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The saga surrounding Nigeria’s state-owned refineries brings to light a deeply rooted issue that extends beyond mere economics; it's a microcosm of the challenges facing the country’s oil sector. Recently, Aliko Dangote, often regarded as not just Nigeria’s richest man but a significant player in the global oil market, denounced the extensive investments made towards the revival of these refineries, labeling them a "complete waste of resources." This stark assessment raises essential questions: What does this say about…

Somalia's President Confronts Political Challenges and Militancy Threats as His Term Nears Its End MOGADISHU, Somalia - As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud enters the twilight of his current term, the challenges before him are mounting in complexity and urgency. Each day presents a fresh set of obstacles in his quest to bring about stability, development, and unity in Somalia. Despite repeated promises, these goals remain elusive, leading to growing criticism of his leadership. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, many…

Urgent Call to Somali Nationals in Iran Amid Rising Tensions Ankara (AX) – Amid growing hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Somali Embassy in Turkey has made an important announcement: it is urging Somali nationals currently residing in Iran to reach out. This outreach is especially critical for those who may wish to leave the country during these uncertain times. In a recent statement shared on their official Facebook page, the Somali Embassy expressed, “The Embassy of the Federal…

Tehran (AX) – Tensions are palpable among the Somali nationals living in Iran as they grapple with the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. With mounting uncertainty, some individuals are contemplating the difficult choice of leaving the country. In a region where the stakes are high, the feelings of insecurity can be overwhelming. Ahmed Mahmoud Abdi, a Somali businessman who has made Iran his home, recently shared his insights with BBC Somali. He noted a stark transformation in daily life, primarily due to the…

From Failure to Opportunity For Tonye Irims, the founder of WiSolar, the journey into entrepreneurship has been anything but smooth. His path is littered with setbacks, but those experiences shaped his resilience. Before launching WiSolar in 2016, Irims explored the startup world with two earlier ventures: WiMobile in 2006 and FriendsChip, a Texas-based social payments platform in 2011. While both were not successful, they became pivotal learning experiences. Failure, he discovered, can be the greatest teacher.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an important step toward fostering national unity and addressing pressing governance issues, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially announced the commencement of the National Consultation Forum. Scheduled to open in Mogadishu on June 15, 2025, this high-level gathering aims to bring together political and civil society leaders to discuss critical state-building priorities. “In times of uncertainty, dialogue becomes not just a mechanism, but a bridge,” President Hassan Sheikh articulated…

Mahad Salad Reappointed as NISA Chief Amid Mounting Political Tensions in Somalia Mogadishu – In a significant development, the Federal Government of Somalia has reappointed Mahad Mohamed Salad as the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). This strategic move was executed following a proposal by the Ministry of Internal Security and subsequently approved by the Council of Ministers during an emergency session today. Villa Somalia's plans to replace Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, known as…

Recently, South Africa has been added to the growing list of countries under a 'Level 2' travel alert, joining Namibia, Botswana, Belgium, Greenland, Denmark, and Germany. This classification encourages travelers to exercise increased caution while navigating these regions. As of the May 27 update, South Africa’s designation comes amidst mounting diplomatic tensions between the United States and the nation. But what does this classification truly mean for prospective travelers? A Level 2 alert indicates a…

Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, expressed increasing frustration over Hungary's recent actions that appear to undermine fundamental rights and the rule of law. "As a net contributing EU member state, it’s challenging for us to witness these developments," he stated, underscoring Ireland's commitment to upholding EU values. Today, Ireland joined 20 other EU member states in a collaborative statement accusing Hungary of violating core EU principles through legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. This…

Kenya has responded decisively to U.S. concerns regarding its burgeoning relationship with China, proudly reaffirming its commitment to a longstanding partnership with the United States while pursuing a foreign policy that emphasizes mutual benefit and sovereignty. The Kenyan government seeks a balance between respecting traditional alliances and expanding its connections across the globe. In a detailed communication to the U.S. Senate, Nairobi articulated its intention to diversify international relationships…