Affairs Council and supported by local…

Challenges and Changes: The Somali Army in its Fight Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent weeks have presented daunting challenges for the Somali National Army (SNA), as it struggles to maintain its footing across various strategic frontlines. The fall of Adan Yabaal starkly exemplifies the difficulties faced by a force striving to assert itself, despite significant investments from international partners. Amidst dwindling financial support, spearheaded by the United States, the SNA grapples with a…

As of March 2025, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has disclosed a troubling figure: member states collectively owe a staggering $58 million in contributions. This financial shortfall has sparked significant challenges for the bloc, leaving many to ponder the future of regional cooperation in East Africa. The pressing financial situation was the focal point of a recent meeting held by the EAC Council of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania. There, leaders gathered to confront the crisis laid bare by a…

MTN Group Addresses Recent Cybersecurity Incident In an era where digital security is paramount, MTN Group, a leading telecommunications giant, has recently found itself at the center of a significant cybersecurity event. The company's spokesperson emphasized that “our core network infrastructure, billing systems, and financial services platforms are safe and fully functional.” However, they did not disclose specifics regarding the number of countries affected or the scope of the incident,…

Exploring the Premier League's Financial Ascendancy It's fascinating to consider that today, the Premier League has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar titan, far surpassing its European counterparts in virtually every financial domain — from broadcasting revenue and sponsorship contracts to matchday earnings and a burgeoning relationship with the sports betting sector. How did the Premier League craft this illustrious empire? The answer lies in artful strategy, cutting-edge marketing, and a wondrous fusion of athletic…

Snapshot of Global Scam Losses: Who Tops the List? In today’s interconnected world, scams have taken on sophisticated digital dimensions, targeting unsuspecting victims with increasingly cunning tactics. But who bears the brunt of these malicious acts? Let’s delve deeper into the global landscape of scam-related losses. Rank Country Average Loss (USD) 1 United States $3,500…

As the dawn of 2024 approached, a significant legislative move unfolded in The Gambia. The National Assembly took a historic step, passing a bill aimed at establishing a specialized tribunal dedicated to prosecuting human rights violations attributed to the tumultuous reign of former president Yahya Jammeh. This decision, though monumental in its moral implications, was further galvanized in December when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced its commitment to assist The Gambia in creating this…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a momentous session held on a vibrant Wednesday in Somalia's capital, the Lower House of Parliament endorsed two pivotal pieces of legislation — the Insurance Companies Bill and the Financial Institutions Bill. Gathering at the heart of Mogadishu, these decisions weren't made lightly but rather with resounding consensus. A vote-out indicative of overwhelming endorsement saw the Insurance Companies Bill receiving 142 supportive votes, while the Financial Institutions Bill was close behind with 141…

U.S. Cuts Funds for Somalia’s Elite Danab Forces MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a move raising both concerns and eyebrows, the U.S. Department of Defense has trimmed the budget for Somalia's Danab Special Forces. This decision ripples through many minds, particularly those invested in the struggle against the relentless Al-Shabaab militants. The question lingering is: how will this funding cut reshape the landscape of Somalia’s security landscape, knowing Washington has been a vital lifeline for financially supporting this…

Ireland’s Position in Supporting Ukraine amid Uncertain Times In the ever-changing landscape of international politics, few situations stir as much emotion and concern as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Following recent comments from Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, it’s evident that Ireland, alongside other EU member states, may soon be faced with the critical task of stepping up financial support for Ukraine. This need arises in the wake of potential withdrawal of American financial and…